Bangor Mall set to be acquired by local buyer<\/b><\/p>\n
Big news for the Bangor Mall after months of work to move things forward.<\/span><\/p>\n The mall is formally under contract with a\u00a0 local buyer in final negotiations to move forward with the property.<\/span><\/p>\n WABI news reports Sen. Joe Baldacci of Bangor shared information stating redeveloping the mall has been a key goal of his.<\/span><\/p>\n He also tells WABI it\u2019s encouraging to see local stakeholders playing a central role in the deal.<\/span><\/p>\n More information regarding buyers and their plans for the property has not yet been released.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.wabi.tv\/2026\/03\/31\/bangor-mall-set-be-sold-local-buyer\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Mount Desert Island officials to hold public forums on parking challenges<\/b><\/p>\n After receiving feedback regarding challenges of parking around Mount Desert Island, officials are analyzing different ways to solve the issue.<\/span><\/p>\n Officials say they\u2019re at a crossroads with how to manage the issue and now they\u2019re seeking the public’s input.<\/span><\/p>\n They\u2019re debating whether to maintain the current approach which prioritized leniency for residents and acknowledging long-standing local habits.<\/span><\/p>\n However they say this has led to an increase in violations.<\/span><\/p>\n The other option is to implement stricter enforcement strategies with fair yet impartial enforcement for parking regulation.<\/span><\/p>\n Their first public forum will be April 6 and 6 p.m. at the Town Hall Meeting Room and May 18 at 6 p.m. at the Neighborhood House.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.mtdesert.org\/m\/newsflash\/home\/detail\/70<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Big Jim\u2019 taken down for restoration project<\/b><\/p>\n The iconic 40-foot-tall Maine fisherman that stood tall outside of a former sardine cannery in Prospect Harbor is on the move.<\/span><\/p>\n Well, Big Jim didn\u2019t move himself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n According to WABI news, leaders at the Penobscot Marine Museum out of Searsport are leading the renovation project on the legendary Downeast landmark.<\/span><\/p>\n Big Jim has stood tall there for six decades and now mural artists at the WOW Collective will bring him back to his original 1959 image, holding a Maine Sardine can.<\/span><\/p>\n As to when he\u2019ll return to his home, there\u2019s no details on that.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.wabi.tv\/2026\/03\/31\/40-foot-tall-big-jim-fisherman-prospect-harbor-removed-restoration\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n 1814 home in Blue Hill awarded grant funding to preserve historic timber frame<\/b><\/p>\n In 2024, The Jonathan Fisher House in Blue Hill was one of the organizations to receive funding from a $10 million bond for restoration of historic community buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n Now the Maine Historic Preservation Commission has awarded nearly a quarter-million-dollar grant for repairs to the 1814 home.<\/span><\/p>\n The Ellsworth American reports the most serious repairs are needed on the southeast wall of the structure and larger needs will address the whole house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However the publication reports the grant of $247,152 requires an $82,478 match.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.ellsworthamerican.com\/news\/history\/grant-to-support-repairs-to-fisher-house\/article_94be50b6-4141-4a96-acc8-7ac2b6927b72.html<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n AIO announces matching grant opportunity to help Community Members with power shut off<\/b><\/p>\n AIO Food and Energy Assistance say for many April 15th is Tax Day but for others it\u2019s also the day community members could face power shut off.<\/span><\/p>\n According to officials in the State of Maine, power companies can\u2019t shut off power for households non-payment from Nov. 15 through April 15.<\/span><\/p>\n However with the long winter, severe weather and higher bills, more community members are facing hard choices.<\/span><\/p>\n That\u2019s why AIO\u2019s Spring Energy Assistance program helps families who face\u00a0 power shut off and this season AIO is the recipient of a $120,000 matching opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n If AIO raises $60,000 in April it can unlock the gift creating a fund of $180,000 to prevent shut off.<\/span><\/p>\n To donate just follow the link below.<\/span><\/p>\n