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Midcoast Forecast - April 9, 2020 AM

By Meteorologist Tyler ... - Apr 09
Our weather will take a turn for the late week as an area of low pressure moves in on Thursday with rain developing along the coast during the ...
Lyman-Morse designs protection for local health care workers

Apr 08
Lyman-Morse and its specialized business divisions are helping local health care workers on the front line against COVID-19, by building personal ...
Town manager reminds community social distancing is now law

Apr 08
Camden Town Manager Audra Caler-Bell reminded residents and community members that social distancing "is no longer a recommendation; it's now a ...
Board discusses plans for employees

By Christine Simmonds - Apr 08
Union Board of Selectmen discussed plans for town employees April 7 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Town Manager Jay Feyler presented the ...
Thomaston library hosts virtual book clubs

By Christine Simmonds - Apr 08
Thomaston Library has been finding ways to connect with patrons despite the closure, including virtual book clubs. Head Librarian Diane Giese said ...
Active confirmed COVID-19 cases increase statewide

By Stephen Betts - Apr 08
The number of active confirmed cases of Mainers with COVID-19 has increased and two more people have died from the illness. The Maine Center for ...
News Feature Video - Dr. Mark Eggena - COVID-19 Update - ...

Apr 08
Dr. Mark Eggena, Chief Medical Officer for Pen Bay Medical Center and an expert on infectious diseases, talked to us Tuesday about the ongoing ...
Schools likely to remain closed until fall

By Stephen Betts - Apr 08
Maine schools are likely to remain closed through the end of the school year, but online education and meals will continue. Maine Department of ...
Steve Betts on WRFR April 8, from 5 to 6 p.m.

Apr 08
Courier-Gazette reporter Steve Betts will be interviewed live on the Rockland Metro Show on radio station WRFR this evening from 5 to 6 p.m. The ...
Window exhibit brings awareness to domestic abuse

By Christine Dunkle - Apr 08
A stay-at-home order and coronavirus closings are taking their toll on all of us, but none more so than victims of domestic violence. Photojournali...
Pennsylvania man who prompted Owls Head search pleads guilty

By Stephen Betts - Apr 08
A 29-year-old Pennsylvania man whose disappearance led to a land, sea, and air search pleaded guilty Tuesday to breaking into a home and damaging ...
Seasonal flu wanes in Knox County

By Stephen Betts - Apr 07
Knox County reported no seasonal flu cases during the past week, the first time that has occurred in more than four months. The Maine Center for ...
Governor: Maine primary election likely to be held July 14

By Stephen Betts - Apr 07
The state's primary elections, scheduled for June 9, is expected to be held July 14, Maine Gov. Janet Mills said Tuesday afternoon. Mills made her ...
OUT Maine launches virtual events

Apr 07
In this time of rising fear, uncertainty and increased isolation, LGBTQ-plus youth are particularly vulnerable. Social distancing, closed schools, ...
Hannaford donates $225,000 to Maine hunger relief and ...

Apr 07
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Hannaford Supermarkets is donating $225,000 to Maine hunger relief and homeless outreach organizations. Good ...
VA Maine adds triage unit outside ER

Apr 07
In an effort to keep veterans, staff and members of the community healthy during the coronavirus pandemic, VA Maine teamed up with members of the ...
Unemployment checks may be delayed

Apr 07
Maine Department of Labor has issued a statement that because of the unprecedented volume of people receiving benefits, some of the tens of ...
Elementary school connects with students

By Christine Simmonds - Apr 07
Thomaston Grammar School principal Ainslee Riley has started releasing daily morning announcements on the school's Facebook page. Riley said the ...
Active confirmed COVID-19 cases remain steady

By Stephen Betts - Apr 07
The number of active confirmed cases of Mainers with COVID-19 has remained the same. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention website ...
Rockport postpones elections

Apr 07
The town of Rockport has postponed the annual town meeting, the election previously scheduled for June 9, and the open portion of the town meeting ...
Girl Scouts launches Girl Scouts Cookie Care

Apr 07
Girl Scouts of Maine together with Girl Scouts of the USA have announced a new resource to serve girls and consumers. While the organization has ...
Rockland PD seeks Border Patrol grant

By Stephen Betts - Apr 07
The Rockland City Council will vote next week on a grant application that the police chief said would help deal with issues such as drug and human ...
A wish for hope becomes reality: Mt. Battie star shines over ...

