Articles
Small MDI airport sees big upgrades
TRENTON — It’s a good bet that passengers will find the newly expanded waiting area at the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport a lot more comfortable than it once was. The Federal Aviation Administration has put more than $2.5 million toward the passenger terminal’s expansion and renovation. The FAA also committed $68,553 to repaint markings, used
A little store, a big deal for Swan’s Island community
SWAN’S ISLAND — In a matter of weeks, Kathy and Brian Krafjack sold their house in Stonington, Conn., moved into their new home on Swan’s Island, and re-opened the former Carrying Place Market as The Island Market & Supply. At mid-morning on a recent Thursday, Kathy was settled in behind the cash register, ringing up
Big losers: Diabetes prevention becomes way of life for islanders
SWAN’S ISLAND — Lobster fisherman Chris Sawyer and his wife Emmie had their fourth child recently. The next day, Sawyer, 38, contacted Swan’s Island health provider Donna Wiegle. He wanted to join the type 2 diabetes prevention program to improve his health. “I said, ‘If I don’t do something, I’m not going to be around
Passamaquoddy craftsman maintains tribe’s traditions
BAR HARBOR — Master craftsman David Moses Bridges, an award-winning artist receiving national attention for his skill, works with birch bark to make shelters, canoes, traditional containers and adornments as a means of artistic expression and a way to continue the traditions of his Passamaquoddy culture. Originally from the Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point Reservation, also known
Dock purchase for cruise ships could boost regional economy
BAR HARBOR — Acquiring the old Nova Scotia ferry terminal and converting it to cruise ship use is seen as a potential boon for local, state and even international economies. A coalition that includes the Maine Port Authority, town of Bar Harbor and the local Chamber of Commerce have backed a bill presented to the
Coastal, island students eager to study maritime world
DEER ISLE — Recently, a group of Deer Isle-Stonington High School students were at the Maine Maritime Academy pool, performing ocean survival maneuvers. “Take a breath of air, calm yourself down. The water’s cold,” instructed survival trainer John McMillan, demonstrating emergency techniques to support unconscious crewmates and deploy life rafts. The atmosphere was serious, emblematic
Solving the leadership succession dilemma means inclusivity
SWAN’S ISLAND — Over the past few months, a majority of island voters have made it clear they want a hand in facilitating the succession of the town’s long-serving selectmen. At a recent special town meeting, residents voted to create a seven-member municipal advisory council to listen to the concerns of the community, conduct research
Cranberry Isles voters show confidence in school’s potential
CRANBERRY ISLES — Great Cranberry Island’s Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Elementary School has not operated as a school since 1999. Still, voters have decided each year to keep Longfellow “open” as a school, assuming it was grandfathered for that use, should the need arise again. Since 1999, the building has hosted many community activities. And since
Flyer recalls 1970s island air service
STONINGTON — Maine island airstrips are still notoriously rudimentary—think cow pasture or gravel road—but transportation by airplane today is at least considered routine. Islanders owe some gratitude for that improvement to Herb Jones, a World War II veteran, who was one of the earliest providers of air service to Maine islands. Jones expanded a service
Waterman’s Community Center, an island bedrock, celebrates ten years
NORTH HAVEN — Waterman’s Community Center, on this island 12 miles distant and an hour’s ferry ride from the mainland, has become a central institution in the ten years since it was founded in 2003. The nonprofit center is busy all year long with after-school, pre-school and summer programs for youth; senior activities; theater, dance