BREAKING: All Hands For Working Wrong Rd Naples Structure Fire

BREAKING: Naples, Maine - All Hands has been called this evening for a structure fire at 35 Wrong Rd. in Naples, Maine.

Second floor fully involved.

Everyone made it out.

In Belfast, Governor Mills Tours New Senior Housing Development Built Using Housing Bond She Signed in 2019

Bond signed by Governor helps to nearly triples construction of new affordable housing units for Maine people

Belfast, MAINE – Governor Janet Mills today toured Penobscot Landing in Belfast, a new 25-unit senior housing development that was built utilizing funding from the senior housing bond the Governor signed in January 2019.

The bond has helped jumpstart the construction of new, affordable homes for

Warren Days Gets Underway Tomorrow

Warren, Maine - Warren Days gets underway tomorrow, June 24th in Warren, Maine.

This year's celebration will take place in Woolen Park June 24th and June 25th, 2022.

There will be something for everyone from live music, food, parade to fireworks over the river.

Full Schedule:

BREAKING: Firefighters Battling Multiple Alarm Belfast Potato Factory Fire

Update at 8:36am: Pierce Street/Water Street -

Firefighting operations ongoing and crews are working to protect ammonia storage tanks. 

Per Belfast PD, area evacuations in progress.

Photo Frank Coombs

BREAKING: Belfast, Maine - Firefighters from several departments are battling massive, multiple alarm potato factory fire, well involved, on Pierce Street in Belfast, Maine.

Hazmat Team requested to the scene.

Belfast High School and East Side Schools are being evacuated. Harbor Hill Nursing Home has initiated their evacuation plan. 

The Route 1 bridge is closed.

Camden Fire Chief Chris Farley says there are no injuries. No word on what caused the fire. School in Belfast has been canceled because of the smoke.

Waldo County Emergency Management Agency advises that Belfast residents shelter in place until otherwise notified. Shelter in Place instructions can be found on our website at: https://cityofbelfast.org/DocumentCenter/View/1707/Ammonia-Siren?bidId

Camden Fire Chief Chris Farley says there are no injuries. No word on what caused the fire. School in Belfast has been canceled because of the smoke.

Stay tuned for the latest.

Coastal grants available for municipal and regional projects

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Municipal Planning Assistance Program seeks applications for a new round of Coastal Community Grants for FY 2022. The grants are for municipal and regional projects in Maine's Coastal Zone. Funding for those technical assistance grants comes from Maine Coastal Program's annual grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The total amount of funds available for the Coastal Communities Grant Program in FY22 is expected to be approximately $175,000. The minimum award amount will be $20,000 and the maximum award amount will be $50,000. Communities eligible to apply include towns in Maine's coastal zone, groups of towns in Maines coastal zone; coastal Regional Planning Commissions; and coastal Councils of Government.

This program statement invites proposals

Maine Places Order for Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccines Arriving in Week 12

AUGUSTA— The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced today that the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has placed its first order (PDF) for doses of the newly authorized Johnson & Johnson one-shot COVID-19 vaccine for 11,500 people, to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Operation Warp Speed.

Additionally, the Maine CDC learned Sunday that

Maine Placing Order for Tenth Week of COVID-19 Vaccines

AUGUSTA- The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced today that the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) is preparing to place another order for first doses of COVID-19 vaccine, for 22,475 people, to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Operation Warp Speed. This is an increase of 1,000 doses over the current week's amount. This amount will be supplemented by 4,800 doses that the Federal government will supply directly to 24 Walmart and Sams Club pharmacies in Maine.

Maine CDC's order reflects the maximum

Sea Dogs sign PDL with Red Sox

 Official MLB Press Release

Portland, Maine - The Portland Sea Dogs have accepted the invitation from Major League Baseball and the Boston Red Sox to join Major League Baseball’s new player development structure by signing a Professional Development License (PDL). The ten-year agreement will keep the Red Sox affiliation in Portland at least through the 2030 season.

