Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Ellsworth House Fire
(Ellsworth) A Friday afternoon fire at a house on Christian Ridge Road in Ellsworth caused the closure of that road and brought multiple crews, including Hancock, Lamoine, and Orland, racing to the scene. Although the Ellsworth Fire Department reached the structure within minutes, they arrived to find heavy smoke and a fire already raging in two separate attic spaces and the second floor. Sources say there were no fire hydrants nearby, so firefighters were forced to use water tankers to transport water to the blaze. In addition, the partial collapse of the home’s roof and interior ceiling complicated efforts to bring the fire under control. The occupants of the home were able to escape safely but reportedly lost two beloved pets. It took firefighters more than four hours to bring the flames under control. Investigators are looking for a cause.
Orland Fire Department Gets Grant for Safety Equipment
(Orland) The Orland Fire Department is celebrating confirmation of an Assistance to Firefighters Grant that will enable greater firefighter safety and survival. They say behind-the-scenes efforts by a grants team to secure the funding included gathering information, ensuring compliance, justification, narrative and proper navigation of complicated steps and more. The monies will initially replace ten aging Self-Contained Breathing apparatus and allow purchase of a Rapid Intervention Team rescue pack.
Report Says ICE Detainees Being Moved More Quickly, Farther Away
(Scarborough) A new analysis of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, data by an immigrant legal advocacy group shows most people detained in Maine are moved elsewhere in New England within six hours, and then often transferred to facilities in the South. The Portland Press Herald reports that after processing at the ICE facility in Scarborough, 98% of those detained this year have been swiftly moved to facilities outside of Maine. According to the report, detainees so far this year spent an average of less than 13 days at any single facility and were frequently moved between a web of 30 different facilities across 11 states. Advocates say the tactics significantly undermine immigrants’ legal representation.
Economy
Deer Isle Considers Funding for New Fire Station
(Deer Isle) Residents of Deer Isle last month got a first look at a funding plan for the town’s proposed new fire station. The plan includes possibly borrowing up to $3.5M for construction of the new five-bay building. Island Ad-Vantages reports Town Manager Jim Fisher noted the plan combines current reserves, public debt, and private donations to cover the estimated remaining $6.5M in costs associated with the project. Challenges include finding an advantageous interest rate, ensuring borrowing doesn’t crowd out future debt-dependent projects, determining the exact amount to borrow, and most importantly – time. Fisher said the town will want to finalize the funding article in December.
Federal Agricultural Officials Visit Maine
(Augusta) Federal agricultural officials were in Maine last week, getting a first hand look at the discrepancy between crop insurance for farmers and the state’s multi-million-dollar lobster industry. The Portland Press Herald reports federal crop insurance allows farmers to buy government-subsidized policies that pay out in weeks to months after natural disasters or market drops. In contrast, lobstermen rely on federal fishery disaster declarations that can take up to five years to distribute aid. Patrice McCarron, Director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, called the visit an important first step toward determining if existing USDA programs can be adapted or new approaches developed to better support Maine lobstermen in their role as global food producers.
MDI Lobster Pound on the Market
(MDI) Thurston’s Lobster Pound on Mount Desert Island is for sale. According to the Bangor Daily News, Thurston’s features a 30-year old restaurant overlooking Bass Harbor and an 80-year-old wholesale operation that supports local fishermen by supplying fuel and bait while purchasing their daily lobster hauls. The sale is said to follow a slow but steady decline in the region’s iconic profession – lobster fishing; but the owners say they hope any new buyer will keep its status quo. Thurston’s has some of Bass Harbor’s oldest structures, some of which have existed since the 1860s. Its traditional lobster roll is often listed among the island’s best by locals and travelling food bloggers. Thurston’s is on the market for $6M.
Calais and Machias Subways Under New Ownership
(Machias) The Subway restaurants in Machias and Calais are under new ownership. Previously owned by MTF Subs, owner Michael Fay’s franchisee group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year due to financial strains that in 2025 forced off-and-on closures of multiple locations in Maine and elsewhere. The new owners ask for your patience as employees work to get the restaurants back on track.
