Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Scarborough Shark Attack

(Scarborough)  A lifeguard survived a terrifying attack by a white shark off Scarborough Beach State Park  Saturday afternoon.  According to public safety officials, the victim was swimming with a rescue torpedo when the shark grabbed the device and pulled the lifeguard 5 to 6 feet deep before he was able to free himself from the attached strap and swim back to shore, thankfully unscathed.  Police say the incident was reviewed and corroborated by a shark expert from the New England Aquarium.  The beach was closed to swimming for about an hour.  Officials continue to urge caution, noting recent observations have detailed sharks moving through nearshore waters and sandbar areas.  Three beaches at Reid State Park remained closed yesterday due to numerous shark sightings over the weekend.  

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Documented in Maine

(Maine)  Ten cases connected to the nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to contaminated lettuce have now been documented in Maine.  According to federal officials, more than 6,000 people have been sickened nationwide, and two people in Michigan died, though both reportedly had underlying health conditions.  The illness has been blamed on lettuce from a company in Mexico, although it’s unclear if that is the sole source of the outbreak.  The Maine CDC is urging consumers to thoroughly wash produce before eating, even if the label says it was prewashed.

Hannaford Updates Recall

(Scarborough)  Hannaford Supermarkets on Monday updated a recall of products after a jalapeno supplier identified a potential salmonella contamination risk.  Affected products have been removed from the store’s shelves, but consumers are urged to check their cupboards for items included in the voluntary recall initiated by the supplier, Coast Citrus Distributors. Those include deli items Beans, Rice, and Cheese, Classic Beef, Chicken Verde Burritos, and Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Wraps and produce items Diced Jalapenos and Pico De Gallo Salsa, with best-by dates ranging from August 7th  through 14th.  Affected products can be returned to the store for a refund.  

Economy

City of Ellsworth Seeks Vendors for Craft Fair

(Ellsworth)  If you’re a crafter, vendor, or maker, you’ll want to participate in the City of Ellsworth Craft and Vendor Fair, coming up on September 26th, from 8 to 2. Whether you make it, bake it, create it, or design it, they’re looking for talented folks to help make the fair a success.  Best of all, your table reservation helps support Backpacks for Kids and Christmas for Kids, two programs that directly help children and families in the community.  Get details and register via the online application you’ll find at ellsworthmaine.gov.

Follow Up to CBS Story on Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling

(Ellsworth)  We hope by now you’ve had a chance to see the CBS Sunday Morning coverage of Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling Alley, the local business rescued by the delightful Autumn Mowery when she was just 18 years old.  After the story aired, a fundraiser in support of the popular business grew to almost a quarter of a million dollars, with thousands of people contributing.  Autumn and her husband, Ryan Lounder, who owns 207 Collectibles, are two of the inspiring young entrepreneurs who put Downeast Maine on the map and help put meaning behind the saying, “Maine, the way life should be.”  If you haven’t yet seen Autumn’s story, we’ve posted it, along with a link to the GoFundMe, on our FB page. 

Fundraising Efforts Benefit Those in Need in Castine

(Castine)  Those in need who live in Castine will soon benefit from money left over from a pair of fundraising efforts.  The River Observer reports the town Select Board unanimously accepted nearly $10K from Castine Community Partners to be used for a new emergency financial relief fund.  The monies were originally raised after a series of severe coastal storms in 2023 and ‘24 impacted citizens and businesses along the coast.  Community donations exceeded immediate localized repair and assistance needs, resulting in the leftover capital and creation of the charitable fund.  

Maine Hospitals Brace for More Uninsured

(Maine)  Healthcare providers across Maine are rushing to prepare for more patients who lack insurance coverage.  The Maine Monitor reports as premiums rose and tax credits expired within the past year, the number of people enrolled in the state’s health insurance marketplace dropped by thousands.  Compounding the problem, thousands more are expected to lose their Medicaid coverage when a new federal law goes into effect.  Advocates say in both cases, people are losing access and are less likely to seek preventative and routine care.  Experts say hospitals must absorb the costs of those who end up in the hospital without coverage, and that will likely mean cutting or raising costs elsewhere. 

Education

GSA Launches Partnership with Shaw Institute

(Blue Hill)  Students at George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill will soon have a chance to leave the classroom and be part of an active scientific research program, thanks to the school’s partnership with the Shaw Institute.  According to The River Observer, beginning this academic year, Executive Director Dr. Charles  Rolsky will teach a semester-long course, “Introduction to Scientific Research”.  The course will be based on the ongoing research of the nonprofit institute, and will expose students to the same subjects and data studied by professional researchers.  In addition to gaining professional research skills, students will read scientific literature, plan experiments, present results, and create cover letters and resumes for applications for research and internship opportunities.

