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Articles by Sarah Thomas
UMaine offers retirement incentives to faculty to help reduce budget shortfall
ORONO, Maine (WABI) - The University of Maine is offering voluntary retirement incentives to eligible faculty members to help close a projected $19 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2028. This week, UMaine notified 158 faculty members at the university’s flagship and Machias campuses that they are eligible for a “special retirement incentive.” The incentive includes a one-time payment equal to 100% of the faculty member’s base annual salary if they retire on Sept. 1 of 2027.
Cohen School in Bangor evacuated due to potential threat, which was deemed a hoax
BANGOR, Maine — The William S. Cohen School in Bangor was evacuated Wednesday due to a potential threat, law enforcement officials told WMTW media partner WABI. A Bangor school official said that the threat has been deemed a hoax. A police officer at the scene told a WABI reporter that all students were safe and accounted for. The school was searched and nothing dangerous was found, according to authorities.
Roque Bluffs plans to install boat ramp gate following deadly accident
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google ROQUE BLUFFS, Maine (WABI) - The town of Roque Bluffs plans to install a gate at a boat ramp where a woman and two young children died this weekend. Town Clerk Jennifer Moore said that gate could go up as early as this week. On Sunday, Sharon Bukulmez, 61, of Mount Desert and her grandchildren, Kinsley, 5, and Sawyer Grubb, 3, of Bar Harbor, were found dead inside a submerged vehicle in Pond Cove.
Town plans to install boat ramp gate following deadly accident
ROQUE BLUFFS, Maine (WABI) - The town of Roque Bluffs plans to install a gate at a boat ramp where a woman and two young children died this weekend. Town Clerk Jennifer Moore said that gate could go up as early as this week. On Sunday, Sharon Bukulmez, 61, of Mount Desert and her grandchildren, Kinsley, 5, and Sawyer Grubb, 3, of Bar Harbor, were found dead inside a submerged vehicle in Pond Cove.
Is Indigenous Knowledge Science? Rethinking What We Mean by “Science”
Co-CEO – Behold Retreats For years, I have found myself talking about three broad traditions of medicine. Most of us in the North understand what we mean by Western medicine. Many of us have also become familiar with Eastern medicine and practices such as meditation, acupuncture, yoga and Ayurveda. But what about the South?
UMaine projects $19M budget shortfall for fiscal year 2028, layoffs anticipated
ORONO, Maine (WABI) - The University of Maine's flagship and Machias campuses face a $19 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2028 if adjustments are not made, according to a letter penned by University of Maine president Joan Ferrini-Mundy and executive vice president of academic affairs and provost Gabriel Paquette.
UMaine projects $19M budget shortfall for fiscal year 2028, layoffs anticipated
ORONO, Maine (WABI) - The University of Maine’s flagship and Machias campuses face a $19 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2028 if adjustments are not made, according to a letter penned by University of Maine president Joan Ferrini-Mundy and executive vice president of academic affairs and provost Gabriel Paquette.
UMaine projects $19M budget shortfall for fiscal year 2028, layoffs anticipated
ORONO, Maine (WABI) - The University of Maine’s flagship and Machias campuses face a $19 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2028 if adjustments are not made, according to a letter penned by University of Maine president Joan Ferrini-Mundy and executive vice president of academic affairs and provost Gabriel Paquette.
UMaine rolls out ChatGPT Edu for staff and students
ORONO, Maine (WABI) - Classes are back in session across the University of Maine System, and this year students and staff have access to ChatGPT Edu. Ryan Low, chancellor for finance and AI integration for the UMaine System, said the rollout has gone smoothly so far. “So far, so good. There’s always kind of quirks that come along when you’re going through a migration like this, but our team has been flexible. Different people are dealing with different things,” Low said.
Historic lodge once home to artist Robert Indiana listed for $1.4 million
VINALHAVEN, Maine (WABI) - A historic island structure that acclaimed late pop artist Robert Indiana called home has hit the market for $1.4 million following years of legal turmoil. The Star of Hope Lodge on Main Street in Vinalhaven was built in the 1880s to serve as home to the local chapter of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization.
