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A brighter future: Reorganizing our schools

1 week ago | mdislander.com | Cynthia Lambert

As a voter, I know you care deeply about our kids and our community, and will consider the proposed school district reorganization. Reorganization isn't just about budgets or buildings; it's about creating a brighter future for our children and for the towns we all call home. Reorganization presents an opportunity to establish a school system where every student has the resources they need to thrive, and where our communities come together as one. Please consider voting yes.
Brook trout perils

2 weeks ago | mdislander.com | V. Paul Reynolds

Ask any diehard trout angler what is so special about a brook trout, and you’ll no doubt get different answers. Some will tell you about the vibrant colors of a brookie. Others will tell you that they like the remote pristine waters and wilderness settings that trout inhabit. Still others will tell you how good they are to fry in the pan. The most pious among brook trout acolytes will insist that a wild trout is just too precious to take home and should be released at once.
Town manager search begins in Mount Desert

3 weeks ago | mdislander.com | Rebecca Alley

MOUNT DESERT — The search is officially on for a new town manager after the Selectboard voted at its June 2 meeting to enter into a contract with Maine Municipal Association to assist with the search. The town will need a new manager to replace Durlin Lunt, who has held the position in a full-time capacity for 15 years. Lunt announced his retirement in February and will step down from his post in August.
Ruth Foster, a force of nature, dies at 96

3 weeks ago | mdislander.com | Cyndi Wood

ELLSWORTH — During the pandemic, Ruth Foster, grande dame of Ellsworth, held court in the garage of her historic home on State Street. In her 90s and recently retired (well, mostly), Foster was prepared to take precautions but not to forgo social life entirely. She put in seating and added decorations from her former Main Street children’s shop. The open-air sitting area was tasteful and practical with a touch of whimsy. Much like Foster.
Selectboard discusses cuts to fishermen's association

1 month ago | mdislander.com | Rebecca Alley

MOUNT DESERT — The Selectboard finalized a $5,000 cut to the town’s public/social service agencies funding, and specified that all of the $5,000 will come from the funding request made by the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA), at the board’s Monday meeting.
Trenton voters approve solar changes, deliberate cost increases during Town Meeting

1 month ago | mdislander.com | William Tracy

TRENTON — Trenton voters approved all 55 articles of the town’s warrant during the annual meeting in the Trenton Elementary School gymnasium May 20. Residents approved a $7,535,004 municipal budget, which includes county taxes and funding for education. During town elections the day before, voters approved proposed changes to Article 3 and Article 7 of the Trenton Land Use Ordinance regarding solar energy systems. The changes limit solar projects to accessory use only in Trenton.
Fire Academy graduates class of 17

1 month ago | mdislander.com | Jennifer Osborn

ELLSWORTH — On Sunday at The Grand Auditorium, 17 firefighters graduated from the Hancock County Fire Academy, which incidentally is the number of firefighters suggested for a response to a residential structure fire, said Surry Fire Chief Bryan McLellan. A residential structure fire requires a minimum of 17 firefighters to respond safely and effectively, said McLellan, who is a member of the fire academy’s Oversight Committee.
IFW Committee kills proposed MDI deer hunting bill

1 month ago | mdislander.com | Rebecca Alley

AUGUSTA — A proposed bill that would allow deer hunting on Mount Desert Island will not make its way to voters, as the Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) unanimously voted on May 7 that the bill ought not to pass, meaning the bill will not work its way out of committee hearings and through the legislative process.
MDES roof work to begin this summer

1 month ago | mdislander.com | Rebecca Alley

MOUNT DESERT — Work is slated to begin on the Mount Desert Elementary School’s roof this summer, following the passage by voters of a $6 million bond at the town’s annual meeting on May 6 for building repairs and upgrades to the school. Repairs include addressing the roof, where several areas are allowing leaks into the building, Principal Heather Dorr said. The MDES School Committee selected a bid for the roof work from Triumph Roofing Repair for $489,750 at its May 7 meeting.
MDI school system to address post-COVID behaviors

1 month ago | mdislander.com | Rebecca Alley

BAR HARBOR — After seeing an uptick, and shift, in behavioral challenges since the COVID pandemic, the Mount Desert Regional School System has decided to partner with School Psychologist Amanda Wilson to try to better support students. That is what MDIRSS Director of Teaching and Learning Julie Keblinksy told the district’s school board at its May meeting. “This really comes from a lot of our post-COVID noticings that behaviors were just a little more difficult to work with," she said.