$1,000,000 winner sold on Vinalhaven!

Vinalhaven, Maine - Daniel Desmond of Vinalhaven took home a piece of Maine Lottery's $40,000,000 Fortune, winning $1 million in the instant game. Desmond purchased his winning ticket at Fisherman's Friend on Vinalhaven.

The $40,000,000 Fortune instant game offers the highest payout in Maine Lottery's history, with over $40 million in cash prizes, including a top prize of $2 million, four prizes of $1,000,000 and $11.5 million in prizes from $50 to $500. Angie Miller an employee of Fisherman's Friend, was thrilled by the news that one of their customers had won. "I'm so excited to hear that we had a big winner and it's especially nice to hear that it's one of our regular customers. He's such a nice man and I'm so happy for him." The store received a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

JUST IN: Coast Guard Investigates Death Of Mariner In Hurricane Sound, Maine Off Vinalhaven

VINALHAVEN, MAINE - The Coast Guard is investigating the death of a mariner discovered in the water alongside his unmanned fishing boat in Hurricane Sound.

At 1:43pm, Coast Guard Station Rockland received a report from a Good Samaritan aboard a lobster boat who had discovered the incident. Coast Guard Station Rockland immediately launched a Response Boat Small. Maine Marine Patrol diverted two vessels already underway.

Maine Marine Patrol transferred the person to emergency medical personnel in Carvers Harbor who pronounced him deceased.  The Coast Guard confirmed that he was the only person in the water, and has the lead on the investigation into the cause of the incident.  The vessel is safely moored in Carvers Harbor.
"This is a heartbreaking incident in this community. We want to find out exactly what happened, so we can prevent a similar tragedy from occurring again. Remember to wear a lifejacket if you are on the water by yourself" said Lt. Scott McCann, from Coast Guard Sector Northern New England.

UPDATE: Vinalhaven Fire Destroys House

Vinalhaven, Maine - A home along Pequot Road on Vinalhaven was burned to the ground Monday afternoon, which destroyed everything inside .

The fire was called in to dispatch shortly before 3p.m. November 11th by a neighbor across the street.

Firefighters reported hearing ammunition exploding inside the residence soon after arriving on scene.

Water to battle the blaze was drafted from nearby Booth’s Quarry, and it was the first working fire for Vinalhaven’s new 2000 E-One International Pumper Truck, which was just put into service.

First responders reported the single family home, which was unoccupied at the time, was fully involved with flames shooting out of the roof.

A dog was killed in the blaze with a second one still missing. State Fire Marshall was called in for their assistance.

Cause of fire at the one and half story house have yet to be determined. Crews returned to their station around 8pm.

BREAKING NEWS: Two Alarm Structural Fire In Vinalhaven

BREAKING NEWS: There is a two alarm fire in Vinalhaven on Pequot Road with the building fully
evolved.

RCN America Network will try to keep this breaking news updated...

The MaineSail Journal: "At Goose Rock Lighthouse"

"At Goose Rock Lighthouse"  By Doug Mills

At Goose Rock Lighthouse, where my great grandfather served nearly twenty years!

The Best of 2012: Island Lifeline The Captain E. Frank Thompson Christening

Clara Clarita on Vinalhaven run late 1800's

Story and photos by Doug Mills
Regular service to Vinalhaven Island started in the late 1800's with the Pioneer followed by a succession of boats to provide that vital lifeline to those who live in the island communities.  Before that these islands were served by the many coastal schooners carrying the supplies needed.   Today the Maine Stat Ferry Service christened the Captain E. Frank Thompson the first new ferry to be entered into service in the last 19 years.  Planning for the new boat and raising of the funds needed started in 1997 all leading up to today.  The Captain E. Frank Thompson is 154' long can carry up to 20 vehicles and 250 passengers.  She is named for Edward Frank Thompson who was born in Vinalhaven and grew up on Matinicus.  Thompson worked for the Maine State Ferry Service for 22 years.  As a deckhand worked the routes between Rockloand, Vinalhaven, North Haven and Hurricane island.  In 1970 he took command of the Governor Curtis and was Vinalhaven's island based captain for 20 years.

Captain E. Frank Thompson

It was very appropriate that the ceremony started with the arrival of the Vinalhaven Town Band on the current Vinalhaven Ferry, and about halfway through the proceedings the 141 year old schooner Stephen Taber sailed past, a reminder of how people and merchandise got to and from the islands before the start of this service.
A blessing was read and Frank Thompsons daughter Than Hopkins christened the boat.
After christening the Captain E. Frank Thompson made her maiden voyage to Vinalhaven where she was greeted by the Vinalhaven fire department and many town folk to see the new boat.

Old boat, New Boat!

Christening Ceremony at the Rockland dock.

141 year old Stephen Taber sails past the new ferry.

Stephen Taber

Christening ceremony at Rockland.

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree

Than Hopkins christens the Thompson.

Captain E Frank Thompson's pilot house.

Captain E. Frank Thompson ready to start her maiden voyage.

Leaving Rockland harbor.

The Thompson family pose for a photo on the observation deck.

Captain E. Frank Thompson arrives in Vinalhaven

Island Lifeline The Captain E. Frank Thompson Christening

Clara Clarita on Vinalhaven run late 1800's

Story and photos by Doug Mills
Regular service to Vinalhaven Island started in the late 1800's with the Pioneer followed by a succession of boats to provide that vital lifeline to those who live in the island communities.  Before that these islands were served by the many coastal schooners carrying the supplies needed.   Today the Maine Stat Ferry Service christened the Captain E. Frank Thompson the first new ferry to be entered into service in the last 19 years.  Planning for the new boat and raising of the funds needed started in 1997 all leading up to today.  The Captain E. Frank Thompson is 154' long can carry up to 20 vehicles and 250 passengers.  She is named for Edward Frank Thompson who was born in Vinalhaven and grew up on Matinicus.  Thompson worked for the Maine State Ferry Service for 22 years.  As a deckhand worked the routes between Rockloand, Vinalhaven, North Haven and Hurricane island.  In 1970 he took command of the Governor Curtis and was Vinalhaven's island based captain for 20 years.

Captain E. Frank Thompson

It was very appropriate that the ceremony started with the arrival of the Vinalhaven Town Band on the current Vinalhaven Ferry, and about halfway through the proceedings the 141 year old schooner Stephen Taber sailed past, a reminder of how people and merchandise got to and from the islands before the start of this service.
A blessing was read and Frank Thompsons daughter Than Hopkins christened the boat.
After christening the Captain E. Frank Thompson made her maiden voyage to Vinalhaven where she was greeted by the Vinalhaven fire department and many town folk to see the new boat.

Old boat, New Boat!

Christening Ceremony at the Rockland dock.

141 year old Stephen Taber sails past the new ferry.

Stephen Taber

Christening ceremony at Rockland.

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree

Than Hopkins christens the Thompson.

Captain E Frank Thompson's pilot house.

Captain E. Frank Thompson ready to start her maiden voyage.

Leaving Rockland harbor.

The Thompson family pose for a photo on the observation deck.

Captain E. Frank Thompson arrives in Vinalhaven