Waldo County trial against woman who is charged with animal cruelty begins
A Trial in Belfast began Wednesday with a warning from the prosecutor.
Waldo County District Attorney Natasha Irving called the animal cruelty case shocking.
WABI news reports 41-Year-Old Alexis Ingraham, of Burnham, is charged with four counts of Cruelty To Animals — two are aggravated.
According to Irving, the Elevated Charges comes from the death of a horse named *Shine* who was suffering from an infection so severe he had to be euthanized.
The proceedings focused on other animals found on Ingraham’s property in February Of 2025.
Four Dogs And 10 Cats, all in poor health, were ultimately removed from the property.
Thursday’s testimony is expected to focus on horses that were in Ingraham’s care.
The trial is expected to last through Friday.
Law supporting senior housing in Hancock County goes into effect
Some leaders within Hancock County have voiced the need for additional senior housing.
This has led to development plans around a new senior housing facility in Deer Isle.
The Ellsworth American reports LD 1106 includes a one-time appropriation of $250,000 which provides funding for the redevelopment of a former nursing home in Deer Isle.
Democratic state representative Holly Eaton tells the publication that senior housing in Hancock County is desperately needed and she’s thankful to colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting the community.
USDA distributing oral rabies vaccine for wildlife
The Maine Department of Health and Human services center for disease control and prevention partnered with the USDA for a vaccine.
They will distribute oral rabies vaccine baits throughout the week in Aroostook County.
Over 500,000 baits to be specific according to the Pen Bay Pilot.
The publication reports the bait distribution is in response to rabid raccoon detections in Aroostook County.
Health experts advise people to keep your pets and livestock up to date on rabies vaccinations, feed pets inside, keep garage cans tightly secured and do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals.
Short-term rental registration gets feedback
On Monday, city officials heard from Ellsworth residents about the growing short-term rental market.
On top of that residents discussed the possibility of enforcing a safety inspection program.
The Ellsworth American reports about 50 people attended the meeting and most of the people who spoke discussed how additional regulation and fees could impact their livelihoods.
Those who opposed that thought brought up analytics suggesting that most units being built in Ellsworth are for short-term rentals rather than fulfilling the housing need.
An online survey is still available until Sept. 1 according to the publication.
Child Care needs requested by the City of Ellsworth
City leaders are urging parents and caregivers to give feedback about the needs around child care.
The City of Ellsworth and the Union River for Innovation are seeking better understanding about what child care looks like for families in the greater Ellsworth area and how it impacts daily lives.
The Child Care Assessment Survey should only take a few minutes for you to fill out so that city leaders can shape a better future to support resources and providers needed in the area.
Follow the link below for the survey.
https://unionriverinnovation.com/child-care/
Autumn Gold decorating contest opens up entries
It may be too early to think about, but Autumn is right around the corner but that also means so is the Autumn Gold Decorating Contest in Ellsworth.
The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce announced the theme this year is Harvest Festival.
Locals can celebrate the beauty of the new season by helping transform Ellsworth into a Harvest Festival.
Business owners are encouraged to get creative with their storefronts or windows and the deadline to enter is Sept. 14.
Decorating needs to be completed by Sept. 18 for judging and winners will be announced on Sept. 24!
To participate follow the link below for contact information.
