Crime/PublicSafety/Drugs

Bail Check in Sorrento Leads to Two Arrests

(Sorrento)  A bail check in Sorrento last Thursday led to the arrest of two people on  drug and other charges.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department tells Downeast Digest, 36-year-old Marshall Fowler of Lamoine was arrested on probation violation and charged with drug possession.  Fifty-two year old Amy Trundy of Sorrento was arrested and charged with Violation of Condition of Release, Furnishing Methamphetamine, and drug possession.  Both were taken to the Hancock County Jail, with other charges pending.

Lewiston Survivors Mark Anniversary

(Lewiston)  Three years after the Lewiston massacre claimed 18 lives and left more than a dozen others injured, folks gathered at Just-in-Time Recreation to mark the tragedy with a cornhole tournament.  The Portland Press Herald reports it was the first time the fundraiser was moved to the bowling alley where the first wave of the attack happened while a youth bowling league and cornhole gathering were underway.  Proceeds from the event support the Maine Resiliency Center, a resource facility launched shortly after the 2023 attacks.  Governor Janet Mills directed all US and state flags lowered to half staff on Sunday.

Local Politics

Eastport Meeting Turns Heated

(Eastport)  A heated meeting in Eastport this month ended abruptly and triggered an investigation by police following allegations of harassment.  According to The Maine Monitor, tensions flared during the Eastport Port Authority Board meeting over the board’s recent vote to file as an intervenor in opposition to DeepGreen Western Passage SPV’s preliminary permit application for a proposed underwater data center near the coastal town.  A dispute at the Board meeting between a resident and a member of the Shellfish Commission reportedly turned into a shouting match in the parking lot, requiring a police response.  The confrontation is yet another sign of the escalating tension over the proposed data center.

Missing Marker Atop Cadillac Mountain

(AP)  There’s something missing at the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park.  The Associated Press last week reported the 4-million-plus tourists who visit each year can no longer see a marker explaining the mountain’s sacred significance to the Wabanaki people.  The marker was among 30 ordered removed by the Trump Administration’s campaign in an effort to strip national parks of materials deemed disparaging to American history – no matter their factual significance.  The Abbe Museum reports the Wabanaki inhabited the northern seaboard for more than 10,000 years, and the signs that were removed reflected “the good stuff”; not just the darker history, including that 96% of Wabanaki people died from smallpox.  A movement (and a lawsuit) to replace some of the signs – including signs marking the effects of climate change – has resulted in some being returned.  But the Interior Department had reportedly not responded to the AP’s questions about the missing Wabanaki marker as of October 22nd.

Economy

Comfort Cases Pajama Drive

(Ellsworth)  Oh, the things we take for granted – crawling into a cozy pair of pajamas before snuggling into a warm, safe bed.  Children often enter foster care without such nightwear; yet, something so simple can make a major difference.  Now through November 15th, Comfort Cases is holding a pajama drive. They’re in desperate need of brand new pajamas – boys and girls, sizes zero to Adult XXL – to put into their backpacks filled with a book, a stuffed toy, toilet articles and more, to help ease children’s transition to foster care.  No holiday motifs or nightgowns, please.  Drop your contributions at Alberta’s, 234 Main Street in Ellsworth to help children experience the cozy, safe sleep they deserve – thank you!

Fuel Relief for Commercial Fishermen

(Maine)  Maine lobstermen are eligible for funds from the newly announced $8B Harvest Fuel Relief Program through the USDA.  According to the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, the program provides one-time payments to help offset high fuel and production costs for the 2026 season.  Payment amounts, eligibility rules, and application dates for fishermen have not yet been finalized, but the USDA expects to release more details starting in November.  A FB post by Brooks Trap Mill in Jonesboro advises fishermen take the following steps to prepare – save every fuel receipt and invoice from 2026, compare those costs to previous years if possible, consider sending that documentation to the USDA to help shape payment rates, and set up a Login.gov account now so you’re ready when details become available.

New Camden National Bank Location Opens

(Ellsworth)  It’s opening day for the new Camden National Bank location in Ellsworth.  The bank moved into the former TD Bank building on High Street near Hannaford, consolidating its two locations, downtown and on Myrick Street.  The lobby at the new location will be open Monday through Friday 8:30 to 5, and on Saturdays from 9 until Noon.  A drive through ATM is available 24/7 at the new location.

