Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Attorney Speaks to Congress on Murder of Biddeford Man by ICE

(Washington, DC)  A month after Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero, a legal immigrant with no criminal record, was shot and killed by ICE agents in Biddeford, an attorney for the family testified before Congress this week. According to the Portland Press Herald, Attorney Sean Murphy told some members of Congress one of the officer’s bullets had struck his young daughter’s empty car seat, and that the only justification given for Johan’s death was that it was in the interest of public safety.  Murphy added, “You know what actually keeps the public safe?  Not shooting innocent and law-abiding fathers whose only dream is to build a better life for his family.”  Murphy was one of several people who testified during a public forum focused on recent fatal shootings by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials under the Trump administration.

Local Politics

Governor Mills Demands Reinstatement of Nurses at CMMC

(Lewiston)  Governor Janet Mills has demanded the immediate reinstatement of 20 nurses who were abruptly fired or suspended from Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.  MaineBiz reports in a letter sent to the hospital’s new parent company, California-based Prime Healthcare Foundation, the Governor strongly condemned the sudden discipline of 15 fired and five suspended nurses, which occurred just days before a crucial unionization vote.  The ongoing situation centers around deep divisions between hospital leadership, state officials, and labor organizers. CMMC leadership denies any anti-union retaliation, which is illegal under federal law.

Economy

1899 Cafe Offers Special Novel-Inspired Dinner

(Milbridge)  Since this is Dolly Parton day – you know, 9-2-5, let’s talk “books”, in honor of her nonprofit Imagination Library, which puts books into the hands of young children to help inspire them to read.  I have to say, if I had to pick a favorite book, it would be To Kill A Mockingbird.  Apparently, it’s also a favorite of the 1899 Cafe in Milbridge.  They stayed open until 6 p.m. last night, offering a special dinner inspired by Harper Lee’s classic.  The menu included beef stew with potatoes and carrots and bread pudding. Then many headed over to the Milbridge Theatre for a 7 o’clock showing of the movie starring Gregory Peck … a classic with a message that never grows old.  

Whisk & Ladle Offers Lunchables and Warm Soups

(Hancock)  Nor’easter coming in this weekend?  No worries!  Whisk & Ladle Cafe in Hancock has you covered … with warm carrot ginger soup served with bread – cozy, creamy, and they say, just the right amount of zing.  Traveling?  Stop by for Adult “lunchables” to take with – because you’re never too old to want one of those.  And if you’ve convinced yourself you’re ready for responsible choices, they have grab-n-go parfaits, chicken caesar salads or wraps.  Come hungry, leave happy, support our newest local eatery Downeast.  Whisk & Ladle Cafe in Hancock.

Environment

Algae Bloom Spreads

(Penobscot Bay)  Satellite imagery indicates the spread in intensity of an algae bloom in western Penobscot Bay between Owls Head, Northport, and Islesboro. According to the Maine Department of Marine Resources, there’s also a dense patch south of Vinalhaven, and industry members have reported discolored water in Stonington.  The bloom appears to be expanding and is likely impacting marine organisms due to low oxygen.  MDMR is asking residents to be on the lookout for discolored water, rust color to brown or almost black and report such observations to DMRPublicHealthDiv@maine.gov.

Frenchman Bay Conservancy Welcomes New Director

(Hancock)  Frenchman Bay Conservancy has announced their new director.  According to Board President, Paul Parshley, Nate Hanson brings more than a decade of experience in outdoor education and leadership, with a career centered on connecting people with the outdoors and helping communities build lasting relationships with the natural world.  Parshley adds Hanson also brings thoughtfulness, perspective, and genuine care to the work of FBC.  For nearly four decades, Frenchman Bay Conservancy has worked to protect the lands of the Frenchman Bay and Union River Watersheds in Eastern Hancock County.  Welcome to the new role, Nate!

Human Interest

Mainers Turn Out to Support Family Impacted by Tragedy

(MDI)  We say it repeatedly because it’s so true – when there’s a need, Mainers turn out.  This week, Pop Thrift MDI announced it was donating every dollar made on Wednesday to the Grubb family, who lost a grandmother and two children in that terrible tragedy in Roque Bluffs last weekend.  Between Venmo and cash received, the community raised more than $5600, amazing since nothing in the honor-system barn is more than $5.  Of course, there were lots of generous donations, as well.  The store is closed today and tomorrow as staff attend the Common Ground Fair, but we hope you continue to support them in the future.  PopThrift MDI is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 to 6.  Check their FB page for information about donating.  