The Sea Dogs will serve as Boston’s Double-A

WAVES First Instagram Contest Winner Meets Virtually with Senator Angus King

Maine - After an all-nighter of Senate votes last Thursday evening through 5:30am Friday, and a full day of Senate work thereafter, Maine’s Senator Angus King made sure to meet with Kalli Sternberg of Machias, a high school senior at Washington Academy in East Machias. Kalli was the winner of an Instagram photo contest hosted by the Maine Department Of Education’s new initiative WAVES (Wilderness Activities and Virtual Engagement for Students), which granted her the opportunity to meet with Senator King.  

Kalli’s winning photo, shared under the contest invitation to “post a picture that gives you a sense of peace and gratitude,” was taken on the cliffs of the Bold Coast trail in Cutler, overlooking the crashing waves and vast ocean before her. Senator King saw Kalli’s picture and reminisced about his visits to the area, including a recent RV trip with his wife to Cobscook Bay State Park, another breathtaking site in Washington County.  

While Kalli’s interview was scheduled for fifteen minutes, Kalli and Senator King’s conversation lasted for almost an hour, during which Senator King answered Kalli’s questions about his path to the Senate, his decision to enter politics, his advice for a young person embarking into adulthood, and how to have constructive conversations with people holding different beliefs and coming from varying perspectives. Senator King shared the importance of what he called “eloquent listening,” of seizing opportunities and engaging in experiential learning in all facets of life. Senator King also asked Kalli about her plans, interests, and experience as a high school student living and learning through COVID.  

Following the conversation with Senator King, Kalli commented that “It was wonderful to talk with Senator King and hear about his journey. I also appreciated his interest in my life and experiences. The lessons I gained from his advice, generosity and genuine curiosity will stay with me. Thank you, Senator!”  

WAVES is continuing its series of Instagram challenges, providing a range of opportunities for teens to connect with each other, the outdoors, and educators and leaders from throughout the state. Follow WAVES Project Director on Instagram (mainewavesdirector) for the latest updates and challenges. 
 

Just In: Case of B.1.1.7 COVID-19 Variant Confirmed in Maine

 AUGUSTA - The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) today announced that a case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 has been detected in Maine. This is the first case in Maine of this variant, which was initially discovered in the United Kingdom and has now been detected in 34 other states.

A Maine resident developed symptoms in early February and tested positive for COVID-19. A sample was sent to an independent laboratory as part of Maine CDC's process to identify potential COVID-19 variants. The Maine CDC was notified of the results this morning.

The individual is a resident of Franklin County with a history of recent international travel. The individual and other household members who tested positive for COVID-19 are isolating. Maine CDCs case investigation is ongoing, and close contacts are being identified and will be required to quarantine.

As of Tuesday, the U.S. CDC had reported 932 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant from 34 states in the United States. Maine CDC is in communication with the U.S. CDC about this case as it continues to track COVID-19 variants across states.

"We recognize the concern this case may cause, given that the B.1.1.7 variant appears to spread more easily," said Dr. Nirav D. Shah, Director of the Maine CDC. Given the number of cases already detected in other states, we expected the variant to arrive in Maine and have been on the lookout for it. It is more important than ever that Maine people remain vigilant in taking the steps that prevent the spread of COVID-19 - wearing face coverings, staying at least 6 feet apart, avoiding gatherings, and washing hands frequently.

Testing for the B.1.1.7 variant and other variants has been ongoing in Maine in collaboration with clinical diagnostic laboratories, including The Jackson Laboratory and the U.S. CDC. Testing consists of conducting genomic sequencing on a portion of COVID-19 positive test samples in Maine.

Public health experts expect that existing COVID-19 diagnostic tests will continue to detect variants of the virus. Scientific evidence suggests that currently available vaccines are effective against the B.1.1.7 variant. Given the increased transmissibility of this variant and the number of states and other countries that have found cases, more cases may be identified in Maine

At this time, the measures to protect public health remain the same. Maine people must continue to:

• Wear masks when out in public
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others
• Avoid gatherings
• Stay home when sick
• Wash hands frequently, and
• Get tested if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or are identified as a close contact.

Information on COVID-19 testing in Maine is available on the Keep Maine Healthy website.

RPL Construction Phase Informational Meeting - 2.18.21

 

Rice Public Library Project Construction Phase Informational Meeting Thursday, February 18, 2021 Please join the Town of Kittery, Rice Public Library Project Team and your neighbors for an information session on the construction phase of the Rice Public Library Renovation on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 6:00pm. The virtual meeting held via Zoom will include a presentation on the construction schedule, traffic logistics, work hours and what the library site will look like during construction. To register for the event, please click here.

