Living in beautiful, rural Maine poses some challenges that rarely appear on the radar of folks in urban and suburban settings. One of these challenges is the proximity of wildlife. Towns, private organizations and individuals must work together to keep people, pets, livestock and wild animals safe and out of each other’s way. We shouldn’t …
Last week, Sen. Susan Collins made her long-awaited, much-anticipated decision on whether she would run for governor next year or continue her service as Maine’s senior senator in Washington. Her decision to remain in the Senate is one we appreciate and applaud. A nationally recognized moderate, Collins’ probity and belief in thoughtful deliberation are urgently …
Recent headlines tell the story of increased levels of motorcycle crash deaths in Maine this year — exceeding last year’s total deaths through the end of September, with 20 so far. Automobile crash deaths over the past two years have increased as well, after years of falling death levels across the country. These trends deserve …
Mount Desert Island is a running kind of place. Acadia National Park attracts trail runners and triathletes for active vacations. Our middle and high school cross-country and track teams are stellar. Several adult running clubs and myriad road races provide a strong, supportive running community. Given the stunning scenery and fresh, clean air, it’s no …
Congratulations to Bar Harbor’s Conners Emerson School for winning a National Blue Ribbon School award from the U.S. Department of Education. Only three schools in Maine earned that distinction this year, and Connors Emerson is one of very few to win the award twice. Like all the Mount Desert Island schools, Connors Emerson is a …
On Oct. 2, Emera Maine filed a request with the Maine Public Utilities commission to increase distribution rates 12 percent, approximately $10.1 million per year. The new electrical substation in Bar Harbor was cited a one of the expenses justifying that substantial rate increase. Rate payers in other towns, including Eastbrook and Orrington, have filed …
Just after Christmas in 1955, an Ellsworth mother went to the hospital in Bangor for the delivery of her second daughter. In the maternity ward for four days, usual for the time, the birth and hospital stay cost $110 — almost 2 percent of the family’s annual income. While our health care has dramatically improved …
As the 70th anniversary of the Great Fire of 1947 approaches, Mount Desert Island residents are making good use of the opportunity to reflect on that monstrous event, the impacts of which are still felt. Islanders are storytellers, and the stories of the fire are as instructive as they are inspiring. At an upcoming anniversary …
Founded in 1994, Amazon.com is today the heavyweight of online retail shopping. It reported $136 billion in net revenue last year. In addition to its staggering sales growth, deeply discounted deals and perks such as free shipping, Amazon also has made headlines on the subject of sales tax — often for not collecting it. As …
Many years of discussion and debate in Bar Harbor about cruise ship visitation and the former international ferry terminal will culminate in a council vote informed by the results of the advisory committee’s work in a few more weeks. The council will decide by Nov. 30 whether to purchase the property from the Maine Department …
