2 Ellsworth hydrants still unavailable
Ellsworth city officials tell the Bangor Daily News, all but two fire hydrants that were missing or unavailable last summer have been brought back online.
The paper says two hydrants at either end of Liberty Street caused residents to voice concerns after a house burned down.
However, the publication reports the city official confirmed the issue is not with the hydrants themselves, it’s with the volume of water in the pipes.
City Manager Charlie Pearce told the BDN that officials are not only working to restore the hydrants but keep them in working order.
Fatal car crash in Sullivan
A Milbridge man is dead after a crash in Sullivan on Tuesday.
It happened on Route 1 near the intersection of Taunton Drive.
According to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, 32-year-old Gared Birdtail was driving at a high rate of speed when his vehicle left the road, hit a tree, rolled onto its roof, and hit a second tree before coming to a stop.
The Sheriff’s Department says Birdtail was the only person in the vehicle and died at the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Ellsworth will give proceeds from foreclosed property to its last owner
After receiving backlash, Ellsworth city officials say they are reversing course in providing proceeds from a foreclosed property to the last owner, according to the Bangor Daily News.
An Ellsworth city councilor accused the city of its responsibility in a sale of a tax-acquired property that was not properly permitted.
However other councilors have told the Bangor Daily News by doing so it could open up a legal dispute to not only this case but others who lost properties to the city of unpaid taxes.
The paper says a 6-0 vote overruled the initial position on the sale and a Brewer resident who inherited the property will receive the funds.
USDA announced SNAP benefits will not be issued in November
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that SNAP benefits will not be issued for next month according to WABI news.
SNAP, which is short for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a program to help families with the cost of food.
42 million Americans rely on the program, almost 170,000 of which live in Maine.
Although SNAP benefits cannot be issued for the month of November, benefits that have already been issued can still be used.
Those who are looking to apply for the SNAP program are still able to do so.
For additional resources, you can call 211.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/10/21/usda-announces-snap-benefits-will-not-be-issued-november/
Bucksport launches fundraising campaign for animal shelter
According to the Ellsworth American, Shed to Shelter has launched a campaign to raise money for the Bucksport Animal Shelter.
The paper says the goal is to raise $650,000.
The Bucksport director of community and economic development tells the Ellsworth American a new facility would be located behind the town garage.
For ways to donate you can follow the link on Star 97.7’s website.
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church will host ‘Community of Hope Service’
On Saturday, November 1, at 3 PM in their sanctuary at 134 State Street in Ellsworth, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church will host their Community of Hope service.
Inspired by the “Hopeful” sign placed on Main Street in 2024 and by the continued need to lift us up as a community, the event will include readings, music, and a time for reflection and sharing.
The event will conclude with refreshments and late afternoon fare.
All are welcome to attend.