Hundreds Turn Out For Rockland's Annual Summer Solstice

Rockland, Maine - Hundreds of people young and old turned out for annual Summer Solstice hosted by Rockland Main Street INC on Saturday, June 15th, 2019 in Rockland, Maine.

Big hit during the event were annual Rockland Sculpture Race, Studio Red performing routines on Main Street and Whoopie Pie Eatting Contest.

For all ages, live music, dancing, kids activities, street vendors, crafts.

Summer Solstice is a production of Rockland Main Street, with generous support from:

The Grand Presents the Best Recent Movies With Its “CineGrand” Film Series in May!

ELLSWORTH, Maine – The Grand’s Weekly CineGrand series– a series of the best of the recent films, many of which are recent Oscar or Golden Globe winners and nominees- concludes its Spring season beginning on Tuesday 5/14 at its regular time of 7:30 pm (and special 1 pm afternoon matinee closed-captioned encore screenings beginning on Wednesday 5/15) Tickets for all CineGrand screenings are General Admission and are priced as follows: $8 for Adults, $7 for Seniors/Students (15 and under) and $6 for Grand Members (as well as Matinee screenings). See these great films the way the directors made them to be seen- through a state-of-the-art digital projection system- on the Coastal Eye Care giant screen.  See it any other way... and it wouldn't be Grand! The May CineGrand titles are as follows...

-"Vice"- (Tuesday, May 14th at 7:30 pm and a special matinee closed-captioned encore screening on Wednesday, May 15th at 1 pm) From the Oscar-nominated director of “The Big Short” comes the epic story about how a bureaucratic Washington insider quietly became the most powerful man in the world as Vice-President to George W. Bush, reshaping the country and the globe in ways that we still feel today. Featuring Oscar-nominated performances from Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Sam Rockwell with support from Steve Carell, Tyler Perry, Lily Rabe and Allison Pill. (2018. US. 2hrs, 12min. Directed by Adam McKay. R.)

-"On the Basis of Sex"- (Tuesday, May 21st at 7:30 pm and a special matinee closed-captioned encore screening on Wednesday, May 22nd at 1 pm) The film tells an inspiring and spirited true story that follows young lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she teams with her husband Marty to bring a groundbreaking case before the U.S. Court of Appeals and overturn a century of gender discrimination. With Armie Hammer, Sam Waterston, Kathy Bates, Justin Theroux and Felicity Jones as Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (2018. US. 2hrs. Directed by Mimi Leder. PG-13.)

- "Green Book"- (Tuesday, May 28th at 7:30 pm and a special matinee closed-captioned encore screening on Wednesday, May 29th at 1 pm) This year’s Best Picture Oscar winner tells the story of when Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali, who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance), a world-class Black pianist, on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South, they must rely on "The Green Book" to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. Confronted with racism, danger-as well as unexpected humanity and humor-they are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime. With Linda Cardellini. (2018. US. 2hrs, 10 min. Directed by Peter Farrelly. PG-13.)

For more information on this or other Grand events, including on Thursday, May 16th at 7 pm, a live, projected, high-definition production of Shakespeare’s classic magical story “The Tempest” from the acclaimed Stratford Festival– please call the box office at 207-667-9500 or visit The Grand website at www.grandonline.org or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheGrand1938/

History made in Binghamton, 'Dogs no-hit the Rumble Ponies

Kyle Hart, Daniel McGrath, and Adam Lau combine on the no-hitter

Binghamton, NY - Kyle Hart (6.2 IP), Daniel McGrath (1.1 IP), and Adam Lau (1 IP) combined to no-hit the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (9-6), as the Portland Sea Dogs (5-11) won the road trip opener, 2-0, Thursday night at NYSEG Stadium.

