Juvenile arrested in Oakland for arson
On July 26, a fire took place at a home on Libby Hill Road and the Maine Fire Mashal’s office has made an arrest.
Officials say a juvenile has been arrested for arson after investigators determined the fire was intentionally set.
There were seven people in the home sleeping and smoke alarms woke everyone up and they all made it out safely.
Officials say the juvenile set the fire in a bedroom.
The juvenile was taken to Long Creek Youth Development Facility in South Portland.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/08/05/juvenile-arrested-setting-fire-family-home-officials-say/
HIV cases continue in Penobscot County
The Maine CDC has confirmed 45 cases of HIV in Penobscot County since October 2023.
Health officials say eight new cases have been reported since the start of this year.
WABI news reports the majority of cases were transmitted by injection drugs according to officials.
Health officials say of the 45 confirmed cases, 41 were discovered in people who are unhoused.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/08/05/hiv-cases-continue-penobscot-county-maine-cdc-reports/
New parking options for Bar Harbor residents
Residents in Bar Harbor can apply for a special parking coupon during the paid parking season.
Paid parking in the area is from May 1 to October 30.
WMTW reports the residential parking coupon provides two free hours of parking each week and the town started accepting applications on Tuesday.
Residents must apply in person at the Bar Harbor finance office and you’ll need proof of current Bar Harbor excise tax and vehicle registration, proof of residency, and a functional email address.
To fully check out the process follow the link on our website.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/08/05/coupon-free-parking-new-option-residents-popular-maine-town/\
Ellsworth Public Library highlights support during ‘National Breastfeeding Month’
While National Breastfeeding Month is acknowledged, the Ellsworth Public Library wants to highlight programs year-round that supports families as they welcome a new baby.
Their free Mother’s Circle program is a space where parents and caregivers of babies and toddlers can join forces, ask questions and build relationships.
The group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 9 a.m. in the Riverview Room.
To learn more about the informative sessions coming up, follow the link below.
It features education around breastfeeding, baby yoga and more!
https://ellsworth.libcal.com/calendar/EPL-Events/mothers-circle
Blue Hill Public Library hosts storytime to connect the youth with first responders
Back by popular demand is a special storytime at the Blue Hill Public Library that connects the little ones with first responders.
Firetruck Storytime will be held on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:30 a.m.
Stories about firetrucks will be heard and a Blue Hill Fireman will bring a truck for kids to explore and sit inside.
Contact Youth Services Librarian Claire at claire.malina@bhpl.net or 374-5515 for more information.
Downtown Summer concert series continues
Don’t forget to head to the Franklin Street Parklet this evening as the Downtown Summer Concert series continues.
Camden National Bank is sponsoring this week’s concert and helping make free community events like this possible.
Thursday, you’ll hear from River Bottom Funk so get ready to get on your feet, enjoy the classic funk, soul, rock and dance to keep the Parklet buzzing!
The fun starts at 7 p.m. but you could always head out early and enjoy a local restaurant or pub beforehand.
