Eastport looks for ways to welcome cruise ships
The town of Eastport is looking into the possibility of dredging in order to allow larger cruise ships to the area. According to the Bangor Daily news, a proposed dredging project off the Eastport breakwater would allow larger cruise ships to tie up at the pier instead of being at anchor in the bay. However the idea of doing so is causing concern in the community — both about possible environmental impacts and about whether the island city is prepared for or wants more cruise ship traffic downtown.
Rockland Police Department looking for new building
Rockland Police Dept. is looking for a new building.
According to the Penbay Pilot, Rockland police have been working out of a wet basement for years. Carpets have been stripped, walls have been gutted and multiple patches have been made, yet every time it rains, water continues to flow in and the paper says black mold keeps growing. Police Chief Tim Carroll, with the City’s help, is proposing a new building, to be constructed on the site of Rockland’s current City Hall on Pleasant Street. Five acres will be used for the police department and the City is hoping to divide and sell the other parcels to make a true business park area at the site.
https://www.penbaypilot.com/article/rockland-station/263307
Hampden Academy is looking to ban cellphones in school throughout the day according to the Bangor Daily News.
RSU 22 plans to use magnetic pouches to hold phones and smartwatches throughout the school day, which the school administration shared with parents in a letter back in September. According to the BDN the school says it decided to implement the new policy because it “builds on Hampden Academy’s ongoing efforts to develop a cell phone policy that truly helps students learn.” Hampden Academy is the first school in the Bangor region to ban students from using devices during the school day.
A local Mexican inspired food truck is moving into a permanent indoor location.
The Salsa Shack plans to relocate to the former Friar’s Brewhouse Tap Room on Main Street in Bucksport according to the business’s Facebook page, The Salsa Shack stated this will be its last week in Ellsworth serving up its classic tacos, burritos, quesadillas. An opening date at the new location has not yet been determined.
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/10/08/hancock/hancock-business/salsa-shack-bucksport-location/
Washington County seeks help from lawmakers
Washington County commissioners are turning to the Maine Legislature for help to dig out of its ongoing budget crisis, according to the Bangor Daily News. The commissioners are proposing an $8 million bailout from the Maine Legislature that is one of a three bills aimed at helping Down East officials dig out of its ongoing budget crisis.
Years of budget mismanagement have drained the county’s finances and led commissioners to ask voters for permission to issue up to $11 million in bonds to refinance debts and keep services running. The BDN says if voters decline to allow the bond issue, the county is on track to run out of money by January 2026. In many other states, local governments are allowed to enter bankruptcy, shielding them from creditors and helping them refinance debts. Maine does not have such a law.
Progress continues on Ellsworth Dysarts
Construction is progressing quickly on the new Dysart’s gas station and car wash on High Street in Ellsworth. The owners anticipating a partial opening by the end of the year according to Ellsworth American,
The commercial redevelopment at 269 and 271 High St. will soon be home to a new 5,455-square-foot convenience store, a car wash and a retail space, according to the project application. One of the former buildings standing on the lot, Branch Pond Marine, was demolished this summer. Dysart’s acquired the boating and storage facility in May of 2024 when the business first began planning to combine the two properties. The other building, Ellsworth Car Wash, still stands and is operating with self-serve and full-serve gas pumps, but it has been owned by Dysart’s since September of 2023.
Belfast Day Soup Closing
An eatery in Belfast is getting ready to close for good. According to the Midcoast Villager: Belfast’s Daily Soup is offering one final hurrah from Friday Oct. 10 through Monday, Oct. 13, before it closes.The shop posted on its Facebook page that it has enough soup containers and a delicious menu planned in order to use up its remaining supplies. The paper says owner Courtney Sanders has cited business challenges and medical issues in her decision to close the business after 13 years.
Human Interest
The Families First Community Center has reason to celebrate. The nonprofit raised more than $52,000 at its annual dinner and auction held last month to support its residential and outreach programs. According to the Ellsworth American the event marked 10 years of serving families in Hancock County and celebrated the expansion of outreach services into southern Washington County. The paper says proceeds from the event will directly support Families First Community Center’s mission to help families with minor children gain the self-sufficiency skills to break the cycle of homelessness through stable housing, classes and programming, case management and community-based support.
