Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Island Fire Association Plans Training Site
(SW Harbor) Firefighters on Mount Desert Island have received the go-ahead to create a training area that could benefit all fire departments on or near MDI. The Mount Desert Islander reports the facility would encompass 2/3 of an acre of town-owned land adjacent to the station. Current plans include bringing in metal Conex boxes, similar to shipping containers, and other props to create mazes and simulate dangerous situations. The project does not include plans for burning any type of hazardous materials, nor will the area be paved, and no permanent structures will be built. The facility will be managed and funded by the SW Harbor Fire Association, at no cost to the town or taxpayers.
Local Politics
Libby Refuses to Apologize, Appeals Censure to U.S. Supreme Court
(Portland) Republican Representative Laurel Libby yesterday took her case to the U.S. Supreme Court. A panel of federal appellate judges denied a motion for an emergency injunction to lift the censure placed on Libby while the case is being appealed. WMTW reports that decision came after a lower court denied Libby’s motion to lift the censure from House Speaker Ryan Fecteau while the case goes through the courts. The censure was ordered after Libby posted a clear picture and the name of a transgender athlete on her social media page. The censure means Libby cannot speak or vote on the House floor unless she apologizes for the action, which she reportedly refuses to do.
(Portland) Republican Representative Laurel Libby remains under censure for posting a clear picture and the name of a transgender athlete on her social media page. The student’s high school felt it necessary to hire extra security in light of that action, which also prompted the censure by House Speaker Ryan Fecteau. The censure means Libby cannot speak or vote on the House floor. Yesterday, Libby took her case to the US Supreme Court. A panel of federal appellate judges on Friday denied a motion for an emergency injunction to lift the censure while the case is being appealed. WMTW reports that decision came after a lower court denied Libby’s motion to lift the censure.
Governor Mills Signs Disaster Preparedness Bill
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills has approved bipartisan legislation designed to improve how the state prepares for disasters caused by severe weather. MaineBiz reports LD 1 will deploy $39M in existing fee-based funding, along with federal funds, to support programs such as The Home Resiliency Program that will help homeowners strengthen roofs and flood-proof basements, with more support geared toward lower income homeowners. The bill will also create a new State Resiliency Office and bankroll the Disaster Recovery Fund at the Maine Emergency Management Agency. It will reportedly not draw funds from the state budget.
Ellsworth Absentee Ballots Available
(Ellsworth) Absentee ballots are now available at the Ellsworth City Clerk’s office for the June 10th municipal election. Residents will vote on the City of Ellsworth school budget City Council adopted at its April 21st meeting for the upcoming school year. Additional election information, such as voting locations and how to request an absentee ballot, can be found on the City’s Elections webpage at ellsworth maine dot gov.
Poll Shows Voters Want Secure Firearms Storage Laws
(Portland) New polling shows a staggering 79% of Maine voters approve of secure storage laws that would require gun owners to use a locking device or secure storage container for any firearm not in their immediate possession or control. The Maine Gun Safety Coalition reports that includes 88% of Democrats, 70% of Republicans, and 79% of Independents. A pair of bills currently held up in the Judiciary Committee would require such secure storage, as well as the secure storage of handguns in parked vehicles – a primary source of stolen firearms.
Economy
PFML Deadline
(Augusta) A reminder to employers from the Maine Department of Labor. Tomorrow is the deadline for employers to register for the Maine Paid Family & Medical Leave portal and to submit wage reports and premiums. Anyone with questions can call the center (at 621-5024) between 8 and 5 weekdays.
Northeast Delta Dental Helps Pantry with Oral Hygiene Supplies
(Ellsworth) The shelves at Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth are stocked with toothpaste and toothbrushes, thanks to a $5,000 grant from Northeast Delta Dental. Loaves and Fishes works to feed those in need in Hancock County with a goal of ending food insecurity in the community. The pantry is set up like a regular grocery store, where patrons can shop with dignity for everything from meats, to fresh produce, to toiletries. There’s also a teaching kitchen, and the pantry recently added a computer lab thanks to Downeast Graphics and Printing, for those who need to write resumes, work to further their education, or other needs.
Ellsworth Farmers’ Market Relocates
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Farmers’ Market reopens for the season this Saturday, but don’t look for that farm-fresh produce, those fresh baked goods, and more on Main Street. A new tenant has taken over the former Eagles’ Nest Clubhouse and will be using the parking area that has traditionally housed the vendors. The market will now be held at 25 Pine Street, the location of Fogtown Brewing and Artsworth. That area, while not as visible, will provide space to allow more vendors. Market hours will be Saturdays from 9:30 to 12:30 through late November.
