Bucksport plans to cut costs without layoffs
After discussing a challenging budget, councilors for the town of Bucksport have decided to cut back on costs without laying off staff.
City councilors were faced with the puzzle of developing a savings after an auditor raised concerns last year.
The Bangor Daily News reports earlier in the process job cuts were on the table however leaders have found a way to replenish funds without cutting employees.
The publication reports changes ahead include reductions in funding the town gives to community or social events, not hiring seasonal waterfront workers, as well as diminishing the sticker program and accepting commercial waste.
Former candidate to pay fine for damaging signs
A former candidate for state senate and Hancock County commissioner pleaded guilty to criminal mischief.
38-year-old Ian Schwartz of Mount Desert pleaded guilty after being charged with damaging signs at a Mount Desert Island nature preserve last year.
The Ellsworth American reports Schwartz is ordered to pay $250 after a Hancock County grand jury indicted Schwartz on Feb. 1.
Augusta fire forces road detour
Firefighters in Augusta say a detour was in place Monday on Church Hill Road due to a structure fire.
Emergency crews responded to the scene throughout the day asking drivers to find a different route and avoid the area.
WABI news reports the address is a home and barn however officials did not say if anybody was hurt.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/04/27/fire-augusta-forces-road-detour-officials-ask-public-avoid-area/
Reminders for Ellsworth residents and businesses
The City of Ellsworth has a couple of reminders for residents.
Seasonal heavy weight limits have been lifted on all roads throughout Ellsworth as spring conditions improve.
This is for those who have been holding off deliveries or travel with larger vehicles so you are officially good to go.
Also, the city will perform water system maintenance on Tuesday, May 5 on Pleasant Street to where it intersects on Bucksport Road.
From about 8 AM to 2 PM, those in the area could have their water shut off while crews replace a water gate valve and make upgrades.
Keep in mind, depending on the conditions during after the work a boil water order could be required.
https://www.ellsworthmaine.gov/weight-limits-lifted-across-ellsworth/
Babson Bridge Work in Mount Desert
A reminder for those traveling in Mount Desert, initial paving will begin Tuesday as part of the Babson Bridge project.
Town officials say a single lange will be paved creating one-lane traffic.
The other lane will remain on the temporary bridge.
https://www.mtdesert.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/77
5th Annual Luke Gross Mini Golf Tournament
On Friday, you can enjoy some mini golf while giving back to the community.
The 5th annual Luke Gross mini golf tournament will take place May 1 at 5 PM to fund the Deputy Gross Scholarship.
The scholarship is in honor of Hancock County Sheriff Deputy Gross who was killed in September 2021 after being struck by a pickup truck while investigating a crash.
The tournament serves as a supportive way to give back to the community and honor Deputy Gross allowing his legacy of serving the community to live on.
There will be a 50/50 raffle, prizes, food and drinks!
To learn how to register for the event just follow the link below however registration will be available at the door.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=950708500928554&set=a.155464430452969
