Briefs: Acadia Goes Cashless, Sweet Fern Hosts Rep. Friedmann, Hospital Closing Maternity Wing
Chess, real estate, and many more press releases from this week.
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Andy’s Home Improvement Inc.
A Quick Note From Us: Each week, we compile briefs and press releases and event images and share them all in one (sometimes very long) story.
Our briefs article is mostly just press releases that we don’t write, or claim to write, but just share from the agencies, businesses, people, and organizations that send them in.
If things are not a press release, they are labelled “BRIEF” in their headlines. The press releases will not have that label. We’ve also started to put singular local briefs up on our website in their own tab as well. This will happen ahead of this weekly collection article. You can find those and past briefs/press releases here if you want those briefs a bit more timely. It’s just that there are so many that we’d be bombarding your email constantly if we sent them out individually.
BRIEF: Acadia National Park to move to cashless fee collection starting April 15
Transition to electronic payments reduces transaction times and saves money
BAR HARBOR—Beginning April 15, Acadia National Park will transition to a fully cashless fee system and mobile payments, credit cards, or debit cards at park sales outlets for entrance fees. Visitors who are only able to pay with cash may purchase a park pass from one of nine local third-party vendors.
Cash sales represent less than 5% of in person sales in the park. During peak season, Acadia’s rangers spend up to eight and a half hours per day documenting, reporting, and transferring cash receipts. Moving to a cashless system will reduce the amount of time park staff spend managing cash and increase their availability to collect fees, increasing the amount of fee revenue available to support critical projects and visitor services.
Entrance fees are a critical source of revenue used to improve the experience for visitors in national parks. For example, entrance fee revenue supported last year’s repair of the Bubbles Divide Trail, repairing comfort stations in our historic campgrounds, and removing hazard trees across the park.
More information about visiting the park can be found at www.nps.gov/acad.
SWEET FERN MDI
THE NEXT MEETING OF SWEET FERN MDI WILL BE:
Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. - Noon
at the YWCA Mount Desert Island
(36 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609)
Please join us as we talk with Maine Legislature Rep. Gary Friedmann (D - Bar Harbor) about what happened in the recent legislative session, what sanctuary means in Maine, and what strategy we want to undertake with respect to sanctuary going forward.
Sweet Fern MDI advocates for policies to protect and improve our democracy and Constitution, and to promote equity and justice for all.
Sweet Fern MDI opposes corruption, racism, and authoritarianism and their destructive effects on our communities.
Sweet Fern MDI is open to everyone who shares our mission and is willing to work with us. We are a peaceful, non-partisan group.
DOT Commits to Bridge Work This Summer
Babson Bridge work in Somesville has already begun
Babson Bridge Replacement in Mount Desert
MOUNT DESERT—The Maine Department of Transportation is replacing Babson Bridge, which carries Route 3 and Route 198 over Kitteredge Brook located 0.09 miles East of Route 102 in Mount Desert.
On-site clearing operations began on Monday, March 17. This clearing was necessary to construct a temporary detour which will carry traffic throughout the project's duration. While the contractor is on-site conducting clearing operations and construction of the temporary detour, traffic on Route 3 may be reduced to a single lane of alternating, one-way traffic maintained by flaggers between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
On-site construction of the new bridge will begin on Tuesday, August 5 and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027. Construction will take place Monday through Friday between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. No weekend work is planned. Throughout construction there will be a lane width restriction of 11 feet.
The contractor for this project is T-Buck Construction of Turner. The contract amount is approximately $5.2 million.
Cromwell Brook Bridge Replacement in Bar Harbor
BAR HARBOR—The Maine Department of Transportation is replacing Cromwell Brook Bridge, which carries Ledgelawn Avenue/Great Meadow Drive over the Cromwell Brook located 0.03 miles North of White Spruce Road in Bar Harbor.
On-site clearing operations will begin in early April. This clearing will be necessary in order to construct a temporary detour, which will feature a single-lane of alternating traffic, as well as a sidewalk to facilitate both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This detour will be in operation throughout the project's duration.
