Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Oak Street Structure Fire
(Ellsworth) A structure fire at 99 Oak Street in Ellsworth on Saturday highlights the critical role of properly functioning sprinkler systems in limiting the spread of fire and damage. Ellsworth Fire Department crews say they arrived to find the two-story multi-family dwelling with a sprinkler activation in the kitchen of a basement apartment. Although there was significant water damage, the fire, caused by unattended cooking, was contained and extinguished by the sprinkler system. The eight occupants of the apartment were displaced, but the building owner is arranging temporary housing. The Ellsworth Fire Department also extended gratitude for the timely response of its mutual aid partners.
(Ellsworth) Fire at a two-story, multi family unit at 99 Oak Street in Ellsworth on Saturday was quickly extinguished by a sprinkler system that was operating properly in the basement apartment. Ellsworth Fire Department crews arrived to find significant water damage; but they say the fire, caused by unattended cooking, was contained by the sprinklers. They say had working sprinklers not been present, the fire could have spread rapidly, increasing the risk to occupants and causing significantly greater damage. The building owner is arranging temporary re-housing for those who were living in the apartment.
Blue Hill Fire Department Battles Late Night Blaze
(Blue Hill) The Blue Hill Fire Department was called to the East Blue Hill shoreline shortly after 10:30 Sunday night and ended up dealing with multiple fires. The main structure was a fully engulfed two car garage, with multiple other blazes that had developed in nearby woods, driven by Sunday’s strong winds. They say the fire burned the garage and about 1.6 acres of wildlands. Mutual aid was provided by the Sedgwick and Brooklin Fire Departments. The Maine Forest Rangers were investigating.
Dirt Bike Collision Injures Teens
(Franklin) An update on a story we brought you yesterday. Two teenage brothers from Franklin sustained serious injuries Saturday while riding dirt bikes in a gravel pit. Maine Warden Service spokesperson Mark Latti reports the 14 and 16 year old rounded a sharp corner coming from opposite directions and collided head on. Neither teen was wearing a helmet. Both boys received multiple head, upper body, and other injuries. The two were taken to Eastern Maine Medical Center, one by LifeFlight. No word on their current condition. The accident remains under investigation.
Local Politics
Fishermen Praise Trump Executive Order
(Maine) While President Trump’s executive order to boost the U.S. commercial fishing industry drew condemnation from environmental organizations, the move has drawn praise from commercial fishermen. Environmentalists say they fear cutting regulations will harm fish populations that have already suffered from climate change and overfishing. The Portland Press Herald reports the order represents a dramatic shift in federal policy on fishing in U.S. waters, favoring commercial fishing interests over allowing supply to increase.
Harvard Sues Trump Administration
(Cambridge, MA) Harvard, the world’s wealthiest university, sued the Trump administration on Monday. The New York Times reports the institute of higher learning, known for among other things its law school, is fighting back against the President’s threats to slash billions of dollars from Harvard’s research funding as part of a crusade against the nation’s top colleges. The lawsuit accuses the government of unleashing an attack as “leverage to gain control of academic decision-making at Harvard” and also references other major universities that have faced abrupt funding cuts when they refused to bow to Trump’s demands.
Governor Mills Orders Flags to Fly at Half Staff for Pope
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills has ordered U.S. and State of Maine flags lowered to half staff statewide in honor of Pope Francis, who passed away Monday at the age of 88. The Governor issued a statement saying Pope Francis inspired millions of people of all faiths through his humble leadership and courageous calls for world leaders to uplift the poor, embrace peace, and take action to care for the planet we all share. Flags are directed to remain at half staff until the Pope’s internment.
Economy
Ellsworth Embraces Growth
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth continues to embrace development that will add, in part, to the tax base. With its vibrant business and arts community, excellent schools, and outdoor recreation, it’s little wonder the City has seen significant growth in recent decades. The Bangor Daily News reports Ellsworth City Manager Charles Pearce said new growth is the lifeblood of rural communities. While nearby communities have pushed back on development – Bar Harbor has temporarily halted new transient lodging development, Lamoine banned glampground resorts, and Blue Hill continues to fight to save a blueberry barren from development – Ellsworth continues to welcome growth, including a new Dysart’s convenience store and car wash on the site of the former Branch Pond Marine, a new courthouse off High Street, and a Witham Family Properties Home2 Suites going up near the Hampton Inn.
