First responders remember firefighter killed in lumber mill explosion
After the devastating explosion at the Robbins Lumber Mill in Searsmont Friday, tributes are pouring in for the firefighter who lost his life.
27-year-old Andrew Cross served as a volunteer firefighter for Morrill.
From state senators and representatives to first responders across the entire state, people expressed how Cross’s life showed courage, bravery and selfless love.
WABI news reports 10 people are in critical condition after the explosion Friday.
When firefighters arrived at the scene Friday morning, they encountered a fire in the silo at the mill and that’s when the explosion occurred.
The cause and the origin of the fire are being investigated by the state’s fire marshal’s office and special agents from the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives national response team.
The mill will not be operating this week.
Searsmont launches relief fund amid concerns over scams
In response to the deadly explosion at Robbins Lumber, the town of Searsmont is warning Mainers to be on the lookout for scams.
The town clerk says they’re aware of “unofficial online fundraisers have already begun circling.”
WABI news reports that they posted the notice on Facebook Saturday saying they encourage everyone to be vigilant and double-check the source of any fundraiser before contributing.
The town says they will be establishing an official relief fund in the coming days for those affected.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/05/17/town-searsmont-launch-official-relief-fund-amid-scam-concerns/
Missing paddleboarder found on Graham Lake
Over ten days ago a paddleboarder went missing on Graham Lake and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has confirmed they’ve located him.
Officials say a family member searching for 20-year-old Grayson Mote of Ellsworth found him deceased.
The Maine Marine Patrol brought him to shore and he was transported to the office of the Maine State Medical examiner.
Downeast Salmon Federation announces leadership change in 2027
Later this year, the board of directors for the Downeast Salmon Federation will launch a search for a leadership change.
Dwayne Shaw is currently the Board of Directors and Executive Director.
The Ellsworth American reports Shaw announced a one-year leadership change to welcome a new director in April 2027.
In a statement to the publication, Shaw acknowledges he will remain in the conversations around the future of fisheries however he is looking forward to enjoying the rivers and fish himself.
Leaders amongst the organization that works to conserve and restore wild sea-run fish and their habitats expressed their gratitude for Shaw’s work and are looking forward to a strong year.
Ellsworth’s 5th year as a ‘Tree City USA Community’
Tree City USA, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and is in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters, recognized cities and towns that prioritize caring and investing into their urban forest.
Ellsworth is proud to be on that list for five years in a row!
Leaders in the city say in order to receive the designation, communities must maintain a dedicated tree board, have a community tree ordinance, invest at least $2 per capita in tree care and hold an annual Arbor Day.
This is important because trees improve air quality, support wildlife, manage stormwater and so much more.
https://www.ellsworthmaine.gov/ellsworth-proudly-celebrates-5-years-as-a-tree-city-usa-community/
Pemetic Elementary teacher recognized as ‘2026 Hancock County Teacher of the Year’
A big congratulations to Michael Brzezowski, a technology integration teacher at Pemetic Elementary in Southwest Harbor for being the 2026 Hancock County Teacher of the year!
The state department of education announced the honor on Friday.
It’s all in an effort to celebrate teachers across the state from each county!
Now those who were selected will become a part of the Maine State Teacher of the Year selection process following the announcement of that recognition this fall.
Congratulations!
