Crime/Public Safety

Northern Light CCMA Recognized

(Brewer)  It pays to pay attention.  Earlier this month, Trista Burchill, a CCMA at Northern Light Surgical Specialists, was working on the third floor of Northern Light EMMC earlier this month when she looked out the window and saw a child playing dangerously close to the water at Indian Trail Park in Brewer.  Without hesitation, she called 9-1-1. First responders arrived to find the 8 year old, an autistic child who had been reported missing, was already in the water.  The emergency teams were able to bring the child to safety, likely saving a life.  Burchill was honored recently with a challenge coin from the Brewer Police Department as a symbol of gratitude for citizens who stand with public safety in moments that matter. 

Economy

Palmyra Food Stop Now Open in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  Palmyra Food Stop is now open in Ellsworth.  The store was purchased and is run by the former owners of the popular Serendib Sri Lankan Restaurant.  Sanjeeva and Mememsha posted on FB the standard menu, along with rotating specials and grab-and-go items, will represent a variety of cuisines.  They say they welcome feedback and suggestions and remain committed to bringing the area the same quality of foods enjoyed at Serendib.  Palmyra Food Stop is located in the former State Street Grocery at 116 State Street.  

Data Center Data

(Pew Research)  Yesterday we reported on Governor Mills’ veto of a proposed moratorium on building data centers, largely because one in Jay at the site of the former paper mill is well underway.  The Pew Research Center reports the U.S. now has more than 3K operational data centers, with more than 1500 in development across the country.  Sixty-seven percent of planned centers are in rural areas, while 87% of existing data centers are in urban areas.  The Northeast currently has 397 existing and 106 planned. Thirty-eight percent of US residents live within five miles of at least one operational center.  Data Centers are controversial …  some say because of the amount of water and electricity they use and the scarce number of jobs they provide once built.

Bucksport Farmers’ Market in New Location

(Bucksport)  The Bucksport Bay Farmers’ Market has reportedly moved to a more accessible location.  The River Observer reports the market will be held indoors on Thursdays through April at the Elm Street Congregational Church. After tomorrow, it will move outdoors to the Elm Street municipal parking lot on Thursdays through October, then move back inside the church for November and December.  Leslie Wombacher, who oversees the market, reports the Elm Street lot is more walkable and accessible than the former Main Street location.  Stop by tomorrow and every Thursday from 11 to 3!

Environment

Heart of Ellsworth and Partners Launch Next Phase of Union River Sculpture Trail

(Ellsworth)  Heart of Ellsworth and their regional partners are excited to announce the next phase of the Union River Sculpture Trail, a public art and outdoor recreation initiative transforming downtown Ellsworth’s Riverwalk North.  The ¾ mile trail will feature granite sculptures by Maine artists and connect downtown to the Union River and Knowlton Park.  The project received early support from the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and continued funding from the Davis Family Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.  Learn more about the vision for the project at a May 2nd Jane’s Walk, starting at 4 p.m. at the trailhead behind the Ellsworth Public Library.  

Park Changes

(ANP)  Changes are coming to Maine’s most popular parks this year.  The Portland Press Herald reports Baxter State Park introduced a change to its reservation system for 2026 so campers will be able to book four consecutive nights at the same site online.  Meanwhile the biggest change at Acadia National Park affects foreign visitors.  An America the Beautiful Pass, which covers entrance fees at many national parks and federal lands, jumped to $250 for foreign tourists this year – up from the $80 US citizens and residents pay.  Critics point to the fact that foreign visitors already add a huge amount of revenue to local economies and worry the fee, imposed by the current Administration, will discourage visits to the United States’s treasures.  

UMaine Student Research Team Implements Reusable Takeout Recycling

(Bar Harbor)  Bar Harbor, Bath, and South Portland … just three of several coastal communities in which restaurants are engaging a University of Maine research team in implementing a pilot program for reusable takeout containers.  The students have partnered with the Mitchell Center to help reduce single-use waste.  The Pen Bay Pilot reports the initiative is part of the Reuse Maine Project and focuses on creating sustainable, circular food systems.  By testing reusable stainless steel takeout packaging, which is signed out and returned, students are at the forefront of developing a model that reduces waste, prevents plastic pollution and saves local businesses and municipalities money on the purchase and disposal of single-use food and beverage packaging.  Bar Harbor restaurants that have signed on include Cafe This Way and Coffee Matter/Mother’s Kitchen.

