Crime/Public Safety

Stockton Springs Fatal

(Stockton Springs)  Authorities continue to investigate a Monday evening crash on Route One in Stockton Springs that claimed the life of a woman from Old Orchard Beach.  Public Safety officials say shortly after 6 pm, troopers responded to a report of a head-on collision involving two vehicles.  Preliminary reports indicate a truck driven by 42 yo Adam Sorrentino of Belfast was westbound when he struck an eastbound Subaru Forester driven by 77 yo Anne Pomroy.  Pomroy was pronounced dead at the scene.  Sorrentino was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact Trooper Ryan Nadeau with Maine State Police.

Lebanon Arson Fire

(Lebanon)  A 27 yo man is under arrest, accused of setting a fire that destroyed four vehicles in Lebanon last week.  Crews were called to a wooded lot about 2 p.m. on April 6 where they found the burned vehicles and called in the State Fire Marshal’s Office, which determined the fire had been intentionally set.  An arrest warrant was issued for 27 yo Jayce Racicot of New Hampshire.  The vehicles were destroyed on property owned by Racicot’s grandfather, who also owned three of the vehicles.  Racicot was arrested in Rochester, New Hampshire on an outstanding warrant and is being held pending a fugitive from justice hearing.  

Malfunctioning Driveway Sealer Likely Cause of Manchester Fire

(Manchester)  A blaze that destroyed a building owned by a paving company Monday was likely caused by a malfunctioning driveway sealer.  Public Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Downeast Digest, crews from at least nine departments responded to an alarm just before 7 p.m. and provided mutual aid in battling the fire at B & S Paving in Manchester, Maine.  Firefighters arrived to find a large metal building heavily involved in the blaze.  A vehicle and trailer that were partially inside the building were also destroyed.  The fire was ruled accidental.

Local Politics

Pearce, Others Deliver State of the City

(Ellsworth) Ellsworth City Manager Charlie Pearce, Council Chair Patrick Lyons, and others met with members of the community this month to address the “State of the City”.  Among items discussed, major projects planned for the city between 2026 and 2028.   The Ellsworth American reports tier one, or critical projects, include the already completed Moore Community Center lease and a streetlight replacement project, Knowlton Park upgrades, library renovations, and finalizing the cannabis ordinance.  Tier two projects include Bayside Road reconstruction, Union River Center reimagining, tourism branding, and solid waste advancement.  Long-term tier three projects include improving the harbor and waterfront, evaluating surplus city properties, and regulating short-term rentals.  Pearce said that while being a growing city presents its own set of challenges, it’s a lot better than the alternative of a small city in rural America, many of which are facing reductions in their tax base.

Economy

Tax Day

(Undated)  It’s D-Day for filing those taxes if you want to avoid a penalty.  The IRS has payment plans, and you can pay by credit card for a fee.  Just be sure you e-file, because if you plan on mailing in those forms today, you may not make the cut.  That’s because due to operational changes, there are no more same-day postmark guarantees.  Mail dropped at post offices is now postmarked only once it reaches an automated sorting facility, which could take several days.  If your return is postmarked after April 15th, it could trigger IRS late filing penalties.  Those in the know say if you must mail your return in today, you can request a hand-stamped postmark at a USPS retail counter to ensure the date is recorded immediately.  But don’t wait until midnight – many local post offices close in the early afternoon.

Tax Processing

(Undated)  It is, of course, tax filing deadline day.  The IRS reports most returns are processed smoothly.  They say e-filed returns are processed in about 21 days, with mailed returns taking 4 to 8 weeks, due to manual processing.  The IRS website experienced a significant outage in February, and users have continued to report occasional lagging and data update delays on the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.  Taxpayers in certain disaster areas, such as parts of Washington State have had their deadline postponed until May 1st.  As we mentioned earlier, if you plan to MAIL in that return, be sure to arrive before the post office closes today and ask for a hand-stamped postmark.

Maine’s Home Supply Remains Tight

(Maine)  MaineBiz reports the state’s home supply remains tight, with single-family home sales flat last month compared to a year ago, and the median price holding steady at $375K.  But the Maine Association of Realtors says seven of Maine’s 16 counties showed first quarter median sold price declines compared to 2025.  They say more homes are expected to come on the market this spring, especially during April and May.