Ellsworth American to Move Printing and Mailing Operations to South Portland
(Ellsworth) It’s the end of an era for a local newspaper. The Ellsworth American has been printed in Ellsworth for 174 years, but effective June 6th, printing and mailing operations for the American and the Mount Desert Islander will be moved to South Portland, resulting in closure of the Ellsworth plant. The move will mean the layoffs of about ten staff members, who were given the option of moving to Portland. Owner Reade Brower reportedly entered an agreement with the Maine Trust for Local News, a group that includes the Portland Press Herald and Lewiston Sun Journal, and said consolidation was a necessary step in order to ensure the papers’ economic viability.
(Ellsworth) Some rather solemn headlines from the Ellsworth American and the Mount Desert Islander on Monday. Effective June 6th, the Ellsworth plant will close, with printing and mailing operations moving to South Portland. The papers will still be printed – that just will no longer happen on Water Street, after 174 years of the presses running here in Ellsworth. Sources say the shift will mean layoffs for about ten employees, who were offered the opportunity to move to Portland. Owner Reade Brower reportedly entered an agreement with the Maine Trust for Local News and said consolidation was a necessary step in order to ensure the papers’ economic viability.
Economic Uncertainty Boosts Home Sales in Maine
(Maine) Home sales are up in Maine, and the Bangor Daily News credits President Trump for the trend. Portland realtor Tom Landry said his clients are acting early this year to list second homes in Maine, amid growing economic uncertainty. Landry said he’s hearing from sellers who are looking to reduce exposure, cash out second homes or rebalance their investments, with many wanting the comfort of liquidity.
Education
Children’s Center Gift
(Augusta) The Children’s Center in Augusta recently received a million dollar gift from the estate of Kaye and David Flanagan. The Center is an early childhood intervention and family support services organization for children with special needs that serves a seven-county area. The gift will largely be used in an endowment restricted only to compensation of staff, with the remainder used to close out the 2023 expansion. The organization says Kaye Flanagan is a former board Member, and dedicated advocate for children with special needs.
Environment
Annual Card Brook Cleanup
(Ellsworth) It’s almost time for the Annual Card Brook Cleanup in Ellsworth. This year’s cleanup up is set for this Saturday, April 26th, from 9 until Noon – with a May 3rd rain date. Participants meet at the Hannaford parking lot, check in, get their supplies and assignments and can come for all or part of the morning. Lunch following the cleanup is provided by the Ellsworth Elks Lodge, and includes a raffle with great prizes donated by our wonderful local businesses. The say wear sturdy footwear, and just show up … or register ahead of time (which really helps!) by contacting Assistant City Planner Brittany Merrill.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Milbridge Theatre CAC Gears Up for 151st Kentucky Derby
(Milbridge) If you’re a fan of the “Run for the Roses”, the Milbridge Theatre and Community Arts Center will have you racing for these fun activities. This Saturday at 1, design your own Kentucky Derby Hat! Then on Derby Day, May 3rd, wear it in style at the theatre’s spring fundraiser and Kentucky Derby Party. The Derby Day fun begins at 6 p.m., with more than a thousand dollars worth of prizes to raffle off, along with games, burgoo, and mint juleps. Proceeds will benefit Milbridge Blooms. Post time is 6:57 p.m. on May 3rd, and raffle winners will be drawn following a live viewing! Follow MTCAC on Facebook for details on all their events.
SPCA Yard Sale
(Trenton) You might call it dressers for dogs or collectibles for cats. Whatever you call it, don’t miss this weekend’s yard sale benefitting the SPCA of Hancock County in Trenton! All items have been donated to the SPCA, which relies solely on local funding. Air conditioning units, furniture, artwork, bedding, lamps, televisions and more. The sale will take place at 18 Wayman Lane from 11 to 3 this Friday, and from 9 to 3 on Saturday and Sunday. Purchases can be made by check, cash, or credit card. And who knows? You might just come home with plans to adopt a fur-ever friend, as well!
Cooper Flagg Declares for 2025 Draft
(Newport) Newport, Maine native and Duke freshman Cooper Flagg has announced his intent to enter the 2025 NBA draft. Flagg led the Blue Devils to the Final Four and captured numerous awards and accolades along the way. The 18 yo, who made the announcement yesterday in a video on his Instagram account, is projected to be the Number One overall draft pick.