Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Unruly Passenger Arrested at BGR

(Bangor)  Some tense moments Saturday for those traveling through Bangor International Airport.  NewsCenter Maine reports a Minnesota man was detained after he became upset while his plane waited on the tarmac.  Authorities say shortly before 7 p.m., 59 yo Jeffrey Wazenegger began yelling and became aggressive toward staff and other passengers.  He then reportedly tried to push past responding officers, injuring one and attempting to leave the sky bridge.  Wazeneggar was arrested on charges including disorderly conduct, refusing arrest, and assault on a police officer. 

September is Preparedness Month

(Maine)  September is Preparedness Month.  The Maine Emergency Management Agency says taking a few minutes to make a plan, build an emergency kit, learn how to receive emergency information, and check on neighbors can help individuals and communities respond more effectively when an emergency occurs.  Among things to consider, how would you manage if a road washed out, preventing a trip to the grocery store for several days?  Where you would go in case of flooding?  What would you take if you needed to evacuate quickly?  How would you manage during an extended power outage?  And how would you stay in touch with family members and other loved ones?  For tips and advice on putting together an emergency kit, visit MEMA at maine.gov.

September is National Recovery Month

(Ellsworth)  Overdose deaths have decreased in Maine in recent years, but the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department reminds folks the number of lives being lost is still significant, with each death representing a family member, friend, co-worker or loved one.  September is National Recovery Month.  Healthy Acadia kicked off the month at an Overdose Awareness event at Knowlton Park in Ellsworth.  HCSD’s Chief Deputy Bill Birch and Lieutenant Dakota Dupuis were invited to attend and connect with members of local communities to learn more about the resources available.  If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, 2-1-1 in Maine is a free and confidential service that can connect individuals and families with support.

Local Politics

Governor Mills Defends Relationship with Canada in Full Page Ad

(Augusta)  Maine Governor Janet Mills Sunday published a full-page open letter and op-ed in Canada’s largest-circulation newspaper, The Toronto Star, distancing the Pine Tree state from President Trump’s tariffs and trade war against Canada.  WMTW reports the piece was entitled, “This is No Way to Treat an Ally” and made clear Washington’s trade dispute is “not Maine’s fight”.  Mills highlighted the premise that such government decisions hurt local citizens; in particular, threatening Maine’s vital lumber, electricity, and lobster industries. The Governor’s message ran last weekend, just ahead of upcoming Canadian counter-tariffs and trade actions. 

Economy

Poppy and Polka Dot Boutique to Close

(Ellsworth)  A popular shop in downtown Ellsworth has closed its online app and plans to shutter its physical storefront. Poppy and Polka Dot Boutique posted a store closing sale on its FB page. Store hours remain the same during September, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 to 4.  The store’s app was deactivated as of yesterday; the boutique’s website and gift cards remain active until October 31st.  The boutique has been in business for 10 years, the last seven on Main Street.  Owner Amanda Beals shared her gratitude for loyal customers, saying only, “Cheers to the next chapter”.

Blue Hill Fair Exhibitors Can Enter Items

(Blue Hill)  Blue Hill Fair exhibitors can now enter items at the Arts and Crafts exhibition at the Blue Hill Fairgrounds.  Swing by today or Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m..  Last year the building boasted more than 800 items on display!  The Blue Hill Fair opens tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m., and Thursday is Dollar Day, with just a dollar per person admission and a dollar charge per mechanical ride.  The fair runs September 3rd through Labor Day.  Find a schedule on the Blue Hill Fair FB page.

Efficiency Maine Opportunity for Mobile Homeowners

(Maine)  Do you own a single-wide mobile home that could use a heating system upgrade?  Through the end of this year, Efficiency Maine is offering installation of a new heat pump system for just $1K.  In order to qualify, homeowners must also meet other requirements, including receiving MaineCare, HEAP, SNAP or TANF, the mobile home must be their primary year-round residence, not heated by natural gas or baseboard heat and owners must agree to have their existing heating system removed at no additional cost.  They say financing as low as $25 a month is available.  To learn more, visit efficiencymaine.com.

44 North Coffee Introduces New Product

(Deer Isle)  In local small business, things can change in an instant – that’s the case, literally, with 44 North Coffee in Deer Isle, which announced they’re ready to officially launch their new instant coffee.  To help with the launch, they asked folks on FB to message them directly about an adventure they had planned in the next two weeks – the first ten who did so received a six pack of instant coffee in exchange for photos with the product, packaging, and brewed beverage.  They say uses for their new brew are endless.  On a plane? Just ask for hot water. Iced coffee?  Simply mix with cold water and ice and enjoy!  Headed out to go camping?  The packets are lightweight and easy to carry.  Watch their FB page for the winning photos … and get on into 44 North and enjoy … instantly!