On-site construction of the new bridge will begin on Monday, June 2 and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026. Construction will take place Monday through Friday between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. No weekend work is planned. Throughout construction there will be a single lane width restriction of 12 feet.
The contractor for this project is T-Buck Construction of Turner. The contract amount is approximately $2.5 million.
“TREMENDOUS” TURNOUT FOR NO SCHOOL FRIDAY CHESS TOURNAMENT
NORTHEAST HARBOR—Chess players turned out in droves to compete in MDI Chess’ No School Friday Chess Tournament on Saturday, March 14, at Northeast Harbor Library. Across the state, many students had that Friday off for a teacher professional development day. From Portland to Presque Isle and Auburn to Machias, students and adults came from every corner of the state.
“This was MDI Chess’ second library chess tournament this year,” Tournament Director Dan Monahan said. “Our first tournament drew 10 local chess players. At our No School Friday event, however, we had over 50 players spread out on two floors of the Northeast Harbor Library. It was a tremendous turnout.”
Unlike in other tournaments, players competed to win different chess books instead of trophies. Up for grabs were famous books such as Queen's Gambit star Beth Harman’s favorite, Modern Chess Openings by Nick de Firmian, as well as introductory books like How to Beat Your Dad at Chess by Murray Chandler and How to Win at Chess by Levy Rozman (a.k.a. Gotham Chess).
Participants also received chess medals.
“We received great feedback for having chess books instead of trophies for a change,” Monahan added. “Trophies are nice but books are something you can keep going back to and learning from. Plus, they go great with the theme of playing chess in libraries.”
In the most advanced Open section, Bar Harbor resident Ezra Sassaman and Tremont resident Tony Freudig tied for second place, each with two wins and a draw over four rounds, while MDI High School student Graeme Stone tied for fourth place with two wins.
In the Rated Under 1100 and Under 700 sections, players from Washington Academy and Machias Memorial High School took many of the top spots. However, in the Under 1100, Tremont resident Ben Freudig and Conners Emerson sixth grader Finn Monahan tied for fourth place with two wins a piece after four rounds. Participants played five rounds in the Rated Under 700 section, which had the highest number of players in the tournament. In that section, Trenton Elementary fifth grader Oren Nobel Brown and Conners Emerson sixth grader Delfina
Presa-Guzman tied for tenth place each with two wins and a draw while Conners-Emerson 7th grader Anthony Siemion and Hancock Grammar School seventh grader Lucian Anderson tied for thirteenth place.
After six rounds in the Rated Under 400 section, which was limited to Kindergarten through 5th grade players only, homeschooler Marin Alexander claimed first place with a perfect score of six wins and no losses followed by Conners Emerson second grader Daniel Chang in second place with five wins. Homeschooler Phoebe Alexander placed third with four wins and Conners Emerson second graders Sadie Monahan and Quinn Paine tied for fourth place with three wins each.
Finally, while most of the sections are US Chess Federation rated tournaments, five students competed in a non-rated section that does not require a US Chess Federation membership. After six rounds, Mount Desert Elementary fifth grader Theo Schwartz was victorious in all six games to take home the top prize. Conners Emerson elementary student Everett Wood placed second with 2.5 wins and Mount Desert Elementary student Mark Wood came in third with 1.5 wins.
For more information about scholastic chess visit www.ChessMaine.net or contact MDI Chess at MDIChess1@gmail.com.
MDI Chess is an informal association of chess coaches, players, and fans. Its mission is to foster chess education and opportunities on Mount Desert Island and around Hancock County, Maine.
All photos via MDI Chess Club and are from the event.
Internationally Renowned Piano Duo Comes to Mount Desert Island
NORTHEAST HARBOR—On Friday, April 25th at 6:30 p.m. the Northeast Harbor Library will host renowned pianists Michael Coonrod and Danny Holt for a free performance of beloved classics by Mozart, Schubert, Brahms and more.
