Extreme drought conditions expand Downeast<\/b><\/p>\n
Drought conditions in Maine worsened this week for Downeast communities.<\/span><\/p>\n WABI news reports the latest Drought Monitor was released Thursday.<\/span><\/p>\n Last week, geographically 12.56% of the state was in the Extreme Drought (D3) category.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This week, that number is 16.61% as some Downeast areas were upgraded from Severe Drought (D2) to Extreme Drought.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n WABI news reported 42.9% of the state is currently in the Severe Drought category.<\/span><\/p>\n There was no change in the Moderate Drought (D1) category, which sits at 12.4%.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Helicopter needed to put out Trenton Fire<\/b><\/p>\n The Trenton volunteer fire department was dispatched to a reported brushfire on Wednesday according to WABI news.<\/span><\/p>\n Crews quickly determined a helicopter response was needed because of windy conditions, remote location, and rapid fire spread.<\/span><\/p>\n A chopper from the Maine Forest Service provided water dumps to help ground crews end the fire.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The fire was put out however they tell WABI almost four acres burned.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It’s still unknown how the fire started.<\/span><\/p>\n Cadillac Mountains summit road closed<\/b><\/p>\n Amid the federal shutdown, Acadia National Park\u2019s Cadillac Mountain summit road is closed to vehicles until further notice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n WABI news reports the park service says the road will still be open to pedestrians and cyclists but parking will not be available at the start of the road.<\/span><\/p>\n The NPS says the availability of future vehicle reservations is being determined on a regular basis.<\/span><\/p>\n Reservations may be cancelled or refunded without prior notice.<\/span><\/p>\n Ellsworth based food pantry announces collaboration to help address food insecurity<\/b><\/p>\n Loaves and Fishes Food pantry has partnered with Everybody Eats! free community meal.<\/span><\/p>\n Officials say both organizations based out of Ellsworth created the partnership due to an increasing pressure on nutrition support programs.<\/span><\/p>\n The collaboration will take effect immediately and Everybody Eats! will continue to offer their once-a-week hot meal for pickup or dine-in at St. Dunstan\u2019s Episcopal Church in Ellsworth.<\/span><\/p>\n Congress Street project has Belfast residents concerned<\/b><\/p>\n City leaders are evaluating an area in Belfast that has created concerns around safety and structure for residents.<\/span><\/p>\n However, proposed plans to address Congress Street have locals raising an eyebrow.<\/span><\/p>\n The Bangor Daily News says proposals include 475 linear feet of new sewer line on Congress Street, 1,800 feet of in-ground storm drains with about a dozen catch basins, 1,500 feet of multiuse paths or sidewalks and bike lanes, and 2,500 feet of curbing with a new pedestrian crossing.<\/span><\/p>\n The paper says residents voiced concerns about the safety of the project, bike lanes, traffic flow and pedestrians.<\/span><\/p>\n However, city officials say this is the feedback they want in order to come to an agreement on the new project.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Art of Ellsworth: Maine Craft Weekend set to return in October<\/b><\/p>\n More exciting fall events are lining up in Ellsworth!<\/span><\/p>\n From October 2-5, Ellsworth will shine with art, music and community for the Art of Ellsworth: Maine Craft Weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n The four-day event will highlight the power of crafting and the wide range of creativity across the Pine Tree State.<\/span><\/p>\n Heart of Ellsworth, Ellsworth Public Library and the Heart of Ellsworth Makerspace will host a lineup of events like stone-cutting, glass blowing and more!<\/span><\/p>\n