Government

Budget Crunch: Agencies Get Their Say April 2

With Bucksport's reserve funds — roughly $8 million built up after the 2014 Verso Paper Mill closure — now exhausted, the Town Council faces a projected $9.7 million municipal budget that represents a 6.8% increase over the prior year. Town Manager Jacob Gran has put forward options including staff layoffs, a freeze on the ~$85,000 the town sends to nonprofits like the Buck Memorial Library, senior center, and food pantry, and skipping road paving to save $100,000. A standing-room-only workshop March 19 drew heavy public opposition to the social service cuts. The council will hear directly from affected agencies on April 2. Penobscot Bay Press

Property Tax Deadline: Tuesday, March 31

The second installment of 2025–2026 property taxes is due at the Bucksport Town Office by Tuesday, March 31. Interest accrues at 4% per annum on late payments. The town honors postmarks, and payments can also be made online at bucksportmaine.gov.

Business

Dysart's Buys Long-Vacant Sprague North Site

Dysart Realty Co., an LLC tied to the Hermon-based Dysart's family business, purchased the 13.47-acre Sprague North industrial property on Route 15 along the Penobscot River. The deed was recorded at the Hancock County Registry of Deeds on March 24. The site — formerly a coal and oil terminal, vacant since 1995 — was listed at $500,000 in mid-2023; the final sale price was not disclosed. Dysart's has not announced specific development plans, but the property is seen as potentially linked to a separate filing to revive freight rail service along the adjacent Bucksport Branch line. Bangor Daily News

Rail Firm Files to Restart Bucksport Branch Line

TransloadX, a New Hampshire-based logistics company, has filed with the federal Surface Transportation Board to revive freight service on the 19.3-mile Bucksport Branch connecting Bangor and Bucksport. The company has signed a letter of intent with CSX Transportation to lease and operate the line as a Class III short-line railroad. The line has been dormant since the Verso mill closed and currently needs significant repairs, including missing rail segments and washouts. The rail line abuts the Sprague North property, and final lease terms between TransloadX and CSX are expected in April. Bangor Daily News

Community

Bucksport Man Killed in Penobscot Crash

Zachary McKechnie, 35, of Bucksport, died Saturday evening, March 21, after his 2003 Volkswagen Jetta left Front Ridge Road in Penobscot, re-entered the roadway, and rolled over multiple times. McKechnie was ejected and died at the scene. The Hancock County Sheriff's Office, which is investigating, said speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors. Penobscot Bay Press

Police Log

A 65-year-old Bucksport resident was charged with criminal OUI following a traffic stop in Orland. Penobscot Bay Press

Events

Power Carving Class at Wendell Gilley Museum

Master carver Timothy Griffin is leading the first session of a two-day power carving class today, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Wendell Gilley Museum in Southwest Harbor. Participants are making cedar canvasback duck decoys; the second session takes place April 4. Wendell Gilley Museum

Today

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Friday, March 27