Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Surry/Blue Hill/Penobscot Fire Departments Collaborate for Training Burn
(Surry) The Surry, Blue Hill, and Penobscot Fire Departments responded to a burn this week at the Blue Hill-Surry Transfer Station. The blaze wasn’t exactly called in, but was purposely set as a training burn to help the firefighters practice their tactics and strategies to fight wildfires. The relatively dry month has led to the sparking of multiple wildfires across the state in past weeks.
(Surry) These sunny, dry days have allowed for a drying out of already dry grasses across the state, sparking multiple wildfires in the past two weeks. To be better prepared to fight such blazes, the Surry, Blue Hill, and Penobscot Fire Departments battled a training burn at the Surry Transfer Station Wednesday evening. The firefighters say it’s important to have such opportunities in controlled situations in order to better respond with appropriate tactics and strategies to fight wildfires.
Local Politics
Ellsworth City Council Approves Licensing for Sanctuary Inn
(Ellsworth) Against sometimes passionate pushback from residents who live in the vicinity, the Ellsworth City Council this week voted 6-1 to approve licensure of the Sanctuary Inn, a facility that currently serves as a lodging house for those who might not otherwise have housing. The Ellsworth American reports the owner of the nursing-home-turned-motel at 33 Birch Avenue said he hadn’t realized he needed a license. Neighbors said the Inn had created an unsafe environment, with one resident alleging activity involving drugs and alcohol. But residents of the Sanctuary spoke of how the inn has helped them get back on their feet. Owner Armelindo Shahaj says he has kicked people out who don’t follow the rules, which include no smoking, alcohol or drugs on the premises.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth City Council again this week addressed the issue of licensing for a facility for those without other housing. The Sanctuary Inn is a nursing-home-turned-motel at 33 Birch Avenue that currently serves as lodging for those who might otherwise be homeless. The Inn has been operating unlicensed – a requirement owner Aremlindo Shahaj said he didn’t realize was needed. Neighbors said the Inn had created an unsafe environment, with one resident alleging activity involving drugs and alcohol. But the Ellsworth American reports residents of the Sanctuary spoke of how the inn has helped them get back on their feet. Shahaj says he has kicked people out who don’t follow the rules, which include no smoking, alcohol or drugs on the premises. Council Chair Michelle Beal said as with any business, a license can be revoked if the business violates city ordinances.
Streamlined Law Makes Repair and Rebuild Easier
(Portland) State regulators have approved changes in state law that simplify the process for municipalities and property owners to restore natural storm barriers and repair storm damage. WMTW reports with the changes, anyone can now raise piers, wharves, and docks four feet above the base flood level, a process that previously took up to four months because people had to apply for a special permit. A separate emergency rule change allows cities, towns, and coastal landowners to rebuild protective dunes using biodegradable material; again without the normal, lengthy permitting process.
(Portland) State regulators have eased lengthy permitting rules that sometimes added months to the time needed to rebuild structures devastated by storm damage. WMTW reports with the changes, anyone can now raise piers, wharves, and docks four feet above the base flood level, a process that previously took up to four months because people had to apply for a special permit. A separate emergency rule change allows cities, towns, and coastal landowners to rebuild protective dunes using biodegradable material; again without the normal, lengthy permitting process.
Southwest Harbor Seeking New Town Manager
(SW Harbor) SW Harbor is having no trouble finding candidates to replace their current Town Manager, Marilyn Lowell, when she retires this August. Fourteen prospects have expressed interest, with the Select Board narrowing it down to five individuals who will be interviewed next Tuesday via Zoom. The Mount Desert Islander reports the interviews are designed to help pare down the field to one or two candidates who will then tour SW Harbor and ultimately meet the public at an Open House hosted by the town.
(SW Harbor) SW Harbor Town Manager Marilyn Lowell has given notice of her retirement come September. But it seems there’s no shortage of interest from those wanting to fill the position. Fourteen prospects have expressed interest, with the Select Board narrowing the field down to five individuals. Those five will be interviewed this coming Tuesday via Zoom. The Mount Desert Islander reports those interviews will help pare down the field to one or two candidates who will tour SW Harbor and then meet the public at an Open House hosted by the town.
Economy
Disc Golf Course to Open in Blue Hill
(Blue Hill) A Brooksville resident is “tossing” some more fun into Blue Hill next month. The Ellsworth American reports Al Benner plans to open Step Back Disc Golf on Mines Road. Benner says he’ll open the course seasonally between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. or dark each day, beginning May 18th. Benner, who for 20 years owned an organic farm in Pennsylvania, says the 70’s and 80’s theme of the operation is all about slowing down and taking a “step back in time” to soak in the beauty of the land, listen to some timeless tunes, and learn about the local flora and fauna.
(Blue Hill) Residents of the Blue Hill Peninsula will soon have a new recreational facility in which to toss Frisbees and toss their minds back to a simpler time. The Ellsworth American reports Al Benner plans to open Step Back Disc Golf on Mines Road in Blue Hill beginning May 18th. He says the course will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. or dark daily, and will be open seasonally as long as weather permits. Benner says the course combines scenic vistas, terrain changes and challenging play for the experienced and newbies alike. He says the 70’s and 80’s theme of the operation is all about slowing down and taking a “step back in time” to soak in the beauty of the land, listen to some timeless tunes, and learn about the local flora and fauna.