Historic lodge once home to artist Robert Indiana listed for $1.4 million
VINALHAVEN, Maine (WABI) - A historic island structure that acclaimed late pop artist Robert Indiana called home has hit the market for $1.4 million following years of legal turmoil. The Star of Hope Lodge on Main Street in Vinalhaven was built in the 1880s to serve as home to the local chapter of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization.
Walking America couple walks through Bangor during 12,000-mile, 50-state trek
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - Walking 12,000 miles across all 50 states: that's the mission a Missouri couple has been working to conquer for the past four years. Torin and Paige Rouse have dubbed themselves the Walking America Couple. The pair has amassed over 80,000 followers on Facebook where they delight their fans with their adventures. To date, the Rouses have traveled almost 8,000 miles in 29 states since they started this endeavor in 2022. Tuesday, their journey brought them to Bangor. Why walk?
Walking America Couple walks through Bangor during 12,000-mile, 50-state trek
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - Walking 12,000 miles across all 50 states: that’s the mission a Missouri couple has been working to conquer for the past four years. Torin and Paige Rouse have dubbed themselves the Walking America Couple. The pair has amassed over 80,000 followers on Facebook where they delight their fans with their adventures. To date, the Rouses have traveled almost 8,000 miles in 29 states since they started this endeavor in 2022. Tuesday, their journey brought them to Bangor.
Walking America Couple walks through Bangor during 12,000-mile, 50-state trek
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - Walking 12,000 miles across all 50 states: that’s the mission a Missouri couple has been working to conquer for the past four years. Torin and Paige Rouse have dubbed themselves the Walking America Couple. The pair has amassed over 80,000 followers on Facebook where they delight their fans with their adventures. To date, the Rouses have traveled almost 8,000 miles in 29 states since they started this endeavor in 2022. Tuesday, their journey brought them to Bangor. Why walk?
Great white shark spotted in Frenchman Bay near Winter Harbor
FRENCHMAN BAY, Maine (WABI) - Andy Tracy, his father Bob and his friend Chris departed the Manset Dock to ride over to the Winter Harbor lobster boat races on Saturday when what was supposed to be an everyday ride turned into a morning they would never forget. The trio were just about a half a mile off of Egg Rock Lighthouse in Frenchman Bay when Bob, a former commercial fisherman, spotted the fin.
Great white shark spotted in Frenchman Bay near Winter Harbor
FRENCHMAN BAY, Maine (WABI) - Andy Tracy, his father Bob and his friend Chris departed the Manset Dock to ride over to the Winter Harbor lobster boat races on Saturday when what was supposed to be an everyday ride turned into a morning they would never forget. “That-- is a great white shark.” The trio were just about a half a mile off of Egg Rock Lighthouse in Frenchman Bay when Bob, a former commercial fisherman, spotted the fin.
Federal report finds firefighting actions contributed to deadly Searsmont silo explosion
SEARSMONT, Maine (WABI) - A new federal report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health details the sequence of events and contributing factors surrounding the fire and subsequent explosion in a silo at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont on May 15 that killed three people and injured 10 others. Some are still in the hospital. Morrill volunteer firefighter Andrew Cross , 27, died at the scene.
Federal report finds firefighting actions contributed to deadly Searsmont silo explosion
SEARSMONT, Maine (WABI) - A new federal report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health details the sequence of events and contributing factors surrounding the fire and subsequent explosion in a silo at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont on May 15 that killed three people. Morrill volunteer firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, died at the scene. Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, died about a month later from burn injuries.
Baileyville mill ordered to pay nearly $800,000 in fines after deaths of two employees
BAILEYVILLE, Maine (WABI) - A pulp mill in Baileyville that investigators say caused the deaths of two workers from exposure to gas fumes earlier this year is facing hefty fines from the federal government. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says workers at Woodland Pulp were performing a cold weather shutdown, which caused high concentrations of deadly, uncontrolled, hydrogen sulfide gas to release into the plant on January 27. Two employees died from the exposure to the gas.
Baileyville mill ordered to pay nearly $800,000 in fines after deaths of two employees
BAILEYVILLE, Maine (WABI) - A pulp mill in Baileyville where two workers died from gas fumes earlier this year is facing hefty fines from the federal government. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, says workers at Woodland Pulp were performing a cold weather shutdown, which caused high concentrations of deadly, uncontrolled, hydrogen sulfide gas to release into the plant on January 27. Two employees died from the exposure to the gas.
