Local Politics

Maine Supreme Court Rules Against Expanding Ranked Choice Voting

(Augusta)  The Maine Supreme Judicial Court on Monday ruled a Democrat-backed bill to expand ranked choice voting would violate the Maine Constitution if passed.  NewsCenter Maine reports LD-1666 would extend RCV in Maine to races for governor and seats in the Maine legislature.  The bill being questioned would define the winner of an RCV election as the plurality winner – meaning the winner would simply need more votes than any other candidate, rather than an outright majority.  Supporters say the winner would still represent the candidate with the most support.  Opponents argue the Maine Constitution does not say there are different ways to get a plurality winner.  

Farmers, Forestry Workers Rally in Support of Bond

(Augusta)  Farmers, forestry workers and others gathered at the Statehouse in August yesterday morning to push for a $45M agriculture and forestry bond, as lawmakers prepare for a key Senate vote.  NewsCenter Maine reports the rally followed a narrow procedural vote Friday in which LD 2094 failed to advance … by a single vote.  Advocates urged senators to revive the measure, arguing it would put the decision in the hands of Maine voters, not lawmakers, to decide whether to approve investments in farming, food systems, and forestry infrastructure. Last week’s close vote likely signals the proposal still has a viable path forward if lawmakers hear from constituents.

Economy

Union River Lobster Pot Sold

(Ellsworth)  Sold – that’s the word from the Union River Lobster Pot in Ellsworth.  Brian and Jane Langley told The Ellsworth America the new owner is Diwas Thapa of Breakwater Hospitality in Bar Harbor.  Thapa also owns vacation rentals and restaurants in the tourist mecca, including Two Cats, Bar Harbor Lobster Pound, and Royal Indian.  The Langleys opened the popular seafood restaurant back in 1996, and it’s been the only restaurant in Ellsworth with views of the Union River.  It’s rated number 1 of 47 restaurants in Ellsworth on Trip Advisor.  Brian is also well-known for his many contributions teaching at HCTC and serving as a state legislator. After 30 years, the Langleys say it’s time to enjoy those summers in Maine … spent chasing grandkids.    

Waldo County Woodshed 

(Belfast)  The season has ended for the Waldo County Woodshed in Belfast; but this week, founder Bob MacGregor expressed appreciation for an unexpected donation from the Maine Community Foundation.  MacGregor founded the wood bank in 2015 after reading a Bangor Daily News Op-ed about helping residents with heating costs through volunteer-run, nonprofit “food pantries for wood distribution”.  A $750 donation from a Bangor Savings Bank manager enabled the start up, which in its first season provided 20 quarter-cords of wood to neighbors.  The group has been highlighted in the New York Times and has since sparked the creation of wood banks in Surry and on Mount Desert Island.  According to the group’s FB page, preliminary math shows they gave out nearly 170 cords of wood this season, evidence of the ongoing need.  To volunteer or donate to a wood bank near you, simply google wood banks for your area.  

Drivers’ License Services Coming to Machias Town Office

(Machias)  Machias area residents will soon be able to access drivers’ license services at the Machias Town Office.  The office is hosting the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles for road tests for first-time drivers and will soon welcome BMV4ME, a traveling BMV service that will visit monthly and offer drivers’ license renewals, REAL ID services, license photos, and more.  Follow Machias Town Office on FB for updates and schedule details, to be announced later this month.  

Environment

Lady Slippers a Type of Escape Room for Bees

(USFWS)  If you’re fortunate enough to see your woods dotted with those lovely pink Lady Slippers, know that that beauty can be deceiving, especially for one of our most prolific pollinators.  According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, bees see the showy orchid and think, “Finally, nectar!”  The bee enters the blossom, sees no nectar, but finds itself inside a floral escape room with only one specific exit.  The entrance closes behind it, and the only way out is through a tight opening near the top of the flower.  However, while squeezing through its exit, the befuddled buzzer gets covered in pollen and immediately falls for the same trick at another Lady Slipper, pollinating the next generation.  USFWS says it’s just the native orchid’s way of running one of the most elaborate pollination scams in North America.  

Health

RSV Immunization Window Extended

(Maine)  Because the RSV virus continues to linger longer than usual, immunizations for infants and toddlers will now be available through the end of this month.  The respiratory malady generally follows a fall-to-spring pattern, with vaccinations recommended through the end of March.  However, federal data shows positivity rates are significantly higher than at this time last year. Maine is not alone in extending the window for getting vaccinated – most states are seeing the same trend and extending their immunization windows, as well.