Dr. Michael Coonrod recently retired from almost five decades of teaching at Interlochen Arts Academy, where he shaped generations of young pianists. During that time, he earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, MD and has had an extensive performing and teaching career in several countries.
Danny Holt recently relocated from Southern California to East Machias, Maine, and was Coonrod's student more than 25 years ago. He is thrilled to welcome his former teacher to Maine for concerts this spring. Hailed as one of the “local heroes” of the Los Angeles music scene (LAcitybeat.com), Holt performs around the globe in concert halls, clubs, art galleries, churches, living rooms, and wherever else he can find a piano and someone to listen.
Register at nehlibrary.org/events or by calling 207-276-3333.
MDI Hospital to Close Labor and Delivery Unit Amid Declining Birth Rates
Only 9 babies delivered in 2025 so far: hospital pivots to sustainable maternal health support
BAR HARBOR—MDI Hospital announced today that it will close its Labor and Delivery Unit effective July 1, citing a dramatic decline in births. The difficult decision comes after a comprehensive review of patient safety, staff readiness, and long-term viability.
In 2024, only 32 babies were born at MDI Hospital. In 2025, that number has dropped to just 9 to date. A decade ago, annual deliveries averaged around 100. With such low volumes, maintaining the specialized skills required for safe, high-quality obstetric care has become increasingly difficult.
“This is deeply personal for me—I gave birth to both of my children here,” said MDI Hospital's President and CEO, Chrissi Maguire. “We know how much this service has meant to our community. But we must adapt to ensure the continued strength of our hospital and the care we provide. This decision, while painful, is necessary to ensure the sustainability of high-quality healthcare services for all.”
Maguire emphasized that the closure does not reflect a diminished commitment to maternal health. Instead, it reflects harsh realities: skyrocketing costs, a shrinking rural population, and inadequate reimbursement from federal and state sources.
Supporting Maternal Health Through New Models of Care
While the labor and delivery unit will close, MDI Hospital is actively working to ensure maternal health remains a top priority:
Emergency Department Expansion: A grant and donor-funded renovation will double the size of the Emergency Department. One of the new rooms will be equipped with labor and delivery equipment for emergency births on the Island.
Regional Partnerships: The hospital is coordinating with nearby facilities to ensure smooth transfers for deliveries.
Maintaining Expertise: Plans are in place for MDI Hospital’s emergency care staff to rotate through partner hospitals to maintain their labor and delivery competencies.
Women’s Health Patient Navigator: A new program under exploration would guide expectant mothers through prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care—offering personalized support and care coordination.
“We are committed to doing all we can to support mothers and families,” said Maguire. “With new supportive maternal health services, specialized emergency providers, and a unit ready for urgent deliveries, this difficult transition will not deter us from our mission to deliver compassionate, community-focused care.”
As the Island’s sole health system, MDI Hospital and its Health Centers in Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Trenton serve as a vital resource for the community—providing high-quality care to meet the region’s evolving healthcare needs.
To learn about and/or ask a question for the hospital’s meeting, click here.
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND HOSPITAL NURSES CONDEMN OBSTETRICS CLOSURE
Nurses criticize hospital administration’s refusal to consult RNs and call on state lawmakers to invest in rural healthcare access
Union nurses at Mount Desert Island Hospital (MDIH) are fiercely critical of today’s announcement by CEO Christina Maguire that she will close the hospital’s obstetrics (OB) department on July 1, 2025, announced Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (MSNA/NNOC).
“MDIH administrators’ decision rips critical healthcare services from rural working families in our community,” said Janice Horton, RN, who is a 32-year veteran of MDIH’s OB department. “This devastating, short-sighted decision was made by administrators without any input from or dialogue with nurses and caregivers. Nurses are deeply concerned about the permanent, damaging effects this decision will have on families MDIH is supposed to serve in Bar Harbor and surrounding towns and outer islands.”
This closure follows a rash of OB closures in Maine, including at York Hospital, Northern Maine Medical Hospital, Calais Community Hospital, Downeast Community Hospital, Waldo Hospital, and the entirety of Inland Hospital.