University of Maine receives $20M federal investment to grow forest products industry
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google ORONO, Maine (WABI) - The University of Maine is set to receive a $20 million federal investment through Maine’s Tech Hub to advance the state’s forest products industry. The Forest Opportunity Roadmap initiative, known as FOR-ME, was formed following the closure of several paper mills in 2016 to help the industry adapt.
University of Maine receives $20M federal investment to grow forest products industry
ORONO, Maine (WABI) - The University of Maine is set to receive a $20 million federal investment through Maine’s Tech Hub to advance the state’s forest products industry. The Forest Opportunity Roadmap initiative, known as FOR-ME, was formed following the closure of several paper mills in 2016 to help the industry adapt. In 2023, the federal government launched a regional tech hubs program — a designation intended to support areas making critical innovations.
‘Seafood 2.0’: New $15 million NSF grant awarded to expand seafood research in New England
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The University of Maine has announced its involvement in the National Science Foundation Seafood Engine as a part of a $15 million grant to accelerate the development of critical technologies and grow regional economies. At UMaine, oceanography professor Damian Brady and his team at the Darling Marine Center in Walpole are working to develop and deploy over a dozen low-cost water quality sensors that will help support natural farms across Maine’s coast.
‘Seafood 2.0’: New $15 million NSF grant awarded to expand seafood research in New England
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The University of Maine has announced its involvement in the National Science Foundation Seafood Engine as a part of a $15 million grant to accelerate the development of critical technologies and grow regional economies. At UMaine, oceanography professor Damian Brady and his team at the Darling Marine Center in Walpole are working to develop and deploy over a dozen low-cost water quality sensors that will help support natural farms across Maine’s coast.
The Asterisks in French Property Purchases: The Things Buyers Don’t Know They Need to Ask
Sarah Bright-Thomas on the small details that quietly decide whether a French property purchase runs smoothly, or doesn’t… Most people buying property in France spend months on the enjoyable part. They research regions, scroll through listings at midnight, compare prices, view houses, and happily imagine long lunches in a garden that isn’t yet theirs. Far fewer spend even an afternoon thinking about legal risk, and who could blame them? It is rarely anyone’s idea of a holiday.
Bangor passes new budget of $145 million for fiscal year
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - A 145-million-dollar budget was approved by the Bangor City Council Monday for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The budget, a 7.5 million dollar increase from last year, has roughly 80 million allocated to city expenses and 66 million for school expenses. Over 76 million will be coming from taxpayers.
Bangor passes new budget of $145 million for fiscal year
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - A 145-million-dollar budget was approved by the Bangor City Council Monday for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The budget, a 7.5 million dollar increase from last year, has roughly 80 million allocated to city expenses and 66 million for school expenses. Over 76 million will be coming from taxpayers.
Newport couple achieves homeownership with USDA assistance
NEWPORT, Maine — A young couple in Newport have purchased their first home with help from a USDA Rural Development program. Lauren Roberts and Zakary Ellis, who had been renting the property, said homeownership was not something they expected at their age. The couple said renting again would not have been realistic and they wanted a secure home base to host friends and family. “Our cats have a place to live,” Roberts said with a laugh.
Training aircraft lost all engine power before going off runway, report says
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The NTSB has released its preliminary report into an accident at Bangor International Airport last month. Investigators say on May 1 just after 4 p.m., a Beech C23 aircraft owned by local pilot school Maine Instrument Flight went off the runway during landing and hit an embankment, causing substantial damage The pilot-in-training and instructor were not hurt.
Training aircraft lost all engine power before going off runway, report says
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The NTSB has released its preliminary report into an accident at Bangor International Airport last month. Investigators say on May 1 just after 4 p.m., a Beech C23 aircraft owned by local pilot school Maine Instrument Flight went off the runway during landing and hit an embankment, causing substantial damage The pilot-in-training and instructor were not hurt. The report says the crew noticed brief engine roughness at startup, but all pre-flight checks were normal.
