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A church that hosted ayahuasca ceremonies in Canterbury is reopening in Maine, after facing regulatory pressure from local officials in New Hampshire.

Pachamama Sanctuary, led by Pastor Derek Januszewski, began hosting multi-day ceremonies at a rented residential property in Canterbury in 2019. During those sessions, visitors would drink a small amount of ayahuasca, which is made from plants native to South America, where indigenous tribes have used it for centuries during healing ceremonies.

The town eventually issued a cease and desist order against Januszewski last summer, though, after he failed to provide proper documentation for the facility’s smoke alarms and septic systems, as well as snow removal plans in case of an emergency.

Late last year, Januszewski temporarily shuttered the church while he scouted a new location. Initially, he said he hoped to reopen in New Hampshire. But Pachamama recently announced its new 40-acre facility will be located 30 minutes outside of Portland, Maine. Januszewski declined to release the exact location but described it as an “outstanding property.”

“We tried in New Hampshire and kept having challenges with the suitable properties and this one came available and it just flowed perfectly,” he told NHPR. “It wasn't our intention to move to Maine, but that's what the universe had in store for us!”

After Januszewski shuttered the Canterbury location, he faced criticism from some who alleged he misused church money. Januszewski acknowledged that he communicated poorly with guests, but he denied he mishandled any funds and pledged to offer those who had placed deposits an opportunity to visit the church when it opened its new location.

Pachamama’s website advertises four weekend ayahuasca sessions in August and September at its new location. The suggested “donation” is $888.

Ayahuasca exists in a legal gray zone in the United States. Indigenous tribes in the Amazon have used it for centuries to potentially heal physical or mental distress. In recent decades, it’s gained popularity among Americans eager to experience the tea’s hallucinatory effects. Some people have also turned to ayahuasca as an attempted remedy for substance misuse disorder, though researchers say there is not enough evidence to confirm its effectiveness. The drug can also pose a risk to people with certain health conditions.

In 2006, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the government could not stop a New Mexico church from offering the substance to its congregants. However, ayahuasca’s active ingredient, dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, remains a controlled substance under federal law, and thus illegal to consume.

Maine Audubon's Nick Lund helps us get to know the common loon ahead of this year's "loon count."

Common loons are common to Mainers but not really to the rest of the U.S., aside from Alaska.

Lund says the bird is unique to see with its distinctive red eyes and a speckled black and white back.

The loon is built to dive into Maine lakes, with its legs set to the back of its body and its bones completely dense (unlike ducks and most other birds with hollow bones).

Lund says this coming weekend, July 15, Mainers from all around the state will take to boats for the 40th Annual Loon Count. Lund says it's a way to keep track of the population as loons continue to live in Maine. He is happy to report the loon population in southern Maine has doubled since they started counting 40 years ago. He believes protection efforts by Mainers is the biggest contributor.

One of those recent protections was the phasing out of painted lead fishing lures. Lund says loons swallow stones on the lake's floor to help grind up fish bones in their stomachs. Lund says many loons have succumbed to lead poising in recent years after accidentally ingesting this type of tackle.

Lund says loons are not built to travel very far on land, so in recent years, Maine Audubon has deployed floating platforms to help make it convenient for the loons to nest.

If you hear the eerie, beautiful call on one of the thousands of lakes in Maine, Lund says the loon is checking to see who else is on the lake.

What’s old is new again when it comes to the Maine state flag.

A retro design inspired by the original version is popping up everywhere -- from homes to hats, and soon, license plates.

TV5 visited a factory in Skowhegan that’s proudly turning the clock back to 1901.

Maine Stitching Specialties in Skowhegan manufactures a wide variety of items, none more recognizable than the American flag.

“This factory has made American flags for over 30 years. It’s a small business. It’s not a huge business, but we really take a lot of pride in that,” said Julie Swain, CEO, Maine Stitching Specialties & 1901 Maine Flag.

About six years ago, owners Bill and Julie Swain decided to add another product: a 1901 original Maine flag. Turns out, they were on to something.

“It’s actually a really fun business! We sell different products such as hats, trucker hats and whatnot. And we can’t keep them in stock. They’re awesome. People love them,” Julie said.

1901 Maine Flag isn’t the only business going retro, but Swain says what sets them apart is their attention to detail.

“I love this image! I love this tree because to me, it looks like a pine tree. It has the brown roots. It has the green limbs that actually look like pine limbs, pine bows,” she said.

Swain hopes Maine’s elected officials are paying attention to those details, too.

In 2025, Maine plans to begin issuing new license plates with a design inspired by the original flag. Drivers will have the option to choose a plain version instead.