Education
Maine Named Tenth Most Educated State
(Maine) Feeling extra smart these days? A poll by Essay Shark found Maine to be the tenth most educated state in the country, with a score of 59.8 out of 100 on the education index. Massachusetts came out on top with a score of 80.44, followed by Connecticut, New Jersey, Vermont, and New York. Essay Shark gathered data about academic performance, adult education, higher ed access, school infrastructure, resources, and socioeconomic barriers. No word on which states ranked lowest.
Environment
Ocean Energy Research Funding Withheld
(Orono) The Department of Energy is halting ocean energy research funding for the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center. UMaine told WABI it won the money through a national competition last year. In a letter sent to the University, the Department of Energy said the suspension is the “result of the University of Maine’s failure to comply with one or more of the National Policy Assurances.” The University of Maine System maintains it is compliant with all state and federal laws.
(Orono) The University of Maine last year won money to fund ocean energy research through a national competition. The Department of Energy is now withholding those funds from UMaine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center. WABI reports the University received word of the suspension just hours after a 375-ton concrete floating hull engineered by UMaine researchers was towed to Mack Point to study naturally occurring wind and waves. The notice from the federal government claimed the University is not in compliance with one or more of the National Policy Assurances. UMaine officials maintain they ARE in compliance with all state and federal laws.
Blue Hill Heritage Trust Works to Green Up Surry Forest Property
(Blue Hill) Blue Hill Heritage Trust plans to spend the week of May 12-16 transforming their Surry Forest property by planting 1900 trees and shrubs. Regular volunteer activities will be suspended that week to focus on the huge undertaking. As you can imagine, they’ll need lots of volunteers with an eye for detail to help with the project. They say you can come for all or part of a day or multiple days if you like. Snacks, drinks, lunch, and all the tools needed will be provided. Just bring plenty of water, work gloves, and wear closed-toe shoes. They ask that you kindly help them coordinate the work by RSVP’ing if you plan to join them.
Infrastructure
Area Road Work
(Ellsworth) Some road work to let you know about this week. In Ellsworth, Happytown Road will be paved in two sections beginning today through May 1st. Argonne Street, Hold Drive, and Western Avenue are slated for paving on May 2nd. And biannual hydrant flushing starts on May 12 and will continue for about two weeks. Meanwhile in Bar Harbor, Cromwell Harbor Road from the intersection of Main Street to Ledgelawn Avenue is “local traffic only” through May 2nd. The town says detour signs are in place. The purpose of the closure is for contractor construction of underground utilities as part of the Main Street project. Officials say Main Street traffic will not be affected.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Open Thursday
(Boothbay Harbor) Scout out giant trolls, build a tiny village out of birch bark and rocks, stroll through rose gardens, and solve the mystery of the seeds! Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is opening for the season on May 1st. They say the weekend of rain followed by bright sunshine has their plants thriving, just in time for Thursday’s reopening. New this year, a prairie habitat, featuring native plants such as early goldenrod, and groundbreaking for a Horticulture and Plant Science Center. Reserve your spot at maine gardens dot org.
The Grand Pup-arazzi Talent Show
(Ellsworth) Speaking of smart, have you signed that incredibly smart, talented, cute pup of yours up for Friday’s Pup-arazzi Talent Show at The Grand in Ellsworth? Enter in one of four categories, including cutest wiggle butt. The show will be followed by the 2025 New York Dog Festival – strut your mutt, sign up today at grandonline dot org.
Jane’s Walks Planned in Downtown Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) The fourth annual Jane’s Walk is set for Downtown Ellsworth this Saturday. Make that Jane’s WALKS. Heart of Ellsworth, The Ellsworth Historical Society, Ellsworth Public Library, Woodlawn and others will host six walks in Ellsworth – the most of any participating city or town – between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The event was inspired by activist Jane Jacobs and combines the simple act of exploring a place with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement. More than 200 cities and towns around the world participate in the event, 51 Walks will be happening in Maine alone. Find a full schedule at heart of ellsworth dot org. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring your curiosity!
Iberian Peninsula Power Outage
(AP) Spain and Portugal experienced a major power outage Monday, affecting the capitals of both countries and parts of France. Spanish generator RedElectrica says the entire Iberian Peninsula was affected. It wasn’t immediately known how many people were affected or what caused the outage, but the Associated Press reports power has mostly been restored this morning. The region has a combined population of more than 50M people.