“Our union stands with the dedicated OB nurses at MDIH and condemns this closure in the strongest possible terms,” said Cokie Giles, RN and president of the Maine State Nurses Association (MSNA). “This is an abject failure by the hospital’s administration, particularly CEO Chrissi Maguire. For the good of this community and of our state, MDIH’s OB department must remain open.”
MDIH nurses will hold a community meeting on the closure of their hospital’s OB department this Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Mount Desert Island YWCA (36 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609). Community members are encouraged to attend
MDI HOSPITAL SETS TOWN HALL MEETING
The event reads:
“For decades, Mount Desert Island Hospital has been honored to provide labor and delivery services, welcoming new lives into the community and supporting families through one of life’s most significant moments. The Hospital would like to start by thanking the amazing, dedicated, and exceptional caregivers who provide high-quality, patient-centered care to our community through our labor and delivery service. Their commitment to service, dedication, and compassion provided to our patients and families over the years has made a significant impact for so many.
“MDI Hospital announced March 27th that it will close its Labor and Delivery Unit effective July 1st, citing a dramatic decline in births. The difficult decision comes after a comprehensive review of patient safety, staff readiness, and long-term viability.
“We invite community members to join us via Zoom or in person at the Jesup Memorial Library from 4-5PM on Thursday, April 3rd to hear directly from hospital leadership about this difficult decision.”
To register:
https://www.jesuplibrary.org/events/hospitaltownhall
MDI Hospital to Host April Wellness Fair with Free Health Checks and Screening
BAR HARBOR—Mount Desert Island Hospital is set to host their 2025 Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the YWCA, Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor. This free event is open to the public and will provide an opportunity to learn about many resources for a healthy lifestyle.
Wellness professionals from the MDI Hospital Organization will be on hand to provide health screenings including cholesterol checks, blood glucose, blood pressure, balance tests, body composition diagnostics, and much more. These health screenings will help give you the knowledge and the tools that you need to stay healthy.
Many local wellness vendors will be on hand, complimentary healthy snacks will be available during the fair, and attendees can enter to win door prizes.
Confirmed vendors include: Island Connections, Good Shepherd Food Bank, SNAP Education, Mount Desert Nurses Association, Healthy Acadia, YMCA, YWCA, A&B Naturals, Adult Education, Alcoholics Anonymous, Birch Bay Retirement Village, Eastern Maine Agency on Aging, Window Dressers, Heating Assistance, Seacoast Mission, Maine Coast Acupuncture, Bar Harbor Fire Department, MDI Farm Drop, and Acadia Yurts.
For questions about the event, you can contact Mary Parham, Community Health Educator, directly at 207.801.5034.
Maine Outdoor Programs
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) offers Maine Outdoor Programs, providing hands-on learning experiences for all ages and skill levels. These programs help participants build and enhance skills in hunting, fishing, trapping, outdoor preparedness, and wildlife viewing in a supportive and engaging environment.
This spring Maine Outdoor Programs is partnering with Camp Beech Cliff for a day of fun and outdoor learning. This program will be your compass in a whole new world of outdoor recreation adventures. You'll be surprised where new outdoor skills can take you!
Sunday, May 18, 2025
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Camp Beech Cliff, Mount Desert, ME
Participants will register for one of these workshops for the morning session and another for the afternoon session:
Learn to Hunt
Reading the Forested Landscape
Introduction to Wildlife Tracking & Field Ecology
Introduction to Archery and Bowhunting Skills
Gifts of Nature: Identifying and Foraging Edible and Medicinal Plants
Bushcraft and Survival in the Maine Woods
Introduction to Sea Kayaking on Echo Lake
Land Navigation - Map and Compass
From Field to Fork: Wild Game Cooking
Introduction to Wildlife Identification and Foraging
You won't find a more supportive and welcoming environment to build new skills as a naturalist, outdoor survivalist, paddler, and hunter. They say the beginning is a very good place to start, so let's start there together!
Register today and choose your favorite workshops before they fill up!
