Penobscot Bay Pilot

06/07/2026

Drummers announced the parade's arrival before they were in full view, with spectators lining both sides of Main Street, Belfast, June 7.

BELFAST — Grey skies were no match for the light brought by the Belfast Has Pride parade, as a sea of rainbow flags and smiling faces marched down Main Street. With a handful of drummers announcing the parade's arrival before they were in full view, spectators on both sides of Main Street were the...

06/03/2026

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Since the Robbins Lumber explosion and fire on May 15, Maine communities have been rallying to support first responders, injured mill employees, and families including the loved ones of Morrill volunteer firefighter Andrew Cross, who died at the scene. On May 16, the Town of Searsmont shared a state...

06/02/2026

On June 1, at 5:30 p.m., both sides of the street were lined with family, friends and citizens, who cheered the processional forward.

CAMDEN — For each senior class of Camden Hills Regional High School, their graduation ceremony is the pinnacle of a weeklong June celebration; but for the community at large, the best part of comes with the traditional march through downtown Camden four days prior to commencement. That's when the ...

05/26/2026

Drenching rain could not dampen the spirit of Memorial Day 2026 in Belfast, Maine.

BELFAST — While many area parades were canceled because of rain, the Belfast Memorial Day parade continued as planned, with veterans traversing the same route they follow each May. The parade honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending the United States.

05/25/2026

"In moments like this, we are reminded just how fragile life can be but also how strong a community can be. In the face of this tragedy we have seen neighbors helping neighbors, first responders acting with courage and care, and countless quiet acts of compassion. It reminds us of who we are at our core. As we look ahead, we do so together."

Community turned out in Searsmont Memorial Day 2026, from homes down the street, from neighboring towns, the the broader Midcoast — and State of Maine — to stand together, offer support and be there for those who suffer enormous pain. Two weeks had just passed since the horrific fire at Robbins ...

05/24/2026

Camden, Rockport, and Lincolnville Memorial Day parades are cancelled due to weather, according to a 10:30 a.m., May 23 update from Jeff Sukeforth, of American Legion War Memorial Post 30. A program will be held Monday, May 25, at Legion Post 30, Pearl St., Camden, at 11 a.m. FMI: call Jeff at 691-2270

05/17/2026

"We recognize the importance of this investigation to the victims, their families, the employees of Robbins Lumber, the local community, and the many agencies involved in the response. We owe the people of Maine a thorough, professional, and methodical investigation."

From the Office of the State Fire Marshal, May 17: Sunday morning, Investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal (FMO) were joined by Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives National Response Team (ATF NRT). Fire investigators from both agencies will conduct...

05/16/2026

Word of the plans for the Honorable Transfer of Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross spread through the firefighting community at approximately 7 a.m., May 16. The greater community learned of it around 9 a.m. Most who planned to attend had only enough time to leap into a vehicle and drive to a spot along the route. Many had no idea what the plan even was, until they arrived. But, they came anyway, by the hundreds.

MIDCOAST — The details only came together this morning, as to forming a procession to es**rt Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross from the medical examiner's office in Augusta to the funeral home in Belfast. Cross died only the day before, while helping to fight a very large fire at Robbins Lumber, in...

05/15/2026

Ambulances and firefighters from Waldoboro to Augusta to Belfast are in Searsmont at a major fire at Robbins Lumber.

SEARSMONT — Emergency crews from multiple towns across Knox and Waldo counties are converging at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont where an explosion was reported around 10:15 a.m. A call for mutual aid was made eat 11:06 a.m. Multiple injuries have been reported. Thomaston, South Thomaston, Unity, Pale...

05/15/2026

Slowly, in some spots, hand over hand, the patient was moved over slick rocks and across muddy streams by Camden, Maine Fire & Rescue, Camden Hills State Park, Coastal Mountain SAR, North East Mobile Health Services

CAMDEN — When a call comes in from Knox Regional Communications Center, in Rockland, that a hiker is injured at Ocean Lookout on Megunticook at Camden Hills State Park, the response team swings into action: Ocean Lookout is the highest point on the 1,385-foot mountain where a collection of granite...