By Nancy Beal

By Will Tuell

In the six weeks since Machiasport voters flocked to the polls in support of the town’s proposal to take portions of two properties along Port Road needed to preserve access to outlying islands, the town and landowners appear to be locked in a tense legal struggle that could take years to play out. 

By Will Tuell

The Town of Machiasport is seeking the public’s feedback on a draft commercial solar ordinance, Town Clerk Marcia Hayward said in an interview on April 9. The fourteen-page document applies to commercial-scale solar projects only -- and not residential or rooftop solar -- Hayward said. 

By Wayne Smith

I caught up with Lauren Bunker, the new owner of North Star Tire Shop in Harrington, last week. Bunker, like her father, was a truck driver but jumped at the chance to buy the shop when she learned it was for sale. She’s been in business officially since January. 

By Will Tuell

Wayne and Roberta Seeley of Edmunds have been synonymous with the Dennys River Ambulance service since the mid-70s and are widely credited with keeping one of the state’s last remaining volunteer EMS services running despite being in their late 70s. That commitment to the community did not go unnoticed as the Seeleys were honored with a “Spirit of America” award earlier this year and went to the State House to receive recognition for it on April 10. 

Miguel Zenón and Luis Perdomo just won a GRAMMY for Best Latin Jazz Album, now they're performing live on Thursday, April 18, at the UMaine Machias Performing Arts Center and on Friday, April 19, at Minsky Recital Hall, UMaine, Orono at 7:30 p.m. on both nights. Admission is $30 for the Orono concert; in Machias, voluntary contributions will be collected. K-12 free with an accompanying adult.

Re-enactors Plan Patriot’s Day Events

By Will Tuell

A group of middle and high school age students from Waldo County are coming to Machias this week to learn about the area’s rich Revolutionary War era history, Stephanie Larrabee of the Machias Historical Society said in an email last week. They are part of the “I Know Me” (or Maine) program which studies Maine’s history, geography, government, economy, and ideas, and learn about the challenges and rewards of growing up in The Pine Tree State. 

By Phil Stuart

Washington County has produced many outstanding runners over the years.  Most runners would probably agree that Jonesboro’s mystery runner, Bruce Bridgham, would be at the top of the list.

Bruce has been dealing with some medical issues recently, and a neighbor and friend reached out to the MVNO and asked if we might do an article on the former King of the Roads.

By Will Tuell

If there’s one thing true about commercial fishing, it’s that the men and women who work on the water have to comply with a lot of rules and regulations just to earn a living. Last week proved no exception as the state’s Department of Marine Resources (DMR) issued a wave of rules affecting the menhaden or pogie fishery, shellfish, elvers, and smelts. Some are as simple as clarifying existing rules, while others establish catch limits or quotas for the upcoming season.

By Wayne Smith 

Few times in recent memory has a winter storm lived up to the hype generated on television and social media. Yet the nor’easter that dumped 10-12 inches or more of wet, heavy snow on some parts of the Sunrise County brought gusty 50 mph winds and left thousands without power, not only lived up to its billing but in many ways reminded Downeasters that while the calendar may say April, Old Man Winter isn’t going to leave without being heard from in a major way.