For Such A Time As This: How Faith Traditions Inform and lnspire
Thursday, April 10, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
BAR HARBOR—Five faith leaders from MDI and beyond will discuss how one's faith might inspire and inform ways to navigate the unsettling disruptions of today - whether by finding oases of respite and hope, protecting the vulnerable, or advocating for change. What do faith traditions invite us to consider? Anticipate a robust and honest discussion - all faith perspectives and traditions welcome. This event is the third in the winter series hosted by the MDI Racial Equity Working Group.
Register to attend here: https://www.jesuplibrary.org/events/faithpanel
Featured Panelists:
Rev. Cricket Cooper, Priest-in-charge, St. Saviour's and St. Andrew & St. John Parishes
Rev. Jane Field (PCUSA), Director, Maine Council of Churches
Rev. Rob Benson, Pastor, Bar Harbor Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
Rev. Sara Hayman, Pastor, Unitarian Universalist Church of Ellsworth
Rev. Sarah Pringle-Lewis, Seaside United Church of Christ
Take steps now to prevent black bears from coming to your backyard
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND—The spring weather has finally arrived and wildlife is wasting no time shedding winter’s grip to enjoy the spring season!
For many of these animals, such as black bears, they have lost a significant amount of body weight and are on the move looking for food after emerging from their winter dens. While denning, black bears enter a state of torpor, slowing their metabolism and respiration, breathing only once per 15 to 45 seconds, and dropping their heart rate to 8-21 beats per minute. Even with a lowered metabolic rate, bears still lose significant body fat. Unlike true hibernators, bears don’t eat, drink, urinate, or defecate during this time.
Once spring comes and bears emerge from their dens, they are working to regulate their bodily functions slowly until normal activity ensues. Bears will seek out limited springtime foods such as insects, grasses, sedges, leftover hard mast from the fall, and other early spring vegetation. While natural foods are limited, bears may take the risk and wander into backyards in search of easily accessible food. It is especially important be proactive about securing and removing backyard attractants this time of year to prevent conflicts with black bears.
Take steps now to prevent black bears from coming to your yard:
Birdseed
Remove birdfeeders between April 1 and November 1
Rake up unused bird seed from the ground
Learn how to plant natural foods to attract birds, not bears
Garbage
Store garbage cans in a building or enclosed by electric fence
Take to curb on morning of pickup
Keep dumpster lids and doors closed and latched
Use bear-resistant dumpsters or garbage cans
Keep outbuilding and garage doors closed at all times and repair broken windows and doors
Grills
Clean grills thoroughly after use
Store grill inside when not in use
If you are having bear conflicts, stop grilling until bear moves on
Pets and Livestock
Feed pets inside
Store livestock and pet food inside
Keep livestock in buildings at night
Install and maintain effective fencing for livestock
Governor Mills Proclaims March 25 National Equal Pay Day in Maine
According to the United States Census Bureau, the difference between median earnings for men and women in Maine who worked full-time, year-round in 2023 was nearly $9,000.
AUGUSTA—Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed March 25, 2025 National Equal Pay Day in Maine, symbolizing how far into the year women in the United States must have worked to earn what men had earned by December 31, 2024. Nationally, women aged 16 and over who are working full-time, year-round are on average paid just 82 cents for every dollar paid to men. The wage gap is even more pronounced for women of color. Nationally in 2023, African American women made 65 cents on the dollar, and Hispanic or Latina women just 58 cents on the dollar compared to white, non-Hispanic men.
“Maine people know an honest day’s work deserves an honest day’s pay,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I’ve proclaimed today as National Equal Pay Day in Maine to remind us all there’s more to do to ensure Maine women receive equal pay for equal work.”
Requirements regarding equal pay have been a part of Maine law since 1949, but wage inequality persists. To promote pay equality, Governor Mills signed legislation in 2019 to discourage employers from basing wages on an employee's salary history.
