Local Politics

Eastport Residents Oppose Underwater AI Center

(Eastport)  Eastport residents are making no secret of their strong opposition to a proposed $413M, 400 acre underwater AI data center.  The Maine Monitor reports the project is being pitched by developer DeepGreen Western Passage and aims to utilize the area’s strong tides to power 170 turbines and cool 34 “hive pods” of AI computer servers.  A citizen group gathered enough signatures to force public hearings on two ordinances that would prohibit such construction.  Key concerns include damage to marine ecosystems, threats to indigenous and local heritage, and industrialization of coastal waters that critics argue will disrupt whale migration corridors, ruin the local tourism heritage, and strain the local energy grid.

Ellsworth Residents Oppose Proposed RV Park

(Ellsworth)  Residents living in the Alton Avenue neighborhood near 566 Bayside Road in Ellsworth have long enjoyed their quiet, somewhat rural neighborhood.  But homeowners there say a proposed new RV park threatens that lifestyle.  The Bangor Daily News reports the Ellsworth Planning Board has granted preliminary application approval and visited the proposed 28-site commercial development called the Anchor In Campground.  But the neighborhood coalition is pushing for a temporary moratorium on campground developments in rural zones ahead of a final review set for September 2nd.  Residents’ key concerns include noise and light pollution, traffic and infrastructure concerns, insufficient buffering, and environmental hazards, such as wildlife displacement, waste management, and safety risks like sudden RV fires.  Groundbreaking is set for next month with a completion date of July 2027.  The coalition will present their moratorium petition to the City Council yet this month, hoping to halt such approvals until the comprehensive zoning plan can be updated.

Economy

Maine Affordability Payment Rollout

(Augusta)  Start looking for that check in the mail.  The Maine Affordability Payment Program has begun sending out $300 checks to those who are eligible.  Administered by Maine Revenue Services, the program was approved by the Maine Legislature in order to support Maine residents who are considered disproportionately affected by Maine sales and excise taxes.  Qualifications to receive the checks include reporting federal adjusted gross income for the 2025 tax year that is less than $100K if married filing jointly or a qualifying surviving spouse; $75K if filing as head of household, or $50K if single or married filing separately.  Learn more at maine.gov

Fund to Help Students Facing Homelessness

(Augusta)  Students and their families in seven Maine districts, including Ellsworth, who are experiencing homelessness or similar risks will receive assistance this school year through a $2M fund administered by MaineHousing.  According to a press release, some 1300 students could be impacted through the fund, created by Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Legislature in 2021. The one-year awards will help districts hire or retain homeless prevention advocates, provide stability services, and offer flexible direct financial assistance, including security and utility deposits, transportation, and other expenses.  MaineHousing will work with award recipients to monitor spending and outcomes, including the number of families served, diverted from homelessness, or moved into permanent housing.  Ellsworth and the surrounding area will receive just over $320,670.00.  

WIC Farmer’s Market

(Ellsworth)  Happytown Farm will be at the Mill Mall on State Street today from 11 to 2.  They accept WIC Farmer’s Market vouchers, cash, or card.  Find fresh local produce, community connections and more.  That’s today at the Mill Mall from 11 to 2.

Blueberry Pioneer Still Going Strong at 91

(Addison)  Dell Emerson has spent a lifetime growing, gathering, and gleaning information about blueberries.  At 91, the Addison wild blueberry farmer is still going strong.  The Bangor Daily News reports Emerson designed and built the equipment used by himself and other growers, spent more than 50 years working at nearby UMaine’s wild blueberry research station, and built Wild Blueberry Land, the geodesic dome just up the road on Route One in Columbia Falls, that offers a fascinating history of the industry, an attraction as sweet as the blueberry pie and other goods it serves up, along with the industry’s history.  Dell and his wife Marie have long advocated for the survival of small family farms and traditions.  From his start in 1953, Emerson says he’s seen many changes in weed control, pollination, and fertilization practices, including the now-common practice of renting honeybees each spring to improve pollination.  Emerson said last year was a bad one for the crop, but things are looking much better this year.  We hope he’s around to enjoy many more “fruitful” years.

Education

Community College System Grant to Boost Small Manufacturer Workforce

(Augusta)  A $5M federal grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration will help Maine’s community colleges provide specialized training that prepares students for work at the state’s small- and mid-sized manufacturers.  More than 600 students will benefit from no-cost training that will expand access to eight existing classes in fabrication, machining, welding, blueprint reading, quality assurance, and manufacturing technologies.  Sources say Maine’s smaller manufacturing firms are a critical part of the supply chain that sustains the industry’s major employers, such as Bath Iron Works and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Environment

Black Bear Appeals Water Quality Certification Decision

(Ellsworth)  Black Bear Hydro, a subsidiary of Brookfield Renewable, is back in court, filing an appeal against the Maine Department of Environmental Protection over its decision to deny water quality certification for the dams on Leonard and Graham Lakes.  The Ellsworth American reports it’s the second time in recent years Black Bear has been denied WQC and subsequently filed an appeal.  Without Water Quality Certification, the program can no longer operate the project to generate electricity, resulting in the decommissioning and possible removal of the dams.  Environmentalists have for years argued the dams obstruct the environment by hindering fish passage, even resulting in massive fish kills.  

