Ellsworth Road Contracts & Merrill Lane Delay
The Ellsworth City Council approved a pair of major infrastructure investments Monday night, including a $268,000 engineering design contract with Sebago Technics to reconstruct nearly two miles of Bayside Road.
Councilors also unanimously awarded a $480,000 paving contract to Northeast Paving to resurface several local streets and repair High Street sidewalks.
However, the council voted 4 to 1 to postpone awarding a construction contract for the Merrill Lane extension leading to the new Hancock Judicial Center according to the Ellsworth American.
Councilors say this will give staff time to evaluate potential in-house cost savings before a special vote on October 6.
The Ellsworth American
Southwest Harbor Dollar Ambulance Deal
The Southwest Harbor Fire Department is bolstering its emergency fleet after acquiring an ambulance from Northeast Harbor Ambulance Service for just one dollar.
The vehicle previously served the town of Mount Desert since 2022 and was returned to Northeast Harbor when Mount Desert took delivery of a brand-new rig.
WABI news reports Southwest Harbor officials say the low-cost acquisition will provide critical backup support for regional 911 emergency calls and first responder training.
WABI-TV
High Street Paving Lane Restrictions in Ellsworth
Drivers in Ellsworth should prepare for morning delays this Friday, September 25, along High Street due to scheduled pavement repairs.
City public works crews will close the right-hand lane near Pizza Hut starting at 7 a.m., before shifting work up the hill outside the Eagles Lodge around 8 a.m.
Each patch project is expected to take two to three hours, and municipal officials urge motorists to slow down and give road crews ample room to work safely.
City of Ellsworth Traffic Advisory
Senator King Emergency Lock Box Legislation
Maine Independent Senator Angus King has introduced federal legislation aimed at improving emergency response times and home safety for elderly residents.
The bill would fund community programs allowing seniors to install secure exterior lock boxes, giving local fire and EMS crews immediate key access during medical emergencies.
In addition, WABI news reports the legislation provides funding for minor in-home safety modifications.
An example of this is a bathroom grab bar—to help prevent dangerous falls among older adults.
WABI-TV
Iconic Wild Blueberry Land Listed for Sale
Washington County’s famous 26-foot blueberry dome along Route 1 in Columbia Falls is officially up for sale as its longtime owners search for new caretakers.
Built in 1999 by wild blueberry advocates Dell and Marie Emerson, the beloved roadside museum and bakery was recently designated one of Maine’s most endangered historic landmarks by Maine Preservation.
The Bangor Daily news reports the Emersons are exploring several sale options.
Those include transferring the landmark building, business, and surrounding farm acreage—with hopes of preserving the site’s educational mission for future generations.
Bangor Daily News
Fogtown Brewing Community Fundraiser for KidsPeace
Fogtown Brewing Company in Ellsworth is partnering with KidsPeace next Tuesday, September 29, for a community fundraiser supporting children’s behavioral and mental health services.
Running from 5 to 7 p.m. at Fogtown’s Pine Street taproom, the event will donate 10% of all drink and food sales directly to local KidsPeace programs.
Community members are invited to attend, enjoy local craft beverages, and support vital resources for children and families across Hancock County.
City of Ellsworth Community Calendar
The Grand “Terror Theater” Volunteer Meeting
The Grand in downtown Ellsworth is hosting a volunteer informational meeting on Friday, October 2, to kick off preparations for its upcoming Halloween production, “Terror Theater.”
Starting at 6 p.m. at the historic Main Street theater, organizers will outline volunteer opportunities for actors, stage crew, set builders, and costume designers.
Community members of all experience levels who want to help stage this year’s seasonal frights are invited to attend.
City of Ellsworth Community Calendar
