Crime/Public Safety

Wesley Volunteer Fire Department Gets Funding for New Fire Station

(Wesley)  The Washington County town of Wesley has secured $2.5M in federal funding to help with construction of a new fire station.  The Department credited Senators Susan Collins and Angus King with helping to ensure the funding, part of a 2026 Appropriations Bill passed into law this month.  The new station will also serve as an Emergency Operations Center they say will significantly enhance the community’s emergency response capabilities.  Construction will be several years in the making.

Federal Agents Seize Workers in Skowhegan

(Madison)  Witnesses say officials from the U.S. Border Patrol and possibly other agencies on Tuesday stopped a busload of workers headed from a former motel in Skowhegan to Backyard Farms in Madison.  The agents reportedly boarded the bus speaking Spanish and ultimately detained all 17 workers on the bus.  The Portland Press Herald reports the Backyard Farm workers come on H-2A visas, which are for temporary agricultural workers. Officials as of Wednesday had not confirmed details of the operation, including where the workers are from, why they were detained, or where they were being held.  

Fatal Overdose Numbers  Fall

(Maine)  Maine saw a significant decrease in fatal overdose cases in 2025.  Officials say the 390 overdose-related deaths last year were a 20% drop from 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline and the first time fatal overdoses have fallen below 400 since 2019.  

Local Politics

Ranked Choice Voting

(Augusta)  Maine lawmakers this week passed a resolution asking the Maine Supreme Judicial Court for an advisory opinion as to whether ranked-choice voting could be used this fall to elect a governor and a new Legislature. The method has been used in primaries and federal races, but the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in 2017 ruled ranked-choice voting could not be used in state-level races, since the constitution requires winners of those races to be determined by whoever gets the most votes.  If approved, the Portland Press Herald reports, it could mean a major change to the way Mainers vote on dozens of races this election season.

Postcards Request Proof of Voter Eligibility

(Augusta)  The Maine Secretary of State’s office last month mailed postcards to 148K registered voters who had not cast ballots in the past two federal elections.  According to a news release, the postcards are to verify the individual’s residency and eligibility to vote in Maine.  The mailing is part of Maine’s routine maintenance of its voter rolls under the National Voter Registration Act.  Addressees were advised to return the reply cards within 20 days of receipt.  If not confirmed, inactive voters will be asked to confirm residential addresses and may be required to complete an updated voter registration application at the polls.

Economy

Gouldsboro Planning Board Approves Development

(Gouldsboro)  The Gouldsboro Planning Board has approved a plan from John W. Goodwin, Jr. Construction to develop a 10-acre rock quarry off Rocky Road.  The Ellsworth American reports the project will be the only one of its size in Gouldsboro, located “right smack in the middle of nowhere,” which addresses public concerns about noise and traffic.  The development also reportedly complies with environmental concerns.  Board Chair Deirdre McArdle said the community must have support for business in order to be a thriving municipality.

Ellsworth Seeks Use of Property in Hancock

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth is looking at leasing part of a property at 17 Wyman Road in Hancock.  The property would be used to house school buses and facilities for the Parks and Recreation and Water Departments.  A discussion of the issue will take place at Monday’s City Council Meeting.  The Ellsworth American reports if the Council provides authorization, and if School Superintendent Amy Boles and City Manager Charlie Pearce negotiate a contract, the terms would be brought back to the School Board and City Council to approve.  The School Department currently leases property on Bucksport Road to house its buses, but that contract expires in May.  

Heart of Ellsworth Hosts Annual Meeting

(Ellsworth)  It was Standing Room Only Tuesday night at Heart of Ellsworth’s Annual Meeting.  Board President Karen Otto was honored as Board Member of the Year, Eric Marichal as Committee Member of the Year.  And Volunteer of the Year Randall Simmons was particularly singled out for his hours of work on the Franklin Street Parklet Design.  Heart of Ellsworth, under the direction of Executive Director Cara Romano, has built an impressive resume in its 10-plus years in Ellsworth, securing Main Street America status, raising thousands in grant dollars, and now awaiting word from the National Park Service about designation as a National Historic Downtown.  To learn how you can be involved, sign up for their newsletter and follow them on social media.