“The wage gap remains a reality we must contend with. Data shows that men who worked full-time, year-round earned nearly $9,000 more than women—and the gap is even wider for women of color,” said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “Ensuring equal pay and access to good-paying jobs is not just about fairness - it strengthens families, reduces poverty, and drives economic growth. Maine is committed to raising aspirations and opening doors to high-wage careers. Programs like our pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship initiatives in construction are creating clear pathways for women to enter and thrive in these industries, ensuring that anyone with the skills and drive to succeed has the opportunity to do so.”
According to the United States Census Bureau, the difference between median earnings for men and women in Maine who worked full-time, year-round in 2023 was $8,900. Men earned a median of $61,300, while women earned $52,400.
Nationally in 2023, the average differences in median earnings between white, non-Hispanic or Latino men and women of color are $30,100 for American Indian and Alaska Native women, $25,200 for Black or African American women, and $1,600 for Asian women.
According to the 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates, the five occupational groups in Maine with the largest wage gaps are legal occupations; health diagnosing and treating practitioners; sales and related occupations; production occupations; and building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations.
"The gender wage gap is not about individuals, it's about systems: 'women's work' (traditional roles such as care and caregiving) pays less, and women earn less over a lifetime because of their unpaid caregiving roles,” said Destie Hohman Sprague, Executive Director of the Maine Women's Lobby. “Systems are solved with policies, and Maine policymakers have an opportunity to address this gap once by supporting bills that address pay transparency and workforce segregation. They also must continue to build the caregiving structures, such as paid family and medical leave, childcare, and direct care, which supports pay equity over the long term."
"Equal Pay Day is an important marker of how far into each new year the average woman must work in order for her earnings to catch up to what the average man had earned by the end of the previous year. At the same time, it's important to remember that the pay gap for women varies by demographic, so for moms Equal Pay Day is May 6, for African women it’s on July 10, for Latina women it’s October 8 and for Native American women it's all the way to November 18," said Cynthia Phinney, President of the AFL-CIO. " Paying attention to these numbers and these gaps matters in the work to build an economy that allows everyone to flourish by removing barriers to economic security. The best way to close the pay gap and fight wage discrimination is with a union contract, so on Equal Pay Day we also affirm our resolve to ensure all women regardless of race or national origin have the right to join a union, free from coercion and intimidation.”
"Women of every race and background work hard to keep Maine families, businesses, and services running. Their work has equal value, but women, especially Latina, Black, and Indigenous women, aren't compensated at rates equal to men," said Ariel Ricci, Executive Director of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations."Everyone does better when women of all races and ethnicities get paid what their work is truly worth."
"Equal Pay Day highlights the ongoing struggle to appropriately value and support the work of Maine women - and the full Equal Pay Day calendar shows how the burden of the wage gap falls disproportionately on mothers, women of color, disabled women, and the LGBTQ+ community," said Elinor Higgins, Executive Director of Maine’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (MePCSW). "But Equal Pay Day also shows the path forward toward a stronger economic future for Maine: by closing the wage gap, we can improve economic security for Maine women and their families."
In 2024, MePCSW released a report on Maine women's labor, employment, and economic security which illustrates how the wage gap drives financial disparities across the lifespan, with part-time, low-wage work and lacking care infrastructure leading to higher rates of financial hardship among women in Maine.
Maine's Equal Pay Law requires that employees be paid the same wages as employees of the opposite sex for work that is of a comparable nature in skill, effort, and responsibility.
MDOL's Bureau of Labor Standards, who enforces the Equal Pay Law in Maine, has a posteravailable for employers free of charge that outlines the basics of the law:
An employer may not discriminate between employees in the same establishment on the basis of sex by paying wages to any employee at a rate less than the rate at which the employer pays any employee of the opposite sex for comparable work on jobs that have comparable requirements relating to skill, effort and responsibility.
An employer may not prohibit employees from discussing their wages with coworkers.
Anyone who believes they are not being paid the same wages as an employee of the opposite sex for comparable work, should file an equal pay complaint. The Maine Department of Labor has a printable equal pay complaint form here: https://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/publications/epcomplaintform.pdf
A mailed or emailed complaint form can be requested by contacting the Wage and Hour Division at 207-623-7900 or mdol@maine.gov.
