Crime/Public Safety

Searsport Operation Leads to Multiple Drug Arrests

(Searsport)  Following a months-long investigation in Searsport, Maine Drug Enforcement Agents Tuesday obtained search warrants for residences at 22 Homestead Lane and 119 Loop Road.  With the help of the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office and Searsport PD, agents seized methamphetamine, cocaine, firearms, and more than $4300 worth of suspected drug proceeds. Three Searsport residents were arrested and charged, including 65 yo David Hersom, 47 yo Melissa Dyer, and 42 yo Holly Jo Ward.  Two Massachusetts men were also taken into custody.  The suspects were taken to the Waldo County Jail to await arraignment.

Spotting Fake News

(Undated)  People are fed up with the news media these days – in many cases, rightly so.  But it has  never been more important to get the facts AND to be aware of what’s going on.  Fact check dot org provides a great primer on how to spot fake news.  First, they say, check the U R L.  For instance, ABC News dot com is a legitimate news source; abc news dot com dot c o is not.  Especially within the U.S., anything that ends with something other than dot com is likely to be a spoof.  Next, if someone important is quoted, Google the quote.  If legit, it can be tracked back to an event or statement.  Finally, reverse search a questionable image on Google by right clicking the image and copying the U R L.  Go to images dot google dot com and paste the URL to find out where it came from.  Other valuable tools include Politifact dot com for politics, snopes dot com for general scams, and truth or fiction dot com and hoax slayer dot com for email and facebook hoaxes.  And please, DO stay informed with trusted, legitimate news sources and DON’T post on social media without checking the facts first.

Local Politics

Ellsworth Property Assessment Inspections

(Ellsworth)  Beginning March 23rd, the City of Ellsworth will be conducting building permit follow-up inspections for property assessment purposes.  The City has engaged Municipal Consulting Group to assist with the assessment in order to ensure records remain accurate and up to date.  MCG staff may visit properties where permits have been issued for improvements, such as new construction, additions, and the like, and may take measurements and photographs for record-keeping only.  The city says they are not related to building code enforcement or compliance inspections.  If you have questions, visit m c g maine dot com or contact the Ellsworth City Assessing office.

Surry School Board Declines to Support GSA Supplemental Tuition Referendum

(Surry)  The Surry School Board this week voted not to support a forthcoming referendum question related to supplemental tuition at George Stevens Academy.  According to The Weekly Packet, board members were divided on the issue, with one voting in favor and four against.  Board members said the vote did not mean they did not support GSA, but they did cite concerns over declining enrollment and costs.  The vote follows a trend of resistance to GSA’s requested $1700 per student extra funding for the 2025-26 school year, aimed at addressing budget shortfalls.  

Blue Hill Planning Board Denies Subdivision Application

(Blue Hill)  The Blue Hill Planning Board last week denied final approval for the proposed Jonathan Fisher Fields subdivision off Herrick Lane. The Board reportedly determined the ten-lot development failed to meet all the requirements of the Subdivision Ordinance.  The project was submitted by Harborview Apartments, LLC and would create ten single-family lots in the currently undeveloped area.  Residents whose properties abut the area raised concerns about increased traffic, stormwater runoff, and the strain on municipal wastewater capacity.  It’s unclear whether the applicant will submit a revised proposal which addresses the board’s concerns.

Economy

Meals on Wheels Needs Community Support

(Maine)  Three hundred seven – that’s the number of people in our community currently on a waiting list for Meals on Wheels through Eastern Area Agency on Aging.  EAAA says there are many ways to help … from donating money to donating your time.  They say delivering meals brings us face to face with the realities with which many of our neighbors live every day – declining health, food insecurity, unsafe housing, isolation and loneliness.  Meals on Wheels not only helps by providing nutrition, but through regular human connection.  To learn more about ways you can help, visit E A A A dot org.

Former Stockton Spring Schoolhouse on the Market

(Stockton Springs)  We recently shared the story of an idea of turning unused school buildings into affordable housing.  A former school building in Stockton Springs could be just the ticket.  WABI reports the facility was built in 1853, with the last class graduating in 1968. It has since been purchased and turned into an 18-room, six bedroom, 4-½ bathroom home that could be subdivided by the right investor – especially since it’s currently listed for just $275K, down from an original asking price of $370K.  If you’re interested and would  like to tour the home, it’s listed with Re/Max Realty.

