Hancock County Commissioners deny lock request at courthouse
According to the Ellsworth American, the Hancock County Commissioners voted to deny a request from the Maine Judicial Branch to lock the front door of the courthouse.
The paper reports the request was denied on Nov. 11.
A spokesperson for the Maine Judiciary told the paper it was requested because they are trying to cut down on the need for multiple checkpoints for entry screening.
A Chairperson told the paper the request was a “drastic change for a short-term problem.”
Man found dead after Camrbridge fire
A man is dead after a house fire in Cambridge according to WABI news.
It happened around 5 p.m., Monday on Andrew Ham Road.
The Fire Marshal’s Office says they found who they believe to be the homeowner, Stuart Howe, 75, dead inside.
Officials say the medical examiner will perform an autopsy and confirm identity.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/02/man-dies-after-cambridge-house-fire/
Washington County towns running out of time to address $8 million debt
The Maine Monitor reports an important meeting is coming up for residents in Washington County to vote on plans to prepay their portion of the outstanding debt.
This would avoid higher taxes in 2026 however the Maine Monitor reports others are refusing to do so.
County officials have urged residents to consider the prepayment option to address the $8 million of debt.
Some county officials tell the Maine Monitor frustrations have grown as talks of excessive cuts to county services are being considered.
Bucksport set to upgrade town dock for $4.1 million
The Bangor Daily news reports things are on track as Bucksport officials plan to invest over $4 million in their public dock.
This investment will make the dock usable year-round and more accessible.
The paper says the next step in the process is permitting the new dock and then permit approval.
Once that’s complete the project can go out to bid and the BDN reports Bucksport officials hope to complete it by 2027 to draw more cruise ships to town.
Energy Crisis Intervention Program open for Winter
MaineHousing says the Energy Crisis Intervention Program for the winter heating season will open Wednesday, December 3 according to WABI news.
The program typically opens on November 1 each year but was delayed this fall because of the government shutdown. They have now received federal funds.
The Energy Crisis Intervention Program provides HEAP-eligible households with a one-time benefit of up to $500 for heating assistance if they are facing a heating emergency, including having no heat or having run out of heating fuel.
MaineHousing says these funds helped more than 7,000 Maine households last winter.
December lineup at Versant Power Astronomy Center
It’s a busy yet exciting month at the Versant Power Astronomy Center and the Maynard Jordan Planetarium.
Director Shawn Laatsch says their 7 p.m. public program is Galaxy : Journey Through the Milky Way which will take place on Dec. 5.
“This program takes a look at our milky way galaxy, sort of our home in space,” said Laatsch.
“Everything from the super massive black hole at the center of our galaxy to beautiful Nebulas and star forming regions to the way Gaia spacecraft has helped sort of revolutionize our view of our home galaxy.”
The family program will be the Christmas Star taking a look at what the star Bethlehem may have been and exploring it from an astronomical point of view.
They also have a special music program called ‘Let It Snow’ presenting a variety of classic holiday music.
December is a short month for the center as they close for the year on Dec. 19 and will reopen on Jan. 2.
To keep up with what’s going on in the skies click the link.
To keep up with the schedule of events and check out what’s going on in the skies just follow the link.
Stanley Chevrolet supports women’s health through ‘Driven for a Cure’
The Ann Hooper Center for Women’s Imaging will receive a special donation from Stanley Chevrolet in Belfast.
All a part of the annual ‘Driven for a Cure’ campaign, efforts like the donations of $10 for every test drive by customers in October to supporting mammogram scholarships, Stanley has made giving back a tradition for more than 15 years.
The donation will be distributed on Thursday, Dec. 4
