Local Politics

Ellsworth City Council Passes Moratorium on Large-Scale Campground Development

(Ellsworth)  In a 4-3 vote, Ellsworth City Council last night approved a temporary freeze on large-scale campground developments.  The 180-day moratorium came after Council members heard the concerns of citizens living in a residential area near 566 Bayside Road, where Superior Realty, Inc. had proposed building a 28-site RV park known as the Anchor In Campground.  Residents concerned about traffic, light and noise pollution, and safety risks, had launched a petition that garnered more than 1200 signatures.  Project developer Richard Newman maintained the park would have little impact on existing traffic congestion and argued blocking development hinders local growth that would have brought a positive impact to the area’s economy.  The six-month moratorium comes just hours before a Planning Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday where the Bayside Road project was slated for a final review.  The decision gives local officials time to review and update city land-use ordinances regarding commercial campgrounds and RV parks.  

Economy

Queen City Athletics Reopens in New Facility

(Ellsworth)  Queen City Athletics is now open in its bright new facility at the Forge Training Center, 17 Commerce Park in Ellsworth.  The new space offers more room and equipment in a 24/7 environment, so you can work out at your own convenience, and do so safely with their 24/7 surveillance cameras.  They also offer sports performance and personal training.  Sign up and become a member at queencityathletics.com.

Cooper Flagg Rookie Card 

(Newport)  An extremely rare Cooper Flagg rookie card is headed for auction with the merchandise company Fanatics.  The Portland Press Herald reports Flagg’s Rookie Debut Patch card, the only one of its kind in the world, will be put up for sale at the company’s September Premier Auction and could fetch as much as $5M.  The Topps Chrome card features Flagg’s autograph and the patch that the Newport native wore on his jersey when he made his debut for the Dallas Mavericks on October 22nd.

Hancock County Author Releases New Book

(Hancock County)  Hancock County author Emerson Whitney’s latest book comes out this month.  The Portland Press Herald reports O Mother, published by McSweeney’s, is a poignant memoir of Whitney’s return home to the rural Maine island of his youth after building a life far away in order to escape a childhood shaped by his mother’s addiction and struggles.  He hopes to live near his mother and heal past wounds, but her suicide forces him to trace her history and the personal forces that made life seem unbearable.  Critics say while not an easy read, the book explores the inescapable pull of home, the limits of wanting to fix loved ones, and the reality of complex family love … and the story takes place right here in Hancock County.  

Environment

Elm Tree “Vaccine”

(ABC)  Last week, we told you that Dutch Elm Disease has once again reared its ugly head; locally, in the town of Blue Hill.  Now, ABC News reports, elm trees could receive some protection in a type of “vaccine”.  Scientists with the Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy Vermont this summer injected 6,000 young elm trees there with Dutch Elm Disease spores in order to test their resistance to the disease.  The survivors will be sent to a breeding program with a goal of growing the genetic diversity of disease-tolerant elms that will one day be used for restoration in forests and backyards.  Blue Hill is already at work planting a new variety of elms they hope  are resistant to the disease. 

Mainers Turn to Eating Invasive Green Crabs

(Undated)  What to do about those invasive green crabs that are taking over Maine ecosystems?  Some folks have turned to eating them, harvesting the pests as a premium culinary food source.  Ocean warming driven by climate change has triggered a population explosion of tens of millions of the critters along the New England coast, devastating native soft–shell clam landings, according to some. The little green monsters also decimate local oyster beds, wild mussels, and juvenile lobsters.  Hard green crabs are too small to easily pick for chunk meat, but fishermen can monitor and isolate them just as they molt.  The resulting soft-shell crabs are deep-fried whole or used as sliders.  New Hampshire distilleries have reportedly even launched a successful niche line of green-crab-infused whiskey.  Coming soon to a menu near you? Keep an eye out.  

DSF Pass the Paddle Award

(Harrington)  The Downeast Salmon Federation has awarded this year’s Pass the Paddle Award to Bailey Bowden.  They say Bowden has been a dedicated leader in restoring fish passage and reconnecting Maine’s rivers, focusing on alewife restoration.  Bowden will be recognized at DSF’s annual Open House & Pass the Paddle Ceremony on Wednesday, September 23rd at their East Machias facility.  The public is welcome to join them for tours, hands-on activities for kids, smoked fish, hot dogs, and ice cream.

BHHT Offices Closed for Summer Break

(Blue Hill)  Just as the kids are heading back to school, Blue Hill Heritage Trust is enjoying their annual summer break.  They say the staff works hard all summer long, so they’re taking this time to rest and recharge before the busy fall season begins.  Previously scheduled meetings will take place as planned, and they’ll be checking emails periodically and will return them soon after their offices reopen on September 8th.

Infrastructure

BIA Construction Ahead of Schedule

(Bangor)  Bangor International Airport yesterday gave a shoutout to Gordon Contracting crews for moving the Taxiway Alpha project forward, once again, ahead of schedule.  The crew laid down more than 8K tons of pavement this week.  BIA staff say while there’s still work to be done, every freshly paved stretch gets them closer to a stronger BGR.  Taxiway Alpha is a major multi-phase rehabilitation and reconstruction project that includes replacing work pavement, improving drainage, upgrading lighting and more, backed by a nearly $6M Federal Airport Infrastructure Grant from the FAA.

