Crime/Public Safety

Orland Selectmen Prepared to Sign Bucksport Ambulance Contract

(Orland)  Orland selectmen said they would sign a proposed new ambulance contract with neighboring Bucksport. The three-year contract would more than double the current fee, but select board members say they currently have no other option.  Under the current agreement, Orland pays $63K to Bucksport for the service.  Bucksport officials say they’re not trying to profit off other communities, but the charges are simply what it costs them to operate.  Orland voters will have the final say at their annual meeting in June.  The River Observer reports the current EMS contract expires June 30th.

Local Politics

Lubec Considers Short Term Rental Ordinance

(Lubec)  Lubec is the latest town to consider drafting a short term rental ordinance aimed at addressing housing shortages and reducing strain on local services, such as parking.  According to The Maine Monitor, Lubec officials are considering regulations similar to those adopted by Stonington in 2023.  Residents have expressed concerns about rising rental costs and say rentals are reducing available housing for those who live and work in the town year round, although some say vacationers and rental owners inject revenue into the community via their tourism dollars.

Verona Island Residents to Consider Nearly $372K Budget

(Verona Island)  Voters on Verona Island will be asked to consider a nearly $372K municipal budget at their annual town meeting on Saturday.  The River Observer reports the overall proposed budget is a 3.1 percent increase over last year.  Major expenses include salaries for town employees, an increase in snow plowing costs, and a nearly $30K increase for fire and ambulance coverage from Bucksport.  Residents will also be asked to approve an ordinance permitting residential rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy systems with planning board and code enforcement approval.  The meeting is set for 7 p.m. on March 28th at the Town Office.

Maine Senate Passes Bill to Keep Veterans Housed

(Augusta)  The Maine Senate recently voted unanimously and on a bipartisan basis to advance a bill that would provide funding to keep Maine veterans housed.  LD 2135 was sponsored by Democratic Senator Tim Nangle of Windham.  The legislation aims to prevent homelessness among Maine veterans by providing meaningful support to help overcome common housing barriers.  The fund would be launched with a one-time $90K transfer from an existing sports wagering revenue account.  Funds would provide grants to nonprofit organizations that help veterans secure and maintain permanent housing.  LD 2135 now faces additional votes in the House and Senate.

MDI Reorganization Vote Delayed to November

(Bar Harbor)  The committee tasked with overseeing restructuring of the Mount Desert Island Regional School System has pushed the referendum vote to November.  The RPC says the delay will allow more time for public engagement and refinement of the proposal.  Superintendent Mike Zboray told the Mount Desert Islander the committee’s goal of creating a fairer, more equitable model of education for the future of Trenton, MDI, and outer island communities remains unchanged.  The reorganization proposal aims to consolidate administrative and financial structures across multiple communities, a change supporters say will strengthen the region’s schools and improve their ability to adapt to future challenges.

Economy

BIA Asks Community to Support TSA Workers

(Bangor)  As the federal shutdown continues, TSA workers at Bangor International Airport by and large continue to show up for work each day without pay.  BIA officials say the TSA team continues to serve with professionalism and positivity; while behind the smiles they wear, many are facing real challenges at home. Because TSA workers are prohibited from accepting anything at screening checkpoints, the airport has designated a drop off location at 188 Maine Avenue should folks wish to donate grocery, gas, or restaurant gift cards.  We’ve shared donation guidelines from the airport on our social media pages.

Education

Taunton Bay Adventure Camp 2026

(Sullivan)  It’s not too early to start thinking about registering the kids for summer camp!  The Friends of Taunton Bay in Sullivan has two Adventure Camps planned this year, July 21-23 and August 4-6 from nine until noon at Gordon’s Wharf.  Participants will explore how sea animals and plants live together, depend on each other, and change over time.  A scavenger hunt will scope out microplastics and invasive species, kids will try digging for clams and much more.  Campers who live in Sullivan get their $75 camp fee paid, thanks to Sullivan Parks and Recreation.  To learn more or to register, visit Town of Sullivan, Maine on FB.

Environment

Spring CleanUps Planned

(Gouldsboro)  Once these snows finally melt, they’re likely to reveal a good deal of trash that has accumulated along the roadways.  Many local towns are planning roadside cleanups.  The Towns of Gouldsboro and Winter Harbor are dedicating the entire month of April to such projects.  You can pick up bags, grabbers, and safety vests from totes located outside each Town Office, beginning a week from tomorrow.  Then join the celebration on April 22nd at The Pickled Wrinkle to be shown appreciation for your work and to thank you for helping Schoodic shine.  

