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QUOTE OF THE DAY

“They’ve been picking away at us … stealing one piece after another for over 100 years. They’ve almost taken our waterfront, but they won’t as long as I’m alive.”

— Steve Smith on the tiny fishing village of Otter Creek’s struggle to survive in the middle of Acadia National Park.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES

Maine Republicans shrug at Donald Trump’s latest jab at Susan Collins. Trump’s Truth Social post on Thursday telling Republicans to “vote the exact opposite” of Collins puts Maine party members in a somewhat awkward position. 

These five dangerous things can be found in Maine’s old homes. Maine is full of charming older homes filled with character, but some can need expensive maintenance to ensure they remain safe.

A tiny fishing village in the middle of Acadia fights to save its future. Confined within the national park borders, to the undiscerning eye, the village of Otter Creek is nothing more than a crossroad.

Acadia close to opening long-awaited new maintenance building. The new building at Acadia’s headquarters on Eagle Lake Road will replace an old structure built in the 1930s that does not meet building codes.

How things got so messy in a Maine town on its third budget vote. Lisbon residents are set to vote on a $21.3 million school budget for the second time Tuesday, the latest installment in a heated budget debate that has gripped the community this summer.

Penobscot County’s opioid settlement committee is meeting in secret. The county-appointed group is tasked with planning how to spend public funds, but its meetings have not been advertised to the public.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

MAINE IN PICTURES

Otter Creek resident Steve Smith sits outside the last fish house on the harbor. Smith has spent his life fighting to conserve the waterfront identity of the Mount Desert Island fishing community. Credit: Courtesy of Jack Sullivan / The Island Journal

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

The absentee ballot drop box in Harrison. Credit: Lori Valigra / BDN

“Under the guise of securing Maine’s elections, a citizen’s initiative on the ballot this November seeks to disenfranchise disabled, elderly and disadvantaged Mainers.”

Opinion: My right to an accessible, private vote is on the ballot this November

LIFE IN MAINE

A shuttered Bucksport church is revived by a traditional Russian faith. After the North Bucksport United Methodist Church voted to disband, members of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia purchased it.

Why Maine shorebirds are so hard to identify (and how to get started). Here are some tips, tricks and shortcuts to make it a little easier.

Consider Maine blueberries to add a twist to the classic mojito. This summer, skip the ordinary mojito. Pick some wild blueberries and create something fun with an uncommon flavor profile.