Crime/Public Safety

Body of Kayaker Recovered Off Deer Isle

(Deer Isle)  The body of a missing kayaker was recovered yesterday in the waters near the Deer Isle Bridge in Little Deer Isle.  NewsCenter Maine reports the family of 55 yo Jeffery Eaton, a summer resident from Albuquerque, New Mexico, reported seeing him turn over in his kayak about 10:30 Tuesday morning, shortly after launching from shore on the island.  Eaton’s body was found about 1:40 p.m. a half mile west of Wiegand Place, where he had put in that morning.  The Maine Marine Patrol, US Coast Guard, and others aided in the search and recovery.  They say Eaton was not wearing a life jacket.  His body was taken to a local funeral home.

Osprey Likely Electrocuted Atop CMP Power Pole

(Camden)  A pair of ospreys was found dead atop a power pole in Camden, sparking outrage against Central Maine Power.  The Pen Bay Pilot reports it’s suspected the pair was electrocuted by live CMP hardware atop the pole on which they were building a nest.  Osprey, a federally protected species, return to Maine each spring and build nests on top of power poles and in tall trees.  Camden’s osprey reportedly once had a nesting platform, such as one installed by Versant in Lamoine, but it was moved during recent power line upgrades.  No replacement nest platform was installed, so the osprey did what they normally do – rebuilt the nest this spring in the same location, directly within the line of danger.  Residents are asking that CMP install a proper nesting platform at the location prior to the 2027 nesting season.

Local Politics

Brooklin Voters Pass School and Town Budgets

(Brooklin)  Voters in Brooklin approved about $4.7M in spending between town and school budgets at the annual town meeting.  The Weekly Packet reports the town’s and school’s budgets remained relatively flat compared to the previous year, with residents focusing mainly on ongoing negotiations over ownership of Wharf Road and the additional tuition request from George Stevens Academy.  Brooklin folded GSA’s supplemental tuition request into a much larger budget line.  Controversy over the Dodges Wharf Road stems from much of the half mile long private gravel driveway that leads to a beach on Blue Hill Bay being privately owned; though the town wanted to ensure access to residents who have used it to get to the beach for decades.  For now, the private owners have agreed to continued public use, but only if the town doesn’t intend to widen it or use it for commercial development.

Economy

Hermon Mountain Under New Ownership

(Hermon)  Ski season is over for this year;  but when the snow flies next winter, Hermon Mountain will be under new ownership.  WABI reports four local families closed on the property last week and say they’re committed to keeping the feel of the ski area’s community while expanding its offerings.  Potential additions include expanded food offerings and more seasonal activities with a goal of bringing people together and enhancing the overall experience.  Some of the first offerings will be disc golf and a potential comedy show this summer.  Looking ahead, the new owners say they also hope to eventually offer lodging on the property.

Heart of Ellsworth Launches “Discover Ellsworth”

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth and Heart of Ellsworth have teamed up to launch DiscoverEllsworth dot org, a comprehensive tourism platform designed to showcase Ellsworth as a vibrant, year-round destination and a regional hub for Acadia and the Downeast.  Funded by the Maine Office of Tourism and supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the project highlights Ellsworth’s position as an economic and cultural center.  DiscoverEllsworth puts forth the city’s arts, history, dining, trails, and small businesses, encouraging visitors to spend more time here and in the communities of Downeast Maine.  The site features interactive maps, curated itineraries, local business and event listings, and insider tips – making it easy to plan a full experience for friends and family, and visitors of all ages.  Check it out – DiscoverEllsworth.org!

ADU’s May Help Solve Affordable Housing Crisis

(Maine)  There’s a new solution to the ongoing affordable housing crisis in Maine…ADU’s.  The Portland Press Herald reports Accessory Dwelling Units are small homes, generally between 600 and a thousand square feet, that share a lot with an existing home.  Until recently, much about ADU’s was dictated by zip code; but now, they’re permitted on any single-family lot in Maine.  Sources say legislators have been working diligently to loosen statewide zoning and reduce remaining barriers to their construction.

EAAA Opens Ellsworth Access Center

(Ellsworth)  Those who access The Eastern Area Agency on Aging in Brewer now have a new EAAA hub in Ellsworth.  The Center features programs and services, including Medicare counseling, caregiver support, and wellness and enrichment opportunities that help people stay active, connected and engaged in their communities. The new center opened with a ribbon cutting Tuesday at the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center in Ellsworth.  Anyone with questions or who wants to take advantage of resources offered is encouraged to visit the Commerce Park location in Ellsworth.  EAAA also offers a CSFP commodity food program site for seniors at 317 High Street in Ellsworth. 

