Crime/Public Safety

Young Man Recognized for Heroic Actions

(Ellsworth)  Jaxon Mansfield may be a pretty young kid, but his heroic actions last month proved maturity beyond his years.  Jaxon was recognized at Monday night’s Ellsworth City Council meeting for saving the life of a family member on the night of March 20th, when they were involved in a serious motor vehicle rollover on icy roads.  The car came to rest on its side in a swamp – unstable and suspended above rising water.  Jaxon extricated himself and immediately activated the emergency 9-1-1 system, enabling first responders to quickly arrive on the scene and rescue an injured family member.  Officials say Jaxon’s actions that night embody the highest spirit of civic duty and heroism, displaying exemplary composure and decisive action.  Well done.

Ellsworth Goodwill Store Evacuated

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth Goodwill store was evacuated yesterday morning after staff found a hand grenade among some donated items.  The Ellsworth American reports authorities were notified, with the Ellsworth Police and Fire Departments responding shortly after 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.  Other experts were called in, and a technician inspected the device and determined it was the shell of a hand grenade from which the explosive core had been removed.   

Trenton Volunteer Fire Department at FDIC

(Trenton)  Wishing good luck this week to Captain Bill Malcolm and Firefighter Will Renault of the Trenton Volunteer Fire Department, as they participate at the Fire Department Instructors Conference at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Known as the “Super Bowl of Firefighting”, the event brings together tens of thousands of fire service professionals from across the country for hands-on training and cutting-edge education.  The pair quickly ran into Lisa Burton of Maine Maritime Academy Fire Training, who also serves as the region’s representative with the National Fallen Firefighters’ Foundation.  We can’t wait to hear all about the week.

Local Politics

Housing Bills

(Augusta)  State legislators this session weighed in on changes to funding for affordable housing, mobile home parks, construction costs and modular housing in 2026. Affordable housing has been a priority for Maine lawmakers year after year, as high costs and low inventory keep the state in a housing crisis.  Among winners this session, a number of measures to strengthen protection for mobile home park residents who face increasingly steep lot rent hikes as their parks are sold to out-of-state corporations.  But despite legislative support, the Portland Press Herald reports, other bills that require funding could still languish on the appropriations table.  That includes a bill to direct MaineHousing to provide grants up to $15K to help new homeowners offset the cost of a down payment or secure a lower mortgage rate.  They say the $20M needed to support such investments is a tough sell in the current tough economy.

Economy

Tips

(Undated)  Many people have strong opinions on tipping servers and others who depend on tips for income.  A recent Wallet Hub survey reveals just 2 in 5 Americans think the U.S. should ban tips.  The survey asked about a variety of topics, including when they should tip, whether they feel pressured to do so, and how they think gratuities should be split.  Eighty-one percent of those surveyed think tipping has gotten out of control, 64% think businesses are replacing employee salaries with customer tips, 55% say they often leave a tip due to social pressure rather than good service, and 33% think tips should be split among all employees.  Interestingly, one in five people tip less when presented with a tip suggestion screen.  

Maine Fishermen Now Eligible for Federal Programs and Safety Nets

(Maine)  Thanks to support from a newly created Office of Seafood in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Portland Press Herald reports Maine fishermen will finally be eligible to tap into the same programs and safety nets as the state’s potato and dairy farmers.  The move officially recognizes fishermen and aquaculture entities in coastal states, such as Maine, as essential food producers.  Groups like the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association have for years been calling for a federal shift from the US Commerce Department’s management of fish as a natural resource toward a “fish as food” approach of the USDA.

Aroostook Ca$h Coalition Surpasses Goal

(Undated)  The Aroostook Ca$h Coalition, a service of ACAP Maine, is celebrating a record year after surpassing its program goal and completing more tax returns than any other Ca$h coalition in Maine.  Volunteers helped consumers prepare and file 1,232 returns through a more streamlined process that reduced wait times and increased efficiency.  Looking ahead, the Coalition is exploring new service sites in Fort Kent and Houlton. In addition, they plan to begin work and recruit volunteers to enable services in Washington and Hancock Counties, reflecting the need for increased access in underserved Downeast communities

Environment

Green Ellsworth to Host Annual Summit

(Ellsworth)  Plan now to attend the annual Union River Watershed Summit, hosted by Green Ellsworth, and this year scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 15th and 16th.  This year’s theme will be Back to the Future, with a focus on both short and long-term river management goals and challenges, as well as leadership and partnership models for guiding the process.  There will be input from the Penobscot First Nation on the historic significance of the Union River watershed to Wabanaki people, their role as long-term stewards of the watershed, and their current role in river restoration on the Penobscot River and elsewhere. Stay tuned or contact Green Ellsworth for more details.

