Maine news from Ellsworth, Bucksport, Gouldsboro, Blue Hill, Sullivan, Surry, Hancock, Deer Isle, Stonington, Orland and throughout Hancock County.
ELLSWORTH — Church bells are ringing every Sunday in Brooksville. Now is a good time to spread a message of hope, said Gail Vencill, outreach coordinator at the Brooksville United Methodist Church. With that in mind, the church is ringing its bell every Sunday for five minutes starting at 11 a.m. for the duration of …
ELLSWORTH — The message from the City Council on Thursday evening was clear: We welcome visitors and those with seasonal homes to the area. Just not right now. “We don’t have the health care resources,” said Councilor Michelle Kaplan, who works as a physician’s assistant at Mount Desert Island Hospital. “We have limited hospital beds, …
ELLSWORTH — Calls to domestic violence helplines have been down in recent weeks. That’s not a good thing. “We believe we’re not seeing an increase in calls because if you are home with someone who’s abusive to you it’s probably not safe to make that call,” said Dorathy Martel, executive director of The Next Step …
ELLSWORTH — Amidst challenging and uncertain times, folks in Maine and elsewhere across the country have a bit of help on the way. Individuals and businesses are set to benefit from a stimulus bill passed by Congress and signed Friday by President Donald Trump. The bill, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security …
BLUE HILL — The town of Blue Hill had been thinking outside the box, the ballot box that is, to ensure public safety amid the coronavirus pandemic. Town officials had arranged for drive-through voting for the annual Town Meeting polls, which had been scheduled for Friday, April 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, …
ELLSWORTH — For Gouldsboro Town Manager Eve Wilkinson, the coronavirus pandemic has certainly been a game-changer. Wilkinson, who retired as town manager in 2015 after 18 years on the job, returned as interim town manager last summer. “I feel like I came back to the town as a conductor of a train,” she said, adding …
The following were arrested or booked into the Hancock County Jail between March 23 and 29: Zachary T. Phelon, 37, Blue Hill, refusing to submit to arrest or detention. Justin N. Kane, 24, Sullivan, domestic violence assault. Dustin A. Austin, 33, Trenton, domestic violence assault. April R. Allison, 22, Bucksport, violating conditions of release. Kyle …
ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth City Council will hold an emergency meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, to take possible action on several items related to the outbreak of COVID-19. Those items include an ordinance that would limit hotel, motel and short-term rentals to those deemed essential workers, General Assistance clients and those taking …
SULLIVAN — With mid-March approaching, Nikki Chan and her Regional School Unit 24 colleagues saw the writing on the wall. As soon as the second week of the month began, the immediate threat posed by the novel coronavirus became imminently clear throughout the United States. In quick succession, school districts, restaurants, bars, stadiums and other …
ELLSWORTH — Patients at Northern Light Blue Hill and Mount Desert Island hospitals have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. “I can confirm we have admitted a patient who had tested positive for COVID-19 at Blue Hill Hospital yesterday,” said hospital spokeswoman Kelley Columber on Wednesday morning. Columber declined to …
BLUE HILL — This tiny, seaside village was hit with its first reported case of coronavirus on Tuesday, according to hospital officials. “I can confirm we have admitted a patient who had tested positive for COVID-19 at Blue Hill Hospital yesterday,” said hospital spokeswoman Kelley Columber on Wednesday morning. Columber declined to give any more …
CASTINE — Maine Maritime Academy’s May 2 commencement has been called off and the spring training cruise will not depart as scheduled as the academy takes precautions against the spread of the novel coronavirus. In a statement issued last week, faculty explained the changes. “We know that you have questions about future plans and schedules …
