Authorities provide update on fatal Robbins Lumber Fire
Preliminary details have been released on the fatal fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont.
The State Fire Marshal’s office and federal investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are continuing to determine what led to the explosion.
However, officials suggest the remains of the silo where the fire originated were lifted last weekend allowing them to analyze critical areas.
Investigators believe the fire started near the unloader mechanism at the base of the silo where airborne sawdust ignited the fire triggering an explosion.
Authorities also say the facility’s fire suppression system was found near the top of the silo and did not activate because the temperatures did reach activation threshold after the fire began.
The tragedy killed Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross and injured 12 others
Secretary of State removes transgender referendum from ballot
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows decided to remove a citizens initiative to limit transgender athletes participation in school sports from the November ballot.
The question would ask Mainers if they wanted to ban transgender athletes from competing in school sports and using facilities that align with their gender identity.
Bellows says over 12,000 signatures were deemed invalid after that validity was questioned by a presiding officer less than a week ago.
There could be a possible appeal to this move so Bellows will plan to announce final wording on Thursday.
Fatal crash in Glenburn on Tuesday
Penobscot County Sheriff’s responded to a crash in Glenburn that left one person dead on Tuesday.
The crash happened at around 10:15 AM at the intersection of Route 221.
WABI news reports the Sheriff’s office says a pickup with an empty trailer was traveling when a small SUV turned left pulling in front of them.
The passenger of the SUV died and the driver was taken to the hospital with serious but non life-threatening injuries.
The crash remains under investigation.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/05/26/passenger-killed-glenburn-crash/
Ellsworth nonprofit who supports women survivors of domestic abuse awarded
A statewide nonprofit that supports women who’ve survived domestic abuse has been awarded funding.
Families First Community Center out of Ellsworth has been awarded $20,000.
The Ellsworth American reports the funding will help women and children in Hancock and Washington counties with housing and more however the center assists families experiencing homelessness regardless of sex.
This will help them expand services to those who need critical and timely assistance in the wake of a transition.
Ellsworth Public Library to host ‘Mocktail Class’
It’s finally warming up and that means barbeques, cookouts and delicious food and drinks.
If you’re looking for some fun alternative drinks, the Ellsworth Public Library is inviting you to a fun event.
On June 3 at 5:30 PM head over for their Mocktail Class.
There you can learn how to make four mocktails that will shock your guests in the best way and leaders at the library say they’ll have your peers guessing when you became a mixologist.
You can tastiest test each drink and go home with the recipes but registration is required.
To learn more about the event and to register just follow the link below.
Play it Forward return to Knowlton Park
Back by popular demand is the ‘Play it Forward’ event at Knowlton Park in Ellsworth.
City officials say the event will take place on June 13 starting at 10 AM to kick off Knowlton Playground Replacement fundraising efforts.
After a successful event last year, improvements were made to the park and community input poured in helping city officials understand the needs of local families.
The line up of fun events this year include a touch-a-truck featuring police, fire and public works vehicles, face painting, popcorn, cotton candy and a community engagement table.
