Crime/Public Safety

Searsmont Explosion

(Searsmont)   We begin our newscast this morning with the latest update on that tragic explosion and fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont on Friday.  According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were joined at the scene Sunday morning by Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team in an effort to determine the origin and cause of the devastating incident.  The investigation at the scene is expected to last through the week, with they say, little to no additional information forthcoming until completed.  Public Safety officials continue to monitor the conditions of patients receiving care at area hospitals; many of whom, they say, remain in critical condition. We’ll certainly keep you updated as officials release what they feel is timely and accurate.

Honorable Transfer of Firefighter

(Belfast)  As we reported earlier, a 27 year old Morrill Firefighter was killed in the explosion.  On Saturday, the State Police Honor Guard assisted with the Honorable transfer of firefighter Andrew Cross as his body was carried from the Medical Examiner’s Office, along  Route 3 to Morrill and on to a funeral home in Belfast.  Hundreds of first responders and civilians lined Waldo Avenue there to pay their last respects to the fallen firefighter.  We’ll post information once funeral arrangements are released.

Helen’s in Ellsworth to Host Fundraiser for Deceased Paddleboarder

(Ellsworth)  When tragedy strikes in Ellsworth, you can count on Melanie Fox, owner of Helen’s Restaurant of Ellsworth, to offer support. On Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30, Helen’s will host a benefit spaghetti dinner to help ease the financial burden for the family of Grayson Mote, who died earlier this month while paddleboarding on Graham Lake.  There will also be a silent auction.  Anyone wishing to donate items for that can drop them off at the Ellsworth Police Department.  While gone way too soon, Grayson certainly left a positive impact on the world.  As a senior at Ellsworth High School, he noticed a competitor at a wrestling meet gasping for air.  After first trying the Heimlich Maneuver himself, Grayson quickly alerted his coach, who successfully dislodged the food stuck in the wrestler’s throat.  We’re sure other positive stories will be shared Wednesday as the community comes together to support the family.  

Celebration of Life Planned for Game Warden Killed in Plane Crash

(Bangor)  A Celebration of Life is planned at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor for Game Warden and Pilot Joshua Tibbetts this Thursday, beginning at 1 p.m.  The 50 year old Tibbetts was working to stock lakes with fish in a remote part of the state near Rangeley, when his plane crashed in Avon near Schoolhouse Pond. Tibbetts had been with the Maine Warden Service since 2008 and was promoted to Game Warden Pilot in November 2023.  Sources say the plane was battling strong winds in the area when it went down with only Tibbetts on board.  The FAA is continuing to investigate the crash.

Fundraiser Planned for Fisherman Who Died While Periwinkling

(East Machias)  A benefit supper is planned for the family of Machias fisherman Stephen Johnson, who died when the boat he was in capsized near Crumple Island earlier this month.  A spaghetti dinner and silent auction is set for Saturday, June 13th, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at Washington Academy in East Machias.  Organizers are looking for folks to donate food or auction items and/or to volunteer time to help with set up, serving, and other needs.  All proceeds will go directly to the Johnson family.  If you’d like to help in any way, contact Heather Smith at the number you’ll find on our FB page.

Economy

Applicants Sought for Blue Hill Habitat Home

(Blue Hill)  Hancock County Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications for a home being built in Blue Hill.  The three-bedroom, two bath family home was designed by local architect Mike Sealander.  Habitat for Humanity partners with economically disadvantaged individuals and families, with a goal of eliminating poverty housing and making decent, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action.  Anyone interested in applying for the home in Blue Hill must do so by Sunday, May 31st.  Applications received after that date will be kept on file for the next home built.  Apply at hancockcountyhabitat.org.

Bucksport Aroma Joe’s Awaiting MDOT Permit

(Bucksport)  The new Aroma Joe’s planned for Route One in Bucksport is ready to break ground anytime.  The River Observer reports the holdup is a necessary MDOT road opening permit.  Co-owner Mark Breton told Bucksport’s code enforcement officer he wasn’t sure what the holdup was, as all the approval meetings have come and gone.  The coffee drive-thru will be located next to the Dunkin’ and expects to serve about 140 cars during morning peak and 50 during peak evening hour.  

