Woman Charged in Fatal Waterville DOT Crash Out on Bail
Samantha Tupper, 34, accused of killing two MaineDOT workers in a January crash on I-95 in Waterville, has posted bail after a judge reduced it from $50,000 to $6,500.
Tupper faces two counts of manslaughter, driving to endanger, and endangering the welfare of a child.
WABI news reports police say she ran a stop sign at the end of an on-ramp, pulled into the passing lane and was hit by a tractor-trailer, which pushed her minivan into a work zone. James Brown, 60, and Dwayne Campbell, 51, were killed and a third worker was injured. She had been held at the Kennebec County Jail before posting the reduced bail.
Bangor Man Arrested After Knife Threat
A 32-year-old Bangor man was arrested Thursday night after police say he threatened a woman with a knife at an Ohio Street home.
The woman told officers Jacob Auer was picking up belongings when he made the threats and said he would kill any law enforcement who intervened.
WABI news reports police say as Auer left he stole a doorbell camera, stabbed an inflatable lawn decoration, then crashed his vehicle into the woman’s vehicle. He was taken to Penobscot County Jail on charges including domestic violence criminal threatening and violation of a protection order. No serious injuries to the victim were reported in the incident.
Multiyear Maine Fire Service Study Nearing Completion
The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office and UMaine’s Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center are finishing a multiyear study of Maine’s fire service and community safety needs.
The FEMA-funded project grew from a 2019 Hancock County pilot, surveyed 219 fire departments, and included interviews with 25 fire chiefs across 14 counties.
The Ellsworth American reports researchers identified challenges including aging apparatus, an aging workforce, daytime staffing shortages, and training barriers tied to lost wages and family obligations.
State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler says the findings will help lawmakers make informed decisions for years to come. A summary is available online now, with a full report expected in early 2027.
Ellsworth Roadwork Oct. 19-20
Ellsworth Public Works crews will be patching roads next Monday and Tuesday, with lane restrictions and possible delays.
On Monday, Oct. 19 starting at 8 a.m., work is planned at two Bangor Road cross culverts near George Mary Lane and near Brown’s Communication.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20 starting at 8 a.m., crews will patch Grant Street from the dam back toward Main Street in an all-day operation. Both days will use one lane of alternating traffic with traffic control on site. Drivers are asked to slow down and give crews room to work safely.
Heart of Ellsworth Meet the Candidates 2026
Heart of Ellsworth, The Ellsworth American and the City hosted the annual nonpartisan Meet the Candidates forum for Ellsworth City Council hopefuls.
The 2026 forum was held Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at The Grand and was moderated by Ellsworth American Managing Editor Cyndi Wood.
A second session for School Board and Library Trustees candidates was planned Oct. 21 at the Ellsworth Public Library. Both events were livestreamed and recorded for residents who could not attend in person.
City of Ellsworth Community Calendar
Blue Hill Library Trick or Read Oct. 31
The Blue Hill Public Library will host its annual Trick or Read event Saturday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Children and teens in costume can stop by throughout the day to browse a large selection of free books and choose one to keep.
Books will be available for all ages, from picture books to young adult titles. Organizers say they can’t wait to see everyone’s costumes. For more information, call the library at 374-5515.
The Grand Terror Theater Scarytales Haunted House
The Grand in Ellsworth will transform into a haunted storybook for Terror Theater: Scarytales, a fundraiser for The Grand and DEFY.
The immersive haunted house runs Thursday, Oct. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30 from 7 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 31 from 6 to 10 p.m.
Organizers promise creepy characters, eerie scenes and unexpected scares, noting these aren’t the fairytales you remember. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students ages 10 to 17, with a $3 discount at the door with school ID, and the event is not recommended for children under 10.
