Crime/Public Safety

BMV Text Scam

(Augusta)  The Maine Secretary of State’s Office is warning people about a statewide text scam claiming to be from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.  They say the scam texts have been reported multiple times already this year.  The messages purportedly threaten people that their vehicle registration and licenses have been suspended and include a link redirecting recipients to a fake website to make an alleged late payment using a credit card.  The validity of any text claiming to be from the BMV can be verified by contacting the Secretary of State’s Office.

Local Politics

Ellsworth Team Attends Municipal Innovation Day

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth City leaders last week attended Municipal Innovation Day at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute. City Manager Charlie Pearce, Deputy City Manager Sara Devlin, and others spent the day learning from municipalities across the state, hearing about innovative solutions, and making connections with other local government professionals.  From tech to community engagement, the team said their main goal was to bring back ideas that will help them better serve Ellsworth residents. Have a concern, an idea, a compliment, an issue?  Reach out and let them know.  

Economy

Five Maine Companies Named Good Food Finalists

(Maine)  Five Maine companies made the list of finalists for the 2026 Good Food Awards.  Judges participated in a blind tasting last October, sampling products from 234 outstanding American companies, who entered 1200 food and drinks by makers dedicated to crafting delicious, sustainable, and responsibly produced goods.  Allagash Brewing’s Allagash and Kickabout lagers scored in the Beer category, the judges loved Bixby Chocolate’s Belize Organic Dark Chocolate Bar, it was ”bottoms ups” for Familia Diaz Honey Pacamara Coffee from El Salvador beans, roasted by Maine’s Tern Coffee.  In the Preserves category, Turtle Rock Farm was noted for two of their fruit spreads, and in the Pantry category, Maine Gravy’s Resurgam Spruced Up was definitely gravy for the judges.  Winners will be announced at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City this June.

Rockland Company Recognized for Insulation Rebates

(Rockland)  Evergreen Home Performance in Rockland has been named the state’s top contractor for insulation rebates in 2025.  The award is presented by Efficiency Maine, who says Evergreen helped more Mainers insulate their homes using rebate programs than any other contractor statewide, at a time when saving on energy costs is more important than ever.  The company offers free consultations to help homeowners identify energy-saving opportunities. Anyone with an older, drafty, or hard to heat home is especially encouraged to check out how better insulating can save on energy costs.

Friendship Cottage Reaches Halfway Point on Fundraising Goal

(Blue Hill)  The push is on to raise the remaining funds needed to purchase the Friendship Cottage property in Blue Hill.  Now under the auspices of Community Action in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock Counties, Friendship Cottage is an adult day care center that is vital to an area without alternatives for those with physical, memory and other mental disabilities.  They  encourage those in need to drop by for a visit and, if so inclined, to enroll. The organization says it has reached a halfway point in its goal of raising the $700,000 needed.  For more information or to donate, contact info at a c a p dash m e dot org.

Maine Veterans Project Needs Car Donations

(Bangor)  One of the amazing ways the Maine Veterans Project helps those who have served is through their vehicle donation program.  MVP says they were on a roll with vehicle donations last year, but that donations have dried up drastically.  They say, every vehicle received in the last 90 days had to be sent to the scrap heap due to not being roadworthy.  MVP has a long list of veterans needing vehicles – from a veteran in need of vital cancer treatments to veterans needing a way to get to work and back, and those who simply need a way to have social interaction.  If you have a vehicle that will pass inspection or one that needs very little work in order to do so, please reach out.  MVP will donate your vehicle directly to a veteran in need.   

URCI Offers The Business of Food Workshop Series

(Ellsworth)  Ever thought about leaving that cubicle and owning a food truck?  Maybe you have a talent for baking or think you’d like to open a small cafe or coffee shop.  The Union River Center for Innovation is here to help, with a four part series entitled, “The Business of Food”.  Workshop dates are February 18th and 25th and March 4th and 11th.  Designed for aspiring and early-stage food entrepreneurs who are exploring, launching, or refining a food-based business, the series is free … but registration is required at union river innovation dot com.

Health

Sweet Smiles to Visit EEMS

(Ellsworth)  Here’s something to smile about!  Sweet Smiles is coming to Ellsworth Elementary Middle School this April, providing dental cleanings and exams for students in grades Pre-K through Grade 3.  If you’re interested in this service for your child, you’ll need to fill out a form you’ll find on the EEMS website or pick one up at the school office TODAY.  No need to do anything if you don’t want your child to participate.  Information on the visit was posted earlier in the district newsletter.

