The University of Maine at Machias and the Downeast Salmon Federation (DSF) signed a memorandum of understanding Oct. 2 that formalized the growing partnership between the two organizations.

“Partnering with DSF both broadens and strengthens the STEM programs that the university can offer students,” said Daniel Qualls, head of campus at UMM. “We can get our students out in the field doing real science.”

The Maine State Police have released the following statement.

The State Fire Marshal's Office says an 18-month-old Calais boy was seriously burned Wednesday, June 12,  when a flammable liquid was poured on a campfire.   Wyatt Chandler is being treated for burns to 60% of his body at Mass General in Boston.

In accordance with a directive from the President, Governor Janet Mills directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be flown at half-staff statewide immediately until sunset on Tuesday, June 4, in honor of the victims of a Friday shooting in Virginia Beach, Virginia and issued the following statement: "Maine grieves with Virginia for the lives lost Friday in a devastating, senseless act of violence," said Governor Mills.

 The following two stories were released today from the US Attorney's Office and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

On Thursday, May 2, more than thirty Maine Drug Enforcement Agency Task Force Agents joined law enforcement partners from county, state and federal agencies in Washington and Hancock Counties to arrest a number of individuals who are now charged with criminal drug offenses either in state or federal court.

Governor Mills & Washington County Legislators Announce Agreement on Future of Downeast Correctional Facility

Governor Janet Mills and the Washington County Delegation announced today that they have reached an agreement to build a new pre-release center on the grounds of the existing Downeast Correctional Facility. This agreement comes in lieu of an earlier proposal to open a facility elsewhere in Washington County.

On Thursday, May 4, the FBI made a major sweep across Washington and Hancock Counties, charging 13 people with drug trafficking. The raids came after months of investigation by Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Three separate raids occurred in Beals, Jonesport and Sullivan. More than $16,000 in cash was seized, along with illegal drugs and a sawed-off shotgun. The drugs involved include fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.

The  State Board of Veterinary Medicine issued this warning today, April 17, about Dr. Cynthia Teer in Machias.  

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

On Thursday, April 11, attorneys for Acadian Seaplants filed a Motion of Reconsideration with the Maine Supreme Court. The motion asks the Court to reconsider its recent decision in the case of Ross v. Acadian Seaplants, which found that “rockweed attached to and growing in the intertidal zone is the private property of the adjacent upland landowner.”

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

A long-awaited verdict has just come down for a case heard by the Maine Supreme Court in October 2017. All seven justices found in favor of a group of landowners in what is known here as “the rockweed case.” The finding means that rockweed, a plant which only grows in the intertidal zone, is the private property of the landowners adjoining the coastline, or the “riparian” landowners.

• Purchase price of $959 million USD ($1,286 million CAD) for shares plus acquired debt, for total enterprise value of $1.3 billion USD ($1.8 billion CAD)
• Fully achieves the targeted asset sale component of Emera’s three-year funding plan and proceeds will be used to support Emera’s capital investment opportunities within its regulated utility businesses and reduce corporate level debt