Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Website Lets Drivers See if Vehicles Have Been “Flocked”

(Ellsworth)  Wondering if your vehicle has been “flocked”?  Now there’s a website that lets you find out if you’ve been searched in the Flock camera system.  As we shared last week, the controversial cameras capture truck and auto license plates, bumper stickers, even drivers’ images.  When used responsibly by law enforcement, they can be a great tool for solving crime.  But the technology is controversial, because it has been misused.  Examples include tracking exes and other personal searches.  NewsCenter Maine reports if a city uses the cameras, you can search the website “Have I Been Flocked”, look for the agency using the tech, and enter your plate number to see if you’re in the database. They do caution, however, that because the website relies on public records requests, information may be incomplete, outdated, or unavailable for some agencies, but it’s a start.  Flock last week announced new privacy measures, including reducing the length of time data is stored from 30 to 7 days and red-flag technology that will signal when the data is potentially being misused.  

Local Politics

Maine Colleges Spending More on Legal Fees, Lobbying

(Maine)  Legal fees, lobbying, and lawsuits – likely culprits in the rising cost of attaining a secondary degree  The Maine Monitor reports colleges and universities across Maine are having to confront increasing federal inquiries and regulatory pressure, with some seeing legal expenses now the highest on record.  Last year, Bowdoin College in Brunswick faced a congressional investigation and multiple lawsuits, with legal fees nearly tripling, after Congress launched an investigation into Bowdoin and four other colleges because of what it called their “lackluster response” to pro-Palestine encampments on campus.  Colby, Bates, and the University of Maine have not been immune.  Sources say the issue stems not only from an increasingly litigious society, but state and federal overreach of First Amendment Rights and attempts to restrain schools’ autonomy in governing themselves.   

Economy

Database Compares Rent Costs at Maine Mobile Home Parks

(Maine)  Renters considering moving to a mobile home park in Maine now have a resource to compare rent costs.  NewsCenter Maine reports The Maine Office of Community Affairs has launched a dashboard with data on the state’s 475 mobile home parks, including the cost of lot rent at each.  Residents of such parks own their own homes but may pay rent to large, out-of-state corporations … some of which have become notorious for steadily raising rents.  There are 563 licensed lots in Hancock County, with statewide average monthly lot rent at $479.   Access the website at the link we’ve shared with this story on our website, downeastdigest.news.

experience.arcgis.com

WalletHub Ranks Best States to Live In

(Undated)  WalletHub has ranked the best states to live in, and Maine didn’t do half bad.  Factoring in more than 50 measures of liveability, such as housing costs, job opportunities, education, safety, and quality of life, Idaho came in at number one overall, followed by New Jersey, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, respectively.  Maine ranked a decent 15th overall … 11th in education and health, 14th in safety (really?), 18th in economy, 25th in quality of life, and 34th in affordability.  Coming in dead last – though some would disagree – New Mexico.  For complete results, visit wallethub.com.

Conscious Cafe Farm to Table Dinner

(Ellsworth)  The July Farm-to-Table dinner at Conscious Cafe in Ellsworth was such a success, Chef Jesse is offering an encore!  Come enjoy the organic and local dining experience, with grass-fed beef, local fish, and a four-course meal.  Vegan and vegetarian options will be available, as well. Hosted by Root-to-Rise Farm in Cherryfield, the dinner is set for this Sunday, August 23rd, with a 5:30 arrival and live music, then dining beginning by 6 p.m.  RSVP and make your reservations by calling Gina at the number we’ve listed with this story on our website.  (516) 924-1243.

Business After Hours Block Party

(Ellsworth)  Local business leaders and community members are invited to this week’s Business After Hours Block Party.  This month’s meeting is sponsored by the Ellsworth Chamber and School Department, and Community Action in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock Counties.  Join everyone outdoors between 11 and 18 Avery Lane, beginning at 7 p.m., as the Ellsworth School Department shows off the building they moved into in 2024.  Plus, the Darling’s Ice Cream Truck for a Cause will be on hand with sweet treats.  That’s August 20th at 7 p.m. on Avery Lane in Ellsworth.

Bucksport Memorial Library Meets Funding Goal

(Bucksport)  Buck Memorial Library in Bucksport met its ambitious funding goal this month, after a pair of generous patrons offered to match donations up to $10K through August 1st.  Librarian Lisa Ladd told the River Observer, local donations totaled $14,400, for a total of more than $24K to help keep the doors open in the present fiscal year.  The challenge closed a critical funding gap after the town select board voted not to fund most nonprofits in this year’s budget, due to strict budget cuts.  