Governor Mills Applauds Maine Senate's Unanimous Confirmation of Michael Duguay as Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development
AUGUSTA—Governor Janet Mills today praised the Maine Senate's unanimous confirmation of Michael Duguay to serve as Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). The Governor swore in Commissioner Duguay this morning, shortly after the Senate's vote.
"I thank the Maine Senate for its unanimous confirmation of Mike Duguay as Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development,"said Governor Janet Mills. "The Senate's unanimous approval is a testament to Mike's experience fostering business growth and attracting new companies and jobs to Maine. I look forward to working with him to keep Maine the best place to live, work, start a business, and raise a family."
"I am honored by the trust placed in me by Governor Mills and the Maine Senate," said Commissioner Michael Duguay. "I look forward to leading the Department's efforts to partner with Maine businesses, attract new investments, and build a stronger economy for all Mainers."
Duguay, a Waterville resident, began his economic development career at DECD in 1990. He most recently served as Vice President for Innovation and Executive Director of the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College in Waterville. Since launching the Institute in 2017, Duguay has assisted hundreds of entrepreneurs in marketing their products and scaling their businesses, while also training thousands of students for successful careers in Maine.
Duguay replaces Heather Johnson, who finished her service as Commissioner earlier this week. Governor Mills announced Duguay's nomination on March 4, 2025. He received the unanimous recommendation of the Joint Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Development on March 25, 2025.
DEP Opens Comment Period for Draft Initial Packaging Material Types List.
AUGUSTA—On December 5, 2024, the Maine Board of Environmental Protection adopted Stewardship Program for Packaging, 06-096 C.M.R. ch. 428 (2024). According to 06-096 C.M.R. ch. 428, the Department of Environmental Protection (Department) must initiate a formal rulemaking process for the contents of Appendix A, the Packaging Material Types List, within 270 days of the effective date of the rule.
In preparation for the formal rulemaking process, the Department is holding one stakeholder meeting to facilitate discussion and to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share comments and ask questions on the draft Initial Packaging Material Type List. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am EDT in room 25/26 of the Ray Building at 28 Tyson Drive in Augusta. The meeting will also be offered virtually. Use the following link to RSVP for the meeting: Stakeholder Meeting for Packaging Program
The background document includes relevant excerpts from statute and rule, contextual information, and the draft Initial Packaging Material Types List. To reference the statute and rule, visit the program’s website.
The Department requests all comments addressing the draft Initial Packaging Material Types List be emailed to MainePackagingEPR@maine.gov by April 30, 2025.
Lawmakers Consider Gun Safety Priority Bills
Legislators in Augusta heard public testimony on ghost gun, rapid fire modification devices, and large capacity magazine proposals
PORTLAND – Legislators on the Judiciary Committee heard public testimony this morning on the Maine Gun Safety Coalition’s priority bills, the first step in the process of passing a new package of gun safety legislation that will help save lives and reduce crime in Maine.
Bills heard this morning include a new law requiring serialization of firearms to aid law enforcement in keeping ‘ghost guns’ out of the hands of criminals (LD 1126), a bill restoring restrictions of rapid-fire modification devices (LD 677), and a bill to restrict large capacity magazines (LD 1109).
“These common-sense proposals will help keep Maine families safe and help law enforcement to crack down on illegal guns used by criminals in our communities,” said Nacole Palmer, executive director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition. “Now more than ever, it’s critical we do what we can at the state and local level to protect our families and promote gun responsibility.”
Unserialized, untraceable, and unregulated guns – commonly called ‘ghost guns’ – are firearms assembled from unserialized components purchased online and assembled at home or even 3D printed at home. Between 2016 and 2021, the number of ghost guns recovered by law enforcement agencies nationwide increased by more than 1,000 percent. Maine is not immune to this new trend. In 2022, a 16-year-old Mainer who otherwise would not have been able to purchase a handgun was able to order parts online anonymously and assemble a gun which he then used to shoot and kill someone.