Data Center Developer Eyes Bucksport Mill Site
(Bucksport) The Bucksport Town Council last week considered a temporary ban on data centers, likely prompted by a recent visit from a data center developer who reportedly was eyeing the site of the town’s former paper mill. According to The River Observer, Bucksport’s lingering infrastructure from the mill, deep water access, a power plant, a fresh water supply, and the vacant site itself make the town attractive to data center developers. The former mill site is privately owned, so the town’s say over such development is limited. The temporary ban, if enacted, would last for up to 180 days but could be rescinded if town rules were updated earlier. Supporters say the idea is not to keep such development away, but to ensure guardrails are in place. A public hearing will be held before a vote on the ban.
Education
Reading Dragons Back at EPL
(Ellsworth) Do your kids seem to breathe fire every time you suggest they pick up a book? No worries – they’re no doubt just asking you to sign them up for Reading Dragons & Friends at the Ellsworth Public Library! Back for its third year, this literacy-boosting program includes the library’s launch of a special Downtown Ellsworth Scavenger Hunt, in partnership with a dozen local businesses. Just pick up a Quest Card at the library and go on a search with your kids for the 12 dragons hidden in the windows of local businesses. Submit your card to be entered into a drawing for a dragon hand puppet. Plus, you’ll receive a set of special Bookworm Dragons. The contest runs through October 29th, and any family can participate. Check out ellsworthlibrary.net or stop in for more details and to participate!
Health
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
(Ellsworth) The vibrant “Hope” sign that shines in Downtown Ellsworth this month will be backed by a pink glow from the cupola and exterior of Ellsworth City Hall. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the rosy glow honors those who are or who have battled the disease. Regional providers like Northern Light Health remind residents that women aged 40 and older can schedule annual screening mammograms using 3D technology without a physician referral, and financial support may be available for those in need. The Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program provides free clinical breast exams and mammography services statewide for the low-income and uninsured. One of the state’s best resources is the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, with offices in Ellsworth and Baileyville.
Human Interest
Pumpkin Hike 2026
(Ellsworth) Frenchman Bay Conservancy’s Pumpkin Hike is back in 2026! On October 25th, come carve your pumpkin at Tidal Falls Preserve – anytime from 1 to 4 p.m. Pumpkins will then be lit and will line the Ellsworth Riverwalk from 5 to 7 pm on October 28th, and they’ll haunt … or rather, make festive – the path through November 1st. Thanks to Heart of Ellsworth and the Ellsworth Public Library for supporting the fun!
Infrastructure
City Seeks RFP’s for Historic Preservation Project
(Ellsworth) The more than 90-year-old hand-carved relief that adorns Ellsworth City Hall is in need of some TLC. The Seal Pediment stretches about 18 feet across the front gable and sits about 30 feet above the ground. Decades of exposure to the elements has caused significant deterioration and requires specialized attention; so the City is taking a cautious, phased approach, involving first safely removing and documenting the Seal, stabilizing and transporting it to an appropriate facility, allowing it to dry in a controlled environment, and then determining the appropriate conservation and restoration work for the next phase, along with help from the Ellsworth Historic Preservation Commission. The City has issued a Request for Proposals for the project, which can be viewed at procurement.opengov.com.
Technology
Gouldsboro Boasts New Town Website
(Gouldsboro) The Town of Gouldsboro has a new and improved website. The town says the new layout and design will make it easier for residents and visitors to find the information they need, including online services such as bill pay, monthly newsletters, town news and announcements, meeting information, forms, and more … all in one place. And soon they’ll be rolling out a new broadcast notification system on their website that gives residents the option to sign up for important town updates and notifications by text and/or email. Lots of changes, but the same address – gouldsborotown.com.
National News – 10/05/26
Trump Orders Ads Praising Him Funded by Taxpayers
(Washington, DC) President Trump directed the use of taxpayer funds from the Department of Homeland Security for a $20M television ad campaign praising his presidency. Groups claim the spots violate federal laws against using public funds for partisan messaging or propaganda, and lawmakers from both parties raised objections regarding proximity of the ad to the midterms. Trump argues the ads are patriotic and serve as educational public service announcements.
Squishy Toys Recalled
(Undated) ABC Trading is recalling its squishy toys due to risk of serious injury or death. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the toys violate the mandatory safety standard for toys because the water beads inside the toys expand larger than permitted, posing a deadly ingestion hazard. If a water bead is ingested, it can pose choking and intestinal obstruction inside a child’s body, resulting in severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration and risk of death. About 37K units are being recalled, including squishy dumplings model 3655 and crazy squib balls, model 3984. Consumers are being directed to contact ABC Trading of Vernon, California for a refund.
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