When Maine ranked-choice results could come in— and which race may be first
AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - With crowded fields in this year’s primary races for governor and in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, the likelihood of any one candidate topping 50% of first-choice votes is low, and ranked-choice tabulation may be needed to determine winners. The Secretary of State’s office coordinates the collection and tabulation of ranked-choice votes. The Maine Secretary of State’s office coordinates the collection and counting of ranked-choice votes.
Father says injured Montville firefighter faces long road to recovery after Searsmont explosion
MONTVILLE, Maine (WABI) - The father of a Montville volunteer firefighter who was badly injured in Friday’s explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont says his son faces a long road to recovery, but is showing some signs of improvement. Henry Spaulding said his son, 23-year-old Jacob Spaulding, and all the first responders who were in Searsmont Friday deserve the highest praise. “They’re heroes in my eyes. My son is my hero,” Henry Spaulding said.
Millinocket fire chief placed on leave pending investigation
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - The Fire Chief for the Town of Millinocket has been placed on administrative leave, according to internal emails obtained by WABI through Maine’s Freedom of Access Act. Jonathan Cote was placed on paid administrative leave on May 1 pending the completion of an investigation into a personnel matter, according to an email sent to Cote that evening. The email states the action is not disciplinary in nature.
Millinocket fire chief placed on leave pending investigation
MILLINOCKET, Maine (WABI) - The Fire Chief for the Town of Millinocket has been placed on administrative leave, according to internal emails obtained by WABI through Maine’s Freedom of Access Act. Jonathan Cote was placed on paid administrative leave on May 1st pending the completion of an investigation into a personnel matter, according to an email sent to Cote that evening. The email states the action is not disciplinary in nature.
Man arrested for Skowhegan cemetery vandalism, more arrests expected
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - A man has been arrested for damaging more than 50 headstones in the Southside cemetery in Skowhegan. Skowhegan Cemetery Sexton Jason Fitch told us last week that due to the amount of strength required to cause the damage, multiple individuals were likely behind the vandalism. The Skowhegan Police Department announced today they arrested one of the people they believe is responsible.
Man arrested for Skowhegan cemetery vandalism, more arrests expected
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - A man has been arrested for damaging more than 50 headstones in the Southside cemetery in Skowhegan. It happened Thursday night. Skowhegan Cemetery Sexton Jason Fitch told us last week that due to the amount of strength required to cause the damage, multiple individuals were likely behind the vandalism. The Skowhegan Police Department announced today they arrested one of the people they believe is responsible.
Bangor Fairmount School to close temporarily next year after asbestos found in ceiling
Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The Bangor School Department says it will temporarily close one of its schools next year after asbestos was discovered in the ceiling, according to Community Outreach Director Ray Phinney. He says undisturbed asbestos was found in the Fairmount School’s ceilings as crews prepared for roof repairs.
Bangor Fairmount School to close temporarily next year after asbestos found in ceiling
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The Bangor School Department says it will temporarily close one of its schools next year after asbestos was discovered in the ceiling, according to Community Outreach Director Ray Phinney. He says undisturbed asbestos was found in the Fairmount School’s ceilings as crews prepared for roof repairs.
Dennis Food Show brings New England industry together
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The Cross Insurance Center was abuzz with all things food Tuesday. Dennis Food Service hosted its 2026 Food Show, bringing together hundreds of restauranteurs, convenience store operators, and industry leaders to talk about their menu needs, industry trends and increased operating costs. Invited vendors from across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts showed off their products for local businesses to peruse.
Dennis Food Show brings New England industry together
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The Cross Insurance Center was abuzz with all things food Tuesday. Dennis Food Service hosted its 2026 Food Show, bringing together hundreds of restauranteurs, convenience store operators, and industry leaders to talk about their menu needs, industry trends and increased operating costs. Invited vendors from across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts showed off their products for local businesses to peruse.
UMaine students show off their research at 2026 Student Symposium
ORONO, Maine (WABI) - Students at the University of Maine got to take their passions to the people Friday as part of the 2026 Student Symposium at the UMaine Field House. Seven hundred and fifty students developed 357 unique presentations for the event, according to UMaine’s interim vice president of research and Maine College of Engineering and Computing Dean Giovanna Guidovoni. She said opportunities like the one presented at a symposium help bring students out of their comfort zones.
