Liberty man appears before judge in Ellsworth for murder charge
Prosecutors say they believe the suspect in the killing of a Palermo man last year wrote a note that included a diagram of the victim’s property and detailed actions he planned to take.
The new information in the case against 59-year-old Kirby Bradford of Liberty came to light during a hearing in an Ellsworth courtroom today.
Bradford is charged with murder in the death of 56-year-old Robert Bruso.
WABI news reports Bruso was found dead outside his Boots and Saddle Road home last April following a welfare check.
According to court documents, it’s believed Bruso was killed on February 8th.
Bradford pleaded not guilty to both the murder charge and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
However, Tuesday a judge ruled those two charges would be separated and Bradford will have two trials.
Maine State Police raise awareness for ‘National Distracted Driving Awareness Month’
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Maine law enforcement are urging drivers to put the phones away.
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety reports between 2021 and 2024, distracted driving crashes in Maine led to 55 deaths.
WABI news reports law enforcement agencies across the state will step up patrols starting April 9 through the 13 looking for drivers using their phones.
Put the phone away and stay safe on the road.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/04/07/put-phone-away-or-pay-law-enforcement-cracks-down-distracted-driving/
Ellsworth Public Library invites you to meet Graham Platner
Happening Wednesday morning, the Ellsworth Public Library is inviting locals to meet Graham Platner.
From 11:30 to 12:30 Platner will be at the library to speak with residents about his run for U.S. Senate against Sen. Susan Collins.
Ellsworth partnership improves access to housing
The Mid-Coast Board of Realtors announced they received a $5,000 grant to help improve access to housing in Ellsworth.
In partnership with the Heart of Ellsworth, the Housing Opportunity Grant will address affordability challenges across the region.
Mid-Coast Board of Realtors will support Heart of Ellsworth with funding to hire a housing consultant to assess downtown properties, analyze opportunities for upper-floor housing and create recommendations that can work into action.
Friendship Cottage purchase reached an agreement
In an effort to preserve adult day services in Hancock County, the Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock Counties announced an agreement has been reached for the purchase and sale of the Friendship Cottage property.
Leaders through the receiver and board of directors for Downeast Community Partners have worked with them to keep the lifeline for adults with physical, cognitive or memory challenges.
Final approval is required by the receivership court, with a closing on the sale anticipated within 60 days of final approval.
Join leaders of the Cinderella Project of Maine
If you believe everyone deserves a chance to feel like royalty, leaders at the Cinderella Project of Maine need you.
They’re searching for enthusiastic volunteers to help give high school students across the state a magical high school formal experience.
When you volunteer, expect to gain unique insights into event planning and help teens feel confident and cared for by their community.
If you’re interested, call Kristie Hamlin at 207-338-4944.
They need volunteers from April 12-19.