Education 

Ellsworth Teacher Transforms After-School Program

(Ellsworth)  A former Ellsworth High School Science teacher has taken her expertise from the classroom to the District’s after-school program – transforming not only the program, but also the lives of students who participate.  Jillian Baker stepped into the role of the program’s Director this fall.  Using a federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, the newly-revised program extends student learning and helps kids thrive, both at the Elementary-Middle and High School levels.  Baker says the program is designed to provide a cohesive after-school structure that includes daily snacks, transportation, dedicated academic help and access to clubs and extracurriculars, like the Skate and Robotic Clubs, ensuring kids can thrive in high-interest activities in a safe, chaperoned and structured environment.  Looking ahead, they’ll be connecting with community organizations, such as the Maine Outdoor School, to expand even further, helping students find activities that suit their passions and interests.

Environment

El Nino Concerns

(Undated)  Scientists say the planet could experience a strong or even super El Nino later this year, one that could rival the strongest ones in history.  That’s according to new data released this week.  The impact could affect the frequency and location of heat waves, flooding downpours, and droughts, along with where hurricanes could hit and declining sea ice concentrations.  Researchers say there’s also a growing chance this year’s El Nino, especially if it’s a strong one, would push global temperatures to record levels, particularly in 2027.

Acadia Youth Conservation Corps Returns

(ANP)  The Youth Conservation Corps is back this year at Acadia National Park.  The eight-week, non-residential program is a life-changing opportunity for youth ages 15 to 18 to learn the inner workings of a national park, develop teamwork and leadership skills, build confidence and self-esteem, and perform meaningful work, such as maintaining Acadia’s trails, carriage roads, natural resources and more. Friday is the final day to submit an application.  You can do so at n p s dot gov.

Spare the Garden Cleanup – For Now

(Undated)  Beautiful days like yesterday may have gardeners itching to get out and “clean everything up”.  But ecologist Paul Avellino says, “Not so fast!”  Most of the work happening in a healthy garden is done by creatures we rarely see – ladybugs tucked into dry leaves, lacewings sleeping inside curled stems, and native bees sealed inside hollow stalks like tiny time capsules waiting for spring.  Much of what looks like last year’s mess is actually next season’s workforce waiting to wake up.  Conservationists estimate up to 70% of beneficial insects overwinter in plant debris, with many not emerging until temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees.  So, put down the rake, grab a good book, and when the weather does warm for good, Avellino says move slowly and observe carefully so as not to harm your garden’s best growth experts.

Human Interest

GSA Girls Win MPA Sportsmanship Award

(Blue Hill)  Congratulations to the George Stevens Academy girls basketball team.  During tournament week, they were honored with the Maine Principals Association Class C Girls Sportsmanship Award.  The Lady Eagles were presented with the honor at the Cross Insurance Center. The recognition honors outstanding ethical conduct – every bit as shining as that gold ball.    

National News

Trump Draws Ire for Wearing Baseball Cap at Dignified Transfer

(Dover, DE)  President Trump continues to face blowback for wearing a baseball cap emblazoned with gold USA letters during a dignified transfer ceremony for soldiers killed in the war with Iran.  Critics included some members of the GOP, who derided his opting not to remove the cap as the remains of the first six service members killed in the war were carried off an Air Force plane.  Americans also criticized Fox News for airing footage that inaccurately showed Trump hatless.

Punch the Monkey Not Alone in Bonding with Stuffed Toy

(Japan)  You’ve no doubt seen footage of little Punch the monkey who was rejected by his mom at a zoo in Japan.  For days, Punch was recorded dragging around and clinging to a stuffed orangutan as he struggled to make friends.  He’s since bonded with another adult female and is learning to make friends his own age, as well.  The Washington Post reports tiny Punch isn’t alone in finding comfort in a stuffed substitute.  Lizzy, a chimpanzee at a sanctuary in Georgia, bonded with a small Grinch doll.  The first fellow Henry the Penguin met after hatching was a stuffed likeness named Tom, and Kaikai, a 9-month old African elephant,  found comfort in an inflated tire that she flips over and over and uses as a pillow when she sleeps.  We’re guessing there are a few humans out there who still have favorite toys and blankets, as well.

Iran War Update

(Washington, DC)  The Pentagon now says about 140 U.S. troops have been wounded in the Iran war as of Tuesday, eight severely.  Yesterday, Iran launched new attacks on Israel and Gulf countries, keeping up pressure on the Middle East. The Associated Press reports the war has killed more than 1200 people in Iran, close to 400 in Lebanon, and eleven in Israel.  The United Arab Emirates Defense Ministry reported two more deaths there after nine drones hit the country.  Drone attacks were also reported in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.  President Trump on Monday sent contradictory messages, telling Republican lawmakers the war was likely to be a “short excursion”, but threatening in a social media post just hours later that the U.S. would dramatically increase attacks if Iran tried to close the Strait of Hormuz, a major avenue for the transport of oil that has virtually been cut off since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28th.   

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