Bangor man pleads guilty to murder of son
A Bangor man pleaded guilty to the murder of his 10-year-old son.
35-year-old Joshua Smith appeared in a Penobscot County courtroom Thursday after asking to change his plea from not guilty by reason of insanity.
WABI news reports he pleaded guilty to the killing of Braxtyn Smith in 2024.
Smith is expected to be sentenced in September and Braxtyn Smith’s mother and grandmother were also charged in his murder.
WABI reports his mother pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter and the trial for his grandmother is expected to start next week.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/06/11/bangor-man-pleads-guilty-murder-10-year-old-son/
Court agrees to keep citizen initiative off November ballot
A Cumberland County Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the Maine secretary of state’s assessment that citizen petitioners did not get enough valid signatures to get a referendum question that would disallow transgender students from participating in the sport or using the changing room that aligns with their gender identity.
WMTW reports the initiative, “An Act to Designate School Sports Participation and Facilities by Sex‚” would have mandated that participation and use of facilities align with the sex on the student’s birth certificate.
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced on March 17 that the citizen initiative effort had enough valid signatures to move forward. But less than two weeks later, three Maine voters filed a lawsuit challenging the validity of those signatures.
Recall issued for cannabis strain sold across Maine
The office of Cannabis Policy issued a recall for a strain of cannabis sold at multiple stores across the state.
The strain named “Drip Burger” produced by Green Trap has been pulled from shelves.
WABI news reports officials say the strain contains unsafe levels of yeast and mold.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/06/11/recall-issued-cannabis-strain-sold-several-maine-stores/
Heart of Ellsworth seeking contract project coordinator
As a part of the Downtown Building Inventory & Development Readiness project, the Heart of Ellsworth is looking to fill a role.
Leaders are looking for qualified individuals for a part-time, contract project coordinator position.
The selected contractor will assist Heart of Ellsworth in creating a comprehensive inventory and analysis of about 200 commercial buildings downtown.
The executive director of Heart of Ellsworth tells Star 97.7 that this project looks to understand what exists downtown to plan for what’s possible tomorrow.
Find full details about the position below.
https://www.heartofellsworth.org/work-opportunities
Knowlton Park splash pad opening June 13
Besides the humidity levels we’ve all felt this week, another sign of Summer is on the way.
This Saturday, June 13, Ellsworth families will have another way to cool off!
The Ellsowrth American says the Knowlton Park splash pad is set to open after startup work is complete.
The publication reports the de-winterizing work is no easy feat as crews reinstalled spray jets, filled and pressurized the system, tested equipment and more.
The splash pad will be open every day from 10 am to 8 pm except for when the temperature gets below 65 degrees.
Peony Society hosts annual ‘Garden Tour’ this weekend
A popular gardening event will take place this weekend.
The Peony Society of Maine invited the public to their annual garden tour to celebrate the perennial known for its fragrant blooms.
WABI news reports the tours start at 10 am and guests can go to either of the two large gardens off of Ohio Street in Bangor or in Winterport as they embark on the journey of visiting five gardens.
A $5 donation is asked of each guest which gives access to all the gardens.
