Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Ellsworth Police Department Warns of Rental Scams
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Police Department says they’ve had several complaints lately about apartments and homes for rent that have turned out to be scams. They say properties appear to be local and legitimate but images are often from old real estate listings. They say tips for spotting a rental scam include unrealistic prices, a sense of urgency to get you to sign, incomplete listings, and grammatical and spelling errors. Experts say take precautions before giving anyone money for a deposit without meeting the rental rep in person or walking through the property.
(Ellsworth) With affordable housing at a premium in Maine, the Ellsworth Police Department is warning of a growing number of rental scams. They say they’ve received several reports of properties that appear to be legitimate, but are actually fraudulent. Often images are from old real estate listings, making them appear local. Tips for spotting a rental scam include unrealistic prices, a sense of urgency to get you to sign, incomplete listings, and grammatical and spelling errors. Experts say take precautions before giving anyone money for a deposit without meeting the rental rep in person or walking through the property.
Flood Damage Prompts Machias Town Officials to Consider Selling Town Office
(Machias) January flooding from back to back storms left Machias Town Officials underwater in more ways than one. The town office on Lower Court Street was inundated by floodwaters leaving it unusable for the foreseeable future. For now, Town Manager Bill Kitchen and his staff are working out of a conference room on the second floor of a business on Stackpole Road. The Machias Valley News Observer reports at last month’s Select Board meeting, discussion centered on the urgency of building a seawall to protect businesses along the riverbank and the need to raise the planned Route One dike and causeway substantially higher than the current roadway. Several alternatives for the future of the town office were discussed, but returning to the previous building won’t be an option.
(Machias) Machias Town Officials are considering options after back to back January storms flooded the town office building on Lower Court Street. The Machias Valley News Observer reports for now, Town Manager Bill Kitchen and his staff are working out of a conference room on the second floor of a business on Stackpole Road. At the January Select Board meeting, discussion centered on the urgency of building a seawall to protect businesses along the riverbank and the need to raise the planned Route One dike and causeway substantially higher than the current roadway. Several alternatives for the future of the town office were discussed, but returning to the previous building won’t be an option.
Local Politics
Notes from the City of Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) A couple of notices from the City of Ellsworth – first, the Utilities Billing Office on Bayside Road is closed today and tomorrow while the staff participates in software training. You can still make a payment at City Hall or by phone. Second, the City is looking for qualified carpenters to replace eight windows for the Fire Department in the lower level of City Hall. Interested parties can contact Facilities Manager Jim McLean at 669-6617.
(Ellsworth) A couple of notes from the City of Ellsworth. The Ellsworth Fire Department now has room to breathe, but they’re in need of some skilled carpenters to replace eight windows in the lower level of City Hall. Contact Facilities Manager Jim McLean at 669-6617 if interested. On another note, City officials say be aware the Utilities Billing Office on Bayside Road will be closed until Thursday so staff can participate in software training. You can still pay your bill via phone or at City Hall.
Hallowell City Council Votes to Ban Sales of Flavored Tobacco Products
(Hallowell) Hallowell has joined six other towns across Maine in banning the sale of flavored tobacco products. WABI-TV reports the City Council Monday night passed the ordinance after a 3-3 tie was resolved by the presiding officer. Those voting against the measure said prohibition is ineffective and enforcing existing laws regarding underage sales should be a priority. The ban will become effective in ten days.
(Hallowell) The city of Hallowell last night joined six other towns across Maine, including Bangor and Bar Harbor, in banning the sale of flavored tobacco products. The vote by City Council was 3-3, with the presiding officer breaking the tie. WABI-TV reports high school students spoke in favor of the ban, expressing concern about the use of such products by their peers. The ban becomes effective in ten days.
Economy
Ellsworth Property Tax Bills Coming Due
(Ellsworth) Property Tax Bills are due March 14th. If you’re an Ellsworth taxpayer, you can pay online, at the drop box in the Church Street entrance of City Hall, or at the City Hall Tax Office. If your payment is escrowed and paid by a financial institution for you, there’s an online payment tool to look up your current account balance to verify payment. More information on property tax bills, property record cards and tax maps is available on FB or at ellsworth maine dot gov.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth property taxes are due a week from tomorrow. Residents can pay online, at the drop box in the Church Street entrance of City Hall, or at the City Hall Tax Office. An online payment tool lets you see your current account balance and verify payment, which may be of special interest if your payment is escrowed and paid for you by a financial institution. Have questions about property value, tax maps, or exemptions? Contact the Tax Office at 669-6620, or visit ellsworth maine dot gov.
Program Teaches “All Things SAM Dot Gov”
(Ellsworth/Machias) Whether you’re a municipality, business or non-profit, if you are looking for federal financial assistance or help in applying for federal or state grants, the Maine Street Business Building in Machias is offering a workshop just for you….All Things Sam dot gov. You can attend in person or via Zoom, and sessions will be held in Machias – that session is this Friday – , Calais on February 27th,and Ellsworth on March 8th. Learn to register on SAM dot gov and search for federal contract opportunities, as well as apply for grants, whether for your town, business or nonprofit. Contact Sunrise County Economic Development to learn more.