Technology

UMaine Tests 3-D Printed Boat

(Orono)  Sure, the University of Maine recently created the world’s largest 3D printed boat – but could it float? That was what researchers aimed to determine Friday when they launched the 30-foot, three ton vessel in Hampden.  The demonstration showcased the ship’s capability to reach speeds of up to 40 knots (that’s about 46 mph, for us landlubbers).  The launch marked a major shift from a purely technical demonstration to a functional craft.  The University says it hopes the demonstration will allow commercial shipbuilders and defense partners to one day mass-produce rugged, seaworthy vessels.

Human Interest

Sullivan Fall Festival 

(Sullivan)  The Town of Sullivan is looking for vendors for their big Fall Festival, set for Saturday, October 3rd. Cost is just $25 for a 10 by 10 space.  As part of the festival, Schoodic Animal Hospital will sponsor a rabies clinic from 10 to Noon, and the Sullivan skatepark will be the site of a Skatepark Jam, featuring skateboarding and best trick contests, with all proceeds going toward construction of a new concrete skate park.  Contact Yvette at the town office to sign up for your booth or learn more at a Fall Festival meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. this Thursday at the town office.

Back to School Blues for Pets

(Brewer)  Are your pets feeling the back-to-school blues?  Not because THEY’re going back, of course, but because your house may seem a whole lot quieter now that the kids have returned.  Eastern Maine Veterinary Clinic says changes in routine can affect pets in various ways.  They advise pet parents to be on the lookout for increased mischievous behaviors due to boredom.  EMEVC says they see a higher incidence of pets who have eaten things they shouldn’t or chewed up forbidden things this time of year.  Pets may also try to run out of the house more often to try to “leave” with family members.  Dogs tend to manifest their stress through the GI tracts; cats through their urinary tract – so watch those litter boxes and make sure everyone is peeing normally.  Finally, they say, encourage your family to spend focused, quality time with pets before and after school to help with the transition.  It’ll be worth the purrs and tail wags.  

Milbridge Theatre Screens Lost on a Mountain in Maine

(Milbridge)  Back by popular demand, the Milbridge Theatre and Community Arts Center this week presents “Lost on a Mountain in Maine”.  Produced by Sylvestor Stallone, the 2024 movie recounts the incredible true story of 12 year old Donn Fendler who survived nine days alone on Mount Katahdin after a fast moving storm separated him from his family.  Showings Friday night at 7, Saturday at 3 and 7, and again Sunday at 3 p.m.  Tickets are available at the door.  

National News 09/01/26

Sanders Reclaims Appalachian Trail Title

(Mt. Katahdin)  Ninety-one-year-old Dale “Gray Beard” Sanders on Monday reclaimed his title as the oldest person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, reaching the summit of Mt. Katahdin shortly before noon yesterday.  Sanders first set the record in 2017 at the age of 82.  But four years later, his friend, 83 yo MJ Eberhart, aka Nimblewill Nomad, took the title.  Determined to recapture the honors, Sanders set off from Harper’s Ferry southbound last September 6th, then returned to head north.  He was recently waylaid by a hospital stay in Maine for a pinched nerve, and a trip back home to Tennessee for a family funeral.  Sanders was back on the trail this week, reaching the finish line atop Katahdin, where he stopped to give a prayer of thanks. In order to reclaim the record, Sanders had to hike the entire 2,190 mile long trail in 12 months.  Among his other age-related records, Sanders is the oldest person to paddle the length of the Mississippi River, an 87 day trip he started on his 87th birthday a few years back.  

Grand Canyon Flash Flood

(NYT)  Authorities on Monday announced a second death related to flash flooding that swept through the Grand Canyon over the weekend.  The NY Times reports water from heavy rains tore through a remote area popular with hikers and campers.  More than a dozen people remained unaccounted for, and recovery efforts are continuing along Bright Angel Creek.  Campgrounds were closed, as a new round of rain and thunderstorms was forecast for Monday.  The National Park Service is asking for information about anyone who may have been hiking or backpacking along the creek, as well as campers who planned to stay at Phantom Ranch or the Bright Angel Campground.  Meanwhile, the death toll from flooding in Nepal caused by the collapse of a glacier last week has reached more than 900, and 4700 remain missing there.

Pentagon Secretly Installs Military Influencers in Civilian Roles

(WaPo)  In yet another move reminiscent of dystopian novels, the Pentagon has secretly installed military influencers in civilian roles.  The Washington Post reports conservative veterans with large social media followings have been hired by the Defense Department to amplify Pete Hegseth’s culture war.  The government has declined to disclose their assignments, but Hegseth’s support of the President’s policy of attacking anyone who scrutinizes the administration is well documented.  Last year, Hegseth imposed new restrictions on Pentagon press corps members that forced dozens of journalists out of the building.  He later introduced a new, primarily right-wing press corps to replace them.  Hegseth also recently fired the long time publisher and editor of the military publication Stars and Stripes after they publicly opposed potential military censorship and interference.

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