Crime/Public Safety

NextStep Highlights Prevention and Youth Services Program

(Ellsworth)  Domestic violence doesn’t just impact adults.  NextStep Domestic Violence Project in Ellsworth encourages those affected to check out their Prevention and Youth Services Program.  The program offers prevention programming for Pre-K through college and covers topics such as respect and empathy, bullying, teen dating violence, and domestic violence.  They also offer youth services to young people who are experiencing dating or family violence now and who are in need of support … and options for youth to get involved and share their voices.  Call their 24/7 helpline at the number you’ll find with this story on our website, downeastdigest.news.  1-800-315-5579.

Fire at Waterfall Arts Ruled Accidental

(Belfast)  A Wednesday afternoon fire at Waterfall Arts in Belfast has been ruled accidental.  The Belfast Fire Department was called to 256 High Street about 3:15 p.m., where they quickly extinguished a fire they say was confined to a small metal tray inside a glass blowing studio.  Evidence indicates a piece of hot glass came into contact with a microfiber cloth on the metal tray, causing the cloth to smolder and resulting in the small fire.  Officials say the glass may have been left by an artist who left the studio a couple of hours earlier.  The Fire Marshal’s Office reminds anyone working with hot materials to ensure they’re placed on noncombustible surfaces and allowed to cool completely before leaving them unattended.

Local Politics

Machiasport Wins Fight Over Gravel Road

(Machiasport)  The town of Machiasport is celebrating a legal win in a dispute that has stretched over the past decade.  The Bangor Daily News reports the conflict between the town and a pair of landowners involves the pair’s attempt to block maintenance projects on a coastal road.  The owners of two properties abutting Beach Road, a coastal route that connects one of the town’s peninsulas to the center of town, sued the town in 2024, alleging trespass, but the issue dates back to 1997. The road runs close to the high water mark along Machias Bay and requires maintenance by the town in order to prevent erosion. But the landowners claimed the town went above and beyond its right-of-way in undertaking such maintenance.  A judge in Portland last week ruled in favor of the town.  

Economy

Versant Power Donates to Local Wood Bank

(Surry)  On these hot summer days, it’s hard to imagine we’ll be welcoming some of that warmth in just a few short months.  The DownEast Wood Bank in Surry is one local resource that helps to ensure those in need don’t go without.  Recently, Versant Power donated $2,500 to the nonprofit, to help them meet the needs of residents of the Blue Hill Peninsula, Ellsworth, Trenton, and Lamoine.  Volunteers work almost year round chopping and stacking fire wood so they can provide supplemental fuel for those with woodstoves or fireplaces.  The DownEast Wood Bank maintains a strict policy of treating those in need with dignity and respect.  To volunteer, contribute, or learn more, visit DownEast Wood Bank on FB.

Sweet Cheeks Closing Mill Mall Location

(Ellsworth)  Sweet Cheeks Bakery will be closing their Ellsworth location at the Mill Mall.  The owners posted on FB they were unable to reach an acceptable agreement with the owners of the mall.  Last month, the bakery closed its Ellsworth storefront, citing rising costs, staff and personal losses.  But they had hoped to continue their popular 24/7 vending operation.  Fans of their sweet treats can still visit their other location on Verona Island, as well as their restaurant in Bucksport.

Blueberry Crop Looks Promising After Last Year’s Losses

(Maine)  After devastating losses last year, blueberry farmers this year are feeling the blues – and that, they say, is a good thing.  While not expecting a bumper crop, farmers say things are looking better for this year’s berries. The Bangor Daily News reports in 2025, wet weather during spring pollination and a rapid-onset drought during harvest caused major losses for growers.  And while a change in the weather could still wreak havoc on the Down East harvest, most say things are looking better on the barrens than last year.  Maine farmers supply almost all the country’s domestic supply of wild blueberries, with production largely based in Washington County but extending through the midcoast.  Maine farms are capable of producing more than 100 million pounds of berries when the weather is right.

Environment

Whale Sightings

(Brooksville)  A couple of weeks ago, a listener sent us a video of a whale sighted off the coast of Milbridge.  This week, a humpback surfaced near Brooksville.  While some felt it wasn’t all that unusual to see whales in the ocean, it IS, in fact, rare to see them so close along the Downeast Coast.  Dr. Charles Rolsky, Executive Director of the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill, told Island Ad-Vantages, local sightings have increased as North Atlantic humpback populations continue to rebound.   He said humpbacks often stay further offshore and don’t start their southbound journey to Caribbean breeding grounds until late October.  Rolsky said it’s a good idea for boaters to put their engines in neutral if a whale unexpectedly appears and stay at least 100 yards away, as mandated by federal law, although it’s perfectly fine to enjoy the view.  

