Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
MEMA to Offer Course on Cooling/Warming Centers
(Augusta) If your business, municipal agency, or nonprofit is interested in opening a warming or cooling center anytime this year, the Maine Emergency Management Agency invites you to attend a free Disaster/Emergency Sheltering Course. The course has been created to provide staff and volunteers with information on best practices for preparing, setting up, and managing such shelters. Courses will be offered on several dates and times at no cost, based on the availability of participants, who will receive an email confirmation and a Microsoft TEAMS link no less than 48 hours prior to the course session. To register, contact william dot guindon at maine dot gov.
(Augusta) Winter is about to arrive, full force. If your municipal agency, business, tribal management, or non-profit is interested in setting up a Warming and/or Disaster Shelter, you’ll want to register for an upcoming Maine Emergency Management course. Among other topics covered, accessibility, security, capacity considerations, pet sheltering, and providing food. The course will be offered via Microsoft TEAMs, January through March, and those who register will receive an email confirmation no less than 48 hours prior to the course session. To register, contact william dot guindon at maine dot gov.
Dedham House Fire
(Dedham) Fire heavily damaged a home in Dedham Saturday afternoon. WABI-TV reports multiple departments responded to a home on Neighborly Way about 1:30. According to the Lucerne Fire Department, there was heavy smoke and flames showing when they arrived. The fire was quickly contained, but the house incurred extensive heat, smoke and water damage.
(Dedham) A house in Dedham incurred heavy damage from heat, smoke, and water Saturday afternoon after a fire broke out at the home on Neighborly Way. WABI-TV reports the Lucerne Fire Department and others were called to the home about 1:30, where they encountered heavy smoke and flames. They say the fire was under control in less than 15 minutes.
Farmington Gas Leak
(Farmington) A gas leak at the Marshalls Department store in Farmington sent two people to a hospital Saturday morning. Crews were called to the store on Hannaford Drive just before 11:30 after several people reported a strong propane odor and others complained of feeling ill. Maine Health EMS crews evaluated a total of 9 patients, according to a press release. Marshalls and the adjacent Rent-A-Center were closed while the issue was resolved. Crews shut down the gas to the building and notified the gas company. The nearby Hannaford Supermarket was not affected.
(Farmington) Farmington Fire Units and Maine Health EMS crews were dispatched to the Hannaford Drive Marshalls Store in Farmington Saturday morning after several people reported a strong propane odor and others complained of feeling ill. Once on the scene, crews conducted a 360 of the building, shut down the gas, and notified the gas company. A low level of propane was detected in one section of the building. Marshalls and Rent-A-Center managers agreed to close while the issue was resolved. The nearby Hannaford Supermarket was not affected.
INSPIRE Recovery Center Named NonProfit Partner of the Year
(Ellsworth) Healthy Acadia’s INSPIRE Recovery Center has been named NonProfit Partner of the Year. The honor was bestowed at Eastern Maine Development Corporation’s Annual Awards Banquet. The recognition honors the invaluable support and dedication INSPIRE has demonstrated in serving those in recovery, under the direction of Beth Alteri and her staff. The Center, which opened in September 2021, is located at 24 Church Street in Ellsworth.
(Ellsworth) Healthy Acadia’s INSPIRE Recovery Center helps individuals through the recovery process, with coaching, wellness programs, and essential community connections. Opened in 2021, under the direction of Beth Alteri and staff, INSPIRE has helped countless of the often most vulnerable. The Center was recently honored at Eastern Maine Development Corporation’s Annual Awards Banquet as NonProfit Partner of the Year. EMDC said the Center was deserving for helping so many regain their footing, empowering them to pursue meaningful career opportunities.
Economy
Acadia National Park Passes on Sale
(Ellsworth) Looking for that perfect stocking stuffer? The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce has Acadia National Park passes on sale. Through December – but only while they last, you can buy discounted passes to Acadia National Park, good for all of 2025. Cash or check only, and the Chamber only has a thousand to sell, first come, first served. The Chamber is located at 151 High Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30.
(Ellsworth) Give the gift of outdoors! While they last, Acadia National Park passes, good all of next year, are on sale at a discounted price at the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce. But don’t delay, there are only a thousand passes available at the Chamber, first come, first served. A great stocking stuffer! Cash or check only, please. The Chamber is located at 151 High Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30.
Desert Harvest Leaves Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) It was just four years ago that a health supplements company called Desert Harvest purchased the Maine Grind Building on Main Street in Ellsworth. At the time, the building housed Flex-It Cafe, a home goods shop, and professional offices, all of which were forced to relocate. Last month, Desert Harvest moved back to its state of origin, Colorado, and put the building up for sale. The Bangor Daily News reports the building is listed for $1.2M.