By Susan Mustapich - Apr 06
A crew of volunteers that sets the lighted star atop Mt. Battie during the winter holiday season has turned what began as the wish of one woman to ...
Lack of COVID-19 testing concerns Rockland councilor

By Stephen Betts - Apr 06
Rockland City Councilor Valli Geiger said she and her husband Greg Marley believe they have a mild case of COVID-19 but have not been able to get ...
News Feature Video - Glenn 'Chip' Curry - UMA Rockland

Apr 06
Chip Curry, Student Services Coordinator for the University of Maine Rockland Center, URock, spoke with us April 6 about the way the center is ...
Court wrestles on decision to release suspects

By Stephen Betts - Apr 06
The COVID-19 outbreak is reshaping the way courts handle criminal proceedings and hearings Monday in the Knox County court illustrated the ...
Pandemic poses challenges for campaigns

By Susan Mustapich - Apr 06
Two Select Board members planning to run for reelection came up with different ways to collect signatures from Camden residents, a step required ...
No injuries when vehicle leaves roadway

By Susan Mustapich - Apr 06
A driver and passenger were not injured April 4, after their vehicle left Route 1 in Camden and turned on its side. The call came in at 4:50 p.m., ...
Active confirmed COVID-19 cases increase across state

By Stephen Betts - Apr 06
The number of active confirmed cases of Mainers with COVID-19 have increased after two days of slightly lower numbers. The Maine Center for ...
Treasury clarifies payment plans for those on Social ...

Apr 06
The Department of the Treasury has announced that Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need ...
Seafood dealers license renewal deadline extended

Apr 06
Gov. Janet Mills has issued an Executive Order that delays the requirement for Maine seafood dealers and processors to renew their license. The ...
Camden innkeepers unite to serve health care workers

Apr 06
Innkeepers across Camden are serving breakfast to health care staff at Pen Bay Medical Center on April 7. Ten inns, all members of the Camden ...
Pandemic creates challenge for candidates

Apr 06
In the midst of a global pandemic, some local residents are struggling to meet the requirements to run for election. Camden Select Board Vice ...
SBA launches Paycheck Protection Program

Apr 06
The U.S. Small Business Administration has launched the Paycheck Protection Program, a $349 billion emergency loan program providing forgivable ...
Agricultural Producers are eligible for Paycheck Protection ...

Apr 06
The Department of Treasury and the Small Business Administration have announced that agricultural producers are eligible to participate in the ...
DHHS office closes after worker tests positive for COVID-19

By Stephen Betts - Apr 05
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services announced its regional office in Rockland will close Monday after an employee tested positive ...
Active confirmed COVID-19 cases slightly dip for second day

By Stephen Betts - Apr 05
The number of active confirmed cases of Mainers with COVID-19 dipped slightly for the second consecutive day. The Maine Center for Disease Control ...
Fisher extends shutdown in face of COVID-19 outbreak

By Stephen Betts - Apr 05
Snowplow manufacturer Fisher Engineering has extended its two-week shutdown in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. "We are trying to be ...
Retail sales soared before COVID-19 arrival

By Stephen Betts - Apr 05
While it may be a distant memory in the wake of the shutdown of many businesses because of the COVID-19 outbreak, Midcoast merchants saw record ...
Active COVID-19 cases in Maine show dip

By Stephen Betts - Apr 04
The number of active confirmed cases of Mainers with COVID-19 declined slightly on Saturday. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention ...
Sheriff's Office probes Friendship burglary

By Stephen Betts - Apr 04
The Knox County Sheriff's Office is investigating a break-in at a Friendship home. The resident returned to his Tamarack Road home Friday night, ...
District attorney issues statement during COVID-19 crisis

By Stephen Betts - Apr 04
District Attorney Natasha Irving issued a statement Friday as an update concerning the work of her office during the COVID-19 outbreak. She is the ...
Governor orders lodging businesses to close statewide

Apr 03
Gov. Janet Mills issued an Executive Order mandating that travelers arriving in Maine, regardless of their state of residency, must self-quarantine...
Committee seeks comments on Internet connectivity during ...

Apr 03
A group of elected town officials, staff and community members from Camden and Rockport are launching an online survey to ask residents about ...
U.S.D.A. invites distance learning and telemedicine grant ...

