Approved development of apartments in Ellsworth hits financial snag
(Ellsworth) Development of more than 100 apartments being built in the city of Ellsworth is facing delays because of financing constraints according to the Bangor Daily News.
Last year, W.L. Properties got approval from the city to build 27 buildings, each with four to eight apartments, on property behind Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling.
As part of that approval, the company had to provide proof of financial capacity from a bank to ensure the project would be completed.
According to the BDN, the banks have since told Scott Pelletier, the owner of the company, that they cannot give him one loan that would cover the full cost of the project. However, Pelletier is still hoping to complete the project, but is looking to get city approval to break it into phases that might be easier to finance one step at a time.
Meet the Candidates Night:
Voters looking to learn more about those running for the Ellsworth City Council can do so tonight at a Meet the Candidates Night at the Grand Theater in Ellsworth.
The forum is free and open to the public. This annual nonpartisan event aims to offer an informative platform for Ellsworth residents ahead of the upcoming election. All seven candidates who are vying for one of the three positions on the Ellsworth City Council are invited to attend.
The event gets underway at 6:30pm. Voters who can’t make it in person are invited to watch it online on the Heart of Ellsworth’s Youtube channel.
https://www.heartofellsworth.org/meet-the-candidates
Documentary on Maine man’s survival to be shown
Surviving on the open ocean for two and a half months in a 6 foot raft with minimal supplies takes endurance, ingenuity, the will to survive, and perhaps a little luck.
According to the Bangor Daily News, that’s exactly what happened to Steven Callahan of Lamoine when he was out on a sailing adventure across the Atlantic back in 1982. Now, that experience has been made into a documentary called 76 Days Adrift, that can be seen from now until Thursday, Oct. 16 at Reel Pizza Cinerama in Bar Harbor. All showtimes are 6:45 p.m.
Maine Arts Commission seeks next Maine State Poet Laureate
The Maine Arts Commission is looking for its next Maine State Poet Laureate.
Poets from across the state are encouraged to apply for the position. The selected poet will serve a five-year term beginning July 1, 2026.
The Poet Laureate program honors a distinguished Maine poet and promotes the art of poetry throughout the state. The laureate is charged with advancing public appreciation for poetry through community engagement, events, and projects, as well as supporting the Commission’s administration of the national Poetry Out Loud program.
Eligible applicants must be full-time Maine residents with a distinguished body of poetic work. Applications must be submitted no later than December 5, 2025.
Maine State Police investigate two-vehicle crash in Hancock
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of a motor vehicle crash in Hancock.
The accident took place on Sunday, temporarily shutting down Washington Junction Road. Maine State Police tell Star 97 7 that their preliminary investigation show that 35-year-old Katrina Springer of Ellsworth was driving a Kia that made a left hand turn onto Washington Junction Road crashed into a Jeep driven by 43-year-old Amy Richards of Ellsworth. Springer was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The 4 passengers in the Kia were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Richards was charged with Operating under the Influence and Operating after Revocation. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Hancock Fire Department, Sullivan Fire Department and DC Towing assisted on scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Indigenous People’s Day:
Schools as well as State and Federal Offices were closed in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday. Governor Janet Mills released a statement saying, quote “Today, we honor the Indigenous peoples whose deep connection to the lands, woods, and waters of Maine stretches back thousands of years. Their enduring history and culture continue to shape the fabric of the place we all share as home.”
Castine is just one of the many places in Maine with indigenous roots according to ABC7 News. Ina Schonberg is Castine’s Community and Economic Development Director:
“There is a place down on the rocks here just below the lighthouse that’s spelled out in one of the oldest stories of america. They were here for almost 10,000 years. This spot really is hallowed ground,” Schonberg said.
To learn more about Castine’s Indigenous Roots, log onto castinehistoricalsociety dot org.
The Penobscot Bay Community Health Partnership is collecting donations to support this year’s Harvesting Hope event.
According to the Penbay Pilot, Harvesting Hope provides meals, resources, and essential items to individuals who are unhoused or experiencing housing insecurity in Knox and Waldo counties. Donations will be accepted from now through November 14, 2025, with drop-off locations at the Rockland Harbor YMCA and the Rockport YMCA. Items being requested include winter gear, clothing, hygiene produces and as well a blankets and sleeping bags.
Ellsworth City Hall cupola shines in pink
If you are driving by Ellsworth City Hall at night and thought you saw bright pink lights, you are correct. The cupola of the Ellsworth City Hall is lit up pink all this month in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A huge thank you to the Ellsworth City Hall administration and the Ellsworth Fire Department for honoring those who have passed from cancer while supporting survivors and those still battling the disease.