Education

GSA Gateway to Campus Renewal Remains on Schedule

(Blue Hill)  George Stevens Academy’s Gateway to Campus Renewal Project is on budget and on time.  That’s according to owners’ rep David Gray, who told the River Observer that’s in spite of contractors having run into a few unanticipated problems beneath the site, including pipes that were not included on the building blueprints that predate the wing that was removed.  The nearly $3M construction initiative consisted in part of removal of 6800 square feet of space, including the west wing of the gymnasium, adding a dedicated bus lane and loop for improved safety, and creating a highly visible main campus entryway.  The project is reportedly heavily community-funded and backed by fundraising campaigns.  

Infrastructure

Bistro Lights Installed at Franklin Street Parklet

(Ellsworth)  Things are looking a little brighter at the Franklin Street Parklet in Ellsworth.  Yesterday, a Parks, Recreation, and Facilities team was at the parklet installing bistro lights, adding yet another bit of beauty to a space that has brought live music, gatherings, a quiet place to read, study, or eat lunch, and summer relaxation, while residents and visitors shop and support the local downtown area.  The City says the lights will be ready to shine for the next Downtown Summer Concert Series tomorrow night when On the Rocks takes the stage at 7 p.m.  Special thanks to Katina at Black Moon Public House, Heart of Ellsworth, and the City of Ellsworth for helping to create such a special summer venue.

Human Interest

Milbridge Motel Attracts Unusual Guests

(Milbridge)  The Red Barn Motel in Milbridge has been a stop for weary human travelers for some 30 years.  Recently, word seems to have spread that it’s a cozy stopover for monarch butterflies, as well.  On July 13th, staff found monarchs checking into their fragrant milkweed patch that overlooks the river.  The next day they found what they say they could only assume was her teenager wandering the deck – a monarch caterpillar.  They gently escorted the young slender one back to the milkweed for snacks and its life-changing transformation – you know how teens like to eat.  But apparently, the winged wonders are finding The Red Barn a stopover for all stages of life. This week, room service welcomed a chrysalis attached to the trademark red siding of the motel.  We’re guessing they’ll get the family rate when they finally check out and head down to Mexico.

Flash in the Pans Benefit for The Gatherings in Surry

(Surry)  Join friends and community members on Labor Day, as Flash! in the Pans hosts a benefit performance for The Gatherings community center in Surry.  The concert will be held at the Surry Town Wharf, with food for sale beginning at 6 and music at 7.  The Gatherings offers an affordable space to gather, host events, groups, parties and weddings and provides weekly programs including language and music lessons, board game nights, yoga and many other offerings.  surrygatherings.org.

Farmer Fest Planned for East Machias

(East Machias)  Mark your calendars for Farmer Fest, a family-friendly music festival in East Machias!  The event features Downeast artists, bands, and farms and is designed to cultivate community, celebrate local food and music, and uplift the farmers and makers who make it all possible.  Save 15% on Festival Tickets with their early bird discount  – through this Friday, August 21st, at farmerfestdowneast.com, though they say no one is turned away for lack of ability to pay.  Ticket prices support the talented local musicians, bands, and artisans that make the event possible.  Farmer Fest – August 28th through the 30th at Swiftwater Farm on the East Machias River.  

Hancock Days

(Hancock)  Join the Town of Hancock this Saturday, August 22nd, for a day of community, fun, and memories.  Special events will be held at Hancock Grammar School from 11 to 2, including delicious food, local vendors, games for kids, a bouncy house and a waterslide.  Plus, stop by the Open House and check out the new Hancock Volunteer Fire Department building … a much-needed new and larger facility on Cemetery Road, just across from their old one.  Celebrate all Hancock Day has to offer – this Saturday from 11 to 2!  

National News 08/19/26

ABC Sues FCC to Block Licenses Threat

(NYT)  The ABC network Tuesday sued the Federal Communications Commission, accusing it of infringing on its First Amendment rights.  According to the New York Times, network executives asked a federal court to stop the FCC from pursuing aggressive regulatory moves the network said posed an “existential threat” to its operations.  The lawsuit was a rare example of a major media organization suing the Trump administration over its unrelenting campaign to punish the national press through regulation and lawsuits, a hallmark of growing dictatorships.  Trump is well-known for his crassness and attempts to strip the press of their rights when they ask hard questions or disagree with the administration and/or its policies.  

White House Seeks to Lift Development Ban in National Forests

(NYT)  If the Trump Administration gets its way, national forest land as enjoyed here in Maine and across the country could be open to road development and construction.  The New York Times reports, on Tuesday, the administration advanced a plan to open some 45 million acres of land in national forests to such damage.  The land’s protections, which aim to preserve the wild nature of the back country, date back to 2001.  The proposal by the U.S. Forest Service would repeal the “roadless rule” advanced during the Clinton administration to preserve the wild nature of forest land.

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