Man arrested after road rage incident in Franklin

The Hancock County Sheriff’s office is investigating an alleged road rage incident in Franklin.

A 43-year-old man of Eastbrook was arrested Saturday after a pickup truck struck a motorcycle intentionally on Blackwoods Road.

Deputies say the incident occurred at around 12:30 p.m. and the motorcycle rider was transported to a hospital before LifeFlight of Maine transported them again.

Shannon Abbot was the driver of the pickup truck and is being held at Hancock County jail.

He faces elevated aggravated assault, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and leaving the scene of a personal injury crash.

Additional charges may be pending.

Maine Democratic party announced convention plan to replace Platner

After Graham Platner officially submitted his withdrawal papers for U.S. Senate, the Maine Democratic Party announced a plan to replace him.

On Saturday, July 25, a convention will be held in Bangor.

WABI News reports 601 voting members will be present with 500 being county delegates and the chair of each county committee will select its own county delegates.

Delegates cannot be pledged to any specific candidate for the U.S. Senate.

WABI news reports candidates must be registered as a Maine Democrat and meet the constitutional qualifications to serve in the U.S. Senate.

https://www.wabi.tv/2026/07/11/maine-democratic-party-announces-convention-plan-replace-graham-platner-senate-candidate/

 Beach hazard issued due to cold water temperatures

While many people pursued getting out on the waters over the weekend, state officials issued a beach hazard.

The alert was issued due to cold water temperatures as many people underestimate the dangers of cold water which remained in the upper 40’s to mid 50’s.

The Ellsworth American had an alert in effect with precautionary tips of paddling smart, always wearing a life jacket and to be aware of wind conditions, tides and currents.

Bucksport pool closed due to leak

Bucksport could see a hefty repair bill when it comes to their town pool.

It’s closed indefinitely due to a leak that could cost thousands.

The Bangor Daily news reports the pool which is over 60 years old lost six inches of water a day despite the town’s efforts in repairs and now it’s remaining closed.

The publication reports the cost could be about $27,000 for water alone however town officials are figuring out how they want to handle the situation for the future citing it’s a huge asset for the community.

https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/07/09/hancock/hancock-government/bucksport-pool-closed-leak/

Camden National Bank set to open Ellsworth branch

After TD Bank closed in Ellsworth on High Street earlier this year, Camden National Bank is set to fill that spot.

Leaders within Camden National Bank say it’s in an effort to consolidate two locations.

The Ellsworth American states the two locations at 66 Main Street and 3 Myrick Street will close during a  transition to the 217 High Street location later this year.

The publication reports customers will see no interruptions to any services they may need and current employees will move to the new location.

https://www.ellsworthamerican.com/news/business/camden-national-bank-opening-new-ellsworth-branch-in-former-td-bank-location/article_7f2657df-3113-4470-af11-0ae29feec293.html

Trenton Butterfly Festival

For the fifth year in a row, Trenton Butterfly Gardens invites you for their butterfly festival!

On Saturday, July 18 activities for all ages will be active including a pollinator parade, prizes, and games.

Information on how to help pollinators will be available and you could win milkweed seedlings, gift certificates to local garden centers or items to help you start your own pollinator habitat.

The suggested donation is $5 for entrance and a sweepstakes ticket or you can donate $20 to 10 tickets.

Festival information is available below.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/trentonbutterflygardens

Ellsworth Public Library hosts Magician Norman Ng

If you want to enjoy a magical performance head over to the Ellsworth Public library on July 15 to witness the unthinkable from magician Norman Ng.

Seen all over the country Ng will bring a unique brand of magic to Ellsworth.

Organizers say attendees can expect conversation as well as performance getting the audience to react in ways you’d never expect.

The fun is set to start at 6 p.m. so for more information just follow the link below.

https://ellsworth.libcal.com/event/16416802