Crime/Public Safety

BHHT Controlled Burn Planned

(Blue Hill)  Blue Hill Heritage Trust is cautioning hikers that Wallamatogus, part of their Penobscot Community Forest property, will be off limits today.  The stewardship team will be working with the Maine Forestry Service to conduct a controlled burn of the blueberry fields on that property.  They say timing for this type of land management relies on a number of factors, including having the right weather conditions, and necessary people-power on site.  Thanks to Blue Hill Heritage Trust, hikers have plenty of other trails on which to get out and enjoy this nice day.

Clinton PD Responds to Complaints About Outer Main Street

(Clinton)  The Clinton Police Department is responding to numerous complaints about the so-called  “madness” on the river side of Outer Main Street.  They say although they are making progress, especially with drug-related arrests, they’re a small staff and spread incredibly thin.  They ask for the public’s support on an upcoming vote to add a much-needed 4th full time officer.  Regarding the “makeshift shelters” appearing at the site, they say while they need solid, legal probable cause in order  to enter a property, the owners are currently going through the legal process of having the current occupants evicted.  They also say the town is working on issues at a property known as “The Farm”, and that that property has been declared unsafe and uninhabitable.  Police are also working to catch two starving dogs who have reportedly been seen in the neighborhood.

Local Politics

Electric Bikes Advanced in Bucksport

(Bucksport)  Electric bikes could soon be a common sight on the Bucksport town dock and marina.  The River Observer reports the town’s economic and community development committee unanimously advanced the idea, especially with 20 scheduled dockings of American Cruise Line ships.  A kiosk system would allow residents and tourists alike to rent bikes and explore Bucksport, stopping at local shops and restaurants, with a certain allotment of the e-bikes reserved specifically for cruise ship passengers.  The bikes have a range of between 50-120 miles, and renters would be required to sign wavers and receive instructions on their use, which includes state restrictions of obeying all traffic laws and not going over 20 miles per hour.  

Economy

Mount Desert Y Finds Employee Housing Solution

(Bar Harbor)  Bar Harbor is one of many municipalities which struggles with a lack of employees due to a lack of affordable housing.  MaineBiz reports the MDI YMCA found a housing solution for its employees in the purchase of a six-bedroom, three-bath single-family home that includes common spaces.  Realtor Erica Brooks said the challenge overall for nonprofits is their budget versus the market values of available properties, especially compared to off-island prices. The Y reportedly paid $650K for the Rockwood Avenue house. The plan is to supply living space at affordable rental rates to summer camp counselors, as well as to professional staffers as they come on board and ultimately look for a permanent home.  

Blue Hill Subway Closes

(Blue Hill)  The Subway restaurant on South Street in Blue Hill is now closed permanently – that’s according to a sign posted on the shop’s door.  The Weekly Packet reports MTF Subs, owned by Michael Fay, bought the Blue Hill location in late 2024.  The company owns 15 Subway franchises in Maine housed in leased locations from Calais to Portland, along with other shops throughout New England.   In December, at least seven of those shops – including one in Machias – were abruptly closed by Maine Revenue Services after business registration certifications were temporarily revoked.  The shops reopened; but earlier this year, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. According to a separate filing, MTF Subs owes back rent in Blue Hill and nearly all its Maine locations except Bucksport and Lisbon Falls.   Employees affected by the closure will reportedly be contacted by the Maine Department of Labor for Rapid Response Services.  

Governor Mills Celebrates Legislation Raising Minimum Teacher Salaries

(Bangor)  Governor Janet Mills was at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham Monday to champion recently enacted legislation that will raise the state’s minimum teacher salary from the current $40K to $50K a year by Fall of 2029.  The Governor was joined by USM students who plan to enter Maine’s teaching workforce and Senate Majority Leader Teresa Pierce.  Maine’s current minimum teacher salaries are the lowest in New England and among the lowest in the nation, often placing in the bottom tier alongside other states with low cost-of-living indices or historically lower pay scales.  

Education

Spring Cleaning at EHS VPA

(Ellsworth)  It’s spring cleaning time at Ellsworth High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Center.  Teams of staff and students spent their April break week clearing the racks and organizing spaces to make room for major renovations and, they say, some very exciting projects over the next couple of years.  A big thanks to the VPA Boosters who provided lunch during the purge.  They say, stay tuned – especially if you’re into the ever-popular retro fashion.  They’ll be hosting a “Shop Sale” soon, and you won’t want to miss it!  Keep an eye on the EHS FB page for details. 