Birdsacre

(Ellsworth)  Fall is the perfect time for a visit to Birdsacre, just off High Street on the right as you head past the new Dysart’s.  Enjoy visiting the owls, Gauch, the turkey vulture, hawks and other birds the sanctuary has helped rescue.  Then enjoy the changing colors of the 200-acre nature preserve, dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation and the legacy of pioneer ornithologist Cordelia Stanwood.   A 540-foot boardwalk takes visitors through the Woodland Gardens, covering five unique environments, including a bog, ledge, and fern-moss area.  Entry to the grounds is free, but there’s a donation box when you enter, and you can mail donations as well.  Plus, Director Grayson Richmond tells us the gift shop is open, and they have plenty of cozy clothes and other items for the bird and nature lovers on your list.  Birdsacre.com.

Bangor Company Food Dye Controversy

(Bangor)  When the federal government announced a ban on artificial red dye in foods, Mainer’s had one thought in mind – what would become of our iconic red snapper hot dogs?!  A Bangor company this week announced their response to the ban, which takes effect in January.  W.A. Bean and Sons says their franks are now being made with all-natural food coloring.  According to the Portland Press Herald, Sales Director Sean Smith says customers will experience no taste difference and will enjoy the same snap and red snapper color.  He adds the packaging will make clear the dogs are now free of artificial dye; instead incorporating carmine extract – which is made from dried and crushed female cochineal insects and is widely used to color foods like yogurt, candy, juice, and imitation crab meat.  Well, it IS natural … While the extract is “a lot more expensive”, the company says at least for now, the price of their red snappers will stay the same.  We just hope nobody is too “bugged” by the change.

HCTC Bedding Drive

(Ellsworth) The HCTC SkillsUSA Chapter believes no kids in our community should sleep on the floor.  That’s why they’ve partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to host a bedding drive now through October 8th.  Their goal is to collect 100 bedding sets.  They say items must be new, twin-sized, and in the original packaging, such as bed-in-bag sets, comforters, sheet sets, blankets, pillows, and pillow cases.  Drop off sites are Hancock County Technical Center, The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, or Ellsworth Elementary School … and thanks for helping them create a safe, warm, comfortable place for area children to lay their heads.

Infrastructure

Ellsworth Road Work

(Ellsworth)  If you’re motoring around Ellsworth this morning, be aware of two pavement patching projects on High Street.  Starting at 7 a.m., the right hand lane of High Street near Pizza Hut will be closed for pavement patching there.  Then, around 8 a.m., crews will move up the hill to the right hand lane in front of the Eagles Lodge Motel to patch pavement there.  Each project should take two to three hours.  Expect lane restrictions and possible delays in the work areas, and please drive slowly and cautiously around those crews. 

Ellsworth Hydrant Flushing

(Ellsworth)  A reminder to Ellsworth residents, hydrant flushing continues with work beginning Monday, September 28th on the Bucksport and Surry Roads.  The routine maintenance takes place twice a year, in fall and spring, to help flush naturally occurring sediment and keep equipment working properly.  The work will take 3-4 weeks.  Residents in affected areas may experience temporary low water pressure, discolored or turbulent water.  They say simply run your tap until the water runs clear.  Call the Ellsworth Water Department with any questions.

National News 09/25/26

Judge Blocks Ban on Journalists

(AP)  Although a federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked President Trump’s ban of three news outlets from the White House, reporters from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico said they remained blocked a few hours after the ruling.  In a court filing, the news outlets asked for an immediate hearing to address their continued ban from White House grounds.  The filing said a Secret Service agent had confiscated the journalists’ credentials.  After further stern warnings from the court, the journalists were finally allowed back on the job shortly after noon on Thursday.

Iran’s President Delivers “Defiant” Speech at UN

(AP)  Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian this week delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations, downplaying talks with the United States.  Pezeshkian said his country’s people had been the “victims of terrorism” by the U.S., while he displayed images of more than 150 school children killed in the opening days of the conflict.  The Iranian leader told the UN assembly they have only defended themselves since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28th, causing them to close the Strait of Hormuz and sending gas and energy prices soaring.  Also yesterday, mortgage rates hit 7% for the first time since January 2025.  The squeeze comes as Americans continue to wrestle with the economic uncertainty caused by the war,

Greenland/Denmark – US Pact

(CBS)  This week, the leaders of the United States, Denmark, and Greenland signed a major trilateral security agreement on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.  The pact effectively ends a tense, months-long standoff sparked by President Trump’s threats of forcibly annexing the strategic Arctic territory.  According to the Washington Post, instead of U.S. ownership, the historic deal reaffirms Danish sovereignty and Greenlandic self-determination, which grants the US a significantly expanded military and economic footprint in the region.  The agreement supplements the original 1951 Greenland Defense Agreement and mandates work in defense areas must be awarded to Greenlandic commercial enterprises to the maximum extent possible, but gives Washington a direct role in screening access to Greenland’s vast mineral resources.  

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