Crime/Public Safety

Authorities Arrest Connecticut Man in Connection to Lubec Incident

(Lubec)  Authorities have arrested a 29 yo Connecticut man in connection with an incident in Lubec in February.  On February 22nd, Devin Bishop reportedly sped across the bridge from Campobello Island into Maine.  A Customs and Border Patrol Agent pursued Bishop’s vehicle.  Officers say Bishop then got out of his vehicle and assaulted an officer who was attempting to arrest him, attempting to grab the officer’s firearm in the process.  A motorist stopped to help and was able to disarm Bishop, who was then taken into custody.  The firearm did apparently discharge, but police say no one was injured.

Lamoine Woman Arrested on Drug Charges

(Ellsworth)  Maine Drug Enforcement Agents with the Assistance of Ellsworth Police last Thursday arrested a Lamoine woman on drug-related charges.  They say 28 yo Gabrielle Battis was stopped on the Bayside Road following surveillance at a local business.  Battis was on pre-conviction bail following an arrest last June.  A search of her vehicle reportedly yielded fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and suspected drug proceeds.  Battis was taken to the Hancock County Jail.

Arrest Warrant Issued for Embattled Ellsworth Attorney

(Ellsworth)   An arrest warrant was issued Friday for Hancock County probate judge William B. Blaisdell IV.  Blaisdell reportedly failed to show up March 12th for yet another contempt hearing over unpaid child support payments due his ex-wife.  Ongoing issues led to his being suspended from serving as a judge or lawyer, and his law license was suspended for a year last April after a contempt of court charge.  In addition to child support issues, court records show he also failed to file federal or state income tax for at least three years.

Local Politics

Jonesport Voters Opt to Stop Funding for Repair of Historic Building

(Jonesport)  Voters at last week’s town meeting in Jonesport opted to stop work on an historic downtown building located at 46 Main Street.  The town bought the building last year and received a $25K grant to stabilize the 1800’s era structure while they sought other funding.  Having spent just over half that so far, the Board of Selectmen asked voters to allow them to use the remaining funds to continue maintaining the building until its future was decided, but the Maine Monitor reports that request was rejected 40-28, with the general sentiment being the building wasn’t worth saving and should be torn down to allow for parking.  However, Selectmen cautioned the remaining funds were designated for the building’s preservation and that the cost of creating a parking space would likely fall to taxpayers.

Washington County Auditor Resigns

(Machias)  Washington County’s auditor, Stephen Hopkins, has given the county his notice of resignation.  Hopkins said he is unable to meet the deadline set by the county commissioners and Machias Savings Bank for completing 2023 and 2024 audits.  The County paid its 2025 Tax Anticipation Note last month, paving the way for the bank to issue a 2026 TAN, with several terms and conditions, including completion of the aforementioned audits by June 30th.  Washington County is currently looking for a replacement, as well as a full time Finance Director.

Economy

Vote for 2026 Ellsworth Chamber Awards

(Ellsworth)  Voting is now live for the 2026 Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce Awards to be presented at the Annual Chamber Dinner and Awards Ceremony in May.  Nominees for New Business of the Year include Chloe’s Cafe, Black Moon Public House, and Farmhouse Coffee Shop.  Revitalization Award nominees are Horch Roofing, The Crocker House, and the Barn at Woodlawn.  And Customer Service nominees include Fogtown Brewery and Provender Kitchen and Bar.  First National Bank has been tapped to receive this year’s Top Drawer Award.  Cast your votes at business dot ellsworth chamber dot org.

Education

Technical Schools Shine at Skills USA

(Ellsworth)  The medals shine brightly at Skills USA competitions, but the students and their teachers who work hard all year to get there shine even more brightly.  This year’s two-day event brought 1400 students from more than two dozen career and technical schools to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor to compete in over 100 categories – from culinary to law enforcement and from small schools to large. Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology entered eight students, two of whom earned medals in Basic Healthcare and First Aid/CPR.  Students from The Hancock County Technical Center in Ellsworth brought home 50 medals, including 19 gold, out of 80-plus competitors.  Congratulations to everyone who coached, competed, and volunteered.

Ellsworth Businesses Treat Teachers 

(Ellsworth)  Teachers work hard to train the business leaders of tomorrow.  So on Friday, Ellsworth business leaders treated them to food, flowers, and a focus on appreciation for their dedication.  For the sixth straight year, more than 20 local businesses showered Ellsworth  educators with pizza, gift baskets, and bouquets as they gathered at Ellsworth Elementary Middle School for professional development.  Jack Frost, Director of Community Giving for Bar Harbor Bank and Trust said he and the other contributors realize the importance of showing appreciation for those who often don’t get a lot of breaks or kudos for the difference they make.