Education

HCTC Valentine’s Buffet

(Ellsworth)  If you’re looking for a delicious lunch today, look no further than the Valentine’s Buffet at the Hancock County Technical Center in Ellsworth. On the menu – roast beef with horseradish cream and beef jus, meat and vegetarian lasagna al forno, grilled pork chops, baked stuffed haddock, and a variety of sides, including a salad bar, breads, and cauliflower gratin.  And, oh, those desserts – chocolate dipped strawberries, red velvet cupcakes, caramel budino custard, assorted pies and cookies and more.  These chefs can cook – all for just $13!.  Seating from Noon to 1:15 today at HCTC’s Valentine’s Buffet.  In case of a snow delay or cancellation this morning, they’ll be serving up the delicious menu on Thursday.

UMA Ellsworth Center Offers Swipe Right for Scholarships

(Ellsworth)  The UMA Ellsworth Center is hosting Swipe Right for Scholarships – a free, virtual scholarship workshop open to all UMA students and members of the public.  The workshop will be held a week from today on Wednesday, February 18th, from 10 until Noon.  Join them for practical, expert guidance on how to find, apply for, and maximize scholarship funding.  Whether you’re new to the process or refining your strategy, they say participants will leave with tools and tips they can use immediately.  To receive a zoom link, register at the link you’ll find on their FB page or contact Lori Googins at the Ellsworth center.

Human Interest

Tortoise Escapes Burning Shed

(California)  We may joke about tortoises being slow movers, but they can book it when they need to.  ABC news reports a pet tortoise in Southern California escaped a fire that destroyed the shed in which she lived after a heat lamp fell and ignited her enclosure.  Security camera footage shows Leo scurrying to safety as the blaze erupts behind her (yes, Leo is a female).  Leo’s owner, who was at a Super Bowl party at the time of the fire, joked on TikTok that the tortoise was in “sports mode”.  We’d just say she made one “shell” of an escape.

Environment

Solar Spring

(NWS)  Here’s a warm thought on a snowy day, the US National Weather Service in Caribou tells us we have officially entered our “solar spring”, marking the end of the darkest quarter of the year.  During the next three month period, we have the greatest increase in daylight.  Solar summer begins between May 5th and 7th – and that will be the brightest quarter of the year.  Hang in there.

Where in the World

(Sullivan)  Congratulations to last week’s “Where in the World is Sonnie?” winner, Lynn Dunbar of Sullivan.  We’ve sent Lynn a $25 gift card to Finelli’s Pizzeria in Ellsworth – yum!  This week’s “Where in the World…” location is up on our social media pages and the guesses are pouring in.  A correct guess this week could snare you a $25 gift card to Musquito Harbor Brewing Company in Winter Harbor – one of our favorites!  Where are we this week?  Check out the pictures on Facebook – the landmarks are a dead giveaway – and guess the city at the link provided by midnight Friday for your chance to win!  Thanks for playing!  

National News 

Federal Judges Scrambling to Address Immigration Lawsuits

(AP)  Federal judges across the country are scrambling to address a flood of lawsuits from immigrants who have been illegally locked up under the Trump Administration’s mass deportation campaign.  The Associated Press reports under previous administrations, people with no criminal record could generally request a bond hearing before an immigration judge while their cases made their way through immigration court.  Trump’s White House reversed the policy in favor of mandatory detention.  Immigrants by the thousands have reportedly been turning to federal courts by using habeas corpus petitions.  A panel of judges on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to deny bond hearings is consistent with the constitution and with federal immigration law.  

Ghislaine Maxwell Appeals to Trump for Clemency

(AP)  Ghislaine Maxwell, the former girlfriend of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, declined to answer questions from House lawmakers in a deposition this week, but indicated that if President Trump ended her prison sentence, she was willing to testify that neither he nor former President Bill Clinton had done anything wrong in their connections with Epstein.  The Associated Press reports Maxwell has come under new scrutiny as lawmakers try to investigate how Epstein, a well-connected financier, was able to sexually abuse underage girls for years.  

Other Countries, Regions Actively Review Epstein Files

(Undated)  While U.S. officials quickly issued a “case closed”, seeming to turn a blind eye on victims of Jeffrey Epstein, other countries and international bodies are actively reviewing and acting upon newly released files.  In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a special team of prosecutors, police, and security services are checking the files for potential Polish victims and any links to Russian security services.  In the United Kingdom, there are renewed calls for Prince Andrew to cooperate with authorities, and former Labor Politician Peter Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords following revelations in the documents.  Other countries reviewing the files include Norway, France, Latvia, and Slovakia.  The newly released documents have also triggered scrutiny over potential links in other regions, including the Middle East and Africa.

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