Adult-use cannabis licensing faces Ellsworth city council vote
After voters approved the opening of adult-use cannabis in 2024, changes have been moving through the Ellsworth City Council as they discuss licensing.
On Jan. 20, the city council will vote on the adoption of a new license which will open the business application period and start the lottery process according to the Ellsworth American.
If the council implements this new licensing protocol, performance standards will also be in place.
The paper reports if things continue to move forward the lottery could take place in June.
Northern Light primary care in Castine expected to move locations
Castine residents will see a primary care practice move to Blue Hill in February.
Northern Light Health will move to the Sussman Health Center on the Northern Light Blue Hill campus according to the Bangor Daily News.
Doors will open on Feb. 27 and patient care in Castine will end on that same day.
Northern Light Health officials tell the BDN the Castine location faced challenges similar to other locations across the state which includes staffing shortages, difficult access and decreasing patient panels.
Castine staff is expected to contact patients to help them transition.
Businesses impacted by recent drought can apply for assistance
The Small Business Administration has announced small businesses and private nonprofits affected by last summer’s drought can apply for assistance.
Officials say the disaster declaration covers multiple counties across the state including Hancock and Washington counties.
WABI news reports the loan would cover working capital needed caused by the drought starting on Aug. 19 even if no physical damage occurred.
Scallop emergency closures
The Maine Department of Marine Resources has issued a Scallop emergency closure.
The areas that have been affected include Casco Bay Islands, Lower Blue Hill and Jericho Bay, Upper Narraguagus, Inside Chandler Bay and Cobscook, Whiting and Dennys Bays.
The scallop management area map will be updated Friday to reflect the closure.
Gas prices in Maine
Prices at the pump have gone down this week.
AAA says the average price for a gallon of gas in Maine is $2.91 which is a two-cent drop from last week.
However the average prices for gas in Maine are 12-cents higher than the national average.
AAA reports the average price of diesel in Maine is $3.96 which is a two cent drop from last week but still higher than it was a year ago.
AIO Fill the Strand event
We are less than a week away from an awesome AIO Food and Energy Assistance event.
Fill the Strand will return for its sixth year as a food and funds drive benefiting the programs at AIO such as the weekend meal program, diaper assistance program, home delivery program and so much more.
Volunteers will be at The Strand theatre in Rockland between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Jan. 19 to receive the food and funds.
This weekend the AIO van will be on the go and they’ll stop at the Walmart in Thomaston from 11-3 on Saturday and the Hannaford in Camden from 11-3 on Sunday.
So if you’re in the area feel free to donate bags of food.
https://www.aiofoodpantry.org/strand
The Grand announced auditions for ‘Charlotte’s Web’
Charlotte’s Web is a favorite by E.B. White.
If it was your favorite but now you’d like to be a part of the classic story The Grand has an opportunity for you.
Auditions will be held at The Grand on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. and Saturday Feb. 7 at 1 p.m.
Actors ages 16 and up can bring their best to get a spot in the production which will hit the stage for two performances in April.
Auditioners should be prepared to read from a script during the audition.
For more information on the auditions or how to get involved just check out the story on our website.
Please email Operations & Production Manager Kimberly Fitch at kfitch@grandonline.org prior to February 5.
