Ellsworth recall effort lacks signatures based upon initial review
On Thursday, signatures were to be submitted to the city of Ellsworth from a recall effort on five members of the city council after allegations claim they failed to maintain fiscal responsibility and violated city law.
However, upon initial review there may not be enough.
The Ellsworth American reports despite the extension, petitioners have not submitted enough signatures to meet the 1,279 threshold.
The publication reports the city clerk still needs to complete the verification process where the final findings and numbers will be reported.
That deadline is July 21.
Update to Ellsworth propane explosion
A man has died as a result of a fire that happened on Tuesday.
The fire marshal’s office says 59-year-old Bruce Spencer of Ellsworth died from his injuries after a propane explosion occurred on North Street.
The bus was converted into a recreational vehicle and investigators believe the ignition source likely was an electric compressor motor of a nearby refrigerator.
DHS reveals more details into Biddeford shooting
The Department of Homeland Security released more information about the man killed Monday in a shooting involving ICE.
They say 25-year-old Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero, a Colombian national, had illegally entered the U.S. in 2023.
DHS agents say surveillance from an address close to where the shooting happened in Biddeford shows when ICE tried to stop the car, the car attempted to flee the scene, fearing for public safety and an officer discharged his weapon.
Meanwhile, protests across the state continue calling for a full investigation and a halt to ICE working in Maine.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/07/15/dhs-releases-new-details-regarding-deadly-biddeford-shooting/
Widespread outages due to severe storms
On Thursday over six thousand Versant power customers in Hancock County lost power.
This after severe thunderstorms moved through the area in northern and Downeast Maine.
If for some reason you are still without power, the Maine Emergency Management Agency encourages you to call 211 to find a local facility to get water, air conditioning or to figure out when power will be back in your region.
Blue Hill high school set to build new entrance
Despite making major staff cuts in the last year, one Blue Hill high school plans to remodel it’s main entrance.
George Stevens Academy will move forward with the update costing a little over two million dollars.
The Bangor Daily news reports demolition of a part of its gymnasium and the new entrance is being paid for through a separate funding source and the school led a campaign for the entrance project.
The project already broke ground and is expected to continue throughout the summer.
COA coffee and conversation on July 21 focuses on importance of seafood
The College of the Atlantic hosts their ‘coffee and conversations’ forum for community members and experts to come together and discuss important topics.
On July 21, Barton Seaver will come and discuss the meaning of his new book called ‘The Blue Food Cookbook.’
The book focuses on coastal communities, strengthening public health and the importance of caring for our oceans that sustain us.
The event is free at the Thomas S. Gates Jr. Community Center at 9:30 so to get your spot because registration is required follow the link below.
https://coa.swoogo.com/coffeeandconvo
Support The Grand for their Christmas in July event
The 3rd annual Christmas in July at The Grand is officially underway.
Happening through July 19, the annual fundraiser not only brings the community together but it brings a grand time for participants.
From noon to 8 p.m. Friday you can walk through the magical forest of trees, take your chance on winning a tree with lovely gifts donated by local businesses and more!
For more information on the lineup of events, follow the link.
http://facebook.com/events/1735584837421622
Milbridge Theatre Summer Concerts
Starting Friday, the Milbridge Theatre invites the community to kick off their Summer concerts!
Down at the Milbridge Town Landing starting at 6:30 p.m. locals can bring their family, friends and lawn chairs to the waterfront for community, great music and summer vibes.
Admission to the concerts are free and come hungry as they’ll have local food trucks lined up waiting for you.
If you want to learn more about the concert series or would like to support efforts like this just follow the link below.
https://www.milbridgetheatre.org/events/43098-summer-concert-series-the-whiskey-bent-band/
