Ellsworth City Council considering new rules around backyard birds, bikes and gatherings
City councilors of Ellsworth heard the actual recording of a rooster crowing in a workshop recently as residents voice concerns over the birds being in residential areas where they are prohibited, according to the Ellsworth American.
In the meeting multiple ordinances had been discussed like owning roosters and chickens, mass gatherings, bikes on sidewalks and a larger land-use rewrite.
The paper reports this is not the first time they’ve heard complaints over roosters in the area and in Article 8 of Ellsworth’s Chapter 56 Unified Development Ordinance, under the backyard livestock section, roosters are prohibited from the Ellsworth Urban Core Area, where their home is located.
City Councilors have taken steps to consider each of the ordinances discussed.
Castine health care clinic exploring path for independent operations
The Castine Community Hospital Corporation has leased operations of its health care center to Northern Light, however the Bangor Daily news reports officials are analyzing options for independent operation.
Although Northern Light Health and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield agreed to extend their contract by 30 days at the beginning of October, financial constraints and insurance battles have officials representing the Castine group concerned.
The paper says the Castine group has considered other provider networks and hired a consultant for a three-month feasibility study.
Bangor Mall sign demolished
A different scene in Bangor on Tuesday after the broken, decrepit Bangor Mall sign was finally demolished, that’s according to WABI news.
The city took the owner of the mall, New York based Namdar Realty Group, to court over the condition of the sign and several other issues, including sewage spilling into a nearby stream, a leaky roof, and sinkholes in the parking lot.
A judge ruled earlier this year that Namdar violated multiple city ordinances and was responsible for making the repairs.
Maine CDC warns residents after birds test positive for West Nile virus
The Maine CDC has informed the City of Brewer and the town of Surry that birds found in those communities have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to WABI news.
The City of Brewer says the Maine CDC identified two deceased crows infected with the virus, but they say it is NOT an outbreak or cluster.
The Ellsworth American reports the agency informed the town of Surry that a raven found there had tested positive for the virus.
According to the Maine CDC, West Nile virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect humans, birds, and some other mammals.
The agency says birds infected with the virus cannot transfer the illness to humans.
They say if you find three or more dead birds at the same time, in the same place, you should report it to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/10/13/three-birds-brewer-surry-test-positive-west-nile-virus/
Bar Harbor Rotary hosts event in partnership with Young Professionals & Bar Harbor Historical Society
The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce tells Star 97.7 this Friday, October 17 the Bar Harbor Rotary will host an event with Young Professionals and the Bar Harbor Historical Society.
The event will take place at La Rochelle from 6:30PM to 8:30PM providing an opportunity to network, recognize local leadership and acknowledge the next generation of changemakers.
Event organizers ask those who look to attend to RSVP.
Sunday Strolls in Rockland wraps up this weekend
If you’re looking for some fall, family fun this weekend dress up in your best Halloween costumes for the last Sunday Stroll in Rockland on October 19.
The Pen Bay Pilot reports from 11AM to 4PM residents are welcomed to Maine Street to enjoy some trick or treating at downtown businesses, participate in costume contests and so much more!
The paper reports there will be about 70 vendors awaiting residents and visitors alike for some Fall fun and pups are welcomed as well!
https://www.penbaypilot.com/article/last-sunday-stroll-season-main-street-rockland/263510