Health

Maine’s Wild Blueberries a Healthy Boost to Diets

(Orono)  It’s no secret Maine’s wild blueberries are a superfood.  The Pen Bay Pilot reports more than two decades of preclinical and clinical studies suggest regularly consuming the wild berries supports gut and heart health and may reduce risk factors associated with chronic disease.  UMaine Clinical Nutrition Professor Dorothy Klimis-Zacas recommends a half to one cup per day.  According to her research and that of others, blueberries contain polyphenols – bioactive compounds that have particularly powerful effects on vascular health.  Compared to conventional blueberries, the wild crop has twice the antioxidant content and 72% more fiber. Klimis-Zacas’s research was the first to show wild blueberries also reduce inflammation and vascular dysfunction. 

Infrastructure

Elevator Being Installed at Stonington Building

(Stonington)  Things are a bit up and down at the Island Connectivity Hub and Small Business Center in Stonington – or at least, they soon will be. Construction of a three-story elevator is underway at the former Stonington School Building, which was built in 1905 and needed the addition in order to become ADA compliant.  According to the Penobscot Bay Press, the elevator will expand access to technology, services and high-speed internet.  The north side of the building is restricted during construction, but access to the Island Community Center and Food Pantry is available via Memorial Lane.

Mines Road Rehab Slated for 2026

(Blue Hill)  A $10M rehab project is planned for a critical stretch of road on the Blue Hill Peninsula this year.  The rehab focuses on a roughly three mile section of Mines Road, or Route 15, the busiest state highway in the area.  Maine DOT says the road is vital for commuters and heavy trucks traveling between Blue Hill and the Deer Isle-Stonington region.  Prep work and planning were included in the 2024-25 work plans, with major construction to begin this spring. The road will be reconstructed from the ground up, including replacing culverts.  According to MDOT, work will begin at the Sedgwick town line and extend north just over 2 miles.  Detours for commuters will likely entail alternating one-way traffic, with 10-30 minute delays during peak commuting hours.

Island Explorer Begins Offering Limited Spring Service

(MDI)  The Island Explorer bus service has begun offering limited Spring service.  Beginning this week, they’ll be operating the Gateway Center, Loop Road and Schoodic Routes.  The fare-free propane-powered bus system serves Acadia National Park and surrounding communities as an aid to help defray traffic congestion.  Buses have racks for up to six bikes, excluding e-bikes, are wheelchair accessible, and welcome leashed, well-behaved pets on the bus floor.  For more information, visit explore acadia dot com.  

Human Interest

Skowhegan Town Manager Dies

(Skowhegan)  The town of Skowhegan is mourning the death of Town Manager Nicholas Nadeau.  Nadeau took over the role just last year and previously served as town administrator in Blue Hill.  A press release from the town gave no details about the cause of his death.  The Select Board will step in to support staff and their work for the immediate future.

WVOM to Revamp Programming – Hale Out

(Bangor)  Conservative talk radio WVOM is revamping its programming – cutting a longtime icon in the business.  Radio host George Hale, who has done the George Hale Ric Tyler Show with his co-host since 2004, told WABI he received a phone call from Blueberry Broadcasting’s Bruce Biette last week that they were making changes to the show and that Hale would not be a part of it.  Hale said he was surprised to get the call while he was on vacation in Florida.  He said Biette offered him a farewell show when he returns, but that he hasn’t decided on whether or not he wants to take him up on the offer.

National News 03/24/26

Trump Claims Iran Wants to Make a Deal

(Dubai)  President Trump on Monday said the U.S. was talking with a “respected” Iranian leader and claimed the Islamic Republic was eager for a deal to end the war.  According to the Associated Press,, Trump refused to name the Iranian leader who was supposedly talking with Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.  Trump also extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or risk attacks on its power plants, saying the country had five additional days.  The President’s turnaround and the possibility of bringing an end to the war, now in week four, drove down oil prices and gave stocks a jot.  Iran denied any talks have been held, with the Iranian parliament speaker posting on X, “…fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets.”

Pilots Killed in LaGuardia Crash

(AP)  Two pilots were killed late Sunday when an Air Canada jet carrying more than 70 passengers collided with a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.  The Associated Press reports the impact severed the cockpit and hurled a flight attendant, still secured to her seat, away from the crash.   She survived.  The fire truck was crossing the tarmac just before midnight after being given permission to check on another plane.  Before the collision, sources say an air traffic controller can be heard frantically telling the fire truck to stop.  The controller later appeared to blame himself, saying “We were dealing with an emergency earlier.  I messed up.”

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