Community Action Group to Rebrand Under New Name

(Presque Isle)  Community Action in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock Counties – that’s certainly a mouthful.  CEO Jason Parent told WAGM the name has always been just a placeholder for the former ACAP, designed to be more inclusive after the organization partnered with Washington and Hancock Counties.  The agency plans to reveal a new, permanent name on Facebook on September 22nd, after which they’ll begin a whole rebranding process.  Parent says the new name will reflect the culture of the area – not just its geography.  As part of its growth and transition, fifteen new board members have been added, and signs outside the nonprofit’s buildings in Ellsworth, Machias, Calais, and Presque Isle will eventually be changed to reflect the new identity.  Parent says services will continue uninterrupted during the rebrand – we’ll be watching.

Cardboard Recycling Resumes in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  Cardboard recycling has resumed at the Ellsworth Transfer Station.  The City asks patrons to flatten boxes before dropping them off and thanks folks for their patience while the baler was being repaired.

Sarah’s House Supported by Casella Waste Systems

(Dedham)  Sarah’s House of Maine is in the midst of a capital campaign to fund its first expansion in more than a decade.  The project moved a step closer recently with a $75K donation from longtime supporter Casella Waste Systems.  Expansion plans include a new elevator, additional parking space and four more rooms designed to accommodate rural cancer patients undergoing treatment and their families.  The house, which opened in 2011, was inspired by Sarah Robinson, who traveled long distances for brain tumor treatments and who saw the immense road fatigue faced by others.  They always welcome support at sarahshouseofmaine.org.

Pugnuts Announces Seasonal Closing Date

(Surry)  Time to head to Surry and stock up on your favorite Pug Passion, Grape Nut, White Chocolate Raspberry, Blueberry Sorbet, unbeatable hot fudge sauce and more!  Pugnuts Ice Cream and Gelato has announced they’ll be closing for the season on October 11th.  Of course, you can always pick up their pints at Tiller & Rye in Brewer, Hannaford’s in Blue Hill, McGrath’s in NE Harbor, and other local stores, plus their house-made frozen treats are served at area restaurants, including Fogtown Brewing in Ellsworth, Ark Inn and Restaurant in Deer Isle, Bar Harbor Catering Company, and Under Canvas in Surry.  But why chance it?  Stock up before they close for the season!  Currently open 11 to 5 daily.  

Environment

Coastal Shark Sightings

(Undated)  Coastal Maine is seeing a significant rise in near-shore white shark sightings, leading to temporary beach closures.  In southern Maine, a lifeguard at Scarborough Beach survived a close encounter after a shark pulled his torpedo buoy underwater.  Reid State Park in Midcoast Georgetown briefly closed swimming areas after sightings, and the Bangor Daily News reports a group of tourists on a Bar Harbor Whale Watch excursion recently documented a great white feeding on a seal off Mount Desert Island.  Experts say federal protections enacted in the 1990s have allowed Atlantic white shark numbers to slowly rebound, and sharks are drawn close to shore by growing seal colonies and schooling baitfish.  

Human Interest

Library Card Sign Up Month

(Ellsworth)  Library Sign-up Month at the Ellsworth Public Library is a real gas!  During September, when you get or renew a library card, your name will be entered into a drawing to win one of multiple $50 gas cards!  Already have a library card?  Refer a friend, and you’ll both be entered.  An Ellsworth Public Library Card gives you access to books, movies, DVDs, digital resources, cultural passes, the Library of Things, a Tool Library, free programs, meeting spaces, high speed internet … whew!  We get tired just listing all the offerings and opportunities!  So, during September, go “leaf” through a good book, “fall” for a free program, and “pumpkin spice” up your life with a library card – more info at ellsworthlibrary.net.  

Blue Hill Peninsula to Be Set of Upcoming Movie

(Blue Hill)  Beginning September 14th, it will be “lights, camera, action” on the Blue Hill Peninsula, as Little Bear Productions begins filming a coming-of-age feature film there.  Island AdVantages reports Reversing Falls is a father-daughter blend of drama and comedy set in a fictionalized coastal Maine wooden boat-building school.  The storyline and backdrop draw inspiration from the real Wooden Boat School in Brooklin.  Auditions for the film will be held from 5 to 8 this evening in Central Hall in South Blue Hill.  Producers are looking for extras, and small speaking roles for a woman between the ages of 85 and 90 and two men in their early 20s.

National News 09/02/26

Changes to Continue in Nation’s Capital

(AP)  Depending on your perspective, construction or DEstruction continues in the nation’s capitol. The Supreme Court ruled this week construction on a new White House ballroom could continue, pausing an earlier ruling by a federal judge that would have halted above-ground construction.  The Administration tore down the East Wing of the White House and destroyed The Kennedys’ famous rose garden without Congressional approval in order to make way for the project.  Also last month, contractors removed more than 60 trees at the East Potomac Golf Links in DC, as part of a planned golf course overhaul backed by Trump.  The National Park Service maintains no historic cherry groves were cleared during the initial work, but preservation groups are suing, arguing the project bypasses proper environmental reviews and threatens historic parts of East Potomac Park.  The Administration has also asked for a teardown of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, saying a much-needed renovation would then bear his name on the newly constructed center.

US Bombs Iran for Second Time in Three Days

(NYT)  For the second time in three days, the United States on Tuesday launched air strikes on Iran.  According to the NY Times, U.S. Central Command didn’t say precisely what it was trying to destroy, but said the attacks were aimed at Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

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