Apr 03
In response to the COVID-19 National Emergency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is opening a second application window for funding under the ...
Red Cross: Donating blood safe; need is great

By Sarah E. Reynolds - Apr 03
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended lives and societies around the globe. It also led to the cancellation of 13,000 Red Cross blood drives across ...
Small business aid program detailed

Apr 03
Starting today, small businesses and sole proprietors can access this program. Starting April 10, independent contractors and self-employed ...
Conservation District spring plant sale is cancelled

Apr 03
The Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District's Board of Supervisors decided to cancel the Spring Plant Sale, which had been scheduled for ...
Cases of Mainers with COVID-19 jumps to 432

By Stephen Betts - Apr 03
The number of Maine people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 increased again Friday, April 3, reaching 432 since the outbreak began. This is ...
Appleton seeks responses to comprehensive plan survey

Apr 03
The Town of Appleton is conducting a Comprehensive Plan Survey to help the town plan for future growth, protect valued resources, and better ...
State nonprofit agency distributes Hannaford gift cards

Apr 03
JMG, a statewide, private nonprofit agency, will distribute $100 Hannaford Supermarkets gift cards to students and their families throughout Maine ...
Midcoast lens: masked statues appear around town

By Susan Mustapich - Apr 03
Masks have appeared on Andre the Seal and Edna St. Vincent Millay statues in Rockport and Camden parks. Jonathan Ward contributed to this story.
Essential employee protects herself

By Christine Simmonds - Apr 03
Rachel Dotson of Rockland has created her own personal protective equipment to keep herself safe while she continues to report to work. Dotson's ...
Police warn public against harassing out-of-state visitors

By Stephen Betts - Apr 03
Police are stepping in as out-of-state visitors have been targets of harassment, threats and vandalism by local residents worried about the spread ...
Rockland man accused of trying to strangle woman

By Stephen Betts - Apr 02
A Rockland was arrested Thursday, accused of trying to strangle a woman. Kurtis A. Rome-Bertrand, 26, was arrested April 2 and charged with ...
Midcoast Lens: Shoppers queue at Walmart

By Meteorologist Tyler ... - Apr 02
Shoppers were lined up in the rain outside of Walmart in Thomaston Thursday after the new 'Stay At Home' order took effect across Maine at ...
Midcoast Rotaries collaborate to help communities

Apr 02
Under the sponsorship of West Bay Rotary, Rotarians from Camden, Rockland, Belfast and Unity chapters are collaborating to promote and facilitate ...
Reverends and friends

By Christine Simmonds - Apr 02
Wayne Sawyer and Peter Jenks are rival clergy and friends who work across the street from each other since the 90s. Jenks is the reverend of the ...
Birthday parade held for local child

By Christine Simmonds - Apr 02
The Thomaston community came together to help a local girl celebrate her birthday. Christina Shepard turned 11 Wednesday, April 1. Because of the ...
News Feature Video - United Midcoast Charities - COVID-19 ...

Apr 02
Megan Williams, executive director of United Midcoast Charities, spoke to us Thursday about increased need in the community due to the pandemic of ...
Knox County COVID-19 cases increase to seven

By Stephen Betts - Apr 02
Seven Knox County residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday. This is up ...
Unemployment claims set record high as virus shutters state

By Stephen Betts - Apr 02
The number of people filing initial claims for unemployment benefits in Maine reached another record high this past week as more businesses closed ...
Camden Hills park employee nearly stranded in Patagonia

By Susan Mustapich - Apr 02
A local woman on a hiking trip in Argentina's Patagonia region was caught in the middle of a rapid government lockdown effort, which closed ...
DuPont plant continues to operate during COVID-19 outbreak

By Stephen Betts - Apr 02
The DuPont carrageenan-manufacturing plant in Rockland will continue to operate during the COVID-19 outbreak. A company spokesman said the ...
Judge rejects new trial for driver convicted of killing two ...

By Stephen Betts - Apr 02
The judge, who presided over the trial of a Virginia truck driver convicted of killing two Knox County residents in a 2016 crash, has refused to ...
Chowder brings in money for food pantry

By Stephen Betts - Apr 02
The donation jar overflowed Wednesday as people lined up to get some haddock chowder while benefiting the local food pantry. Lynn Archer, owner of ...
Select Board discusses gubernatorial order

By Christine Simmonds - Apr 01
Thomaston Town Office will continue to serve the public as much as possible. The Select Board met via Zoom April 1 to discuss the “Stay-at-Home” ...
Area hospitals announce donation locations

Apr 01
LincolnHealth, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital continue to receive support and in-kind donations of supplies and services ...
A timeline of the virus that shakes the world

By Stephen Betts - Apr 01
Less than three months after the world first learned of a new coronavirus causing illnesses and deaths in a section of China, the virus has ...
Police say education will be part of enforcement of ...