Progress Continues on Cherryfield Fish Passage Project

(Cherryfield)  The Downeast Salmon Federation reports progress is moving along nicely on the Cherryfield Fish Passage Improvement Project.  Workers first built a bypass channel around the construction site to allow fish and other aquatic animals to move safely through the area.  In addition, they say the dam has been breached, timber-crib embankments have been partially demolished, and the ice piers have been removed.  Interested persons can follow their project on social media and/or see for themselves at their next community tour, set for Friday, August 28th, from 4-6 p.m.

Health

Hospitals Named Regional Bests

(Bangor)  Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor and MaineHealth in Portland have been named on a list of more than 500 hospitals nationwide deemed to be the country’s best regional hospitals.  The report has been compiled by US News & World Report for the past 37 years.  MaineBiz reports the designation recognizes full-service general facilities that consistently deliver exceptional care across a wide range of medical needs. To earn the designation, hospitals must meet rigorous standards and earn a “high performing” rating in the area of at least eight procedures and medical conditions.

Infrastructure

Ellsworth Water Main Break Prompts Boil Water Order

(Ellsworth)  An unexpected water main break prompted a boil water order for customers on Grant, Liberty, Chapel, and Willow Streets and on Youngs Avenue in Ellsworth Thursday.  Residents and businesses in the affected area were advised to boil water for at least five minutes before drinking, making ice, washing produce, brushing teeth, or any other activity involving the consumption of water.  

Human Interest

Wildlife Park Loses Beloved Resident

(Gray)  Maine Wildlife Park in Gray is mourning the loss of one of its residents.  The park posted on FB that Luvey, their beloved resident black bear, passed away last week.  They say just the day before, during routine morning care, Luvey was seen eating and behaving normally, showing no signs of illness or distress, when she suddenly collapsed, passing within minutes, in spite of the best efforts of staff.  Luvey arrived at the park in 2021 after another facility where she lived closed.  A necropsy is being performed to help determine the cause of her death.  

Winter Harbor Lobster Festival

(Winter Harbor)  The Winter Harbor Lobster Festival kicks off today, celebrating the community’s history, culture, and economic activity.  The event runs today and tomorrow and features fresh Maine lobster, local food and craft vendors, a parade and classic car shows.  Festivities kick off this evening at 5, and start Saturday morning with a pancake breakfast at the Masonic Hall.  Lobster Boat races at Henry Cove begin at 10 a.m. Saturday …  and from 11 to 3, stop by the Winter Harbor Volunteer Fire Department on School Street for single and double lobster dinner options.  Check them out on FB for a complete schedule.

Three Inducted Into Fisherman’s Hall of Fame

(Deer Isle)  Three new names have been added to the Fishermen’s Hall of Fame in Deer Isle.  Island Ad-Vantages reports this year’s inductees, Jonathan A. Eaton, Timothy C. Eaton, and Theodore “Ted” Boyce, join nearly 100 other fishermen who have been so honored.  The Island Fishermen’s Wives Association of the Deer Isle-Stonington Historical Society has been organizing and sponsoring the Hall of Fame for more than 36 years, after two fishermen were lost in six short weeks back in 1985.  The group says they’re committed to preserving the island’s fishing heritage, educating the public, offering safety and swimming instruction, and maintaining a bereavement fund to aid fishermen and their families.

National News 08/07/26

France to Ban Unsolicited Telemarketing Calls

(France)  Viva la France!  Beginning next week, the European romance capital will bar unsolicited telemarketing calls under a new law aimed at protecting consumers.  ABC News reports the law will prevent intrusive sales pitches and shield vulnerable people from fraudulent commercial practices.  The law goes into effect August 11th, prohibiting businesses from contacting consumers without their prior consent.

Scientists Capture Intriguing Images of Sun’s Surface

(ABC)  Scientists have captured images of the sun’s surface in the finest detail yet, revealing a strange and dynamic surface.  While it’s obviously dangerous to look directly at the sun, researchers used a special telescope located on the island of Maui to photograph the sun’s bright outer shell at a higher resolution than previously documented.  Researchers say they saw ripples in instability on the surface, caused by bits of magnetized plasma racing past each other at different speeds, comparing them to waves that rise when a gust of wind blows over water.  We’ve shared the unique captures, which some have compared to Van Gogh’s swirling skies of “Starry Night”, on our FB page.  

Senate Panel Votes to Hold Fauci in Contempt

(AP)  A Senate committee on Thursday voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress for his refusal to answer questions regarding his handling of the Covid 19 pandemic.  Fauci, at last week’s hearing, invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination more than 100 times in order to protect himself in what was perceived as a hostile interrogation.  According to the Associated Press, the committee plans to refer Fauci to the Justice Department for potential prosecution.  

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