In The News

DEER ISLE — Project Launch at Deer Isle-Stonington High School was among four education initiatives recently awarded $5,000 grants by MaineSpark. The grants, totaling $20,000, were for innovative initiatives promoting postsecondary success for underrepresented student populations. Other recipients were Oxford Hills Community Education Exchange, Rural Aspirations and the University of Maine at Machias. The grants were made possible with support from the MELMAC Education Foundation and Educate Maine. Project Launch offers support for students who do not go directly into a postsecondary program and will partner with local employers and businesses…

ROCKLAND, Maine — Betsy Wyeth, the wife of beloved artist Andrew Wyeth, died at her home in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. She was 98. Betsy and Andrew Wyeth, who died in…

Tony Matoin loaded his groceries into his company pickup truck outside Shaw’s. He had just finished a shift as a line supervisor for Central Maine Power and was headed home…

BAR HARBOR, Maine — On the day the virus arrived in Maine, Caroline Bloss lingered over pizza with her husband and father at Blaze, one of the few restaurants open…

Seasonal Maine residents Barry and Jane DeNofrio decided to face the coronavirus threat at their ski home in Bridgton instead of their condo in Boxford, Massachusetts, because there’s more air…

Living on an island forces one to be an innovator in ways large and small. For the 50 or so year-round residents of Isle au Haut, an island off the…

NORTH HAVEN, Maine (AP) — As the coronavirus spreads, people can’t be blamed for wanting an island hideout. But one island in Maine has made it clear: Visitors are not…

CHEBEAGUE ISLAND — For island selectwoman Donna Damon, the coronavirus started getting real a few days before Maine confirmed its first case. Her daughter lives in Massachusetts and had colleagues…

The Island Institute has published a new study, the “Edible Seaweed Market Analysis,” that describes the growth potential for Maine’s edible seaweed market over the next 15 years. More than 95 percent of edible seaweed products found in the U.S. is imported, yet Maine waters provide

ideal conditions for growing quality sea vegetables locally. Maine aquaculturists are harvesting a highly nutritious, organic product and are seeing a surge in interest in edible seaweed across the country.

Have you ever thought about gaining a new source of income by growing mussels, oysters or seaweed? The Island Institute is now accepting applications for its 2020 Aquaculture Business Development program and is looking to support coastal and island residents who are highly motivated to start shellfish or seaweed aquaculture businesses within the next two years. To be considered for the program, those interested must submit a short, six-question application by March 13.