Community

Bucksport Bay Healthy Communities Coalition Closes Monday

The BBHCC will officially dissolve on March 31 after 35 years of service, ending programs that included senior meal support, a regional shuttle, wellness clinics, and $100 "urgent cards" for low-income seniors. The board cited reduced grant funding and a shortage of volunteers. Remaining programs are being handed off to area nonprofits. Penobscot Bay Press

Business

Dysart's Purchases Long-Vacant Waterfront Site

Dysart Realty Co. recorded the purchase of the 13.47-acre "Sprague North" property — known locally as the "coal pocket" — on the Penobscot River on March 24. The site features deep-water river access and sits adjacent to the dormant Bucksport Branch rail line. No development plans have been announced. Bangor Daily News

Rail Company Files to Revive Bucksport–Bangor Line

TransloadX Railroad Company filed a notice of exemption with the federal Surface Transportation Board on March 17 (Docket No. FD 36909) to lease and operate the roughly 18.8-mile CSX Bucksport Branch, which has seen almost no traffic since the Verso Paper mill closed in 2014. The New Hampshire-based company plans a "last-mile" transloading model serving smaller regional businesses rather than a single anchor customer. A lease with CSX is expected to finalize in April. Bangor Daily News

Government

Nonprofit Funding Debate Heads to April 2 Meeting

Back-to-back standing-room-only Town Council workshops on March 19 and 25 saw residents push back against a proposed moratorium on third-party nonprofit funding for FY2026–27. Buck Memorial Library, which receives roughly $30,000 annually, and the Bucksport Senior Center are the primary organizations affected. Mayor Paul Bissonnette says no final decision has been made; a formal presentation meeting is scheduled for April 2. Penobscot Bay Press

Schools

First Graders to Move to Jewett School Next Year

RSU 25 plans to shift three first-grade classes from the over-capacity Miles Lane School to G.H. Jewett School for the 2026–27 year, filling classrooms being vacated by the BBHCC's departure from the Jewett building. Three first-grade teachers have volunteered to transfer, avoiding any involuntary reassignments. Penobscot Bay Press

Events

Tonight

Spring Contra Dance — Stonington Opera House, doors 6 PM, dancing 7–9 PM. Free admission.
Bach's Birthday Concert — Blue Hill Bach at St. Francis by the Sea, Blue Hill, 7 PM.
"Fun with Pulp" Workshop — Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, 5:30–7:30 PM.

Weather

High 50°F, low 32°F. Cool and damp with patchy light drizzle or snow showers possible.