Education

MDOE Announces County Teachers of the Year

(Augusta)  The Maine Department of Education is celebrating the newest group of County Teachers of the Year.  From our area counties, Michael Brzezowski, a Technology Integration Teacher at Pemetic (PEM-uh-tik) Elementary has been named for Hancock County; representing Knox County, English, Global Studies, and AP Research Teacher Judith Masseur of Camden Hills Regional High School; Fifth Grade Teacher Katherine Race of Edgecomb Eddy School was named for Lincoln County;  from Penobscot County, 4th and 5th Math and Reading Teacher Marcy Soucy of Fairmount School; representing Waldo County, 2nd and 3rd grade educator Rachel Norgang of Monroe Elementary, and from Washington County, Josie James, who teaches 4th through 8th grade English Language Arts and Social Studies at Alexander Elementary.  The sixteen educators will embark this summer on an extensive Teacher of the Year selection process, with the 2027 Maine State Teacher of the Year announced in the Fall of 2027.

Bucksport Robotics Team Ranks Eight in World

(Bucksport)  Last month, the Bucksport High School Robotics Team competed in a world wide competition in Houston.  They came home eighth – not bad, considering the event consisted of about 600 teams.  Known worldwide as FRC 6329, aka The Buck’s Wrath, the team made it to the Hopper Division, spending most of the second day of qualifying matches in the top five and claiming a world record score of 908. Penobscot Bay Press reports they then went on to face off against alliances made up of some of the most well-known teams in the world.  And while it was there the Buck’s Wrath’s quest ended, they’ve secured a legacy of success and proven they’re a team worth watching.

EHS Students Learn, Practice Leadership Skills

(Ellsworth)  A group of Ellsworth High School Juniors and Seniors nominated by faculty has spent the past two years meeting monthly at the UMA Ellsworth center to develop leadership and life skills under local business and community leaders.  After polling their peers to identify the most pressing needs at the school, the group undertook a fundraising project and organized a massive collection of snacks and personal care products.  The group worked with the Ellsworth Noontime Rotary, Guidance Counselor Jennifer Smith, and School Social Worker Amy VanDorn to make sure the supplies went where needed most.  You’ll find photos of the group on the EHS FB page.

Environment 

Shaw Institute Receives Major Endowment

(Blue Hill)  The Summer Internship Program at the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill is marking a major step forward, thanks to a $30K endowment from the Chris and Susan Pappas Fund for Charitable Giving.  Executive Director, Dr. Charles Rolsky, said the gift helps remove financial barriers for aspiring environmental scientists, biologists, and engineers.  The new endowment will help ensure more students can gain real-world experience, contribute to impactful science, and help to shape a healthier future for the planet and communities.

Infrastructure

Line Striping in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  If you’re driving around Ellsworth today and tomorrow, be aware crews will be laying down fresh line striping on in-town roads and streets.  The City says there will be no road closures, but drivers are asked to use caution and slow down around crews as they help the byways look sharper and safer for the busy summer season.  And, of course, avoid driving over the lines until the paint dries – which happens fairly quickly.  Otherwise, it’s not out of the question for a drop or two to end up on your car’s paint job.

National News 051826

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott Gifts $70M Donation to Meals on Wheels

(Undated)  If only others would follow her example.  Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, former wife of Amazon co-founder Jeff Bezos, has made a monumental $70M donation to Meals on Wheels.  The gift was unrestricted, meaning local networks of Meals on Wheels America can allocate the funds where needed most, allowing organizations to shift from short-term financial survival to long-term planning as they work to combat senior hunger, isolation, and long waiting lists.  Scott has a history of using her fortune to support non-profits which, in particular, support the less fortunate and those most in need.

Smithsonian Adds Back Impeachment Language

(NYT)   The Smithsonian Institution is once again mentioning the impeachments of President Donald Trump on wall text accompanying his image at the National Portrait Gallery.  The New York Times reports the museum had faced scrutiny a few months back when text describing Trump’s two impeachment trials was removed.  Trump has been openly critical of the Smithsonian’s depiction of American history and has sought to rid it of mentions of slavery, diversity, and other facets he considered negative, even if factual.  The updated exhibition was unveiled on Friday.

Brazilian Doctor Helps Take the Fear Out of Pediatric Surgery

(Undated)  And finally, from the “here’s your Monday smile” department, a Brazilian doctor practicing in Italy has devised a way to help children cope with the stress of surgery.  Before going into the operating room, ENT doctor Leandro Guimaraes dresses up his young patients as superheroes, complete with capes, and walks them … or sometimes sails them atop his shoulders … to the operating room, making an entrance that would encourage any child to feel invincible.  According to a post on Instagram, Dr. Guimaraes was recently recognized for his work with the international  WEmbrace Award, which symbolize the embrace of uniqueness and promoting values of inclusion and inspiration in the healthcare field.

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