Local Politics

Ellsworth Council Votes to Sanction Member

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth City Council on Monday voted to sanction Councilor Steve O’Halloran for violating the City’s Code of Ethics.  The Ellsworth American reports council members cited an investigative report alleging city employees, at least five of whom provided phone interviews,  experienced “emotional distress, anxiety [and] feeling intimidated” after “unprofessional behavior attributed by them to Mr. O’Halloran.”  Council chambers were packed with those in support of O’Halloran, who has been known to abstain or vote opposite most of the other members elected to serve by the citizens of Ellsworth. In 2022, he sued the city over the lease of a new building for the police department and he recently posted a huge banner at a major intersection implying the city was a circus run by clowns.  Still, some said he was the one who stood as their voice. O’Halloran was the subject of a discussion of a possible ethics violation in 2023, but Council members declined any formal disciplinary action at that time.

(Ellsworth)  Monday’s Ellsworth City Council meeting ran long into the night, mostly due  to Council’s vote to sanction Councilor Steve O’Halloran for allegedly violating the City’s Code of Ethics.  O’Halloran, who is known for years-long disputes with the City’s municipal government, reportedly was cited in an investigation by at least five city employees who experienced “emotional distress, anxiety, [and] feeling intimidated” by what they called O’Halloran’s “unprofessional behavior”.  A large crowd was on hand to defend O’Halloran, with some saying he was the councilor who truly represented their views; and while O’Halloran admitted he may have “crossed a line”, he largely defended his actions, saying it was his job to dig for facts and that he was simply doing his job.  Councilor Tabatha White told O’Halloran, “You deserve to be here. We want to work with you.  But we cannot have this risk to the city.”  Councilor Nancy Smith said she was disturbed O’Halloran was trying to position himself as a victim when he had simply been bullying people.  Councilor Patrick Shea opposed the sanction, and O’Halloran abstained.

Economy

Robbins Lumber Continues to Support Employees After Tragedy

(Searsmont)  Robbins Lumber says it will not lay off workers at the Searsmont mill where Friday’s explosion and fire killed one firefighter and injured several others.  The Bangor Daily News reports workers are receiving paychecks while the plant is shut down this week.  The company intends to resume production there soon, according to the Maine Department of Labor.  Investigators have been combing the scene, preserving evidence and have so far interviewed more than 50 witnesses, according to an update provided by the Department of Public Safety.  Robbins Lumber employs more than 100 workers at its Searsmont plant, which has operated since 1881.

Maine Preservation Announces Grant Recipients

(Blue Hill)  Maine Preservation has announced its 2026 Grant recipients.  In partnership with the 1772 Foundation for a seventh year, the group has awarded 20 institutions, including Haystack Mountain School of Craft in Deer Isle, the Jonathan Fisher Memorial in Blue Hill, Lincoln County Community Theatre and Orchestra in Damariscotta, Monhegan Museum of Art & History, and Tides Institute & Museum of Art in Eastport.  Grants were provided for exterior repair and restoration, including painting, surface restoration, chimneys, porches, roofs, windows, and installation of fire detection and suppression systems.

Education

EEMS Book Giveaway

(Ellsworth)  Bring a bag and get ready to take home free books!  Ellsworth Elementary Middle School has refreshed their library, and they say they have many wonderful books looking for new readers and homes.  Their free book giveaway will be held at the school cafeteria next Tuesday, May 26th, from 3 to 5 p.m.  Pick up chapter books, picture books, leveled books.  Stop by, browse, and take home whatever catches your eye – completely free of charge!

Buck Memorial Library Director Honored

(Bucksport)  Congratulations to Lisa Ladd, Director of the Buck Memorial Library in Bucksport.  At this week’s 2026 Conference of the Maine Library Association, Ladd was named Librarian of the Year.  The MLA says she received the award for her incredible stewardship of the library, both as a gem of the community and as an historic building.  It’s no doubt welcome icing on the cake after the Select Board this year turned down the library’s request for funding amid tough economic times.

Health

New Pregnancy Resource to Open in Washington County

(Machiasport)  There will soon be a new resource for Washington County women who find themselves facing an unexpected pregnancy.  Hope for Life Pregnancy Center will host an Open House on Saturday, June 6th, from 10 until 2.  Not a medical facility, Hope for Life will be there to offer education and resources – a first of its kind facility in Washington County.  Join them at 968 Cutler Road in Machiasport, and again, that’s Saturday, June 6th from 10 until 2.  hopeforlifemaine.com.

Human Interest

Ellsworth Installs Fresh American Flags

(Ellsworth)  Thanks to a generous matching program through the Cole Land Transportation Museum, you’ll see fresh, new American flags flying across Ellsworth this Memorial Day.  The City says it was able to replace older worn flags and install 48 new kits throughout the community.  Shout out to the Parks & Recreation and Highway Department crews for helping the City look its best for the holiday and the nation’s 250th!