Environment
Acadia National Park Ranked 41st of 63 National Parks
(ANP) One of the country’s smallest national parks is also one of the most popular. So it’s no surprise Acadia ranks 41st out of 63 national parks, according to online travel guide Travel Lemming. The Mount Desert Islander reports the rankings are based on seven criteria, including visits per acre, weather, biodiversity, and affordability. Acadia was ranked sixth most crowded, with 79 visits per acre, compared to 25 at Great Smoky Mountains, 5 at Yosemite, and just 2 at Yellowstone. The park ranks 43rd most affordable, 43rd most accessible, and has the 37th best weather, according to the publication.
(ANP) Online travel guide Travel Lemming ranks the country’s top five national parks, in order, as Shenandoah in Virginia, Joshua Tree in California, Olympic in Washington, Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee, and North Cascades in Washington. Acadia comes in a surprising 41st out of 63 national parks ranked. According to the Mount Desert Islander, the rankings are based on seven criteria, including visits per acre, weather, biodiversity, and affordability. Not surprisingly, considering its small size and large popularity, Acadia ranks sixth most crowded, with 79 visits per acre, compared to just 2 at Yellowstone. The park was ranked 43rd most affordable, 43rd most accessible, and has the 37th best weather.
Bangor Named One of Cities with Cleanest Air
(Bangor) Feel free to take a deep breath when in Bangor. The American Lung Association has named Bangor one in the cleanest cities in the country, based on a new assessment of air pollution. The urban area has ranked among the cleanest for ozone seven years in a row and for its daily measure of low particle pollution the past 15 years.
(Bangor) You don’t have to hike in the Pine Tree State’s many parks and wild areas to breathe some of the cleanest air in the country, although the countryside is arguably less stressful and more aesthetically pleasing. For the seventh year in a row, the American Lung Association has named Bangor one of the cleanest cities in the country, based on a new assessment of air pollution. The urban area has ranked among the cleanest for ozone seven years in a row and for its daily measure of low particle pollution the past 15 years.
Ellsworth Transfer Station Now Accepting E-Waste
(Ellsworth) Have an old TV or computer monitor you want to toss? The City of Ellsworth Transfer Station and Recycling Center is now accepting E-waste materials from City residents. TV and computer monitors can be dropped off for 5 to 10 dollars each, depending on size. Other e-waste, such as laptops, desktop printers, and cellphones are free. Still unacceptable items include fluorescent lights, lamps and bulbs; batteries; freon, large office equipment and other large or hazardous materials.
(Ellsworth) Is that old TV or computer monitor taking up space in your basement? Ellsworth residents can now dispose of such items at the City Transfer Station and Recycling Center. TV and computer monitors can be dropped off for a fee of $5 to $10, depending on size. Also accepted are laptops, desktop printers, and cellphones at no charge. Items that are NOT accepted include fluorescent lights, lamps and bulbs; batteries; freon, large office equipment and other large or hazardous materials.
Health
Federal Guidelines Mandate Healthier School Meals
(Maine) Healthier school lunches may be coming to your child’s school next year. New federal guidelines require schools to limit added sugars to less than 10% of weekly calories. The guidelines also mandate reductions in sodium content. Most school food service directors say they’re in favor of the new guidelines and hope to make the food as tasty and appealing as it is healthy.
(Maine) More from-scratch meals and less preservatives may be on the menu of your children’s school lunches next year. New federal guidelines will require schools to limit added sugars to less than 10% of weekly calories. The guidelines also mandate reductions in sodium content. Most school food service directors say they’re in favor of the new guidelines and hope to make the food as tasty and appealing as it is healthy.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Jane’s Walk Comes to Downtown Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) The third annual Jane’s Walk returns to downtown Ellsworth on May 4th. Community activist Jane Jacobs inspired the global festival of free, volunteer-led walking conversations. The Jane’s Walk festival takes place each year in more than 200 cities and towns around the world, with nearly 50 walks happening right here in Maine. Ellsworth will host both morning and afternoon walks on the fourth. The Ellsworth Jane’s Walk is hosted by Heart of Ellsworth, GrowSmart Maine, and the Ellsworth Historical Society. For more information, visit heart of ellsworth dot org, forward slash janes dash walk.
(Ellsworth) Enjoy a time of forest bathing next to the Union River with a Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Or engage in a walk through downtown Ellsworth with experts who will discuss the city’s past, current and potential uses of the historical buildings. Those are two of the more than 50 Jane’s Walks happening across the state of Maine this May. Community activist Jane Jacobs inspired the global festival of free, volunteer-led walking conversations that take place in more than 200 cities across the globe. Ellsworth will offer two Jane’s Walks on May 4th, morning and afternoon, hosted by Heart of Ellsworth, GrowSmart Maine, and the Ellsworth Historical Society. For more information, visit heart of ellsworth dot org, forward slash janes dash walk.
Sports
The Boston Celtics taking on the Heat again Saturday in Round One, Game Three of the NBA Playoffs. Teams tied at one apiece.
The Bruins leading 2 games to 1 as they head into Round One, Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Saturday against the Maple Leafs.
And the Red Sox home this weekend to go bat-to-base against the Chicago Cubbies.
Ellsworth High School basketball coach, Peter Austin, is stepping down after coaching the Eagles for 17 years, leading the team to two Class B North regional championships in 2016 and 2022.