Articles
Drawing the Seascape
I dig clams. Dug my way through school,” said artist Jen Casad of Boothbay. It is still a part of her life; “clams in the summertime, art in the wintertime.” When you see a Jen Casad picture, you could easily mistake it for a fine black and white photograph. Her detailed, accurate pencil drawings document
Cruise Ships Can’t Clear Customs in Rockland
Rockland can be a cruise ship destination, but without the authority to process passengers through U.S. Customs, some boats just bypass this deepwater port. A group of local officials hope to change that by upgrading the city’s status with the Department of Homeland Security. An upgrade could mean more visits from passenger vessels and a
Tenants Harbor Lobster Pound to Enter Asian Markets
The former Wildcat lobster pound in Tenants Harbor may soon be shipping product to Asia. Peter Yee of New Jersey and his cousin Steve Yip, Hong Kong natives who both grew up in New York City, are planning to purchase the long-established pound from Travis Simmons of Tenants Harbor. CY Lobster LLC hopes to be
Bait Transport Challenged by Rail Connections
The train doesn’t stop yet at O’Hara’s new fish bait warehouse. Frank O’Hara Sr., patriarch of the Rockland-based O’Hara Corporation, said his company’s expanded lobster bait business is going well, whether it’s two buckets for a fishermen’s pickup truck, or an 1,800-pound tote trucked to a fishermen’s co-op. But he said he is still trying
Searsport Facing 15-Story Gas Tank
A multinational fuel corporation is planning to build a 137-foot propane gas storage tank in Searsport, following a town meeting vote raising a height limit from 60 to 150 feet. Denver-based DCP Midstream, a division of ConocoPhillips, intends to construct the nearly 15-story tank and pipeline near Mack Point and the existing tank farm. Tanker
Newcastle Marina Project Rescued
A foundering marina/condominium project in Newcastle has been re-floated by Hallowell developer Kevin Mattson, an avid boater and champion of reviving downtown communities. He expects the bulk of construction to be completed this summer. The 19th-century style building will provide four luxury apartments upstairs, and a first-floor commercial space, in keeping with the character of
Four communities apply for island licenses
New rules could allow Maine’s unbridged islands to hang onto licenses when relinquished by local fishermen, or even increase the number of licenses available for islanders. That could give younger residents a chance to stay and fish when older lobstermen quit or retire, and in the long run it could help preserve a way of
Carpenter’s Boat Shop seeking new skipper
Robert “Bobby” Ives, 64, minister and former island school teacher, announced he will retire in June 2012, after 33 years of shepherding the shop and it’s family of students through good times and hard times, watching people of various ages learn to know and respect themselves in a supportive community setting. The nonprofit Carpenter’s Boat
Bill would nix fuel tax for commercial boats
If approved, the measure, known as LD 185, “An Act to Refund the Sales Tax Paid on Fuel Used in Commercial Fishing Vessels,” would restore a benefit fishermen previously obtained through a now-defunct fuel rebate program. Officials estimate the new law would cost the state $427,500 in lost revenue the first year, increasing to $570,000
Islands grapple with eldercare
So when Ivan died he left his Vinalhaven house and land to the community as an eldercare facility. A decade after opening its doors, the Ivan Calderwood Homestead’s eight beds are full and there’s a waiting list. But lack of space is only one problem. The Calderwood Home faces increasing government regulation and soaring expenses