Anthem Blue Cross and Covenant Health reach deal on new contract
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine announced they and Covenant Health reached a multi-year contract agreement.
The agreement will allow Anthem members to remain in-network at all Covenant Health facilities and services.
WABI news reports facilities included are St. Joseph Hospital, St. Joseph Primary and Specialty Care, long-term rehab and community based services affiliated with Covenant Health.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/03/05/anthem-covenant-health-reach-new-contract-agreement-maine/
Woman killed in Searsmont car crash
A woman from Searsport died in a car crash Wednesday night.
The crash happened on Belfast Augusta Road West in Searsmont just before 8 p.m.
WABI news reports 23-year-old Natalie Austin was heading east when the car crossed the centerline and exited the roadway overturning several times before stopping upside-down.
The crash remains under investigation.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/03/05/woman-killed-searsmont-crash/
Searsport residents to vote on mobile home park lot fee
During an annual town meeting on Saturday, March 7, residents of Searsport will vote on whether to enact a rent stabilization ordinance for those who reside in mobile home parks.
For months residents of Searsport Mobile Home park organized efforts to oppose lot rent hikes and deferred maintenance.
If passed, this would be the second mobile home park ordinance in the state.
Clocks turning forward for Daylight saving time
Reminder for the weekend as Daylight saving time begins on Sunday.
Along with that, the American Red Cross wants to remind everyone to also test your smoke alarms and make sure the batteries are juiced up.
Just in the first two months of the year, Red Cross volunteers responded to 60 house fires assisting more than 150 Mainers.
Please keep in mind if you need help when it comes to purchasing an alarm or if you’re physically unable the Red Cross could help you.
Maine residents can also request free smoke alarms year round by following the link below.
https://www.redcross.org/local/me-nh-vt/about-us/our-work/home-fire-campaign.html
MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo hospitals received $10K grant
A non-profit organization dedicated to securing funds for lung cancer research awarded MaineHealth Pen Bay and Waldo hospitals.
$10,000 will help uninsured and underinsured patients access cancer-screenings.
The Pen Bay Pilot reports those follow up screenings are often missed due to cost barriers which is why Letitia Stover, an RN and lung cancer screening patient navigator pushed for efforts to secure the grant.
The publication reports this grant will also help strengthen early detection efforts and ensure high-risk patients get the care they need.
3rd annual Seed Swap at Ellsworth Public Library
For the third year in a row, plant lovers can commence ahead of Spring.
On March 21 starting at 10 a.m. the Ellsworth Public Library will host their annual Seed Swap where participants can get advice from expert gardiners.
The event is fun for the entire family as they’ll host the Friends’ Gardening Book Sale and a storytime as well.
For more information on that just follow the link.
https://ellsworth.libcal.com/calendar/EPL-Events/annual-seed-swap-2026
March happenings at the Versant Power Astronomy Center
It’s a busy month at the Versant Power Astronomy Center.
Shawn Laatsch, the director tells Star 97.7 their Friday night public program is called ‘Incoming’ taking a look at asteroid and meteorite strikes and how they’ve changed our planet over time.
On the first one of the month which is this evening, here’s what participants can expect.
“We have a guest speaker coming in, John Wallace, who will be talking about micrometeorites and actually showing some that he was able to collect from the roof of our building here as well,” said Laatsch.
The music show for the month is Daft Punk: Give Life Back to Music happening on Sundays at 4:00 p.m.
A special event will take place on March 21 at 7.p.m. where attendees can check out ‘Meditations on Perihelion.’
It’s an immersive presentation featuring full-dome video along with live recorded music by Tom Luther.
As for the skies, Laatsch said we are going to gain a few things in the evening sky.
“Around the middle of the month or so, Venus is going to start to reemerge in the evening sky right after sunset and that of course is the third brightest thing we see in the sky after the sun or moon so again very very bright,” said Laatsch.
To learn more about the programs at the Versant Power Astronomy Center follow the link below.
