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 …
ELLSWORTH — It’s not quite as busy as the period surrounding the 2016 election, but local gun stores have seen a surge in first-time buyers, many motivated by fears that law and order will break down in the face of coronavirus. “Last week was just a phenomenal week,” said Jason York, manager at Willey’s Sport …
ELLSWORTH — For the 2020 selling season, artisan Claire Weinberg had big plans. Weinberg and her daughter, Carly, co-owners of skincare company Dulse & Rugosa, were set to run workshops, host open houses and participate in shows to market their handcrafted soaps, lotions, scrubs and oils from their new property on Route 1 in Gouldsboro. …
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced new restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday, ordering nonessential businesses to close their public-accessible physical locations and sites where workers cannot be safely distanced from one other. The order effectively mandates what had previously been a recommendation. “Do not go to the store because it feels like …
ELLSWORTH — Two weeks after an initial proposal was rejected by state regulators, officials at Canadian company ENMAX Corp. announced on Tuesday that they had successfully closed on a deal to buy Emera Maine for $1.3 billion. The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) initially rejected the deal, worrying that the risks to ratepayers outweighed the …
In an effort to minimize risk to area residents who are particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus, many businesses are offering special hours for them to shop. Here are a few of the local businesses and hours: Hannaford Hannaford announced that as of March 24 the hour from 6-7 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday would be reserved …
ELLSWORTH — Some businesses can adapt and even thrive when a global pandemic hits; others, like restaurants and retailers, are hard-hit. “It’s the restaurants and small shops that are struggling the most,” said Gretchen Wilson, executive director of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce. “If someone is out of work or worried they will be, …
ELLSWORTH — Supporters of a bill that attempts to prevent big-box retailers from using “dark store” theory when appealing their tax assessments gathered in Augusta for a hearing before the Legislature’s Committee on Taxation on Feb. 19. But while several assessors, including Ellsworth’s Larry Gardner, and state Rep. Nicole Grohoski (D-Ellsworth) argued in favor of …
ELLSWORTH — Margaritas, a chain of Mexican restaurants originating in New Hampshire with 26 locations from Pennsylvania to Maine, will open a franchise location in the former home of The Mex restaurant on Main Street in Ellsworth this summer. “We’re really excited to bring our delicious Mexican food, authentic décor and hand-shaken Margaritas to the …
ELLSWORTH — Siam Sky, a restaurant that first opened in Blue Hill in June of 2018, will open a second location this spring in the former Bangkok Restaurant on High Street. “We just want to do something more challenging,” said Bangkok native Vee Napapornpipat in a message. She owns Siam Sky along with her husband, …
BUCKSPORT — The Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced that Teri Doty has been appointed the new executive director of the organization effective Jan. 7. Doty replaces Leslie Wombacher, who resigned effective Dec. 31, 2019, after an eight-year stint. “I want to thank the Chamber’s board of directors for their …
ELLSWORTH — Nearly four years after moving in its first tenants, the city’s business incubator is undergoing its own growth spurt. With a nearly full house of start-up companies and affiliates, city officials recently formed an advisory board to help determine what they want the Union River Center for Innovation to look like in five …