By Stephen Betts - Mar 31
Local police say they are prepared to enforce Gov. Janet Mills' order that people stay home for all but essential purposes for the entire month. Mi...
Suspect expected to admit to murder of elderly Owls Head ...

By Stephen Betts - Mar 31
A 38-year-old South Thomaston woman is scheduled to plead guilty to the beating and strangling death of 83-year-old Helen Carver. Knox County ...
Governor issues stay-at-home order

By Stephen Betts - Mar 31
Gov. Janet Mills announced a statewide stay-at-home order starting Thursday, restricting movement and activities as health officials attempt to ...
Midcoast Lens: Among the forest

By Holly Vanorse Spicer - Mar 31
A walk through the forest in Thomaston after the rain and snow offered plenty of vibrant sights, earthy smells, and pileated woodpeckers high up, ...
Bill to protect patients from nonconsensual exams becomes ...

Mar 31
Gov. Janet Mills has signed Rep. Vicki Doudera's bill to protect patients from some nonconsensual exams into law. The law will apply to pelvic, ...
The new normal for a local family

By Christine Simmonds - Mar 31
Heather Nelson and her family have been keeping busy and staying active during this time of self-isolation. Nelson and her husband, Colin, are ...
Penobscot Bay YMCA announces StayWithUs campaign

Mar 31
The Penobscot Bay YMCA has announced the Y's StayWithUS campaign as the Y remains closed. The Y continues to serve the community during this ...
Rockland approves 20-year solar power deal

By Stephen Betts - Mar 31
The Rockland City Council gave preliminary approval Monday evening to a 20-year agreement to purchase power from a planned solar power project in ...
Vinalhaven says it pulled together in response to COVID-19

Mar 31
Vinalhaven has issued a statement about all the efforts the community has made in response to COVID-19. The statement makes reference to the March ...
Rockland Council asks landlords to hold off on evictions

By Stephen Betts - Mar 30
The Rockland City Council formally asked Monday evening for landlords to hold off evicting tenants while the COVID-19 state of emergency remains ...
Coronavirus tests produced in Maine give quick results

By Joe Lawlor, staff ... - Mar 30
A Maine laboratory helped design and is mass producing a new COVID-19 test that will give results within minutes. National public health experts ...
U.S. Cellular and CDC advise, clean your devices

Mar 30
Recent studies have found that coronaviruses can possibly last on surfaces, such as metal, glass or plastic, for up to nine days. Therefore, U.S. ...
Funeral homes adapt high-touch business to social distancing

By Sarah E. Reynolds - Mar 30
"It's very awkward," said Katie Riposta, managing funeral director at Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast. She was talking about the fact that when ...
Beech Hill Preserve closes to the public

Mar 30
Due to a large number of visitors recently, Coastal Mountains Land Trust closed the Preserve on Saturday, March 28th.
Brass Compass chowder give away to benefit food pantry

Mar 30
The Brass Compass will be serving haddock chowder from its pick-up window on Wednesday to benefit the local food pantry. Owner and operator Lynn ...
Midcoast bear hunt

By Christine Simmonds - Mar 30
Communities around the country are organizing bear hunts for children during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Midcoast Maine has also gotten involved. Du...
OUT Maine adapts to changes

Mar 30
OUT Maine, a non-profit that serves LGBTQ-Plus youth throughout the state, cancelled Rainbow Ball Weekend, the largest LGBTQ-Plus youth event in ...
Pop Up manufacturer making masks in Camden

By Susan Mustapich - Mar 30
A start-up business in Camden is working on prototypes for a variety of protective masks, with a goal of starting production in a week or so. There...
Lawsuit claims school administration knew principal's ...

By Stephen Betts - Mar 30
New details in a lawsuit against the Waldoboro area school district by a former student, who claims she was sexually harassed by a former principal...
Rockland man accused of damaging boat, forklifts

By Stephen Betts - Mar 30
A Rockland man is free on bail after being arrested on charges that he caused significant damage to a fishing boat and two forklifts owned by his ...
COVID-19 cases jump again, reaching 253

By Stephen Betts - Mar 29
Four Knox County residents are now confirmed with COVID-19, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported Sunday in its daily ...
Knox County deeds

Mar 29
The following deed transfers were recorded from March 23 through March 27 at the Knox County Registry of Deeds. Camden 53 Park LLC to Andrew ...
Two Pen Bay doctors diagnosed with COVID-19

By Stephen Betts - Mar 28
Two doctors at Pen Bay Medical Center have tested positive for COVID-19, the hospital announced Saturday. Prior to testing positive, the providers ...
Sheriff's Office offers more details on Vinalhaven incident

By Stephen Betts - Mar 28
The Knox County Sheriff's Office investigated an incident on Vinalhaven Friday afternoon in which reportedly several people cut down a tree and ...
Sherman's bookstore closes in Camden

By Susan Mustapich - Mar 28
Sherman's book store in Camden will not reopen after the temporary closure of non-essential businesses mandated by the state expires. "We are very ...
St. George group asks out-of-state tenants to self ...