Interim Principal Named Pemetic Principal 

(SW Harbor)  After an extensive search and interview process for next year’s Principal, it seems all roads led back home for Pemetic School.  The Southwest Harbor School Board has nominated Carolyn Todd, who has served as interim principal, to take the job permanently.  School Superintendent Mike Zboray told the Mount Desert Islander Todd stepped into the interim position after a rough year last year and has created an environment of trust throughout the school, in spite of some difficult decisions.  The motion to nominate Todd passed unanimously 4-0, with one committee member absent.

Mason Named Skills USA Advisor of the Year

(Ellworth)  To say HCTC Instructor Tara Hart Mason goes above and beyond for her students is an understatement.  The Business Leadership and Hospitality Instructor and Skills USA Advisor was recently honored for her dedication as 2026 Skills USA Advisor of the Year.  HCTC says her attention to detail, organization, and willingness to put in extra time make her a valued leader and beyond deserving of the recognition.

Infrastructure

Machias Bridge Replacement

(Machias)  If you live in or plan to travel through Machias in April and likely beyond, be prepared for a detour.  The Maine Department of Transportation will replace the current temporary bridge covering the dike apparatus for the entire month of April, which they say could lead to a 30-day closure of the causeway.  MDOT signs are posted to give drivers a heads up.  The temporary replacement is meant to last until MDOT can begin the rebuild of the full dike and causeway.

Mud Season Closes Down East Sunrise Trail

(Maine)  Mud Season is upon us, and that means the closure of local trails in order to protect them from ruts and damage from use by ATV’s and the like.  Signs are posted on the Down East Sunrise Trail.  The carriage roads at Acadia National Park remain open for now; but warming temperatures mean look for restricted use soon – we’ll keep you posted.

Human Interest

Maine Statehood

(Maine)  Happy Birthday, Maine!  Maine officially became the 23rd state on March 15th, 1820, separating from Massachusetts via the Missouri Compromise.  Maine entered as a free state in order to balance out Missouri’s admission as a slave state.  The War of 1812 was a major catalyst due to Massachusetts not protecting the Maine coast from British occupation.  Our northern border with Canada wasn’t fully settled for another 30 years, with the signing of the Webster-Asburton Treaty of 1842.  

Northern Maine Ice Busters

(Madawaska)  Speaking of Northern Maine, the Northern Maine Ice Busters returned to Long Lake in Sinclair this weekend to create another of their spinning ice carousels…this year’s a 250-foot diameter celebratory circle created for the USA’s 250th year.  This year’s feat was also  held in conjunction with the Long Lake 100 snowmobile races.  The Ice Busters have traded world records with Finland for the world’s largest ice carousel and plan to return in 2027 to regain their title.  We strongly encourage you to check out their FB page, where you can see first-hand what all the good, cold fun was all about!

Shaw Institute Partners with Stanley Subaru

(Blue Hill)  The Shaw Institute in Blue Hill has entered into a landmark partnership with Stanley Chevrolet, with the dealership providing the institute with a two-year lease of a Chevy Silverado EV, an all electric truck that will aid the research center in its cutting edge environmental field work.  Executive Director Dr. Charles Rolfsky says a cornerstone of the partnership is the launch of a new mobile STEM experience, which brings hands-on science education directly to schools and homeschool groups in Maine, focusing on rural and underserved communities.  Stanley Chevrolet owner Mark Politte praised the Shaw Institute for their “incredible work – from protecting our health and coastline to inspiring the next generation of scientists” and said the lease aligns with their goal of investing in the communities they serve.

Where in the World Winner

(Camden)  Congratulations to our latest “Where in the World is Sonnie?” winner!  Wanda Gatcomb of Hancock was whose name was drawn Saturday from the many of you who correctly guessed we were in Camden!  We’ve sent Wanda a $25 gift card to Pat’s Pizza and thank all of you for playing! Since Saturday was March 14th, 3.14 or Pi Day, this week’s winner gets a $25 gift card to Helen’s!  Clues to this week’s location are up on our social media pages; and judging by the many responses we’ve already received, the location is one of your favorites as well as ours!  Head to our website and make your guess by Midnight this Friday! 

National News

Trump’s Calls for Help Go Unheeded

(Washington, DC)  President Donald Trump’s appeals to China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and others to send warships to keep open the Strait of Hormuz have resulted in little response, as oil prices continue to surge during the war with Iran.  Iran has said the Strait is open to all except the U.S. and its allies.  One fifth of the world’s oil flows through the narrow waterway, which is controlled by Iran.  Meanwhile, as gas prices soar and a partial government shutdown drags on, the global aviation system faces a perfect storm of disruptions, with domestic travelers arriving at hubs to massive slow downs and long lines due to the TSA crisis.  Wait times of up to three hours were reported at airports in New Orleans and other locations.  

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