(Hancock/Washington County) This week’s Sunrise County Economic Council newsletter contains pages of information on seminars – both in person and virtually – resources, grants, flood resources and assistance, business resilience grants and more, especially for those recovering from recent storms that flooded homes and destroyed working waterfront infrastructure. For a free copy, reach out to the Sunrise County Economic Council in Machias.
USDA Low-Interest Loans and Grants Available in Disaster Areas
(Machias) Homeowners with very low incomes who live in any of the ten counties that experienced extensive flooding, power outages, and property damage in the December 18th storm are now eligible for grants and loans through the USDA Rural Development’s “504 Home Repair” pilot program. The pilot program offers expanded eligibility so homeowners 18 and older can apply, an increased grant limit up to more than $40K, and debt refinancing and reimbursement. To learn more, email leigh dot hallett at u s d a dot gov.
(Machias) A pilot program that covers the ten counties under President Biden’s Major Disaster Declaration following December’s storm is offering low interest loans and grants to homeowners affected by the storm. The applications are available through the USDA Rural Development’s “504 Home Repair” pilot program. The program offers expanded eligibility so homeowners 18 and older can apply, an increased grant limit up to more than $40K, mobile or manufactured home allowances and occupancy flexibility for those displaced by storm damage. To learn more, email leigh dot hallett at u s d a dot gov.
Infrastructure
Castine Harbor to See Changes with Arrival of New MMA Ship
(Castine) Maine Maritime Academy students will have a new purpose-built training ship later this year. The Bangor Daily News reports the new ship will not only mean improved training as students learn about marine shipping trades and related disciplines, it will also mean changes for the local harbor and for boaters who come and go from the town’s waterfront. The ship will be about 24 feet longer and 16 feet wider than the current training ship, so federal officials are requiring the school to rebuild the pier on Castine’s waterfront to accommodate the ship. The rebuilt pier will also address the rising seas resulting from climate change. Officials say it will stick out about 135 feet farther from the shore than the current pier.
(Castine) A new training ship will require a new pier to be built in Castine Harbor. The Bangor Daily News reports Maine Maritime Academy students will have a new purpose-built training ship later this year. The new vessel will be about 24 feet longer and 16 feet wider than the current training ship. But a new pier, which federal officials are requiring MMA to build, will not only address the new ship’s size, but also concerns about rising sea levels due to climate change. The new pier will stick out into the harbor about 135 feet further from shore than the current pier, meaning changes for the local harbor and boaters who come and go from Castine’s waterfront.
More Monies for Electric Grid Upgrades
(Augusta) Upgrades to the electrical grid for Maine businesses is a step closer for many. On Monday, Governor Janet Mills announced nearly $6.5M in Maine Jobs and Recovery Grants to upgrade the grid and to support rural economic development. The monies will allow recipients to invest in new infrastructure, expand operations and facilities and grow their workforce. Six Maine companies were awarded grants, including Kingfish Maine, a recirculating aquaculture facility to be built in Jonesport with a goal of producing 8500 metric tons of Yellowtail Kingfish annually. The $4M grant to Kingfish will allow the company to upgrade the existing power supply to the facility, which they say will eventually employ up to 100 local residents.
(Augusta) More resources announced Monday for Maine businesses to upgrade their electrical grid. Six companies were awarded a total of nearly $6.5M in Maine Jobs and Recovery Grants to upgrade the grid and support rural economic development. Among them, Kingfish Maine, a recirculating aquaculture facility to be built in Jonesport with a goal of producing 8500 metric tons of Yellowtail Kingfish annually. The $4M grant to Kingfish will allow the company to upgrade the existing power supply to the facility, which they say will eventually employ up to 100 local residents.
Human Interest
Ellsworth Public Library Now Offering Coffee
(Ellsworth) There’s a great new place in Ellsworth to get a cup of coffee, and you won’t find a more welcoming or relaxing atmosphere. The Ellsworth Public Library now has coffee for sale, and for just two bucks a cup, it’s a great way to start your morning. Pull up a chair, pull out a book or newspaper, grab a cup of Joe, and enjoy! And don’t forget, you can now download more books and movies than ever through Libby, read the New York Times, and so much more. If you haven’t been to the Ellsworth Public Library lately, you haven’t been. Check out their hours on FB and stop in to learn about and enjoy all they have to offer.
(Ellsworth) Rush out of the house this morning without time for coffee? Stop by the Ellsworth Public Library, and grab a cup for just two bucks. The Ellsworth Public Library now has a coffee table, with fresh, hot brew, a variety of creams, sugar and sweeteners. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the New York Times, the latest best seller, a fiber arts class, a special speaker, or while getting help with your taxes. If you haven’t been to the Ellsworth Public Library lately, you haven’t been. Check out their hours on FB and stop in to learn about all they have to offer.
Sports
The Celtics take on the Nets tonight in Brooklyn.
The Bruins are on the home ice against the Tampa Bay Lightning