Maine news from Ellsworth, Bucksport, Gouldsboro, Blue Hill, Sullivan, Surry, Hancock, Deer Isle, Stonington, Orland and throughout Hancock County.
ROCKPORT — News about the Atlantic herring fishery has a rapt audience, even though not too many commercial boats in eastern Maine are in that business, because herring is by far the preferred bait for lobster fishermen. How much herring fishermen are allowed to land, an annual Total Allowable Catch, is set by the New England Fishery Management Council …
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND — “They didn’t teach us this in seminary” is a common refrain for clergy facing the challenges that arise in leading a congregation. And celebrating Easter during a current global health emergency is one heck of an unexpected challenge. Churches are closed, following bans on gatherings of more than ten people, and some denominations are requiring …
BAR HARBOR — Members of the Town Council have been hearing from their constituents a lot lately. People are concerned about how to protect the local population and rural medical resources from being overloaded as the coronavirus crisis continues. But some also are beginning to plan and prepare for “a stark downturn in tourism,” as Councilor Gary Friedmann put it, “that’s going to pummel our local …
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND — The island’s two programs that provide take-home meals on weekends for school children in need have seen a sharp rise in the number of recipients since the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools and began causing economic hardship for local families. “Since the pandemic began, our numbers have almost quadrupled to over 100 one week,” said Vicky Smith, co-director with Rev. Rob Benson of …
The following were arrested or booked into the Hancock County Jail between March 31 and April 5: Peter W. Jenkins, 56, Southwest Harbor, disorderly conduct. David W. Tonini, 53, Mount Desert, domestic violence assault.
BAR HARBOR – We are all being told to wash our hands as much as possible to combat COVID–19, but the mild spring weather has more people playing in the dirt than usual. Creating and/or planting a garden is one way to adhere to the rules of social distancing. In doing so, people are still allowed to go outside, work in …
AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Marine Resources’ Bureau of Public Health published guidelines Monday for shellfish harvesters and growers selling directly to consumers. Bivalve shellfish are closely managed and monitored, even during a pandemic, because the state agency must continue to make sure the product is safe from biotoxins and other hazardous materials. Harvesters …
SEARSPORT — The Penobscot Marine Museum is hosting a book club on Facebook for discussion of nautical short stories and books that are available for free online. “While you’re reading it or after you finish, keep us updated,” organizers said. “Post your thoughts, comments, and questions. Share related videos, create thematic memes. Let’s have some fun plus …
BROOKLIN — Aaron Porter, editor of Professional Boatbuilder magazine, sent a plea last week to professional or hobby boatbuilders to donate N95 masks to medical facilities, in light of the current shortage. “If you have any spare, or even not-so-spare, ‘N95’ designated dust masks in your shop or inventory, find them today and donate them to your closest medical facility,” …
ELLSWORTH — The leader of The Jackson Laboratory is applauding the additional “Stay Healthy at Home” measures announced Tuesday by Governor Janet Mills to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Maine. Preliminary models of the disease progression in Maine so far, Edison Liu said in a video event hosted by the Ellsworth Public Library, show a peak sometime …
