Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Slow Down and Stop for Buses

(Maine) It won’t be long before the buses start to roll, transporting kids back to school.  The Maine Department of Public Safety reminds drivers to be extra attentive and follow the rules in order to keep everyone safe.  They say slow down in and around school zones, stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, watch carefully for children crossing streets, put those phones away and avoid distractions while driving and allow extra travel time to avoid rushing. Sadly, two fatal, high-profile school bus accidents occurred in late 2025, claiming the lives of a 5 year old in Standish and a 12 year old in Rockland.

Hancock Man Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges

(Hancock)  A 45 yo Hancock man was arrested Tuesday on charges of Domestic Violence.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office tells Downeast Digest, they responded to a call reporting the incident shortly before 1 a.m. on August 11th and arrested Donald Orr.  He was taken to the Hancock County Jail without incident.  Anyone struggling with domestic violence issues is urged to reach out to Next Step Domestic Violence Project … there to help 24/7, 365 days of the year.

Motorcycle Fatalities Up Statewide

(Maine)  Statewide, motorcycle fatalities are nearly double this year compared to the same period in 2025.  The Ellsworth American reports in Hancock alone, three men have died in motorcycle crashes in just the past month.  According to a State Police spokesperson, this time last year, 12 people had died in motorcycle crashes across Maine.  As of August 10th, there have been 23 such deaths.  Locally, the crashes have strained the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department and other first responders, and left the public wondering why so many accidents.  Sources say there doesn’t seem to be one common factor across the fatalities, although several incidents have involved another vehicle entering or crossing the path of a motorcycle.  Public safety officials urge drivers to stay alert to road conditions, other drivers and vehicles, and their surroundings.

DA Comments on Plea Deal with School Bus Driver

(Knox County)  The driver of a school bus who was charged with manslaughter in the death of an RSU 13 student won’t face jail time. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the judge accepted a plea deal Tuesday after the state dismissed manslaughter charges against 65 yo Jeffrey Colburn, the bus driver who struck and killed 12-year-old Brayden Callahan in Rockland last November. This week, District Attorney Natasha Irving issued a statement explaining that decision.  Irving said that after meeting with attorneys and the family of the victim and reviewing video of the bus driver’s action, it was decided the tragedy could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt to be criminal negligence on the part of the driver. Thus, a decision was made to dismiss criminal charges and file a civil charge of committing a traffic infraction resulting in death.  

Local Politics

King, Collins Co-Sponsor Coast Guard Bill

(Washington, DC)  Senators Angus King and Susan Collins are joining bipartisan legislation that would allow Coast Guard installations to partner directly with municipalities and state agencies on critical infrastructure services, such as road maintenance, emergency dispatch, and facility upkeep.  According to the Mount Desert Islander, the “Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act” would require the Department of Homeland Security to provide the U.S. Coast Guard with the authority to enter into agreement with state and local governments in order to expedite needed projects, improve taxpayer efficiency, and reduce administrative costs.  Despite repeated commitments from DHS leadership, such authority has, so far, not been delegated.

Blue Hill Postpones Hearing on Blaze Restaurant

(Blue Hill)  The town of Blue Hill has postponed a hearing on the terms of a settlement agreement regarding Blaze Restaurant in connection with an alleged code violation. The Bangor Daily News reports Blaze owner Matt Haskell claims the alleged land use violations were approved by Blue Hill’s previous code enforcement officer and state regulators.  The hearing was postponed after it became clear the two parties weren’t in agreement.  Blaze had posted on its FB page Sunday asking supporters to attend and speak in favor of keeping the business in town, though neighbors have complained about the noise from live music events on an outdoor stage that was reportedly built without the necessary permits.

Ellsworth Holds Listening Session on STRs

(Ellsworth)  About 50 people attended Monday night’s meeting with public officials in Ellsworth regarding short term rentals.  According to the Ellsworth American, most who spoke were STR owners who took the opportunity to share how additional regulation and fees would impact their livelihoods.  Many described their rentals as lifelines needed in order to pay rising taxes and the growing cost-of-living.  One realtor who specializes in short term rentals called them a real opportunity, saying people are staying in Ellsworth rather than just driving through.  Code Enforcement Officer Robert Grant explained STRs increase the need for added infrastructure, such as water and septic, noting the city is experiencing 24% growth year-over-year in STRs.  In 2016, there were two- to three-hundred short term rentals in Ellsworth; a decade later in 2026, that number is closer to a thousand.  The City is also collecting feedback via an online survey, the results of which will be presented to City Council this fall.