“If I were to say anything to the people in charge, I would ask them please stay true to the original flag. Look at that design and come up with a tree that looks like that and that really represents Maine,” Swain said.

Then there’s the topic of the official state flag. Maine voters may soon get to decide whether to keep the current design or restore the original version.

Swain says she sees both sides of the debate.

“What’s neat about it is it’s part of our history, so I think it’s a win-win. Even if we don’t have it as our current flag, it’s such a great part of our history that it’s nice to wear it and represent Maine,” she said.

A range of conditions need to be met for the northern lights to be visible for those across the Seacoast and southern Maine this week. According to Gianforte, that includes clear skies and a lack of city or street lights as well as viewing from positions of higher elevation.

Weather conditions are not looking favorable as of this writing on Monday.

“If it’s cloudy, you’re not going to see anything. If it’s raining, don’t bother getting up,” Gianforte stated. “If it’s clear or a slight haze, you may be able to see something.”

The National Weather Service in Gray, Maine on Monday was projecting 75% cloud cover across the Seacoast and southern Maine on Thursday, in addition to scattered thunderstorms, said meteorologist Jon Palmer.

“Looks like the probabilities are slightly less along the immediate coast but there definitely is a decent chance for some thunderstorms Thursday night,” Palmer said.

If inclement weather holds off, the phenomenon could potentially be seen in the Seacoast and southern Maine and other areas in lower latitudes that aren’t prone to such spectacles, with shades of blue, green, purple and red light dancing in the sky.

“If we do get a clear patch of sky, and it hits us after 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., and if we look to the north, you could see something,” Gianforte added. “There’s a lot of things that have to happen just right for us to see the Northern Lights on Thursday night.”

There is a chance, he added, the particles from the coronal mass ejection could arrive in the daytime this week, meaning the aurora wouldn’t be visible.

“We kind of have to be a little bit careful not to build things up too much because no one really knows how fast the particles that are involved in the cause of the aurora are traveling from the sun,” Gianforte said. “It all depends on how fast these energetic particles move.”

Red Snappers are a fan favorite in Maine. Simone's Hot Dog Stand has been in business for more than 100 years serving visitors and locals the distinctively colored hot dog. As producers of "red snappers", W.A. Bean & Sons takes us behind the scenes to see how the Maine delicacy is made.

https://www.facebook.com/Simones-Hot-Dog-Stand-575030889173706/

https://www.beansmeats.com

The Axe Women Loggers of Maine will be hosting a logger’s demo event at Aubuchon Hardware in Newport on Saturday.

Shows will be at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.

The world champion athletes will be chopping, sawing, and axe throwing.

“I think it’s an amazing display of athleticism. They’re obviously passionate about it to be able to do this,” said Andrew Cayer of Aubuchon Hardware.

“It’s fun. It keeps you in shape. All the ladies are super professional in the sport and in their careers as well,” said Alissa Wetherbee of Axe Women Loggers of Maine. “We have doctors, lawyers, veterinarians, scientists, and law enforcement. The ladies are incredible role models. We love it when people bring their kids to the shows, especially when little girls come to the shows and get autographs.”

There will also be food and a drawing to win a new chainsaw.

You can learn more about the Axe Women Loggers of Maine here.

Watch for us later today on WABI TV5 !!! Alyssa Thurlow came out to Aubuchon Hardware yesterday to race hotsaws with us!!! So fun!!! And... we met their Aubuchon Hardware cat!!! ❤️

http://axewomen.com/index.html

https://www.facebook.com/axewomen

On the side of Route 1 in Columbia Falls in Down East Maine, you can now find what might be the world’s largest lobster trap.

WVII reports Jim Emerson and his son worked with their team at the Friendship Trap Company where they usually build standard wire traps to make the giant version.

The trap is reportedly 15 foot by 6 foot by 45 inches.

"We just thought it would be neat. Something for people to stop and take pictures with and just to say we have the world’s largest lobster trap,” Emerson said.

According to WVII, they plan to take the trap to the Eastport and Machias Fourth of July parades and encourage anybody to stop by to check out what they say is history in the making.

It's the 1st week of July and chances are the kids are bored from being out of school. If you're looking for some family-friendly, fun and free events this week, we have these listings for you!