(Ellsworth) The health supplements company that displaced businesses and offices when it purchased the Main Grind Building on Main Street in Ellsworth four years ago, has packed up and moved back to Colorado Springs. Desert Harvest began in Colorado 30 years ago, then moved first to North Carolina, then to Maine. Flex-It Cafe, which anchored the building, was forced to move down the street, while the other businesses and offices also scrambled to relocate. The Bangor Daily News reports Desert Harvest officials did not respond to messages seeking comment about the move. The building is listed for $1.2M.
Education
WinterKids Offers Free Lessons for Winter Learning
(Maine) For educators who want to take their learning outdoors this winter, WinterKids is offering a free, ready-to-use four week outdoor learning curriculum that combines science, outdoor exploration, and teamwork, while engaging kids and keeping them active during the long winter months. The 2025 WinterKids Winter Games Play Along Track’s theme is “Weather”, and it includes simple lessons, weekly incentives, and flexibility that schools can adapt to their schedules. Again, there’s no cost to Maine Schools. Learn more and register at WinterKids dot org.
(Maine) Here’s an opportunity for teachers who want to keep their kids engaged this winter … and get them outdoors for some winter learning fun! WinterKids is offering a free, ready-to-use four week outdoor learning curriculum that combines science, outdoor exploration, and teamwork, while engaging kids and keeping them active during the long winter months. The 2025 WinterKids Winter Games Play Along Track’s theme is “Weather”. It includes simple lessons, weekly incentives, and flexibility schools can adapt to their schedules. Best of all, the program is free to Maine Schools. Register at WinterKids dot org.
School Boards Suspend Superintendent
(Deer Isle) A Superintendent responsible for schools in four Hancock County towns has been suspended by multiple school boards. Following a teacher’s union vote of no-confidence last week, Daniel Ross was suspended from his superintendent duties at Brooklyn School, Sedgwick Elementary, and Deer Isle Elementary and High School. Teachers say under Ross’s leadership, morale dropped dramatically, and they accused him of creating a climate of disrespect while also failing to address multiple concerns. Ross on Saturday submitted his resignation, effective December 17th.
(Deer Isle) The Superintendent in charge of four Hancock County Schools since 2022 has reportedly been suspended by multiple school boards. Last week, the teacher’s union of Brooklyn, Sedgewick, and Deer Isle Elementary and Deer Isle High School held a no-confidence vote against Daniel Ross. The educators say under Ross’s leadership, morale dropped dramatically and that he failed to address multiple concerns and fostered a climate of disrespect. Ross has since submitted his resignation, effective December 17th.
Infrastructure
Bar Harbor Road Work
(Bar Harbor) The Town of Bar Harbor will begin improvements to Hancock Street today. Work includes excavation and one way traffic control. Because of its proximity to the hospital, workers will not close off traffic entering or exiting the hospital. However, patients are encouraged, if they’re able, to use the Wayman Lane entrance onto hospital grounds. Construction is expected to last through the Spring.
(Bar Harbor) Improvements to Hancock Street in Bar Harbor are planned, beginning today and running through the Spring. The Town says it’s aware of the work’s proximity to the hospital and that workers will not close off traffic entering or exiting that facility. They do ask, however, that those who are able to utilize the Wayman Lane entrance do so during construction. Otherwise, work includes excavation and one way traffic control.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Heart of Ellsworth Gathering of Gratitude
(Ellsworth) Join Heart of Ellsworth tomorrow night at Serendib for a very special “Gathering of Gratitude”, celebrating community in downtown Ellsworth. Tickets include a five-course off-menu meal, drinks, and the opportunity to hear from the Heart of Ellsworth board, Executive Director, and community leaders about the organization’s mission and ongoing impact, including the 2024 Main Street America Accreditation. Tickets at heart of ellsworth dot org.
(Ellsworth) Tickets are limited, so reserve your spot now for Tuesday evening’s “Gathering of Gratitude”, a fundraising dinner and evening sponsored by Heart of Ellsworth. Tickets include a five-course off-menu meal, drinks, and the opportunity to hear from the Heart of Ellsworth board, Executive Director Cara (CARR-uh) Romano, and community leaders about the organization’s mission and ongoing impact, including the 2024 Main Street America Accreditation. Tickets at heart of ellsworth dot org.
Sports
Celtics off until Thursday
The Bruins take on the Jets in Winnipeg tomorrow night.
The Patriots had the week off.
High School Basketball: On the girls’ side this evening, Old Town takes on John Bapst and the Sumner Lady Tigers take on the George Stevens Eagles.
Boys’ action tonight – Shead vs. Woodland, the Calais Blue Devils face the Narraguagus Knights, and Old Town shooting hoops with John Bapst.