Independence Day is here! Do you know how much history from the Revolutionary War is within current day Maine? I say current day, because as you may know, Maine did not become a state until 1820. The war for America’s independence ended in 1783 with The Treaty of Paris. Nonetheless, the history in Maine during this time period is fascinating.

America Suffered Her Worst Naval Defeat in Maine Until Pearl Harbor

And you stand exactly where it happened and get a tour in beautiful Castine!

Fort George was built by Great Britain in 1779. The Patriots, outnumbering the British, wanted to overtake the fort and access to the Penobscot River, but lost this battle called the Penobscot Expedition. Even Paul Revere’s reputation (yes, THAT Paul Revere) was tarnished as a consequence of this defeat, and he was arrested for being cowardice … yikes.

Although the battle at Fort George did not end in our forefather’s favor, this serves as a great reminder that it isn’t who wins the battle, but the war. Castine is a beautiful area to visit especially on our nation’s birthday with it being rich in history that helped make America what it is today. Read more on the Penobscot Expedition here before you visit! 

The First American Naval Battle Occurred in Maine

The Battle of Machias, also known as Battle of the Margaretta, broke out on June 11th, 1775. It was the first naval engagement during the Revolutionary War. THE FIRST! The CliffsNotes version is that some aggressive British soldiers sailed into Machias Bay and wanted future Mainers to sign a document proving their loyalty. They rebelled, fought off the British with pitchforks, axes, and hunting rifles melting down anything for ammunition, and took over the British ship, the Margaretta!

If you decide to visit Machias, definitely checkout Burnham Tavern Museum which features artifacts and further information on the Battle of Machias.

BOSTON – Homeowners across the state who rallied on Beacon Hill asking for help to pay for their crumbling foundations may soon see some relief.

Why are foundations crumbling?

Thursday night, state senators approved an amendment to the Affordable Housing Act that will create a fund for Massachusetts residents whose foundations are failing. The problem is a natural mineral called pyrrhotite, which eventually causes concrete foundations to crumble – and insurance doesn’t cover the costs. The state now mandates quarries to test their product for pyrrhotite.

“The next step is finding the best methods for funding this effort,” State Sen. Peter Durant, R-Spencer, said. “This is a long-term problem that will require us to be creative so as not to place a large burden on taxpayers while also helping residents to repair their homes which, in turn, helps their local economy.”    

Members of Massachusetts Residents Against Crumbling Concrete gathered outside the Statehouse again on Thursday to call for help fixing their foundations.

Homeowners face financial hardship

“This slow-moving mineral has created a financial hardship for thousands of families in my district and across our state, is not covered by homeowners’ insurance and costs hundreds of thousands of dollars out of pocket to fix,” said State Sen. Ryan Fattman, R-Sutton.  

The problem is expected to hit more than 40 cities and towns, which have identified homeowners with crumbling foundations due to pyrrhorite. Replacing the foundation in a home can cause a homeowner as much as $250,000.  

“Faulty foundations are putting the homes and life savings of thousands of Massachusetts families across the Commonwealth at risk, through no fault of their own,” said Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury.  

The amendment is now before a conference committee. 

“This is essentially a natural disaster,” Durant said. “It is caused by the failing of a natural element and it was unforeseen by the concrete industry, builders and homeowners.”

BRENTWOOD, NH — A Rockingham County grand jury indicted the following people recently.

Francine Annesse Allen, 59, of Cove Road in Salem on a felony theft by unauthorized taking charge. She was accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart in Salem on Feb. 20 after being convicted on theft charges twice before.

Virgilio Ceballo Arias, 22, of Brookfield Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on receiving stolen property, concealing the identity of a vehicle, and two possession of altered, forged, or counterfeited title charges, all felonies. In Salem, on March 20, he agreed with Estuary Lanfranco, E.G., and Xaviel Rodriguez Torres to knowingly retain a stolen 2022 Honda CR-V, possessed a 2023 Acura TLX with a VIN removed, and possessed altered titles from New Jersey with the name of another person who did not own the vehicles listed, according to the indictments.

Daniel Joseph Banks, 54, of Milton Road in Rochester on three felony attempted falsifying physical evidence charges. He was accused of attempting to delete his LandAirSea GPS account on June 5, June 8, and June 9, 2023, in Portsmouth to impair an investigation.

Dannie K. Barrett, 54, of Middle Street in Portsmouth on three felony arson-pecuniary loss more than $1,000 charges. He was accused of starting dumpster fires on Jan. 25, Feb. 4, and Feb. 17 on Middle Street in Portsmouth, damaging property owned by Waste Management.

Melissa Ann Boucher, 35, of Myrtle Street in Manchester on bail jumping and two driving while being certified as a habitual offender committed while on release charges, all felonies, as well as a disobeying an officer charge. She was accused of providing a false name to a Salem police officer on March 12 and driving on Pelham Road. Boucher was also accused of driving in the North Broadway Crossing Plaza in Salem parking lot on March 4. On April 11, she failed to appear in Salem District Court, leading to the bail jumping charge.

Rebecca Christine Brown, 25, of Asbury Street in South Hamilton, MA, on possession of MDMA and possession of ketamine, both felonies, as well as driving under the influence on Interstate 95 in Hampton Falls on Jan. 25.

Rachel Marie Burlington, 35, of Marsh Lane in Hampton Falls on a felony count of unauthorized use of a propelled vehicle or rented property. She was accused of exercising unauthorized control over a 2021 Nissan Versa, owned by National Rental, between May 8 and June 2, 2021, in Londonderry.

Edwin Zayas Correa, 31, of West Lowell Avenue in Haverhill, MA, on possession of oxycodone and possession of fentanyl, both felonies, as well as driving under the influence and operating without a valid license charges. He was accused of driving on Interstate 93 in Londonderry while under the influence and possessing drugs on Jan. 30.

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