Environment

Card Brook Cleanup

(Ellsworth)  Join fellow residents this Saturday in Ellsworth for the annual Card Brook Cleanup!  The Card Brook is an important 1.2 mile tributary to the Union River that flows through developed areas and wetlands, with a watershed covering more than 4,000 acres.  Because of its location, it faces pollutants from stormwater runoff and tends to gather trash from visitors to local businesses and others.  Meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot at 55 Foster Street to check in, enter a raffle drawing, and receive instructions.  Wear sturdy footwear – snacks will be provided, and the Moose Lodge hosts a delicious cookout at Noon, following the cleanup.  Come for all or part of the morning.  Learn more on the City of Ellsworth FB page.

PFAS Home Tests Available

(Maine)  Concerned about PFAS in your well water?  Thousands of Mainers are, and likely should be.  New state research suggests an affordable mail-in kit may provide an alternative to the expensive cost of testing wells for those forever chemicals.  According to The Portland Press Herald, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention completed a first-of-its-kind study to determine if an $85 home test kit can offer a reliable but cheaper test result.  Experts say preliminary findings offer a cautiously optimistic outlook for homeowners.  They say the Cyclopure test kit checks for 55 different PFAS compounds and is considered an accurate option for detecting PFAS in drinking water, with lab-validated results within a few weeks. Available at cyclopure dot com.

Green Ellsworth Hosts Union River Watershed Summit

(Ellsworth)  Speaking of the Union River, on May 15 and 16, Green Ellsworth will host its annual Union River Watershed Summit – a celebration of all things relating to the river.  This year’s theme is Back to the Future, and will feature strong input from members of the Penobscot Nation – the traditional stewards of this territory.  The summit begins at 4 p.m. Friday via Zoom, with a panel on Watershed Management and Models, moderated by Senator Nicole Grohoski.  Saturday begins at 9:30 at the Moore Community Center, with both morning and afternoon sessions planned.  The public is encouraged to then return to the river on May 17th to watch or participate in the Annual Union River Paddle.  All summit events are open to the public free of charge, but advance registration for the Zoom event is necessary.  Visit green ellsworth dot org to learn more.

Technology

Ellsworth Public Library Kicks Off Screen Free Week

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth Public Library on Monday kicked off Screen Free Week with a brand new Youth Makerspace.  In support of the internationally celebrated initiative, library staff say they’ve temporarily powered down their youth computers during the week and encourage kids to write or draw their Screen Free Plan, available in the library. The new space nurtures unstructured creative play with new materials.  The Makerspace isn’t just fun – it’s designed specifically to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, in response to one of parents’ top concerns – too much screen time.  Check it out at the Ellsworth Public Library!

Human Interest

EHS Student Breaks School Record

(Ellsworth)  A quick shout out to Ellsworth High School’s Whitney Jordan for breaking the Ellsworth High School girls Outdoor Track and Field triple jump school record with a jump of 33 feet, 2 inches at this week’s meet in Bangor.

Ellsworth Gathers Input on Possible Dog Park

(Ellsworth)  It’s one of the most coveted recreational assets in towns across the country – dog parks.  One city currently gauging interest on such a site is Ellsworth, where interest arose out of a Parks and Recreation needs assessment last fall.  The Ellsworth American reports some respondents said because there’s no place for their dogs to run off leash, they often travel as far as Belfast and Bangor.  Such a park would reportedly not take a lot of space.  The city is looking at the corner of State and Lejok Streets at the Ellsworth High School entrance.  Parks and Recreation Director Roddy Ehrlenbach says the park could be funded through a federal grant for which they’ve applied and that would also support improvements on the River Walk North Trail.  A community survey is available on the city’s website.

Municipal Clerks Week

(Undated)  In today’s political climate, few jobs are more stressful than that of municipal clerks.  These amazing professionals are the backbone of local government, tasked with – among other responsibilities – managing elections with neutrality, impartiality, transparency and a wealth of knowledge about the rules and requirements that seem to grow more complex each year.  This is the 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week, established in 1969 to highlight the dedication of clerks in maintaining the public’s trust.  A shout out to all of you who manage the job with professionalism and grace.  

National Nurses Week

(Undated)  There’s nothing more comforting when sick than the compassion and kindness of our nurses.  As in many professions today, nurses who serve in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and elsewhere are asked to do more with less, yet they continue serving from the heart that first led them into the critical profession.  On this National Nurses’ Day and during this week, we celebrate the tireless caregivers who make a difference when it matters most.  This year’s theme is “The Power of Nurses” and the week concludes May 12th on Florence Nightingale’s birthday.  Hope you won’t  let the week pass without showing your appreciation.  

© 2026 Downeast Digest News.  All rights reserved.