Milford Father Charged in Infant Daughter’s Death
Maine State Police arrested 37-year-old Shane McLaughlin on Wednesday, charging him with manslaughter and three counts of child endangerment in the death of his 13-month-old daughter.
Elenora Ray McLaughlin died December 28, 2025, and an autopsy determined the fatal cause was hypothermia.
WABI reports the arrest followed a 10-month investigation by the State Police Major Crimes Unit and Attorney General’s Office, with McLaughlin held at the Penobscot County Jail ahead of a Friday court appearance.
Old Town Man Indicted for Kidnapping and Attacking Mother
A Penobscot County grand jury indicted 28-year-old Nathan Lagasse on assault and kidnapping charges following an August domestic attack in Old Town.
Authorities say Lagasse struck his sleeping mother with a 25-pound barbell weight plate, stabbed her with a butter knife, and forced her into a vehicle for a drive before stealing her belongings.
WABI reports police tracked down and arrested Lagasse walking along a road in Orono, where he claimed to investigators that the assault was done in self-defense.
Hancock Extends Moratorium on Mobile Home Park Rent Hikes
The Hancock Select Board voted to extend a moratorium on lot rent increases at the 100-plus site Hancock Heights mobile home park by another 180 days.
Residents voiced outrage over steep rent hikes and declining maintenance under owner Sun Communities, a multi-billion-dollar out-of-state real estate investment trust.
The Ellsworth American reports town attorneys declared a 200-signature petition for a permanent rent stabilization ordinance legally invalid due to circulator affidavit errors, prompting organizers to plan a new petition drive.
Penobscot Voters to Decide on Town’s First Pub
Voters in the long-dry town of Penobscot will decide in November whether to allow on-premise liquor service so Northern Bay Market can open a small pub behind its general store.
Owner Jamie MacNair plans a seasonal 20-by-20-foot English-inspired pub to add crucial revenue and community space, while some concerned residents argue serving alcohol on-site threatens the town’s quiet rural character.
The Bangor Daily News reports Penobscot is one of the last partially dry communities in Hancock County, with a public hearing set for November 10th ahead of a town vote on November 20th.
Ellsworth Seeks Bids to Restore Historic Doors at The Grand
The City of Ellsworth is inviting qualified contractors to submit rehabilitation bids for the historic entrance doors at The Grand performing arts center on Main Street.
The project will repair damaged wooden framing, recondition original hardware, repaint surfaces, and add weatherstripping in accordance with federal historic preservation standards.
The City of Ellsworth reports the restoration is funded through a state Community Development Block Grant facade program, with bids due November 19th through the city’s OpenGov portal.
Maine Academy of Modern Music Presents ‘Ghoul of Rock’
The Maine Academy of Modern Music is bringing a night of youth rock, costumes, and Halloween fun to Black Moon Public House in Ellsworth on Friday, October 30.
Hosted for all-ages showcase kicks off at 5 p.m. featuring regional student bands, followed by an evening set from local favorites Anni and the Rainmakers.
Black Moon Public House reports doors open at 4:30 p.m. for the seasonal community concert on Main Street.