Japanese Beetle Season

(Maine)  Just as the black flies are waning and the mosquitoes have taken their toll in involuntary blood donations, the Japanese beetles have arrived, feeding on our gardens like a plague of locusts.  According to Gabe Goode, who writes a column in the Ellsworth American, there are measures to prevent the pests’ destruction.  Most effective, a physical barrier, such as a fine mesh net.  For larger gardens, Goode suggests a stroll through the garden with a container of soapy water, picking the pests off by hand and dropping them in the sudsy mixture to drown. Another measure he recommends is using a small fly known as a parasitoid, an organism released in the garden that lays an egg on the beetle, ultimately killing its host.  While the fly may take a few years to establish itself, Goode says he’s found it most effective in his own garden.  To learn more, follow Goode Gardening bi-weekly in the Ellsworth American.

Ellsworth Tree Steward Program Needs Volunteers

(Ellsworth)  It’s a great way to get your daily walk in and help protect Ellsworth’s urban forestry.  The city’s tree stewards are looking for volunteers to help with their street tree inventory.  No experience necessary.  Meet in front of City Hall today or Friday from 9:30 to Noon. You just need a tape measure and your smart phone to help collect tree measurements.  Data gathered will help inform decisions regarding the future of the urban forest in Ellsworth.  Dress for the weather, bring water, wear comfortable shoes for walking and RSVP to treesteward@ellsworthmaine.gov if you can help.

Infrastructure

Merrill Lane Extension

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth has issued an RFP for construction of the Merrill Lane Extension, the new municipal roadway extending from High Street toward the proposed courthouse complex area.  The project includes stormwater infrastructure, sewer and water, electrical utilities, lighting, and roadside improvements.  Groundwork is underway, with a gravel access road in place, and the City is now seeking a contractor to help take Merrill Lane to the next stage. Proposals are due September 3rd.  Details can be found at ellsworthmaine.gov.

Surry Considers Adding Water and Sewer Service

(Surry)  The town of Surry is exploring whether to add water and sewer service for residents.  The matter is a crucial one as officials look for ways to expand housing and commercial development.  According to the Bangor Daily News, the town’s 1700  residents, most of whom reside in single-family dwellings, are currently served by well-water; but the town has launched preliminary talks with neighboring Ellsworth about the possibility of connecting to that city’s sewer system.  Town authorities say at this point it’s more a concept than a plan and that the idea is in “the very beginning stages”, although Surry officials say they’ve been aware of a need to connect to a water and sewer system for years.

Human Interest

Maine Wildlife Park Loses Beloved Moose

(Gray)  The Maine Wildlife Park in Gray lost another beloved resident over the weekend.  Byron the moose was found as an orphaned calf by local residents in 2013 and was brought to the park by a local Game Warden.  Over the 13 years he spent at the park, Byron welcomed some 2M visitors and served as an ambassador in the quest to preserve and protect Maine’s native wildlife.  The park lost its beloved resident black bear, Luvey, less than two weeks ago.  

Maine Outdoor Film Festival 

(Ellsworth)  Mark your calendars for the Maine Outdoor Film Festival, Wednesday, August 26th, from 6 to 9 p.m.  The festival takes place at Knowlton Park, and includes food vendors, educational tables, a raffle, and outdoor films beginning at 7:30.  Sponsored by the City of Ellsworth, Heart of Ellsworth, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, and Volta Climbing.  Be sure to arrive early to secure your spot!

Dogs Can Tell Our Moods

(WaPo)  A study cited in the Washington Post confirms dogs can tell when we’re happy, sad, or frustrated.  Perhaps no surprise to dog owners, but the study DID provide some new insights.  Scientists took brain scans mostly of border collies, as they’re known to be highly skilled at following social cues and willing to interact with people. In the study, dogs were put, awake and unrestrained, in MRI scanners to see brain activity while the pups looked at images of human facial expressions.  The experiment confirmed what they already knew – dogs can differentiate between joy and a blank stare, and between happy and angry faces.  But the scans also showed something novel – the dogs were making distinctions between fear and anger, fear and sadness, showing they could tell the difference between fairly nuanced negative emotions.  Researchers admit more studies are needed … but those whose families include man’s best friend, say the evidence speaks for itself.  (Bark … yes, indeed … good boy!)  

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