The no-hitter was the fourth in team history:

8/8/99 vs. Trenton Brad Penny (6 IP) Luis Arroyo (3 IP)
8/13/01 @ Binghamton Josh Beckett (7 IP) Brandon Bowe (IP) Aaron Scheffer (IP)
4/3/14 @ Reading Henry Owens (6 IP) 
4/25/19 @ Binghamton Kyle Hart (6.2 IP) Daniel McGrath (IP) Adam Lau (IP)

Hart (1-3) allowed one walk, two hit batters, and fanned six over his 6.2 IP. The win was his first of the season in his fourth start. McGrath (hold #1) retired all four batters faced, stranding a runner at third base to end the seventh. Lau (save #1) gave up a one-out walk to Sam Haggerty but fanned Andrew Gimenez, and got Mike Paez on a fly out to RF Aneury Tavarez to end the game.

The Sea Dogs cracked the ice in the seventh inning off losing pitcher Mike Gibbons (2-2). Bobby Dalbec (2-for-4) singled, advanced to second base on a wild pitch, and scored on a single from Luke Tendler. In the ninth, Tender's sacrifice fly scored Dalbec, who advanced on two wild pitches.

Tate Matheny went 3-for-4, and Jhon Nunez added two hits for the Sea Dogs. The 9-inning no-hitter was the first as a Red Sox affiliate.

The Sea Dogs and Rumble Ponies (Mets affiliate) play game two of their series on Friday night with a 7:05 PM first pitch from NYSEG Stadium. RHP Denyi Reyes (0-2, 8.78) takes on RHP Harol Gonzalez (1-0, 3.24).  Radio coverage on the WPEI U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network begins at 6:50 PM. The game is available on the tune-in app and MiLB.TV.

Tickets for any game at Hadlock Field can be purchased at 207-879-9500 or seadogs.com. Book your nine inning vacation today!

Governor Mills Directs Flags Lowered in Honor of Representative Dale Denno

Governor Janet Mills directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be flown at half-staff this Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the State Capitol and in the towns of Cumberland and Gray in honor of former state Representative Dale Denno. A memorial service for Denno will be held Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Cumberland Congregational Church.

“Representative Denno served his constituents with honor and distinction, fighting every day in the State House to improve their lives and build a better, brighter future for Maine. This Saturday, we honor his life, dedicated service, and significant contributions to our state,” said Governor Mills. “On behalf of the people of Maine, I offer our thoughts and prayers to Dale’s family, friends, and loved ones.”

Wiscasset Route 1 Downtown Update

Week of April 28th through May 4th

Beginning Tuesday night (April 30th), the contractor will begin milling operations on Main Street in Wiscasset. Milling will start at the bridge and proceed westerly to the end of the project. The contractor will mill the majority of the asphalt, leaving approximately one inch for drivers. Milling operations will continue on Main Street and Water Street (north) until this phase is complete; we expect this phase to take two or three days.

Week of May 5th through May 11th
Beginning on Sunday night (May 5th), the contractor will begin excavating Main Street. Crews will remove approximately two feet of dirt and replace it with new subbase gravel. The contractor will begin at the railroad tracks and proceed westerly. During the week, the contractor hopes to excavate from the railroad tracks to Walker Street. Excavation and gravel operations should happen on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights. Fine grading is expected to happen on Wednesday night. Placement of the new asphalt base is expected to happen on Thursday night.

Week of May 12th through May 18th

During the week of May 12th, the contractor will continue the excavation of Main Street from Water Street to Middle Street. Excavation and gravel operations will happen on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights. Fine grading will happen on Wednesday night. Asphalt base placement will happen on Thursday night.

Week of May 19th through May 25th

During the week of May 19th, the contractor will continue will the same procedure on Main Street from Middle Street to Federal Street and the end of the project.

Barring any bad weather, breakdowns, or unforeseen discoveries under the roadway, the Town of Wiscasset and the travelling public will have the first layer of new pavement in place on Main Street by Memorial Day weekend.

Blue Hill Public Library Play Reading

Where:  Blue Hill Public Library 

When:  Wednesday May 15th, 4:00 to 6:30 PM

Cost:  Admission is Free

Calendar Listing:  Play Reading Group, American Buffalo, by David Mamet, no experience necessary. Wed. May 15, 4-6:30 PM, Blue Hill Library.


BLUE HILL-- The public is invited to participate in the Blue Hill Public Library Play Reading Group on Wednesday, May 15th, the group’s third meeting at an earlier time than in the past, from 4:00 to 6:30 PM. This month the group will read American Buffalo, by David Mamet.