Orono Football Team Hits Homerun with Athlete Colleagues

(Orono)  The Orono district football teams have hit a home run with a project designed to benefit their fellow athletes on the softball team.  Coaches and players from the Middle and High School football teams began last fall building new dugouts for the base runners.  Community members have pitched in, as well, adding new meaning to the idea of working as a team … even ACROSS teams..  Football Coach Bob Sinclair said the structures were to be finished in time for the softball team’s home opener tomorrow afternoon against George Stevens Academy.

Human Interest

Art Festival, Ghostport to Return to Bucksport

(Bucksport)  Both the Arts Festival in August and Ghostport in October will be back this year in Bucksport.  Penobscot Bay Press reports the Bucksport Bay Business Coalition is hosting the 2026 revival of the Arts Festival on August 9th.  The event was approved with the caveat of not having a proposed beer and wine garden area.  The Village will host Ghostport on October 17th, with a Goblins Parade, events on the waterfront, at Buck Memorial Library, BookStacks and The Phoenix Cafe.  The day will wrap up with a movie at the Alamo Theatre. 

Dog Rescue in in Greenfield Township

(Greenfield TWP)  A Greenfield Township family is rejoicing today after the safe return of their beloved dog, Ellie.  The Turkish Shepherd went missing from the family’s Pickerel Pond home last Thursday, and the family called on Rob of 2A TAC Air OPS Drone Services and volunteers to help hunt for her.  The team searched tirelessly, locating Ellie early Monday morning, completely entangled in brush in the middle of a swamp and unable to free herself.  Apart from a slight leg injury, the family says Ellie is fine and very happy to be back in her Penobscot County home.  

DownEast Family Y Announces Volunteer of the Year Awards

(Ellsworth)  Six young people will be honored May 6th by the Downeast Family YMCA. The Ellsworth American reports the Teddy Saunders Award is presented to graduating high school seniors who exemplify outstanding character, leadership, athletic achievement, and a strong commitment to community.  Honorees include Annika Marshall and Taylor Trego of Blue Hill, Isobel Wardwell and Sophie Jackson of Bucksport, and Ellsworth’s Cooper Mitchell and Whitney Jordan.  Teen Employees of the Year to be recognized are Blue Hill’s Georgia Clews, Bucksport’s Abby Wilson, and Kelsie Young of Ellsworth.  The Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to Blue Hill’s Rick Alexander, Kelly Knight of Bucksport, and Lisa Arhontes-Marshall of Ellsworth.  And finally, Jon Wood will be recognized for his impact on the lives of young people with the Service to Youth Award.  The awards will be presented at 5 p.m. on the 6th at the Wiggins Center Gymnasium in Ellsworth, and the public is welcome to attend.

Orono Public Library Gets Anonymous Gift

(Orono)  Talk about timely – following last week’s National Library Week, the Orono Public Library has announced receipt of a $500K gift from an anonymous donor.  The library is hoping to raise $8.6M to expand its space – space needed, they say,  in order to meet community needs.  In making the announcement, Library Director Laurie Carpenter emphasized that libraries are evolving to new and different roles, including meeting the needs of teens, the need for technology, and social programs.  The Orono Public Library Foundation said they still need to raise just short of $555K by the end of July in order to meet their fundraising goal.  

Infrastructure

Ellsworth Water Service Disruption

(Ellsworth)  If you live on Pleasant Street in Ellsworth, mark your calendars for a temporary water shut-off a week from today – that’s Tuesday, May 5th.  Crews will be replacing a valve at Pleasant Street, continuing to Bucksport Road.  City staff say there may also be a boil water notice once the work is completed.  Keep an eye on the City of Ellsworth social media posts for updates.  

Where in the World Winner

(Ellsworth)  Congratulations to Shirley Dennison of Ellsworth, last week’s winner of “Where in the World is Sonnie?”  Last week was National Library Week, so people just had to name one of the area libraries in our posted reel.  We’ve mailed Shirley a $25 gift card to Pugnuts Ice Cream and Gelato in Surry.  This week’s location is up on our social media pages – thanks to the many of you who have already entered and those of you who play each week!  This week’s prize is a $25 gift certificate to any of Sweet Cheeks Bakery locations; or it can be used at their fabulous diner!  Enter by midnight Friday for your chance to win!

National News 04/28/26

Update on Iran War, WHCD Shooting

(AP) In national news, the Associated Press reports Iran has offered to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its blockade of the country and an end to the war.  Sources say President Trump is unlikely to accept the offer.  An existing ceasefire keeps the US and Iran in a fragile standoff over the Strait.  In other news, the man who authorities say tried to storm the White House Correspondent’s Association Dinner, Cole Tomas Allen,  was charged yesterday with the attempted assassination of the President.  Questions continue to surface about how a heavily armed man could get past the historically tight security at such events, Trump’s unusual attendance – a first – at the event, and the timing of issues with the building of his ballroom, recently halted by court order.

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