Human Interest

Groups Raise $1K for Loaves and Fishes

(Ellsworth)  A simple cup of coffee and some generous hearts turned into a thousand dollar donation for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth.  The Ellsworth American reports First National Bank partnered with Chloe’s Cafe for the initial Dream First Community Cup.  During the month of March, ten percent of the cost of every regular coffee purchased at Chloe’s was donated to the pantry – and that amount was matched by the bank. Chloe’s owner Gabrielle Conners is also known for her regular support of animals in need, and First National Bank is also well-known for its philanthropic giving to local causes.

Classes Raise Funds for The Messenger Animal Rescue

(Harrington)  A field trip that includes a visit with some cuddly kitties?  Yes, please.  Tuesday, one of the fourth grade classes at Rose M. Gaffney School in Machias got the chance to visit The Messenger Animal Rescue in Harrington … and they didn’t come empty-handed.  The students raised $258 for the rescue and also brought along donations of food and blankets.  Shelter Director Sarah Strout said the kids had a great time and were full of thoughtful questions, and the purr machines loved the cuddles and play time.  You can follow the Messenger on social media to keep up with their adoptable pets and needs for donations and volunteers.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Open May 1st

(Boothbay Harbor)  Ready for some color?  Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay Harbor is opening for the season this Friday, May 1st.  Mainers can be surrounded by tens of thousands of blooming flowers, winding woodland trails, and the natural scenery of the midcoast.  Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens with its giant trolls continues to be one of Maine’s most popular destinations, ranked third in visitation among tourist attractions in the state.  This year, Maine Days are May 29th through the 31st, offering Maine residents free admission.  Get tickets at maine gardens dot org.

Infrastructure

Mines Road Tries Drivers’ Patience

(Blue Hill)  Drivers who traverse a two mile stretch of Mines Road between the Sedgwick and Blue Hill town lines face a bumpy road – literally.  According to the Penobscot Bay Press, the section is infamous for cracks, potholes, and its generally treacherous condition; but the Maine Department of Transportation has delayed $10M worth of repairs.  The road is technically part of State Route 15 and is a major transportation corridor for commuters, shipping, and tourists alike, with an average use by thousands of vehicles a month. Work on the road was to have begun this spring, but was pushed back until Fall, with final completion extending into 2028.  At least one town official remarked that the road is in such poor condition, the delay is likely to make little difference.  

Acadia Bus System to Begin Limited Early Service

(MDI)  The Island Explorer bus system will begin limited service on May 20th this year.  The Bangor Daily News reports that’s a first for the system, which typically begins limited service Memorial Day weekend.  Early service will include three routes – the new Gateway Center, Loop Road, and Schoodic, with full service beginning June 23.  Sources say the early start is to help mitigate traffic from record 2025 crowds and connect to the new Trenton Gateway Center.  While the service is free, visitors must still have a pass in order to enter the park.  Find a schedule at explore acadia dot com.

Finishing Touches on Machias Dike

(Machias)  The Machias Town Office reports Northeast Construction is hard at work putting the final touches on the Machias Dike ahead of reopening scheduled for tomorrow.  Currently, full paving is expected early next week, during which the dike will be reduced to one lane.  The town says while the month-long closure, which resulted in a lengthy detour for some, was challenging; overall, it will be a welcome improvement.  Follow the town on social media for the official opening time.

National News 04/29/27

Criminal Charges Filed Against ICE Agent

(MN)  Hennepin County prosecutors have charged an ICE agent with two counts of felony second degree assault for pointing a gun at civilians during a highway incident in February in Minneapolis.  It’s the first such charge against a federal ICE agent.  Sources say the charges against 35 yo Gregory Donnell Morgan, Jr. stem from Morgan allegedly pointing a firearm at the heads of two motorists on Highway 62 while he was operating from an unmarked vehicle.  Station KSTP reports a warrant was issued for Morgan’s arrest.

Trump Administration Fires NSF Independent Oversight Board

(AP)  The Trump Administration has fired every member of an independent board overseeing the National Science Foundation.  The Board, typically made up of 25 members appointed by the president, serve staggered, six-year terms, with members hailing from academia and industry … and specializing in areas including astronomy, math, chemistry, and aerospace engineering.  The Associated Press reports members of the NSF Board received an email Friday sent “on behalf of President Donald J. Trump’ stating their position was “terminated, effective immediately.”.  The Board was created in 1950 to advise the president and Congress on science and engineering policy, approve major funding awards, and guide the organization’s future.

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