Volunteers Help with City Clean Up

(Ellsworth)  Speaking of sprucing up, more than a dozen volunteers showed up last Saturday on a beautiful weekend morning to get down and dirty planting flower boxes to line the Union River Bridge, pull weeds and dead growth at SK Whiting Park, refresh the tree boxes that line the downtown sidewalks, and ensure the Franklin Street Parklet and alleyways were weed and trash free so the City can put on its best face for our summer visitors.  Thanks to everyone who helped out on this City of Ellsworth and Heart of Ellsworth project.

Flags Lowered

(Augusta)  Flags will be flying at half mast today.  Governor Janet Mills directed flags to be lowered on Thursday in honor of Maine Civil Rights leader Gerald Talbot, the state’s first black legislator who passed away May 9th, and Game Warden Joshua Tibbetts who died in a plane crash on May 12th.  Tibbetts will be laid to rest today following a 1 p.m. service at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.  Talbot will be honored at a separate ceremony at 10 a.m. this morning at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  In addition, flags will be lowered Friday to honor fallen firefighter Andrew Cross, who was killed in the explosion in Searsmont.  A memorial service for Cross will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Veracity Chapel in Morrill.  

Lobster Boat Parade to Honor Ginny Oliver

(Rockland)  Ginny Oliver was known nationwide for her passion for lobstering.  Known as the beloved “Lobster Lady”, Ginny, who died in January at the age of 105, continued lobstering from the boat well past the age of 100.  The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association, or NEFSA, is planning a lobster boat parade in her honor at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 6th, in Rockland.  Boats will meet inside the Rockland breakwater and follow from there.  Anyone interested in participating should contact NEFSA member Erik Waterman.

Wallace Family to Honor Alton with Memorial Youth Hunting/Fishing License Giveaway

(Milbridge)  Tragedy struck the Wallace family of Milbridge a year ago when their husband, brother, and friend, Alton, went missing while clamming.  His body was found a month later in Narraguagus Bay.  The family says the 51 yo was an avid outdoorsman who often took local youth out hunting on youth day and during the season; so they plan to honor him with a special gift to one lucky winner – a Hunting/fishing Lifetime License.  To enter, you must be a Maine resident, under age 15 and must not already hold a lifetime license. Write in your own words what the license would mean for you and your family, what your favorite thing is about being a kid in Maine, and, if you knew Alton, add a favorite memory.  Submit that, along with your name, age, address and parent’s name and phone number, to 196 Wyman Road Milbridge.  The winner will be announced on Alton’s birthday, June 25th.  

Memorial Day Travel Forecast

(Undated)  Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer vacation – and that means road trip season.  According to Triple A, despite gas prices averaging more than $4.50 a gallon, 45 million Americans are expected to travel 50 or more miles between now and May 25th.  That’s an increase of about 200 thousand travelers compared with last year, making it the busiest Memorial Day on record.  About 87% of us will travel by car, translating to more than 39 million folks on the road.  Some 3.6 million are expected to take to the skies, and just over 2 million will travel by other means.  Be safe out there.

The Gatherings in Surry to Celebrate 10 Years

(Surry)  The Gatherings in Surry is celebrating ten years of offering game and open mic nights, language and instrument lessons, and community engagement.  The Gatherings was the brainchild of Surry resident Florence Reed, who says she sketched out the fuzzy idea in 2015, and hundreds of people showed up with their time, talent, and resources. They purchased the property at 1208 Surry Road with major support from Tradewinds in Blue Hill and the Gray family and renovated it with support from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation.  Today, Program Coordinator Clarisa Diaz and Building Caretaker Justin Mejia work tirelessly to keep the program going.  Join them in celebrating a decade of gatherings on Saturday, June 6th, starting at 2 p.m.  The event will include live music, a cookout, silent auction and games, and everyone is welcome! 

National News 05/21/26

Officers Who Defended Capitol on January 6th Sue to Block Payments to Rioters

(AP)  Two police officers who helped defend the United States Capitol from an attack by a mob of Trump supporters on January 6, 2021, on Wednesday sued to block anyone, including the rioters, from receiving payouts from a new nearly $1.8B settlement fund for people who claim to be victims of politically motivated prosecutions.  According to the Associated Press, the lawsuit alleges the government’s so-called “Anti-Weaponization Fund” is an illegal slush fund Trump will use to “finance the insurrectionists and paramilitary groups that commit violence in his name”, calling it “the most brazen act of presidential corruption this century”, and demanding its dissolution.  The nearly $2B fund ultimately comes at the expense of American taxpayers, who are already struggling with gasoline, grocery, and healthcare costs.

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