Mar 27
The St. George Development Corporation is asking visitors from out of state to self quarantine if they come to town. "As you know, seasonal ...
Rockland Council to ask landlords to put evictions on hold

By Stephen Betts - Mar 27
The Rockland City Council will formally ask landlords to hold off evicting tenants while the state of emergency in place from the COVID-19 ...
First Congregational Church offers online services

Mar 27
First Congregational Church in Camden remains closed to the public until such time as our state government, the Maine CDC and our wider church ...
Rockland area school staff sends hope to homes

By Stephen Betts - Mar 27
The staff of the Rockland area school district has created a message for the families of its students. The video, which is linked here is posted ...
Pen Bay Medical Center confirms first COVID-19 inpatient

Mar 27
Earlier this week Pen Bay Medical Center identified its first inpatient confirmed positive for coronavirus. The patient required only a brief ...
BiggerTogether campaign brings pen pals together

Mar 27
Big Sister Rachael Rademacher and her 7-year-old Little Sister Abby Erickson haven't seen each other since March 8. But they aren't letting social ...
Annual spring plant sale announces changes

Mar 27
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is making some changes to the Annual Spring Plant Sale. The ...
Public Works commences spring cleaning

By Christine Simmonds - Mar 27
Thomaston Public Works was out March 26 cleaning up trash on Dexter Street. Pete Lammert of Thomaston said Public Works and the Town Office have ...
Expansion underway at Rockland manufacturer

By Stephen Betts - Mar 27
Construction is underway for an addition to a manufacturing plant on Pleasant Street. The project is a 3,246-square-foot, $100,000 addition for a ...
Rockland library continues to serve during COVID-19 outbreak

Mar 27
The Rockland Public Library is currently closed to the public, but many Library resources are available online during this time of social distancin...
New Rockport hotel and library still on track

By Jackson Long - Mar 26
As COVID-19 still affects many facets of everyday American life, two building projects in downtown Rockport are still on track. The new Rockport ...
Governor postpones tax filing deadline

Mar 26
Governor Janet Mills and Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services Commissioner Kirsten Figueroa announced Thursday ...
South Thomaston joins movement, asks visitors to self ...

Mar 26
South Thomaston has joined with other communities in Maine asking visitors from outside Maine to self-quarantine for 14 days before going to ...
Ferry Service announces reduced schedule

Mar 26
The Maine State Ferry Service Wednesday announced reduced schedules for the islands it serves, except for Matinicus, which will see no change. Acco...
Synagogue sponsors take-out Easter meal at St. Peter’s ...

Mar 26
Adas Yoshuron Synagogue will be providing its annual Easter Day Community Dinner at St. Peter's Church on Easter Sunday, April 12 at 1 p.m. ...
New unemployment claims skyrocket to record levels

By Stephen Betts - Mar 26
The number of people filing claims for unemployment benefits skyrocketed by an unprecedented amount during the past week in Maine. The Maine ...
St. George updates town guidelines

Mar 26
The St. George Town Office is staffed but closed to the public. Call 372-6363 if you have any questions about real estate tax payments, re-register...
A letter from our owner

Mar 26
Dear readers of The Free Press, Rockland Courier-Gazette, Camden Herald, Belfast Republican Journal and Knox & Waldo County Village Soup online, As...
Coronavirus can last hours in air, on surfaces

By Meteorologist Tyler ... - Mar 20
According to a new study from the National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University scientists, the virus that causes coronavirus ...
News Feature Video - COVID-19 Pandemic

Mar 18
Dr. Mark Eggena, Medical Director for Pen Bay Medical Center, talked to us in the studio about what local hospitals are doing to respond to the ...
News Feature Video - Nate Davis - Rockland City Council

By Staff - Mar 05
Rockland City Councilor and Steel House co-founder Nathan Davis met with us in the VillageSoup studio March 5 to talk about ways to help the ...

Thursday, April 9, 2020

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