Congressional Hearing on ICE Set for Monday in Biddeford

(Biddeford)  Mainers on Monday will have an opportunity to attend a congressional event in Biddeford focused on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Co-organized by Representative Chellie Pingree, the event is being held in response to the fatal shooting of Johan Sebastian Guerrero by an ICE agent in Biddeford last month.  Guerrero was a young father who was in the United States legally and was not the target of the ICE enforcement activity.  The Portland Press Herald reports the event is set to begin at 11 a.m. at Biddeford High School’s Little Theater and will include people who can speak to the state of the investigation into Guerrero’s murder.

Economy

SW Harbor Begins Rentals Inventory

(SW Harbor)  The town of SW Harbor has begun taking inventory of its local rental units.  Like Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Tremont, and other towns, the Select Board there is hoping to better understand the impact of short-term rentals within the community.  According to the Mount Desert Islander, the inventory at this point is strictly a matter of information gathering.  Town officials say they’re keeping in mind an amended statewide ordinance that goes into effect next July which requires municipalities to amend land use ordinances to increase housing density and reduce minimum lot sizes in certain areas. SW Harbor’s population often triples during the summer, with tourists staying in inns, hotels, and STRs, clearly impacting emergency services, solid waste, and other infrastructure.  But the town says at this point the emphasis will be on registration, in order to accommodate such changes, rather than on regulation.

Mowery Shares Gratitude, Promises Transparency in Use of GoFundMe Funds

(Ellsworth)  Back in February, CBS Sunday Morning visited Autumn Mowery and Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling Alley, documenting and ultimately airing the story of the 18 yo who almost single-handedly saved that business.  Mowery had previously set up a GoFundMe to raise $25K to help replace carpet in the building.  After the program aired this week, that amount exploded to $250,000, with donations from all over the country.  Yesterday, Autumn created a reel, promising transparency with those dollars that she says will go 100% to the business, particularly much-needed and overdue repairs.  She says she’ll be taking her time, listening, planning, and sharing with everyone how the money is spent, every penny, sharing her emotional gratitude for every gift … from $5 to $5K.  We’re so proud to continue supporting her and hope you’ll follow her on FB as she continues to keep us posted!

Education

Maine Student Test Scores Going Up

(Maine)  Going up.  That’s the word on student test scores in Maine, which have been steadily increasing since 2023.  The Maine Department of Education released new data this week that contradicts reports of declining performance by Maine students on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.  Education Commissioner Pender Makin said the discrepancy is due, in part, to the way the assessment is calculated and the small sample size used.

Human Interest

Treworgy Again in Running for Best Corn Maze

(Levant)  Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant is once again in the running for USA Today’s Best Corn Maze Contest.  And they’ve really outdone themselves this year in celebration of the country’s 250th.  The 2026 maze includes the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, an Eagle, and more … likely promising to be the most challenging … and most fun … maze yet.  We’ve shared their post and a link to vote (they’re currently number one of 19 entries), where you can vote for their pumpkin patch, as well, on our FB page.  

Social Security Turns 91

(Newcastle)  Tomorrow marks the 91st anniversary of the signing of the Social Security Act of 1935.  To celebrate the occasion, the Frances Perkins National Monument in Newcastle will host AARP Maine for a family-friendly event with crafts, games, snacks, and time to explore the exhibit and scenic trail.  The drop-by event runs 11-2:30, rain or shine.  Perkins was a tireless advocate for workers’ rights who served as the nation’s first female cabinet member, acting as Secretary of Labor under FDR.  She’s largely credited with developing a policy for social security in 1935.  Can’t make it to Newcastle? Stop into the Heart of Ellsworth Makerspace downtown and enjoy the exhibit on 12 Maine Women who shaped policy and community – you’ll definitely find a portrait of Perkins as one of those being rightfully honored.

National News 08/13/26

Inflation Moderates, But Energy Prices Remained High in July

(NYT)  Inflation moderated a bit in July, but energy prices remained high.  The New York Times reports the Consumer Price Index for the month showed prices rose 3.4% from a year ago as the war with Iran dragged on.  A 4.2% increase in May was the fastest pace in more than three years when the closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent oil prices soaring.  The latest report comes as the Federal Reserve weighs whether or not to raise interest rates, after leaving them steady all year.  The committee will receive one more inflation reading before its next meeting in mid-September.

Trump Signs Order Changing Vaccine Schedule for Children

(AP)  President Trump this week signed an Executive Order calling for the revamping of childhood vaccine recommendations, promoting his long-held but discredited theory that preventative measures like the measles, mumps, rubella, or MMR vaccine, should be spaced out into separate medical visits.  Calling it “a victory for parents’ rights, religious rights, and gold standard science”, scientists say it’s anything but; and warn against the efficacy of the order.  An Executive Order is not law, and the decision ultimately falls to state regulators.  Maine will reportedly hold to the standard that has been proven and in place for the past 48 years.

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