Mainer’s canoe-themed comedy film coming to local theaters
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - A Mainer is making his directorial debut with a canoe comedy set right here in the Pine Tree State. Sam Dunning, who was born in Portland but grew up in Brunswick, started acting and making movies when he moved to New York City for college. His first feature-length film, “Canoe Dig It?” is a mockumentary-comedy focusing on a freestyle Canoe competition on Moosehead Lake. Freestyle canoeing is a real thing, which Dunning describes as interpretive dance in a canoe.
Northern Light Inland Hospital property sold
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The site that was home to Northern Light Inland Hospital in Waterville has been sold. According to a Northern Light Health spokesperson, the sale was finalized this morning. The 30-acre property at 200 Kennedy Memorial Drive was listed at 2.7 million dollars by the Dunham Group. Northern Light Health says the property was transferred to a King Weinstein-affiliated company. King Weinstein is a real estate broker for K-R-E Brokerage Group operating out of Old Orchard Beach.
Northern Light Inland Hospital property sold
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The site that was home to Northern Light Inland Hospital in Waterville has been sold. According to a Northern Light Health spokesperson, the sale was finalized this morning. The 30-acre property at 200 Kennedy Memorial Drive was listed at 2.7 million dollars by the Dunham Group. Northern Light Health says the property was transferred to a King Weinstein-affiliated company. King Weinstein is a real estate broker for K-R-E Brokerage Group operating out of Old Orchard Beach.
Records show ownership of Hermon property transferred to Amazon
HERMON, Maine (WABI) - Ownership of the old Bangor Drive-in property in Hermon has officially been transferred to Amazon, according to state records. A Maine Real Estate Transfer Tax Declaration document shows the property was transferred to Amazon.com Services LLC out of Seattle on Thursday. It shows the 1674 Hammond Street site was purchased for $1,900,000. That’s more than three times the fair market value of the 20-acre property, which the document says is $580,800.
Records show ownership of Hermon property transferred to Amazon
HERMON, Maine (WABI) - Ownership of the old Bangor Drive-in property in Hermon has officially been transferred to Amazon, according to state records. A Maine Real Estate Transfer Tax Declaration document shows the property was transferred to Amazon.com Services LLC out of Seattle on Thursday. It shows the 1674 Hammond Street site was purchased for $1,900,000. That’s more than three times the fair market value of the 20-acre property, which the document says is $580,800.
Two people displaced following fire in Jonesboro
JONESBORO, Maine (WABI) - JONESBORO, Maine (WABI) - A home was destroyed following a fire in Jonesboro. According to the Jonesboro-Roque Bluffs Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mike Schoppee, the fire was called in just before 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The two people living in the home in the 700 block of Route 1 had left a few hours earlier and let out their two cats, the chief said. He said heavy smoke was coming from the home when crews arrived.
Group behind citizen’s initiative opposes wording proposed by Secretary of State
AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - The group behind a referendum question set to appear on the November ballot have voiced their opposition to the Secretary of State’s draft wording of the question, saying it strays too far from the intended proposal. The citizen’s initiative spearheaded by Protect Girls Sports in Maine would bar transgender students from in competing in school sports teams that align with their gender identity.
Maine Supreme Court rules expansion to ranked choice voting would be unconstitutional
PORTLAND, Maine (WABI) - Maine’s highest court has ruled that a bill aiming to expand ranked choice voting to state-level races would be in violation of the Maine constitution. Lawmakers have been considering amendments to current law that would open up ranked-choice voting to state races, including races for governor and state senators and representatives. Currently, ranked-choice voting in Maine is used for presidential elections and primaries, as well as U.S. House and Senate.
How DIY Buyers Can Avoid Property Purchase Slip-Ups
Sarah Bright-Thomas reveals some of the property slip-ups that await a DIY buyer… I often refer to buying French property as the ‘ballet of the banana skins’ – a performance in which we attempt to lead our prima property-buying ballerinas safely across a stage strewn with slippery obstacles. This article is for the bold, confident, gung-ho expat who wholeheartedly believes they are a wily DIY buyer.
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