Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Hancock VFD Opens New Station

(Hancock)  Hancock Days on Saturday included tours of the new Hancock Volunteer Fire Department facility.  The structure is a much needed improvement from the two-bay garage first responders had been using that didn’t even include bathrooms or running water.  Chief Chris Holmes, whose grandfather founded the department, gave us a tour that included spacious new bays, offices, decontamination showers, a training room, and a washer and special dryer that saves them what used to be dry cleaning costs.  The crew, the busiest non-paid department in the county, answered close to 600 calls last year – from fires, to vehicle crashes, even helping with water rescues … and they’re all volunteer.  If you get a chance, stop by and thank them for their dedicated service.

Local Politics

Vice President to Visit Maine Today

(Brewer)  Vice President J.D. Vance is scheduled to speak in Brewer today.  In his second visit to Maine, Vance will speak at defense and composites manufacturer CompoTech. The Vice President previously visited Maine in May for a rally at Bangor International Airport, focusing on immigrants he claimed were in the country illegally and committing widespread fraud.  Democrats called that visit “an attempt to distract from the Trump Administration’s failing agenda”, according to the Portland Press Herald.  Doors for this morning’s event will open at 9, with the program set to begin at 11 a.m.

Representative Strout Pushes Back on Howard, Burns

(Machias)  Maine House District 11 Representative Tiffany Strout pushed back strongly at this month’s Washington County Commissioner’s meeting, locking horns with District I Commissioner Billy Howard in particular. The Machias Valley News Observer reports Strout wanted answers about legal fees, particularly surrounding the unfounded termination of County Manager Renee Gray, the new budget, and a possible fiscal year change, but got more attitude than answers from Howard.  Strout accused the county of “nickel and diming everything that benefits the taxpayers” and made clear she expects answers at the next meeting.  The courts have issued a Temporary Restraining Order on Gray’s termination, but Howard and Burns have yet to agree to her returning to her position.   

Campground Moratorium Meeting 

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth residents are encouraged to attend a special meeting next Monday , regarding potential enactment of a campground moratorium in Ellsworth.  The issue largely stems from a proposed RV development on Bayside Road that would abut a quiet rural neighborhood on adjacent Alton Avenue.  Nearby residents are pushing back on the Anchor Inn project, because they say it will impact the area’s rural character, traffic, and quality of life.  The meeting is set for 6 p.m. on August 31st at City Hall. More information can be found at no-rv-campground.com.

Economy

New Salon Opens in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  It’s always great to see new business in Ellsworth.  On Saturday, Diamond Nails and Spa in the Maine Coast Mall pulled out all the stops.  Their Grand Opening included a huge buffet, gift bags, a wine bar for customers, and more.  The beautiful new space has everything you love about a nail salon and spa – several types of pedicures, regular and gel manicures, nail designs, and more, at competitive prices.  Plus, they’re open seven days a week.  Welcome to Ellsworth!

Blue Hill Awarded $10K for Housing Ordinance Work

(Blue Hill)  The town of Blue Hill was recently awarded $10K to help update its land-use ordinances in order to meet the state’s new housing standards.  The Weekly Packet reports the award is from the Maine Housing Opportunity Program.  It’s anticipated the majority of the funds will be used for legal costs associated with writing revisions to the ordinance, which should be completed in time for the April 2027 town meeting.  

Education

Six Maine Colleges on Princeton Review Best Colleges List

(Maine)  Six Maine colleges made the cut of the Princeton Review’s annual list of best colleges for 2027.  MaineBiz reports schools on the list, which are selected primarily based on academic offerings, feedback from students, parents, educators, and college counselors, make up about 14% of the nearly 2800 four-year colleges and universities in the U.S.  Maine colleges that made the list include University of New England, University of Maine, Bowdoin, Bates, and Colby Colleges, and College of the Atlantic. 

Environment

Drought Conditions Worsen Across Maine

(Maine)  In spite of yesterday’s rain, the U.S. Drought Monitor’s latest update shows roughly 93% of Maine is experiencing drought or abnormally dry conditions.  The Portland Press Herald reports the August 20th stats follow the state’s second driest July on record.  Sources report some of the state’s crops, including apple orchards and blueberry fields, are showing visible signs of stress, with farmers increasingly forced to irrigate.  Reports of dry wells and dropping lake levels have also been recorded, with gauges in the Penobscot and Downeast basins running well below normal.  Nearly 100% of Hancock County is considered to be in severe to extreme drought, with Washington County conditions ranging from moderate to severe and extreme drought in western and coastal areas, and remaining areas abnormally dry or worse.  Experts say the state is still recovering from last year’s drought conditions, and is in need of widespread soaking rain in addition to the isolated storms that have been occurring.