Maine Audubon Taps State Wildlife Commissioner as Next President

(Augusta)  Maine Audubon conducted a year-long search for a new President, and has ultimately decided on Judy Camuso, who served the last seven years as Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.  MaineBiz reports Camuso will become the first woman to lead Maine Audubon.  She brings with her more than 25 years of experience in wildlife conservation and protection leadership. Camuso has also served in national roles, including as Vice Chair of the North American Wetlands Conservation Board, and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies – the first Mainer to serve in that role.

Health

Maternal Mobile Health Clinic

(Maine)  The Maternal Mobile Health Clinic initiative will be traveling across the state beginning this spring.  The clinic provides free resources to pregnant and new parents.  The outreach effort will be in Milbridge on May 20th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Blue Hill on May 21st from 10 until 2, and in Calais on May 22nd from 9 until Noon. Included are free diapers, screenings, car seat safety checks, public health nursing and more, along with MaineCare and SNAP information.  Visit a c a p dash m e dot org for locations.

Infrastructure

Meeting Planned on High Street Corridor

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce is encouraging all local businesses to attend a meeting next Tuesday regarding the High Street Corridor Concept and Proposal.  You can participate in person at City Hall or online from 4 to 5 p.m.  Hear updates on the study, learn about the City’s goals and the US DOT Thriving Communities Program.  Ask questions and share your input, ensuring business perspectives are heard before final recommendations are made.  Again, that’s 4 – 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28th.  Contact the City or the Chamber to learn more.

Ellsworth Hydrant Flushing

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth Water Department will begin hydrant flushing on May 4, with work taking place over the course of about two weeks.  The twice-a-year routine helps keep the water system running smoothly by cleaning out lines.  Residents in affected areas may notice temporary changes, such as low water pressure or discolored water, both of which are temporary.  Contact the Water Department with questions.

Versant Conducts Aerial Inspections

(Maine)  Don’t be alarmed if you see or hear helicopters overhead in the next few weeks.  Versant Power this week began conducting routine aerial inspection of the transmission system.  A helicopter will be traveling above transmission lines in order to identify equipment in need of repair.  The helicopter will be patrolling lines in Hancock, Washington, and Penobscot counties this week as part of an ongoing effort to ensure the safety and reliability of the electrical system.

Human Interest

Take Action for Libraries Day

(Ellsworth)  All this week, we’ve been sharing ways you can connect during National Library Week.  Tomorrow, Thursday, is “Take Action for Libraries Day”, and this year, they’re asking you to show up for our libraries and take action against legislative censorship attempts by contacting your representatives in Congress.  On Saturday, the Ellsworth Public Library will host a 2 p.m. screening of The Librarians, an eye-opening look at what librarians across the country are facing when it comes to unfounded censorship.  Register at ellsworth library dot net.  To learn more ways to get involved, visit your local library and i love libraries dot org.  

National News 04/22/26

Tariff Refunds

(WSJ)  Businesses can now officially request refunds on tariffs paid to the U.S. government under the Trump administration.  The Wall Street Journal reports a system set up by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched this week to allow U.S. importers to file refund claims for $166B in tariffs collected illegally over the past year.  Trump had imposed the levies under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, but the Supreme Court ruled them illegal.  It’s estimated hundreds of thousands of importers brought in more than 53 million shipments that were subject to the tariffs.

Trump Extends Ceasefire

(AP)  President Trump Tuesday said he is extending the ceasefire with Iran at Pakistan’s request while awaiting a “unified proposal” from Tehran, even as the U.S. military continues its blockade of Iranian ports.  The Associated Press reports the move comes as the White House put on hold Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Pakistan for a second round of truce talks with Iran, which continues to balk at further discussions.  Meanwhile, yesterday, a senior Iranian commander warned neighboring Arab countries to “say goodbye to oil production in the Middle East” if they allow the US to resume attacking Iran from their territory.

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