Education

College of the Atlantic Surpasses Fundraising Goal

(Bar Harbor)  College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor this week surpassed their Annual Day of Giving fundraising goal, unlocking a $125K matching gift and a participation goal that secured an additional $25K in support for COA faculty, staff, and students.  The intentionally small eco-minded school regularly tops the list of greenest schools in the U.S.

Human Interest

Meir Mission Rescheduled

(Cape Canaveral)  If you follow Caribou, Maine native Jessica Meir on her space missions, you know yesterday’s launch was scrubbed.  A new target date is set for tomorrow at 5:15 a.m. from Cape Canaveral.  Meir, who is heading this mission, her second trip into space, will ride with her crew aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station.  The 8-month science mission will focus on human health research and technology demonstrations for future Moon and Mars missions.

Paris Love Locks Come to Downtown Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  It’s a common sight on bridges in Paris this time of year.  People purchase locks, write a message of love or a word or two of wisdom, attach them to a bridge spindle, and keep the key.  Black Moon Public House is bringing the romantic tradition to Ellsworth.  Beginning at Noon on Friday, you can purchase a red or pink lock for $6, write your message and attach it to their back door “prison gate”.  Katina and her staff even have permanent markers you can use to “state your case”.  Keep the key or give it to your loved one for a special Valentine remembrance.

Valentine’s Day Spending

(Undated)  Flowers, chocolate, wine and dinners out – consumer spending for this year’s Valentine’s Day is projected to hit a record $29.1B.  That’s according to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation, which asked close to 8K consumers about their Valentine’s shopping plans.  Shoppers also plan to spend a record amount on gifts – close to $200, up from about $189 last year.  The most popular gift?  Candy, bought by 56% of consumers, followed by flowers and greeting cards, jewelry and evenings out.  

Jonesport-Beals Grad Shines on Shimmering Stars Cheer Team

(South Portland)  2025 Jonesport-Beals grad Cody Leighton has always been about being involved and helping others.  These days, the Freshman at UNE has joined The Shimmering Stars as what’s called a “buddy”.  The Stars are one of seven different teams that make up a very unique South Portland Fire Cheering. Athletes range from 6th grade to adult, with half the athletes being neurodivergent or having a physical disability – the others acting as neurotypical buddies.  The idea, according to NewsCenter Maine, came from Coach Nicole Fitzgerald, whose high school teammate, Emily, embodied everything an ordinary cheerleader would – she just needed a place to shine.  Fitzgerald says the team is about 50% about the actual sport and 50% about friendships – making sure everyone knows they’re valued.  To learn more, visit them on FB.  

EPL Internship

(Ellsworth)  Don’t forget about applying for the Ellsworth Public Library’s paid internship.  The library is looking for someone aged 16-22 to work 2 to 4 hours a week between March and May, creating social media content to promote a documentary film series at the library and explore themes such as diversity, democracy, and what the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence means now.  Apply by February 15th by emailing communications at ellsworth library dot net.  

In National News Headlines:

The FAA Wednesday reopened airspace around El Paso International Airport after originally announcing a 10-day closure to address cartel drone incursion.

At least seven people, including the shooter, died during a school shooting at a small school in northern British Columbia Tuesday.  Two other victims were found dead in a nearby home.  

And recent investigations have identified at least two dozen ICE employees and contractors who have been charged with crimes since 2020, involving patterns of corruption, sexual abuse and violence.  Nine were charged within the last year, coinciding with a rapid agency expansion to 22K employees..

After Arizona Senator and longtime naval officer Mark Kelly and five other lawmakers created a video reminding U.S. troops they did not have to obey unlawful orders, the Trump Administration sought retaliation.  On Tuesday, a Grand Jury forcefully rejected the Administration’s bid to label the group’s dissent as a criminal act warranting prosecution. 

Also this week … court documents were unsealed showing the FBI relied on debunked claims to obtain a warrant to seize 2020 voting records from Fulton County, Georgia, the county where Trump pressured officials to “find him more votes” in order to overturn Biden’s win.

You’ll find more details on these and other national news stories on our National News page.

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