Monday July 3

Bar Harbor Town Band - Will perform at the Village Green from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will take place at the First Congregational Church

Tuesday July 4

Parade and Activities in Bar Harbor with Fireworks. - Click Here for the Activities and Times
Bar Harbor Town Band - Will perform at the Village Green from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will take place at the First Congregational Church

Wednesday July 5

Southwest Harbor Public Library - Baby Story Time 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m.  Join Amanda for stories, songs, rhymes, books, bubbles, and more outside in our children's garden. If there is inclement weather, storytime will be held inside the library in the Holmes room. Baby Storytime is designed especially for babies under two years, but we are family friendly and we welcome siblings.
Ellsworth Concert Band -The concert take place at the gazebo in Harbor Park. The Band practices at 6 p.m. on Wednesday night, followed by the concert beginning at 7 p.m.

Thursday July 6

Ellsworth Public Library - Story Time  - For children aged 2 through 5 and their parents or caregivers featuring stories, songs, fingerplays, rhymes, and crafts 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For more information contact Keli at [email protected] or call (207) 667-6363
Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor - Summer Reading "Bee an Inventor" with Skip LaPlante and Allison Kiger 10:30 a.m.
Bar Harbor Town Band - Will perform at the Village Green from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will take place at the First Congregational Church
Ellsworth Movies by Moonlight - Shown at Knowlton Park at sunset (8:21 p.m. ) The movie Lightyear will be shown.

Friday July 7

Southwest Harbor Public Library - Family Story Time 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Join Ms. Chrissy for stories, songs, rhymes, books, bubbles, and more outside in our children's garden. If there is inclement weather, storytime will be held inside the library in the Holmes room
Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor - Preschool Story and Play 10:30 a.m.
Ellsworth Waterfront Concert Series - Ivey Menzietti will be performing at the Gazebo in Ellsworth's Harbor Park at 6 p.m.

Saturday July 8

Ellsworth Public Library - Join Miss Renee for a STEAM inspired activity in the Makerspace 10 a.m. - 12 Noon This will be a drop-in program geared towards children ages 6 to 12.
Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor - Children's Author Visit : Alexandra Hinrichs 10:30 a.m.

Mainers looking to celebrate the Fourth by taking in a fireworks display have plenty of options. Here is a list of 10 fireworks displays occuring throughout Maine.

Portland — The city will be presenting its annual display at 9:15 p.m. on the Eastern Promenade, with a rain date of July 5. Food trucks will be available in the area, but city officials noted that there will also be good view from the East End Beach, Fort Allen Park, Amethyst Park, Baxter Boulevard, Payson Park, Martin’s Point on Veranda Street and in South Portland at Bug Light Park.

Bangor — Fireworks over the Penobscot River are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. The event website does not specify ideal viewing locations, but states, “Fireworks are being lit from a central location and can be viewed as far as Brewer.”

Lewiston/Auburn — Fireworks scheduled for along the Androscoggin River at 9:30 p.m. (rain date July 5), as part of both cities’ joint day-long Liberty Festival. No specific locations are given for viewing the fireworks, but the festival begins at 5 p.m. at Veterans Park in Lewiston and Great Falls Plaza in Auburn.

Augusta — Fireworks scheduled for the end of a day-long celebration at 9 p.m. Mill Park is suggested as the best viewing area.

Bath — The city is ending its annual Heritage Days celebration with fireworks scheduled for 9:15 p.m.

Eastport — Billed as “Maine’s largest 4th of July celebration,” the fireworks display caps the festival that began on Friday, June 30. The display is scheduled for dusk on the town’s waterfront.

Bar Harbor — The town is scheduling fireworks for approximately 9:15 p.m., indicating only that they will be on display over Frenchman Bay.

Greenville — The town’s annual fireworks display will launch from Jack’s Air Service Barge in the East Cove of Moosehead Lake, starting at dusk.

York — York’s fireworks start at dusk, approximately 9 p.m. The York Region Chamber of Commerce suggests Short Sands Beach, and recommends getting there early.

Searsport — Fireworks are scheduled for after dark. They will be shot from a barge in Penobscot Bay, and officials recommend viewing from Mosman Park.

Horror author Stephen King’s Maine home witnessed a horrific sight as a tragic and devastating scene occurred when a deer impaled itself on the fence surrounding his gothic-style home.

Images from the scene show a white-tailed fawn stuck on the sharp spikes of the wrought iron fence surrounding the Bangor vacation property of King, who is the author behind believed classics such as ‘The Shining’ and ‘Pet Sematary’.

Half of the one-year-old deer’s body was inside Stephen King’s property. When he tried to manoeuvre himself to be set free, the young animal’s midsection got caught on the shape spikes.

Bangor police department noted that the animal found itself in the situation after attempting to jump over the fence of ‘The Shining‘ author, which ended up being too high. They confirmed to TMZ that while it was unclear whether Stephen King was home at the time, he did not call the police. It was a woman driving by who spotted the animal and dialled 911.

Upon arrival, police put the deer out of its misery and shot it.