Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

NextStep Provides Legal Assistance to Survivors of Domestic Abuse

(Ellsworth)  Research consistently shows that access to legal services is one of the strongest factors in helping survivors of domestic abuse achieve long-term safety and stability.  Thanks to NextStep Domestic Violence Project’s new Legal Clinic, survivors can receive advice and assistance on issues beyond their priority legal services, including protection orders and family law matters. Services are available to all survivors of domestic abuse, especially in rural communities, where a shortage of attorneys and financial barriers make it even harder to access the support needed.  In FY2024, NextStep provided support to more than 400 families across Hancock and Washington Counties.  Anyone in need is encouraged to reach out to them through their 24/7 helpline.

Florida Man Charged Following Crazy Run Through Old Town, Bangor

(Bangor)  A Florida man faces OUI and other charges after police this week received multiple 9-1-1 calls about an erratic driver operating a box truck on I-95 southbound in Old Town.  The driver, 36 yo Julio Matos, reportedly blew through a closed gate at a weigh station Wednesday evening, crossed medians, drove in circles, then ended up driving the wrong way near Hogan Road in Bangor.  Officers found the truck in the parking lot of BJ’s Wholesale Club, took Matos into custody and transported him to the Penobscot County Jail without incident.

Lawmakers Order Investigation Into Death of 10 Year Old

(Bangor)  Ten-year-old Braxtyn Smith died in February 2024, following years of abuse by his mother, father, and grandmother, all of whom pleaded guilty to being complicit in Braxtyn’s murder. Maine lawmakers have now ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abuse.  The investigation was mandated after a state senator sent a letter to DHHS asking if it had been involved with Braxtyn’s family.  The department said it couldn’t respond until after all sentencing was completed, reportedly on September 22nd.  Republican Senator Jeff Timberlake told the Bangor Daily News, he doesn’t fully trust OPEGA’s reporting and wants an investigation to begin as soon as possible.

Local Politics

Acadia Aquafarms Secures Legal Milestone

(Trenton)  Trenton-based Acadia Aquafarms this week was granted a legal milestone when Maine’s Supreme Judicial Court officially upheld their permit for a new aquaculture lease near Bar Harbor.   The decision resolves almost seven years of regulatory delays and opposition by local groups, particularly a group known as Friends of Eastern Bay, which has argued against other aquaculture projects, as well.  It also upholds a 20-year aquaculture lease for a scaled-back 24-acre mussel and shellfish farm in Eastern Bay off Bar Harbor.  The company operates commercially under the name Hollander & de Koning and also maintains active shellfish leases across Deer Isle, Blue Hill Bay and Frenchman Bay, with its primary processing facility located on the Bar Harbor Road in Trenton.

Economy

Waldo County Woodshed Seeks Volunteers 

(Belfast)  Because we have listeners in Waldo County, we wanted to let you know the Waldo County Woodshed is looking for volunteers to help get their firewood stacked into their sheds ahead of the winter season.  They say you can work on your own schedule at locations in Brooks, Thorndike, Lincolnville, and Northport. If interested in helping, visit them on FB and drop them a line.

Heart of Ellsworth Seeks Input on Downtown Housing Opportunity Project

(Ellsworth)  Heart of Ellsworth has launched the Downtown Housing Opportunity Project, designed to analyze and document close to 300 buildings within the downtown district.  The goal is to seek out underutilized spaces, redevelopment-ready properties, and opportunities for upper-floor housing.  The nonprofit stresses the project is not about telling property owners what to do with their buildings, but for them to be able to use the data gathered to share the goals, challenges, and opportunities they see for their spaces.  The project uses Main Street America’s building tracking framework to guide local policy and investment. Key partners in the project include the City of Ellsworth, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and local real estate groups.  

3-D Printed Homes for Homeless

(Orono)  Penobscot County’s homeless population could one day find themselves in print …  printed three dimensional homes, that is.  Senator Susan Collins this week announced she has secured $4M for a project consisting of a neighborhood of 3-D printed homes for the homeless.  The housing development will be the first in Maine constructed from wood sawmill waste, with the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composite Center building three homes at a time and learning as they go.  The project is a collaboration between the University and Penquis, a nonprofit that offers programs and services that help families meet basic needs and build stability.

