RSU 20 maintenance facility blaze takes out school bus and other vehicles
WABI news reports officials released more details Sunday regarding the fire at the RSU 20 maintenance facility in Searsport.
It happened on Prospect Street around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
WABI says when crews arrived they found smoke coming from the top of the building with the roof compromised.
Officials say no injuries were reported.
WABI was told one school bus and one pickup truck were in the building at the time along with two other vehicles that were undergoing long-term repairs.
No cause has been determined.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/21/fire-destroys-rsu-20-bus-garage/
Thousands in the dark following Friday’s wind storm
Crews are working hard to restore outages across the state, however WABI news reports CMP and Versant customers are still in the dark.
As of Sunday, over 2,000 customers were still without power in Hancock County.
Versant Power said on Sunday they anticipated to restore the remaining customers Monday and workers will remain in the field.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/19/power-outages-reported-around-maine/
Downeast Homeowners can apply for housing repairs
The Maine Seacoast Mission announced Downeast homeowners can apply for their Housing Improvement Program!
If you’re a homeowner in Washington or Eastern Hancock County you can apply to get volunteers to help you with that housing project.
Services range from creating handicap-accessible decks to window or door repair.
They even have expertise in hanging drywall or landscaping.
Maine Seacoast Mission leaders tell Star 97.7 in 2025 alone, more than 100 volunteers dedicated over 3,000 hours of service in the Downeast area.
If you’re looking to apply just follow the link below.
https://seacoastmission.org/downeast/housing-improvement/
Ellsworth residents will see increase for trash stickers
The Ellsworth American reports the price of trash stickers in Ellsworth will increase from $3 to $4 per bag.
The publication says the supervisor for the transfer station says the change will bring in more revenue to make the solid waste department self-sustaining.
They tell the Ellsworth American they are operating at a current annual deficit of $300,000.
The last increase was in 2015.
Impaired driving spikes during holiday period according to experts
We are in the midst of the holiday season and there’s a lot of events and parties to participate in.
However, AAA tells WABI to be smart on the road as year-end holiday travel is expected to reach a record high.
AAA tells WABI 109.5 Americans are expected to travel for year-end trips which is a two-percent increase from last year.
One factor experts have noticed is that impaired driving increased this time of year due to alcohol, drugs or even fatigue.
They advise people to plan ahead, get a designated driver and stay alert to end 2025 on a jolly and safe note.
PAWS Animal Adoption Center launched ‘Golden Ticket Raffle’
The PAWS Animal Adoption Center out of Camden launched their Golden Ticket Raffle to benefit the shelter and clinic according to the Pen Bay Pilot.
Those who enter could see a huge win while giving back to the community.
The paper says there’s only 250 tickets but the winner could possibly win a trip to Mexico with additional prizes being a sail aboard the Schooner Olad or a nights stay on Vinalhaven at the Tidewater.
Winners will be drawn on Jan. 5 so to throw your name in the mix, just follow the link on our website.