Environment

Seed Library

(Ellsworth)  If the Spring weather gets you in the mood for gardening, don’t forget to check out the Little Seed Library at the Ellsworth Public Library.  The library has partnered with High Mowing Organic Seeds and Plants Unlimited in Trenton and just got more seed donations in from Fedco Seeds.  You’re welcome to bring in your own seeds to swap – open pollinated preferred, and no GMO or invasive varieties, please.  And they say check back often, as the inventory is always changing.  Need some gardening tips?  The Ellsworth Public Library has books for that.  The call number for gardening is 635!

Maine Ranks High in Environmental Friendliness

(Maine)  When it comes to being an environmentally friendly state, Maine ranks right up there in the top ten.  No surprise – so much of our economy, particularly our fishing industry, depends on a healthy environment.  Essential needs like clean water and reliable food sources depend on both environmental sustainability and financial resources.  To find the most environmentally friendly states, WalletHub used  28 key metrics, including air, water, and soil quality, energy and gasoline consumption, and more.  Maine ranks No. 7 in the national rankings, No. 10 in environmental quality, No. 5 in eco-friendly behaviors, and No. 23 in climate change contributions.  Vermont, Hawaii, and California lead the nation as most environmentally friendly, with Alabama, Louisiana, and West Virginia, respectively, bottoming out as the least.

Human Interest

Gouldsboro Woman Honored with Spirit of America Award

(Gouldsboro)  They say if you want something done, ask a busy person.  That certainly seems to apply to Jacqueline Johnston of Gouldsboro, who recently was honored with a Legislative Sentiment to Spirit of America Award for her passionate community involvement.  Senator Marianne Moore, who presented Johnston with the honor, tells Downeast Digest that since moving to Gouldsboro in the 1990’s, Jacqueline has served as Select Board Chair, played a key role in supporting Acadia National Park as Liaison, Park Use Committee Chair, and member of the Acadia Advisory Committee, and for the past four years has been the town’s Emergency Management Director.  She also serves on the Boards of the Schoodic Food Pantry and the Gouldsboro Clinic.  You have to suspect “Service” is her middle name.  Well done.  

National Library Week Creative Contest

(Ellsworth)  We’re getting closer to National Library Week, April 19th through the 25th. This year’s theme is “Find Your Joy” – seemed to be the theme of the Artemis II crew as well!  So the question is, “What brings you joy at the library?”  The books?  The community?  The events?  The Library of Things?  The American Library Association would love to know … through your original creative work – a drawing, painting, poem, video, song … you get the idea!  And it could win you a $150 VISA gift card!   Just use the link you’ll find on the Ellsworth Public Library FB page and submit your original piece by midnight on April 25th for your chance to win!  

Hannaford Supports Blue Hill Public Library

(Blue Hill)  Great news for fans of the Blue Hill Public Library!  The entire month, for every Hannaford Community Bag purchased at the Blue Hill Hannaford, they’ll donate a dollar to Friends of the Blue Hill Library!  Have all the bags you need?  You can still help by making a donation in the box at the front of the store…drop off your change for an easy way to support one of our most valuable resources.

Art in the Library in Jonesport

(Jonesport)  If you live in or near Jonesport, we hope you haven’t missed the chance to stop in to the Peabody Memorial Library and see the beautiful artwork on display!  Now, here’s the best part – you could own one of those original works of art!  All during April, PML is hosting an Art in the Library Raffle.  Tickets are a dollar for one, six for $5, 20 for $10, or 50 for just $20.  Drawing will be April 30th.  And don’t miss out on Thursday’s Hot Dog Happy Hour – serving from Noon to one tomorrow – local delivery or stop by and enjoy your lunch at the library.  Make sure you place your order by 4 p.m. today – walk-ins will be welcome tomorrow, but only while supplies last.  Both fundraisers support programs organized by the Friends of the Peabody Memorial Library.   

National News 04/15/26

Strait of Hormuz Standoff

(AP)  The U.S. military on Tuesday claimed it has successfully begun to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports, as the standoff between the U.S. and Iran deepens.  According to the Associated Press, Tehran threatened to strike targets across the region, a day after Trump warned any Iranian warships nearing the blockade would be destroyed in a “quick and brutal” strike.  Meanwhile, Pakistan continued efforts to bring the two sides together for more talks; but despite Trump’s claims to the contrary, a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity later said no talks have been scheduled at this time.

Lebanon/Israel Open Diplomatic Talks

(AP)  Lebanon and Israel yesterday opened their first direct diplomatic talks in decades, even as fierce fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militants continues to terrorize southern Lebanon.  The Associated Press reports Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the U.S. Hezbollah opposes the direct talks and says it will not abide by any agreements made as a result; that, according to a high-ranking member of its political council.

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