Maine’s wildfire levels remain moderate to high
On Sunday, Eddington and Holden firefighters were called to a wildfire off Airline Road just before noon.
This as authorities warn Mainers that wildfire levels remain moderate to high in many parts of the state.
WABI news reports that the fire authorities responded to in Clifton burned just shy of 11 acres and took firefighters about two hours to control it.
The cause of that fire is under investigation.
Ellsworth Schools to extend current bus lot lease
The Ellsworth School Board voted to finalize a three-year extension on the current bus lot lease on Bucksport Road.
Recently, officials discussed the option of seeking a new lease at another property in Hancock County.
The Ellsworth American reports the superintendent suggested seeking a new lease after expressing concern over the storage capacity, meeting spaces and bathrooms.
However, the publication reports city councils and some residents spoke against that, suggesting the city could purchase an existing facility or build its own in Ellsworth.
Town of Hermon transfers ownership of former drive-in property to Amazon
The old Bangor Drive-in property is now under the ownership of Amazon according to state records.
This after a report showed a project was in store for the vacant property in March.
WABI news reports the Maine Real Estate transfer tax declaration document shows it was transferred to Amazon on Thursday.
Records show the property was purchased for $1,900,000.
WABI news reports work is already underway at the site as the old movie screens have been taken down.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/04/13/records-show-ownership-hermon-property-transferred-amazon/
USDA awards Maine towns for public safety upgrades
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development has awarded three Maine towns with funds to upgrade their public safety.
More than $4 million will be dispersed benefitting more than 15,000 residents combined.
WABI news reports among those recipients are Brownfield, Springfield and Surry.
Surry will focus on buying a new fire truck due to their current fleet not matching standards.
Surry will be receiving $492,000.
Sign up and pick up bags in Ellsworth underway
Ahead of the annual ‘Citywide Roadside Clean Up’ on Saturday, April 18, Ellsworth leaders want you to sign up for road segments and pick up your free yellow trash bags.
Participants can pick up the bags at Ellsworth City Hall during regular business hours this week which is Monday-Thursday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and bags will be picked up on Saturday.
City officials want to remind residents of a few things.
Please do not overfill bags and avoid collecting broken glass or hazardous materials.
They also encourage you to separate redeemable bottles and cans which can be donated to the SPCA of HAncock County in Trenton.
Also keep in mind if you’d like to volunteer for the cleanup this weekend, you can wear boots, work gloves and wear bright or reflective clothing.
Start your gardening year off with success
As the weather warms up, many gardeners have been planning what will bloom during the Spring and Summer seasons.
However, it never hurts to get some expert advice on gardening as things change.
The Ellsworth American reports you can do just that by joining Maine Master Gardeners at the Henry D. Moore Library in Steuben on Sunday, April 19.
Starting at 2 p.m. you can hear about the upcoming gardening season while participating in a seed exchange and discussions of your plants.