“This is a common-sense bill that addresses the large and growing problem of unserialized or undetectable firearms,” said Rep. Sam Zager (D-Portland), sponsor of LD 1126.“Prohibited persons can use mail-order kits or a 3D printer to create weapons that are every bit as lethal as conventional ones. Yet they dodge the background check, a tool used and upheld for decades to protect the public. A bipartisan group of legislators, law enforcement, gun safety advocates, and survivors in Maine all agree that Maine will be safer without this loophole.”
In light of today’s Supreme Court decision, it remains critical to pass this law in Maine as the federal restrictions on unserialized firearms stem from a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives rule instituted during President Biden’s term that may be rolled back by the current administration. The current head of the ATF is also likely to ally himself with the corporate gun lobby.
Lawmakers also heard proposals that would restrict the sale and purchase of large capacity magazines and prohibit the possession of rapid-fire conversion devices, including ‘bump stocks,’ which can be used aftermarket to convert a semi-automatic weapon to an automatic style weapon and are commonly used in high-profile and mass shootings. Additionally, states with magazine capacity limits experience mass shootings at half the rate compared to states without such restrictions.
“Our values at the Maine Gun Safety Coalition reflect the values of Mainers – we strongly believe in gun rights, and we believe that gun rights come with responsibilities,” said Palmer.“We can ensure protections for law-abiding gun owners while also doing everything we can to keep our kids, families, and communities safe.”
After a work session in committee, these bills will be voted on in the Judiciary Committee, and then they can advance to the floor for a full vote.
REAL ESTATE
The following real estate transactions recently occurred.
BAR HARBOR
Larry E. Mobraaten and Phyllis A. Mobraaten, Hulls Cove to The Mobraaten-Bernat Living Trust, Pleasanton, Calif., land with buildings and improvements.
CRANBERRY ISLES
Bryan K. Hillenburg, Rancho Cordova, Calif., to Hillenburg-Alejandro Family Trust June 3, 2008, Rancho Cordova, Calif., land with buildings.
MOUNT DESERT
Julie A. Baker Trust, Charleston, S.C., to Jennifer San Jose and Danilo San Jose, Darien, Conn., land with buildings and improvements.
James M. Black, a/k/a James M. Black Sr., and Sally G. Black, Northeast Harbor to James M. Black and Sally G. Black, Northeast Harbor, as joint tenants, land with improvements.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR
Scott Riddell, Bar Harbor to Shane R. Elliott and Christy R. Elliott, Tremont, as joint tenants, time-share estate at Harbor Ridge Condominium, Southwest Harbor, unit 25, week 11.
Bonnie L. Weatherhead, Stockholm to Alana M. Margeson, Erich J. Margeson and Noah J. Margeson, Westmanland, as joint tenants, time-share estate at Harbor Ridge Condominium, Southwest Harbor, unit 17, week 6.
John W. Clark and Lisa J. Clark, Bangor to Marleah B. Clark, Warren, time-share estate at Harbor Ridge Condominium, Southwest Harbor, unit 44, week 30.
SWAN’S ISLAND
Martha Scoville Bryan Revocable Trust, April 30, 2002, Bar Harbor to Family Trust, Bar Harbor, one-half interest, land with improvements.
TRENTON
Mark A. Holland and Elizabeth A. Holland, Nashua, N.H., to Holland Family Revocable Trust, Nashua, N.H., land with buildings and improvements.
Mark A. Holland and Elizabeth A. Holland, Nashua, N.H., to Holland Family Revocable Trust, Nashua, N.H., land with buildings and improvements.
Inhabitants of Municipality of Trenton, Trenton to William Freeman, Trenton, land with buildings.
Carol Reed Walsh, Trenton to Carol Reed Walsh Irrevocable Trust April 1, 2008, land with improvements.
Evette Forrest, Trenton to John Forrest, Trenton, land.
Edward M. Libitzki and Cheryl G. Libitzki, Trenton to Timberway Properties LLC, Holden, land with buildings and improvements.
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