Menhaden Harvest Closed

(Augusta)  The Maine Department of Marine Resources closed this year’s menhaden harvest as of last Friday.  According to Island Advantages, the DMR’s decision followed its assessment that insufficient quota remained available to allow a full harvest day without risking an overage.  Non-commercial and recreational harvesting are still permitted.  Reopening day is set for Monday, August 31st, with DMR securing quota transfers to extend the season into September.  You can track official notices on the MDMR page at maine.gov.

Butterfly Release Day at Frost Farms

(Bar Harbor)  It will be a flurry of color and fun this Friday at Frost Farms in Bar Harbor!  From 12 to 2, visitors will be treated to a scavenger hunt, monarch tutorials, light refreshments, and discounts on all butterfly items.  It’s all part of Frost Farms’ Second Annual Butterfly Release Day!  While all their complimentary butterflies have been reserved, you can still come and enjoy the fun!  And by all means, say hi to Frosty, Rip, and the rest of the gang!  

Infrastructure

Stonington Without Water Monday

(Stonington)  Plan ahead if you plan to visit the town of Stonington today.  Penobscot Bay Press reports water service for customers in downtown Stonington will be cut off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of a valve replacement project near Highland Avenue for the town water improvement project.  Customers affected were advised to store adequate drinking and utility water ahead of the shutoff window.  If you plan to grab food, check ahead, as some businesses will remain open with limited service.

Human Interest

Online Archives Launch

(Bar Harbor)  Woodlawn is so fortunate to have archived papers from the Black Family that paint a vivid picture of what life was like for Ellsworth’s first family …  the logging business, culture, and life in general in the late 19th century.   The nonprofit is a member of the History Trust, which is hosting an Online Archives Launch this Thursday at College of the Atlantic.  It’s a can’t-miss opportunity for those interested in researching on the Odyssey platform, managing digital collections, new online exhibits and more.  Celebrate with demos, DIY workstations and refreshments.  The event is free, but they do ask that you preregister at historytrust.org.

The Messenger Animal Rescue, PALS Help with Population Control

(Harrington)  It was a big weekend at The Messenger Animal Rescue in Harrington!  Sarah Strout’s rescue partnered with PALS Low-Cost Veterinary Service to spay or neuter 40 cats that were also treated for fleas, received necessary vaccines, and for some, additional health testing.  An unspayed female cat can produce 12 to 18 kittens in a single year, with many, many born into less than ideal conditions.  The weekend clinic prevented 500-plus unwanted pregnancies and suffering for moms and babies alike.  If you’d like to support them, you’ll find bottle bins for your recyclables throughout Hancock and Washington Counties … and be sure to follow The Messenger on FB.

Franklin Street Parklet Thursday Concerts Now One Hour Earlier

(Ellsworth)  Don’t forget if you’ve been enjoying the Thursday concert series at the Franklin Street Parklet in Ellsworth, beginning August 27th (that’s this Thursday), shows will begin an hour earlier at 6 p.m.  This week’s band is “I Want My MTV”, a retro band featuring Jessi Mallory.  Grab a bite downtown and head over for a fun hour of music, dancing, and community.   

National News 08/24/26

Canada Tariff Wars

(AP)  After decades of prosperity, the collapse of trade talks between the U.S. and Canada on Friday threaten one of the world’s closest and most enduring alliances, with both facing the risk of a full-scale trade war.  The Associated Press reports after last ditch negotiations failed on Friday, the US on Saturday imposed 50% tariffs on some $20B dollars worth of Canadian goods. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada would retaliate dollar for dollar beginning September 8th, targeting sectors including steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics.  

Federal Judge Vacates Trump Visa Suspension Policy

(AP)  A federal judge has vacated a Trump administration policy that suspended the processing of visas from 75 countries whose nationals the administration deemed likely to require public assistance from the U.S.  U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas, a Biden appointee, set aside the policy Friday, calling it “contrary to law and in excess of statutory authority”.  Judge Vargas added the refusal of visas to eligible applicants has no basis in law and said Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his authority in issuing the law.  Restricted countries had included Brazil, Thailand, Nepal, and multiple other countries from South America, Africa, and Asia.

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