Crime/Public Safety

Deer Isle Man Charged

(Deer Isle)  Authorities have charged a Deer Isle man in connection with vandalism at a Stonington market.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office tells Downeast Digest vandalism causing thousands in damage was reported at the Burnt Cove Market in the early morning hours Sunday.  It’s believed 31 yo Mark Vallejos damaged the storefront, along with multiple vehicles parked at the store, before brandishing a firearm and fleeing the scene. Vallejos was taken into custody Monday at a Deer Isle residence where he was staying. He’s charged with aggravated criminal mischief and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was scheduled for arraignment yesterday.

Fire at Baileyville Paper Mill

(Baileyville)  A weekend fire at the Baileyville paper mill was quickly extinguished, with no injuries reported.  Firefighters were called to the site shortly before Noon Saturday and say it created more smoke than fire.  The mill has been under additional scrutiny since a January gas leak that resulted in the deaths of two employees.

Local Politics

Ellsworth Launches Ordinance Review Site

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth has launched a new page all about the Comprehensive City Ordinance Review, giving citizens a behind-the-scenes look at how Ellsworth is reviewing and updating its ordinances to better reflect community needs and priorities.  They say whether you’re curious about the process, want to follow along for updates, or are interested in providing input, the Review page is the place to start. City officials encourage you to use your voice and be engaged, no matter your thoughts.  A link is provided on the City’s FB page.

Economy

Scallop Meeting Focuses on Survey, Apprenticeship Program

(Sullivan)  More than 20 scallop harvesters joined MDMR scientists and members of the marine patrol at the February meeting of the Scallop Advisory Council in Sullivan.  Island Ad-Vantages reports the focus of the meeting was to provide an update on the spring scallop survey and recommendations for an apprentice program for new scallop harvesters.  Points of contention for harvesters were the limited number of days rotational zones were open for harvesting, and what some saw as a disconnect between certain closures and what they witnessed while dragging.  Regarding the apprenticeship program, harvesters said the proposed course didn’t come close to providing the skills and experience needed by new harvesters. The next meeting is set for May.  

Loaves and Fishes Internet Cafe

(Ellsworth)  There’s a new cafe open in Ellsworth, with a focus on those in need of secure, high-speed internet service.  Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry this week officially opened its “Internet Cafe” and computer area to the broader public. The dedicated, private area is a space with four Dell desktops and printer access where users can enjoy reliable, secure access to the web, relax, socialize, and enjoy a cup of hot coffee while working on resumes, research or other needs.  Users are also welcome to use their personal devices, including cell phones, to access high-speed wifi.  The Internet Cafe is accessible during the pantry’s open hours. The technology is made possible largely  by community supporters  Dom Efter and Arlyn Whitelaw, owners of Downeast Graphics and Printing.

Education

MSM Scholarship Application Period Opens

(Cherryfield)  Maine Seacoast Mission is now accepting applications for its 2026-27 academic year scholarships.  The program is open to current high school seniors and adult learners who live in Hancock and Washington Counties or on an outer island served by the Mission.  The Mission has awarded almost $3M to more than 3500 students since the scholarship program began in 1918.  Apply through April 15th at seacoast mission dot org.

Health

Red Cross Data Shows Rise in Diabetes, Pre-diabetes

(Undated)  New data from the American Red Cross reveals one in five blood donors have elevated A1C levels – a sign prediabetes and diabetes are prevalent among adults who are in generally good health.  They say early detection isn’t just good for long-term health, it’s also good for your wallet.  This month, the Red Cross will provide free A1C screening on all successful blood, platelet, and plasma donors.  Visit red cross blood dot org to schedule your appointment.  Just a reminder, mobile blood drives are going away in our area, but you can still sign up and access them through July at red cross blood dot org.  After that, you’ll need to donate at the Center in Bangor.  The Red Cross says the issue is an economic and staffing one.

Primary Care Shortage

(Maine)  If you’ve tried to find a primary care physician in Maine, you know there’s a real shortage.  The Portland Press Herald reports the problem is only expected to get worse.  They say while the state is graduating more doctors, keeping them here is hampered by several issues, including the state’s lack of residency programs, the high cost of medical school coupled with low pay, health systems that are in financial jeopardy, and doctors preparing for retirement.  A 2025 study projected a shortage of 120 primary care doctors by 2030.  While the state has taken some steps to attract and keep primary care physicians, a bill proposed last year that would have used close to $2M in state tax dollars to boost rural medical education stalled in the Legislature and was carried over to the current session.