Hannaford Launches Philanthropic Program for School Kids

(Scarborough)  Scarborough-based Hannaford Supermarkets is bouncing back from a recent data debacle with its multi-year philanthropic program designed to combat student hunger and expand fresh food access from preschools through higher education across New England. NewsCenter Maine reports the chain recently invested $382K to help keep campus food pantries stocked with essential staples and perishable items. Since its inception, Hannaford has committed more than $1.6M to the Fuel Kids at School program.  Locally, across Hancock and Washington Counties, Washington County Community College will build out and upgrade essential freezers and dry storage units.  Other local beneficiaries include elementary and high schools in Ellsworth, Sullivan, Bucksport, Harrington, Milbridge, and Machias.

Heating Oil Reaches 83% Increase Over 2025

(Maine)  Probably no need to remind anyone who recently filled – or put off filling – their oil tank that prices are up dramatically.  The Maine Department of Energy Resources last week said the cost of heating oil in Maine reached an average of $6.04 per gallon a week ago – that’s an 83% increase from October 2025 and up $.02 since the record high set in September.  MaineHousing is urging residents to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program as soon as possible.  The program is designed to assist low-income households who are experiencing an immediate energy-related crisis and will begin providing assistance on November 1st.

Human Interest

Community Remembers Blueberry Rake Founder

(Jonesport)  Last summer we told you the story of 80-plus year old Ike Hubbard, the creator and maker of the quintessential wild blueberry rake that became the gold standard of the industry.  At the end of June, just before the critical harvest, Ike’s shop in Jonesport burned to the ground.  Even with eight decades under this belt,  Ike vowed to rebuild.  Funds were raised, and plans were made.  But on October 3rd, the legendary craftsman and founder of the Hubbard Rake Company passed on to those big blueberry fields in the beyond.  According to the Machias Valley News Observer, Hubbard told reporters the specialized tool designs were all safely stored in his head.  Here’s hoping someone figures them out and carries on his labors.  As the fields turn crimson and the nutritious blues fill our cereal bowls, we’ll all be remembering the colorful character who leaves behind a legacy of grit, determination, and master craftsmanship.   A funeral service is planned at Bayview Cemetery on Mason Bay Road in Jonesport on Saturday, November 7th at 9 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at the American Legion Post in Machias.

Nominations Open for “I Love My Librarian” Award

(ALA)  Nominations are now open for the American Library Association’s 2027 “I Love My Librarian Award”.  Ten librarians will win $5K each; and don’t we know some local librarians who are beyond deserving?! Submit your nomination online by Friday, December 18th at the link we’ve shared on our Downeast Digest FB page.

Hundreds Turn Out for Better Milbridge Halloween Farm Spooktacular

(Milbridge)  More than 300 kids and adults turned out on a beautiful autumn day Saturday for Better Milbridge’s Halloween Farm Spooktacular at Mill River Ranch.  Families enjoyed a great lineup of activities that included hayrides, a petting zoo, face painting, arts and crafts, apple cider pressing, a giant bounce house and more.  They say they hope folks turn out this Saturday from 4:30 to 7 as candy stations are set up along Main Street for more Trick or Treat fun!

Infrastructure

Bucksport Ice Rink Closed for the Year

(Bucksport)  The colder weather conjures visions of ice skating for those who enjoy the sport, but Bucksport residents won’t have their rink this year.  Penobscot Bay Press reports town public works crews removed deteriorating ice hockey rink boards due to safety concerns and a lack of funds for repairs.  The actual ice rink building has been converted to a home that now houses the town’s facilities director.  Emails to town officials about the long-term fate of the rink have so far gone unanswered.  Economic Development Director Rich Rotella suggested Silver Lake, under the right and safe conditions, could be a great alternative, with the hill across from the boat landing open for sledding once sufficient snow falls.  And folks are always welcome to travel to Woodlawn in Ellsworth to enjoy both activities when conditions are right.

National News 10/26/26

In National News Headlines

• Acclaimed journalist Christiane Amanpour is stepping down after 43 years covering world news for CNN.  The network reports the move comes just weeks after Trump associate David Ellison took over the network, with Amanpour’s parting message, “Always be truthful, not neutral”.
• And Ukrainian officials have disputed claims by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk that the military violated Starlink’s terms of service.  Earlier this month, Musk reportedly cut Ukraine’s connectivity at high speeds, leaving them vulnerable to Russian drone attacks.  Officials said the service was restored on Saturday.

• The Associated Press says concerns are rising among Iranians about a possible return to all-out war as the US and Israel face elections in the coming days.  Iranians say they have not closed the window of diplomacy, though negotiations over the war have appeared to stall for weeks.
• And heavy rains in the four corners area where Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico meet, stranded dozens at a campground and forced hundreds from their homes after more than 5 inches of rain fell in a short time over the weekend.  The San Juan River in Colorado surged more than two feet, higher than an incident just over a year ago that officials considered a 100-year flood.

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