Orrington man charged with kidnapping, assault at DHHS subcontractor facility
An Ellsworth Police Detective arrested an Orrington man on Sept. 9 after the man was accused of kidnapping and assault at his place of work.
The alleged assault took place at a company that collects urine samples for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services in Ellsworth.
The Ellsworth American reports 27-year-old Robert J. Perales is accused of groping a woman and restricting her from leaving after she gave a urine sample.
The publication reports the woman who was scheduled to provide a urine sample will usually report to a female employee however that employee was not there that day.
The alleged assault took place at peak Outcome Partners and Perales faces several charges including kidnapping, assault and two counts of unlawful sexual conduct.
Handler of state comfort dog ‘Baxter’ not liable for dog’s death
On Friday, a Penobscot County judge ruled the handler of Maine’s first state comfort dog is not at fault for the dog’s death.
Brodie Hinckley is the former state director of emergency communications.
The dog named Baxter was paired with Hinckley when he was a puppy to provide support to workers at Maine emergency call centers according to WABI.
On May 28, 2025, Baxter was found dead in Hinckley’s state issued vehicle after being left in the car for four hours on an 83 degree day.
The judge cited a lack of intent on Hinckley’s part and offered an apology to him from the bench for online harassment and death threats he and his family faced following the incident.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/09/11/judge-rules-handler-state-comfort-dog-baxter-not-liable-dogs-death/
New operations center in Hancock County set to open in November
Hancock County will see a new chapter in emergency response operations in November.
A new operations center off the Washington Junction Road will be opening a $5.5 million facility.
The Bangor Daily News reports the new facility will house the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency which manages crisis responses including weather and unexpected mass casualties.
The building will provide additional space to essential services in the region including a backup dispatch center in the event of an emergency.
City of Ellsworth creates Office of Community Development
After a planned reorganization, City of Ellsworth officials have launched the office of community development.
Home to four departments, the office of community development will operate under one leadership team.
The city’s planning, code enforcement, economic development and assessing departments will be in the same office however their responsibilities will remain the same.
Roadwork is planned in Ellsworth, here’s what you need to know
As you start planning out your week, keep in mind roadwork will take place in multiple locations throughout Ellsworth.
Starting Tuesday, city officials say work will begin at 7:30 a.m. where crews will be replacing a cross culvert near 425 Christian Ridge Road.
Expect one-way traffic and avoid the area if you can.
Wednesday, crews will start at 4 a.m. to reinstall a fire hydrant before the Union River Bridge on the city side of downtown.
City officials say traffic flow will reduce to two lanes however the project isn’t expected to take long.
Finally, also happening on Wednesday, Church Street will be closed between Spring Street and Bayview Avenue starting at 7:30 a.m. as crews repair a catch basin so avoid this area if possible and seek an alternate route.
https://www.ellsworthmaine.gov/public-works-ahead-traffic-impacts-september-15-16-2026/
Pause your busy week to check out a local Art Exhibit
Starting on Wednesday, take a second to appreciate Coastal Maine in a different light.
Happening at the Courthouse Gallery Fine Art, check out their ‘Rooted in Art: Celebrating our Coast Region’ art exhibit.
The Ellsworth American reports it’ll open at 5 p.m. with a reception and poetry reading.
The art displayed will highlight the water, weather and light that shapes the Maine coast and embraces its beauty.
To check out artists who are participating follow the link below.