The play is about the owner of a junk shop who believes he sold a buffalo nickel for much less than it was worth, and gets a couple friends to help him plan a heist to steal it back.  The three end up fighting among themselves and the whole plan goes awry when things erupt into violence.

The group welcomes inexperienced and experienced readers alike. The only criteria are the love of plays and the joy of reading them aloud among like-minded theater fans. For further information, contact the Blue Hill Library at 374-5515.

“Panels & Pizza,” Graphic Novel Discussion Group For Teens

Where:   Roland Howard Room, Blue Hill Public Library

When:  Friday, May 17th, 3:30 to 5:00 PM, and every 3rd Friday of the month 

Cost:  Admission is Free

Calendar listing: “Panels & Pizza” Graphic Novel Discussion Group for Teens will discuss The Prince and the Dressmaker, by Jen Wang, copies avail. now, Fri. May 17, 3:30 PM, Blue Hill Library, 374-5515.

BLUE HILL — The Blue Hill Library invites teens to a new graphic novel book club, “Panels & Pizza,” on Friday, May 17th at 3:30 pm. Each month will feature a different graphic novel and gathering on the 3rd Friday of the month to discuss thoughts on the story, art and the work as a whole. Pizza will be served!

This month’s book will be The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang. In the story, Prince Sebastian has a secret. He loves to put on extravagant dresses and explore Paris as Lady Crystallia. Sebastian befriends his talented dressmaker, but will she manage to keep his secret?

Copies of the book are available now at the library. For more information, contact the library at 374-5515.

Opera Preview: Dialogues des Carmelites

Where:  Blue Hill Public Library 

When:  Friday, May 10th, 1:00 PM

Cost:  Admission is free

Calendar item: OPERA PREVIEW: Francis Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmelites, simulcast of the Met Opera will be previewed by Linda Lesko and David Porter, no experience necessary, Fri. May 10, 1 PM, Blue Hill Library. Info: 374-5515.

BLUE HILL — Bagaduce Music and Friends of the Blue Hill Public Library will present a preview of Francis Poulenc's opera, "Dialogues des Carmelites," at the Blue Hill Public Library on Friday May 10th at 1:00 PM. A live performance of the opera will be simulcast at The Grand in Ellsworth the following day, Saturday, May 11th, from the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

According to the Met's website, "Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads the classic John Dexter production of Poulenc’s devastating story of faith and martyrdom. Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard sings the touching role of Blanche and soprano Karita Mattila, a legend in her own time, returns to the Met as the Prioress."

Local opera enthusiasts Linda Lesko and David Porter will summarize the plot, introduce the music and offer some ideas of special ways to enjoy the Saturday simulcast. All are welcome, no previous opera knowledge is needed, and admission is free. For more information, call the library at 374-5515.

Community Issues Forum: Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Where:   Roland Howard Room, Blue Hill Library 

When:  Wednesday, May 8th at 6:30 P.M.

Cost:  Admission is Free

Calendar listing: Blue Hill Peninsula Community Issues Forum: The Rights and Needs of Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities, Wed. May. 8, 6:30 PM, Blue Hill Public Library, 374-5515.

BLUE HILL – The Blue Hill Public Library’s Community Issues Forum continues on Wednesday May 8th at 6:30. The topic will be: “‘Forgotten Americans’ Among Us?: The Rights and Needs of Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities.” This forum will present state and regional experts as well as parents who are concerned about continuing education, job training and benefits information for post-high school neurologically diverse young adults. Panelists will include Annie Sargent, Director of Ellsworth Adult Education; Lisa Sturtevant, Employment Services Manager, Office of Aging and Disability Services, DHHS; Lorrie Mitchell, Regional Manager (Bangor) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; and Linda Lee, Parent, RN, BSN, Co-Founder of Jonno’s Place, Belfast.
The series is organized and moderated by retired history professor, Dr. Gregory Bush, with the goal of stimulating in-person civic dialogue about important but sometimes overlooked issues on the Blue Hill peninsula, in Maine and across the nation.

This event is sponsored by the library, and is free and open to everyone. For more information contact the library at 374-5515.