Summer Continues at EPL

(Ellsworth)  The summer fun continues at the Ellsworth Public Library!  First, they’d like your input on a couple of things – a new design for those in-demand lawn signs, and a short survey that will help them build their tool library.  You’ll find both on their FB page and at ellsworthlibrary.net.  In addition, Harbor Park Storytime will delight kids Wednesday morning at 9:30 at Harbor Park.  Then at 6 p.m., don’t miss Mr. Drew and His Animals, Too! tomorrow night at the Library’s Family Summer Performance.  Mr. Drew and his exotic friends have been delighting ages 2 to 102 for 35 years with their fast-paced, funny, and informative presentation.  Kids under the age of 8 need to be accompanied by an adult.  That’s tomorrow night at 6 at the Ellsworth Public Library!

Technology

Largest 3-D Printed Boat Visits Bucksport

(Bucksport)  The world’s largest 3D printed boat wrapped up its tour this month on the Bucksport Waterfront.  The 3Dirigo was built by the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center in just 72 hours and holds two world records, including recognition by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest solid 3D printed object. The craft is said to be fully operational and seaworthy; but because it is an engineering prototype created primarily for research and education, it’s kept on land in its home base in Orono. The vessel is printed as one solid piece of bio-resin and wood-fiber composites and measures 25 feet long and was produced with 5,000 pounds of polymer.  

Human Interest

Maritime Heritage Festival Returns to Blue Hill

(Blue Hill)  The Blue Hill waterfront will be the place to be this Saturday, August 15th.  From 10 until 3, enjoy the Blue Hill Maritime Heritage Festival.  This year’s festival features a raffle of an original sail cloth Sea Bag, filled with goods donated by local businesses.  Also, a first-time exhibit by the Penobscot Rowing and Paddling Trail.  Don’t miss a talk by a sea captain’s wife at Holt House, recounting her time sailing the world with her husband and children in the late 1800s, as local carpenters demonstrate the use of historic tools and techniques nearby.  And, the River Observer reports, Charlie the Shark will be in attendance to engage and enlighten kids of all ages.  

Better Milbridge Sponsors “Go Fly A Kite”

(Milbridge)  The folks at Better Milbridge want you to “Go Fly A Kite” … on them.  Children and youth of all ages and their families are invited to join Better Milbridge for a morning of kite flying on Tuesday, August 18th, from 10 to 11:30.  They’ll even provide free kites to the first 75 child participants.  Families can bring their own kites, as well.  To sign up in advance, send a text with each child’s name and age to 598-6174, and they’ll be sure to have a FREE kite waiting for you to enjoy.  The morning will also include FREE snow cones, popcorn, and lemonade.  That’s at the Milbridge Commons Park, Tuesday, August 18th, from 10 to 11:30.  

National News 08/11/26

Colombia Earthquake

(Colombia)  Dozens are dead following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that toppled buildings in the western portion of the South American country of Colombia on Monday.  According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake’s epicenter was located about three miles east of San Jose del Palmar.  ABC News reports the city of Cali was most impacted, with 20 buildings collapsed, trapping an unknown number of people inside.  So far, there have not been any reports of collapsed buildings in the capital city of Bogota.  Colombia is located on the NW tip of South America between Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.

Texas-Based Firm Sends Oil Exploration Equipment to Greenland

(Greenland)  While our focus is on Iran, another battle is brewing closer to home.  A newly-formed Texas-based firm named Greenland Energy, (backed by persons with ties to Trump allies) recently brought a barge and containers containing oil exploration equipment to Greenland’s eastern coast, claiming they had approval to place equipment there. But Greenland’s Ministry of Mineral Resources is strongly denying the firm has the necessary permits.  Following escalating diplomatic tension and annexation threats by President Trump, European allies, including Denmark, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and others, sent military personnel and joint task forces now stationed in Greenland to signal European solidarity and to reinforce security in the Arctic region. 

Baby, It’s Warm Outside!

(AP)  If you’re feeling the heat, know you’re not alone.  According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, the contiguous United States set a record for the hottest month ever in July.  The Associated Press reports last month averaged 76.89 degrees across the Lower 48, eclipsing the Dust Bowl’s 1936 July by a fraction of a degree.  The biggest driver of the heat was at night, with nighttime lows, crucial for recovery from those hot days, smashing the old record for hottest minimums by 0.7 degrees.  Scientists say hotter nights are a classic sign of human-caused climate change.   

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