Suspect in Ellsworth, Trenton burglaries released
Earlier this week, a string of break-ins at two local businesses led authorities to arrest an 18-year-old and four juveniles.
The 18-year-old Larando Sweeting appeared before a Hancock County Judge Wednesday.
The Ellsworth American reports Sweeting will be released to his mother on $500 unsecured bail and will be on house arrest pending the resolution of the case.
The publication reports the other four juveniles were taken to juvenile detention facilities.
Debate on transgender sports referendum continues
After a citizen initiative that would bar transgender students from competing in school sports teams that align with their identity was reviewed by a presiding officer, it now moves back to the Secretary of State.
“An Act to designate school sports participation and facilities by sex” would mandate participation and use of facilities aligning with the sex on the student’s birth certificate.
WMTW reports the presiding officer says Secretary of state Shenna Bellows needs to make additional findings on the matter after the state legislature’s judiciary committee questioned the validity of the signature.
Bellows says she plans to announce her decision on Tuesday as to if the referendum will appear on the November ballot.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/05/21/official-recommends-transgender-sports-referendum-be-invalidated/
NLH focused on mental health during National EMS Week
This week is National Emergency Medical Services week.
It’s a time to celebrate EMS professionals and the lifesaving care they provide in communities across the state.
Northern Light Health and their EMS staff are focusing on the mental health and wellness amongst first responders according to WABI news.
They want to ensure professionals at NLH understand resources are available like their peer-to-peer support group in the Bangor division which is available 24/7.
Property taxes reminder for the City of Ellsworth
A reminder for property owners in Ellsworth.
City officials say any unpaid FY26 tax bills must be paid by June 4 to avoid additional collection fees.
City officials say after that date accounts with an unpaid balance will receive a 30-day demand notice including the additional fees added.
If you have any questions about your account just contact the City of Ellsworth Tax Office 207-669-6620.
https://www.ellsworthmaine.gov/important-reminder-regarding-fy26-property-taxes/
Culvert replacement for Surry Road scheduled
The City of Ellsworth plans to fix a dip that residents have reported.
On Tuesday, May 26 Sargent Construction will replace the culvert and fix the roadway on Surry Road.
City officials say work is expected to last for most of the week so traffic will be reduced to one lane while alternating traffic goes through the work zone.
Plan a little extra time and use caution around crews.
https://www.ellsworthmaine.gov/youve-felt-the-dip-now-were-fixing-it/
6th Annual Two Old Goats outdoor sale
The 6th Annual Two Old Goats outdoor sale is returning once again!
Benefiting the SPCA of Hancock County on May 30, join community members and the 20 vendors who will be there providing household goods, and other funky nostalgia.
All vendors are generously donating to the shelter.
The event will take place from 8 AM to noon so to learn more about it, just follow the link below.