Infrastructure

Culvert Replacement Detour to Close Route 175 in Penobscot

(Penobscot)  Plan ahead if you travel Bayview Road in Penobscot.  The Weekly Packet reports the culvert replacement project at Mill Creek on Route 175 will begin in earnest April 20th and last through May 20th.  Closing the road during construction will effectively cut the town in half.  For travelers on this main link between Blue Hill, Penobscot, and Castine, that means a lengthy detour during the closure.  Prep work will begin this Monday, April 13th.  Crews say replacing the culvert is critical to restoring an important habitat and fish run and also to raising the roadway, which is increasingly subject to flooding.  Town officials have been working to ensure they’re prepared for emergencies.  They say Bucksport will most likely be handling ambulance service on the west side of town.  In case of a fire there, there will be an automatic dispatch for Castine.  Plans for school bus routes are also in place – contact your child’s school to learn more.

Isle au Haut Dredging

(Isle au Haut)  Isle au Haut’s thoroughfare is set to be dredged this fall, the first time since 1979.  According to Island Ad-Vantages, the channel will be dredged to a depth of six feet.  Over the past 50 years, sources say it has filled to the point where sometimes during extreme low tides, the mailboat is forced to go around Kimball Head, costing extra time and fuel.  The issue has worsened over the years, resulting in changes in schedule or even cancelling a trip.  The mailboat ferries between three and five thousand passengers to the national park on Isle au Haut each summer and also provides emergency services for the island, with the channel helping to expedite such services.

Human Interest

Healthy Acadia Celebrates 25 Years

(Ellsworth)  To celebrate 25 years of community-driven work to improve health and well-being across Hancock and Washington Counties, Healthy Acadia invites the public to “Art for Health and Hope” during National Public Health Week, April 6th through the 12th.  What started as a small, grassroots effort has grown into a trusted regional organization, offering a successful annual food drive, a gleaning initiative, exercise and nutrition programs and more.  Two free public art-making gatherings are planned – tomorrow from 3 to 5:30  p.m. at 77 Beechland Road in Ellsworth … and Friday, April 10th, from 3 to 5:30 at 121 Court Street in Machias.   All are welcome, regardless of artistic experience.  Learn more at healthy acadia dot org.

April 9th is Local News Day

(Ellsworth)  More than 1200 newsrooms across the country will celebrate Local News Day on Thursday, a national effort to raise awareness about the vital role of trustworthy local news.  The Maine Community Foundation says the state’s vibrant local news outlets are integral to thriving communities in all corners of the state, and MCF’s Press Forward Maine initiative is working to ensure Mainers have access to trusted local news and information.  They say pay attention – trusted local news sources cover local events, regardless of politics or bias.  When thousands show up at local No Kings rallies, when town meetings involve controversy, when local citizens form initiatives to benefit local communities – are your news sources covering it all?  MCF encourages you to consider a subscription to or giving a listen to your local news outlet in order to protect their integral work.  We’re so grateful for your support.

Heart of Ellsworth Fundraising Dinner

(Ellsworth)  As we shared last week, Ellsworth has earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places.  In 2024, the City earned Main Street America status.  Both honors benefit the city economically, socially, and in historic preservation efforts … and both are thanks in large part to Heart of Ellsworth.  Here’s an opportunity to give back. On May 3rd, Provender Kitchen & Bar is hosting an exclusive fundraising event to benefit Heart of Ellsworth.  The evening will feature a special menu created for the occasion, a full cocktail menu available at the cash bar, and an intimate gathering for supporters and friends. Tickets are available at heart of ellsworth dot org – don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy a first-class meal and presentation and benefit an organization that benefits Ellsworth in so many ways.

National News 04/07/26

Iran Rejects Latest Ceasefire Proposal  

(AP)  Iran on Monday rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal, saying it wants a permanent end to the war, even as Israel attacked a major gas field and following President Trump’s seemingly unhinged ultimatum for opening the Strait of Hormuz.  Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of Iran’s diplomatic mission in Cairo, told the Associated Press he no longer trusts the Trump Administration after the US bombed the Islamic Republic twice during previous rounds of talks.  Although a regional official who was involved said talks had not collapsed, Trump stepped up his threats against Iran, telling a press conference, “The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night,” referring to his Tuesday deadline.

Artemis II Surpasses Distance Record

(AP)  Artemis II yesterday surpassed Apollo 13’s distance record, enjoying magnificent views of the moon’s far side, never before witnessed.  The six-hour flyby is the highlight of NASA’s first return to the moon since the Apollo era.  Less than an hour before kicking off the fly-around, the four-member crew surpassed the distance record of 248,655 miles set by Apollo 13 in 1970 … and kept going, hurtling farther out to a new distance record for humanity.  Mission Control expects Artemis II to beat the old record by more than 4,100 miles.  The plan is for the mission to return home, splashing down in the Pacific on April 10th.  

Supreme Court Sides with Bannon in January 6th Conviction

(Washington, DC)  The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday cleared a path for Steve Bannon’s effort to dismiss his conviction for defying a congressional subpoena related to the January 6th, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol.  Bannon, former chief strategist to President Donald Trump, spent four months in prison in 2024 after a jury found him guilty on two misdemeanor counts of Contempt of Congress.  The Washington Post reports the high court sent the case back to an appeals court for reconsideration in light of a motion to dismiss filed by the Justice Department in February.

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