Authorities provide update on fatal Robbins Lumber Fire<\/b><\/p>\n
Preliminary details have been released on the fatal fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont.<\/span><\/p>\n The State Fire Marshal\u2019s office and federal investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are continuing to determine what led to the explosion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, officials suggest the remains of the silo where the fire originated were lifted last weekend allowing them to analyze critical areas.<\/span><\/p>\n Investigators believe the fire started near the unloader mechanism at the base of the silo where airborne sawdust ignited the fire triggering an explosion.<\/span><\/p>\n Authorities also say the facility\u2019s fire suppression system was found near the top of the silo and did not activate because the temperatures did reach activation threshold after the fire began.<\/span><\/p>\n The tragedy killed Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross and injured 12 others<\/span><\/p>\n Secretary of State removes transgender referendum from ballot<\/b><\/p>\n Secretary of State Shenna Bellows decided to remove a citizens initiative to limit transgender athletes participation in school sports from the November ballot.<\/span><\/p>\n The question would ask Mainers if they wanted to ban transgender athletes from competing in school sports and using facilities that align with their gender identity.<\/span><\/p>\n Bellows says over 12,000 signatures were deemed invalid after that validity was questioned by a presiding officer less than a week ago.<\/span><\/p>\n There could be a possible appeal to this move so Bellows will plan to announce final wording on Thursday.<\/span><\/p>\n Fatal crash in Glenburn on Tuesday<\/b><\/p>\n Penobscot County Sheriff\u2019s responded to a crash in Glenburn that left one person dead on Tuesday.<\/span><\/p>\n The crash happened at around 10:15 AM at the intersection of Route 221.<\/span><\/p>\n WABI news reports the Sheriff\u2019s office says a pickup with an empty trailer was traveling when a small SUV turned left pulling in front of them.<\/span><\/p>\n The passenger of the SUV died and the driver was taken to the hospital with serious but non life-threatening injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n The crash remains under investigation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.wabi.tv\/2026\/05\/26\/passenger-killed-glenburn-crash\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Ellsworth nonprofit who supports women survivors of domestic abuse awarded<\/b><\/p>\n A statewide nonprofit that supports women who\u2019ve survived domestic abuse has been awarded funding.<\/span><\/p>\n Families First Community Center out of Ellsworth has been awarded $20,000.<\/span><\/p>\n The Ellsworth American reports the funding will help women and children in Hancock and Washington counties with housing and more however the center assists families experiencing homelessness regardless of sex.<\/span><\/p>\n This will help them expand services to those who need critical and timely assistance in the wake of a transition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.ellsworthamerican.com\/news\/funding-awarded-to-support-women-fleeing-domestic-violence\/article_76d29eee-24e7-4ec5-8009-705e195f367e.html<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Ellsworth Public Library to host \u2018Mocktail Class\u2019<\/b><\/p>\n It\u2019s finally warming up and that means barbeques, cookouts and delicious food and drinks.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for some fun alternative drinks, the Ellsworth Public Library is inviting you to a fun event.<\/span><\/p>\n On June 3 at 5:30 PM head over for their Mocktail Class.<\/span><\/p>\n There you can learn how to make four mocktails that will shock your guests in the best way and leaders at the library say they\u2019ll have your peers guessing when you became a mixologist.<\/span><\/p>\n You can tastiest test each drink and go home with the recipes but registration is required.<\/span><\/p>\n To learn more about the event and to register just follow the link below.<\/span><\/p>\n