Washington County reaches agreement on county budget
The Washington County Budget Advisory Committee and Washington County Commissioners have come to an agreement on a new budget for 2026 according to WABI news.
Two commissioners entered the negotiations with their own proposals, but following a brief recess, they came to an agreement for the committee to vote on.
By a 9-2 vote, the committee approved a new budget of approximately 11 million dollars.
The budget is about $215,000 less than what the committee approved on December 3 which was rejected by the three commissioners.
The budget approval comes as the county deals with a lingering eight million dollar debt.
Some towns in the county have agreed to prepay their share of the outstanding debt in order to avoid higher taxes next year.
Others have said no.
Law firm releases statement on fatal school bus crash
The law firm representing a Rockland family following the loss of their 12-year-old son who was hit and killed by a school bus last month, has issued a statement concerning the crash according to WABI news.
12-year-old Brayden Callahan was struck and killed by bus driver Jeffrey Colburn on November 21.
Steve Smith Trial Lawyers has been retained as legal counsel in the matter of Shane Callahan & Kelley Morse vs. RSU 13 and Jeffrey Colburn.
The firm said they represent the Callahan family and will provide legal advocacy throughout all phases of the litigation.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/17/maine-law-firm-issues-statement-fatal-school-bus-crash-rockland/
Multiple agencies respond to garage and apartment fire in Patten
Firefighters from several towns battled a fire in downtown Patten Wednesday morning according to WABI news.
The fire broke out on Main Street around 5 a.m.
WABI reports the fire started in a garage and spread to a nearby apartment building.
Town officials said everyone inside the apartment building made it out safely and are now with family.
No word on if any injuries were reported.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/17/crews-battle-garage-apartment-fire-patten/
VA looking to cut 35,000 healthcare positions some of which are in Maine
The Department of Veterans Affairs is set to eliminate 35,000 healthcare positions, including some in Maine according to WABI news.
The Washington Post reports most are unfilled jobs that include doctors, nurses, and support staff.
Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, released a statement calling the move “dishonest” saying:
“Cutting staff means more than cutting positions – it means cutting services and denying timely care to those who have earned these benefits.”
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/17/va-eliminate-35000-healthcare-positions-including-some-maine/
Community supports Emmaus Homeless Shelter gift program
Good news as the holiday season continues, Emmaus Homeless Shelter has replenished gifts for their annual program that supports up to 100 families or 300 kids according to the Ellsworth American.
This after a pipe broke in the facility recently donated gifts were sorted.
Community members, organizations and businesses filled the Moore Community Center with gifts and according to the paper, the Hancock County Sheriff’s office did as well.
The paper reports they also received coat and boot donations needed however they tell the Ellsworth American the need is all year-round.
https://emmaushomelessshelter.org/index.html
Breakfast outing supports Healthy Acadia
Healthy Acadia is inviting you and your family to join them for breakfast at Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast at 8 Cottage Street in Bar Harbor on Saturday, Dec. 20.
From 7 a.m. to noon, Jeannie’s will donate 50 percent of all breakfast proceeds to Healthy Acadia’s Giving Health campaign which will help continue essential community programs and resources in the region.
There’s no RSVP needed and if you want to learn more about the campaign just follow the link.
https://healthyacadia.org/?mc_cid=a20a60cfa3&mc_eid=99beec06ca