Company Proposes Developing Residential Lots in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  A company with ties to the T.R. Dillon logging family in Maine hopes to create a series of residential lots along Nicolin Road in Ellsworth.  The Bangor Daily News reports the proposal for eleven such sites is still in the review process, though Ellsworth has largely embraced new development, as a competitive market has pushed many low- and moderate- income families to look elsewhere.  The plan would divide about 55 wooded acres into residential plots.  It’s slated to go before the Planning Board for a preliminary review on September 2nd.  If approved, lots will range in size from just under 3 acres to 8.7 acres, each served by a private well.  

Brewer Mardens’ Site Sold

(Brewer)  While plans for the site are unclear, the former Marden’s store in Brewer has been purchased by a local real estate investor.  Larry Springer told the Bangor Daily News he plans to redevelop and lease the site, but does not yet have a particular tenant in mind.  He said he envisions some of the property could be used for storage and some for retail, such as a gym or car showroom.  The Brewer Marden’s moved across the river to Bangor earlier this year. 

Infrastructure

Nighttime Road Projects to Affect Ellsworth Nighttime Traffic

(Ellsworth)  Two road projects will affect nighttime traffic next week in Ellsworth.  Beginning around 10 p.m. Monday, expect alternating one-way traffic on the Surry Road near Bucksport Road, as work gets underway on the Bridge Hill repairs.  Tuesday and Wednesday, road crews will be working to repair damage caused by the sinkhole on High Street near Pizza Hut.  Beginning at 10 p.m. both nights, traffic in the area will be reduced to one lane for NB traffic heading toward Bar Harbor.  The City asks drivers to slow down, be patient, and help keep everyone safe as work in the two areas progresses.

Human Interest

Woodlawn Awarded Grant to Begin Digitizing Black Family Papers

(Ellsworth)  Woodlawn Ellsworth has been awarded a grant to begin digitizing the Black Family papers.  The papers are an historic collection housed at the Woodlawn Estate that primarily chronicle the extensive business, land management, and personal records of three generations of the Black Family, who were among the most prominent and influential figures in Hancock County’s 19th-century lumber trade and local development.  Woodlawn Director Meghan Doherty said the papers offer an invaluable look into the everyday life, commerce, and land development in Downeast Maine, from the late 1790’s through the early 20th Century.  Longtime Board Member Roz Rea has been particularly instrumental in chronicling and preserving the museum’s papers and history, which can now be even better preserved and made accessible.  The $24,800 grant comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  

Ellsworth Public Library Book Sale

(Ellsworth)  Don’t shoot the messenger, but we all know winter is coming.  And Maine winters can be long.   They’re also a great time to curl up by the fire with a great book!  That’s why you shouldn’t miss the Friends of the Library Book Sale, going on today and tomorrow at the Ellsworth Public Library.  By-donation book boxes start at $10, and you can pay by cash, check, or online, with all proceeds benefitting our wonderful local library!  The sale runs 10 to 4 today and 9 to 1 on Saturday.

National News 08/21/26

US Reaches All-Time Debt Milestone

(NYT)  Contrary to President Donald Trump’s campaign promises to restore fiscal order and reduce the country’s debt burden, the United States’ gross national debt topped $40 trillion for the first time this week, less than two years after topping $35M in 2024.  Economists tell the NY Times, the crisis has been compounded by spending on the Iran War, Trump’s tax cuts, and tariff refunds.  The United States is on track to borrow more than $2T this year alone in order to help pay for its obligations.  The last time the federal government had a balanced budget – and, indeed, ran a budget surplus, was in 2001, concluding a four-year stretch of surpluses during the Clinton administration.

Longtime Publisher of Stars and Stripes to Retire

(AP)  Max D. Lederer, Jr., longtime publisher of the military publication Stars and Stripes, has announced his retirement, ending a decades-long career.  According to the Associated Press, the decision comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon moves to exert editorial control and eliminate what it claims are “woke distractions”.  The announcement comes amid continued efforts by the Trump Administration and its supporters to take control of local and national media outlets … and four months after the Pentagon fired Jacqueline Smith, ombudsman for the newspaper, whose job was to safeguard editorial independence.  The paper has recently been at the forefront of reporting on dismal conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, concerns President Trump has downplayed and even denied.

Carrier Sent to Replace USS Abraham Lincoln

(AP)  In spite of the President’s denial of mental health challenges and supply shortages among sailors stationed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, a replacement carrier is on the way.  The Associated Press reports the Asia-based USS George Washington aircraft carrier is now operating in the Middle East.  It’s unclear when the long-deployed Abraham Lincoln will arrive back in the US, but that journey takes just over a month.  The USS Abraham Lincoln spent a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea of more than 250 days, with sources reporting moldy showers, a lack of food and hygiene products, and growing mental health challenges among sailors.  

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