Extreme drought conditions expand Downeast
Drought conditions in Maine worsened this week for Downeast communities.
WABI news reports the latest Drought Monitor was released Thursday.
Last week, geographically 12.56% of the state was in the Extreme Drought (D3) category.
This week, that number is 16.61% as some Downeast areas were upgraded from Severe Drought (D2) to Extreme Drought.
WABI news reported 42.9% of the state is currently in the Severe Drought category.
There was no change in the Moderate Drought (D1) category, which sits at 12.4%.
Helicopter needed to put out Trenton Fire
The Trenton volunteer fire department was dispatched to a reported brushfire on Wednesday according to WABI news.
Crews quickly determined a helicopter response was needed because of windy conditions, remote location, and rapid fire spread.
A chopper from the Maine Forest Service provided water dumps to help ground crews end the fire.
The fire was put out however they tell WABI almost four acres burned.
It’s still unknown how the fire started.
Cadillac Mountains summit road closed
Amid the federal shutdown, Acadia National Park’s Cadillac Mountain summit road is closed to vehicles until further notice.
WABI news reports the park service says the road will still be open to pedestrians and cyclists but parking will not be available at the start of the road.
The NPS says the availability of future vehicle reservations is being determined on a regular basis.
Reservations may be cancelled or refunded without prior notice.
Ellsworth based food pantry announces collaboration to help address food insecurity
Loaves and Fishes Food pantry has partnered with Everybody Eats! free community meal.
Officials say both organizations based out of Ellsworth created the partnership due to an increasing pressure on nutrition support programs.
The collaboration will take effect immediately and Everybody Eats! will continue to offer their once-a-week hot meal for pickup or dine-in at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Ellsworth.
Congress Street project has Belfast residents concerned
City leaders are evaluating an area in Belfast that has created concerns around safety and structure for residents.
However, proposed plans to address Congress Street have locals raising an eyebrow.
The Bangor Daily News says proposals include 475 linear feet of new sewer line on Congress Street, 1,800 feet of in-ground storm drains with about a dozen catch basins, 1,500 feet of multiuse paths or sidewalks and bike lanes, and 2,500 feet of curbing with a new pedestrian crossing.
The paper says residents voiced concerns about the safety of the project, bike lanes, traffic flow and pedestrians.
However, city officials say this is the feedback they want in order to come to an agreement on the new project.
Art of Ellsworth: Maine Craft Weekend set to return in October
More exciting fall events are lining up in Ellsworth!
From October 2-5, Ellsworth will shine with art, music and community for the Art of Ellsworth: Maine Craft Weekend.
The four-day event will highlight the power of crafting and the wide range of creativity across the Pine Tree State.
Heart of Ellsworth, Ellsworth Public Library and the Heart of Ellsworth Makerspace will host a lineup of events like stone-cutting, glass blowing and more!
You won’t want to miss the highlight of the event, the official launch of the River Walk North Sculpture Trail on the library lawn.
For a full schedule of events follow the link.
The Grand Theater presents ‘Grease’ through October
From Oct. 10-26 you have the chance to see ‘Grease’ performed at The Grand theater in Ellsworth!
Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for Grand Members and $15 for Students 17 and under.
Head to yourgrand.org to get a special Early Bird $3 discount on adult tickets before October 10.