Infrastructure

Versant Improves Eastport Delivery

(Eastport)  Imagine if your entire town’s electric service was delivered through a single transmission line that connected it to the mainland grid.  Until 2018, that was the situation in Eastport; so any disruption – whether from Nor’easters, strong winds, or fallen trees, often resulted  n outages affecting the entire city.  To help remedy the situation, Versant upgraded more than 200 cross-arms on utility poles with more resilient composite materials.  They also recently installed a new transformer, additional substation equipment, and more to increase capacity and improve reliability.  The company says it continues to make targeted upgrades across northern and eastern Maine to replace aging equipment and modernize infrastructure in order to better withstand severe weather.

Technology

URCI Offers Tech Support

(Ellsworth)  Do you have a love/hate relationship with your personal devices?  Take them to lunch at the Union River Center for Innovation on March 12th.  Their tech coaches will help you rekindle the love!  Enjoy a light lunch while restoring your relationship, courtesy of Wireless Zone.  Register at 664-7110.

Human Interest

Woodlawn Relaunches Membership Program

(Ellsworth)  The Woodlawn Museum in Ellsworth is proud to announce the relaunch of its membership program!  Director Meghan Doherty notes the relaunch of the program, which has been dormant for a couple of years, is the perfect moment to welcome folks back as members.  Becoming a member supports all aspects of what makes this treasure of Ellsworth’s history so special.  In addition to The Black House Museum and workshops for all ages, the grounds at Woodlawn offer trails, sledding, and ice skating (weather permitting) and croquet … and The Barn is the perfect venue for that wedding or other special event.  There are multiple tiers of membership for every economic level.  Own a part in Ellsworth’s history – your history.  Become a member or volunteer at woodlawn ellsworth dot org.

Northeast Harbor Library Chess Tournament

(NE Harbor)  Chess enthusiasts, mark your calendars for Friday, March 13th!  It could be your lucky day, as the Northeast Harbor Library and MDI Chess host a free-to-enter, officially sanctioned chess tournament. Open to players of all ages and experience levels.  The Mount Desert Islander reports, as the day is a professional development day for many area school students, it’s the perfect time for a family-friendly competition.  While there’s no charge for the event, registration is required.  Visit n e h library dot org.

National News

Officials Reportedly Leave Immigrant to Die 

(Buffalo)  Tensions continue to rise over the treatment of immigrants by Border Patrol and ICE agents.  The Washington Post reports last month, a 56 year old refugee was found dead near an arena in downtown Buffalo, New York, after federal agents dropped him off after picking him up from the county jail, where charges against him were resolved by a misdemeanor plea.  Relatives spent days searching for 56 yo Nurul Amin Shah Alam, who spoke little English and who was partially blind and in poor health.  US CBP agents dropped the man outside a coffee shop that was reportedly closed to find his way home on a bitter cold evening.  His body was found days later about five miles away.  Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan demanded answers, calling the agents’ actions “dereliction of duty”.  

LWV Opposes Administration’s Efforts to Nationalize Voting

(Undated)  The League of Women Voters says claims that non-citizens participate in federal elections are “wildly overdramatized and false”.  They say it is already illegal for non-citizens to register to vote AND cast a ballot in state and federal elections across the country.  In 2016, the Brennan Center for Justice found that across 42 jurisdictions with high immigrant populations, there were only 30 cases of suspected noncitizens voting out of more than 23 MILLION votes cast – or one one-thousandth of a percent.  Opponents say the Trump Administration’s efforts to pass the SAVE Act and claims of the need to nationalize elections are desperate efforts that would disenfranchise thousands of voters as the country heads toward the mid-terms.  

US Pledges to Send More Troops

(Washington, DC)  The US-Israeli attack on Iran and wide-scale Iranian reprisals expanded Monday, with the United States pledging to send more troops to the region.  The Washington Post reports the Administration expects more US troop casualties.  A fourth service member died Monday, following the weekend attack, which is reported to have killed Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. About 150 students were also killed at an Iranian girls’ school.  While President Trump claims his goal is regime change, the President has offered no plan for what comes next.  Democrats are demanding an immediate vote to restrain the Administration’s actions, which were made without the approval of Congress.

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