Maine has one of the longest coastlines in the U.S. and one of the fast-growing seaweed farming industries. It’s highly dependent on marine industries and yet vulnerable to sea level rise and warming ocean temperatures. The state also houses one of the most diverse algae culture collections in the world and one of the nation’s few state maritime academies.

Alex Zipparo from the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission (LCRPC) and Sarah Demers from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development will host a Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Catalyst Program Grant webinar on Thursday, Jan. 29 from 3 to 4 p.m. This webinar will be remote via Zoom.  

AUGUSTA (December 19, 2025) — According to Maine Listings, Realtors across the state reported a median sales price of $399,000 for single-family existing homes sold in November; 3.64 percent above November 2024 but -6.34 percent below October 2025, Maine’s historic high. The MSP indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less. Sales decreased 11.59 percent; 1,160 homes were sold in November 2025 compared to 1,312 homes during November 2024.

With this season’s harvest, Veggies to Table, a non-profit farm in Newcastle, Maine,  now celebrates seven seasons of impact—growing and donating over 95,000 pounds of produce and 153,400 flowers to local folks in need of food and joy.  We are feeding those in need in our community while bringing beauty and connection to every corner of Lincoln County. 

Shoppers moved from store to store which were decked out in holiday lights on Men's Night, Dec. 17 enjoying sales with Christmas songs outdoors, to hum or sing along to, thanks to Janson's Clothing Store. 

Holiday-spirited staff at Sherman's said it had been a quiet day, but business was beginning to pick up a bit around 5:30-6 p.m., as locals were ending their work day. 

The Boothbay Sea and Science Center’s 2025-2026 Exploring the Science of Seaweed Farming school program in its ninth year is off to a strong start as we wrap up our annual seaweed planting season. This year we are in 23 classrooms in nine Maine counties. We are supporting science projects in a high school in St.

Maine State Aquarium invites visitors to enjoy an under-the-sea holiday during its first “Sea of Lights” festivities. The aquarium will be open on Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., until Jan. 3.  

Department of Marine Resources’ (DMR) Education Division Director Dottie Yunger explained the aquarium decided to stay open for multiple reasons, including capitalizing on the visitors drawn by Gardens Aglow and giving locals who may not have time, or avoid the facility during its busy summer months, a chance to visit.  

Lovers of the annual Gingerbread Spectacular at the Opera House here in Boothbay Harbor saw 27 imaginative, gingery structures this past weekend. Among them was the Burnt Island Lighthouse with two  deer in the scene. In case you didn't read the accompanying story next to the entry, read on.

As the year comes to a close, I would like to share with you the ways that Lighthouse Education & Nautical Studies (LENS) "Lit the Way" for learners of all ages. Attached you will find the "News Flash" that focuses on experiential learning on Burnt Island for children in the local school system, Maine's teachers, and our new endeavor - the Boothbay Harbor Treasure Hunt.

Emergency Medical Services Chief Kristen Roberts has been learning all about her new job at Boothbay Region Ambulance Service. For Roberts, 42, of Damariscotta, the first few weeks have been all about becoming accustomed to the nearly three dozen employees, new ambulances and equipment. "A lot of listening and learning about the crew and the service," she said. "My focus now is on compliance, management and leading." 

A Holiday Museum Open House will be held at Sample's Shipyard/Bristol Marine on Commercial Street, Boothbay Harbor on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Captain Greg Bailey of the USS Brig Niagara was scheduled to speak but is unable to make it. 

Janson's Clothing, $25 gift card, Riley Sullivan, Natalie Allen, Kelly Camp and Monica Swan.

Mama D's, $40 gift certificate, Daphne, Christmas ornament, Cindy.

Mung Bean, $100 gift certificate, Tiffany Tsang.

Three Buoys & Souvenirs, Dionis skincare gift basket, Martha Schnepp.

Sweet Bay, $25 gift card, Megan Guertler and Suzanne Norton.

Pier 1 Pizza, $25 gift card, Rachel Eimen.

Gimbel's/Smiling Cow, $200 gift basket, Bonnie Wormwood.

The Hutch, knit hat, scarf and four pair of socks, Cherise Bishop.

SEARSPORT — An iconic billboard statue erected in homage to one of Maine's former — and lucrative — industries will soon be back alongside Route 1, this time in the Midcoast, taking up position in Searsport in front of the Penobscot Marine Museum.

BOOTHBAY HARBOR — The Keepers of Burnt Island Light are pleased to announce they have been awarded a $7,400 grant from The Maine Lighthouse Trust, supporting the continued preservation of the historic buildings on Burnt Island, home to Maine’s oldest original lighthouse tower (est. 1821).

Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library calls for all hands on deck for our third annual Giving Tuesday (Week!) matching gift campaign. Would you give $10, $25, or $50 knowing that your donation would be DOUBLED? If so, our library is in luck!

All donations made during Dec. 2–Dec. 6 will be matched dollar-for-dollar thanks to several wonderful library patrons and trustees who wish to inspire you to give! Every gift makes a difference. Donate online, by check, or with cash to support this fundraising effort. 

The Edgecomb Planning Board Nov. 20 scheduled a public hearing on Glidden Oyster Farm Company's proposed expansion project. The company has submitted two proposals. One is for an oyster processing barn at 634 River Road. 

The board held a Nov. 15 site visit. On Nov. 20, the board reviewed the application and found it "ready for a public hearing"  without deciding whether the application was complete or incomplete.

The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4 in the Edgecomb conference room.

Saturday, Nov. 22, Boothbay Harbor's Early Bird Sale & Pajama Party drew spirited shoppers to the region. 

The ever popular Buoy Tree was the backdrop for families and friends to take photos. And Janson's Clothing Store provided another photo opportunity with a Welcome to Boothbay Harbor picture frame that proved quite popular as well!

Early birds flocked here to shop, eat, drink, take in the Bed Races, and to have a bit of fun. 

The next Ocean on Tap is at Footbridge Brewery, 25 Granary Way in Boothbay Harbor on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.  Dr. Kara Gadeken, of the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, will be speaking about her research on marine worms, their bizarre shapes, and the many roles they play in marine ecosystems.