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After 29 years of smiles, Debra Hangge retires from DEFYÂ
ELLSWORTH â Several months after the Down East Family YMCA opened in Ellsworth, Debra Hangge was on site, first to use the fitness equipment and then as a fitness staff member, after the Y asked her to join as an employee.
That was 29 years ago, and Hangge moved on to other departments before settling in at the front desk for the next 25 years or so. Her last day was Friday, Jan. 29, when Hangge retired from the organization that had become so much a part of her.
âThat was my identity,â she said. âI knew who I kind of was. Now I have to sort that out.â
Mike Hangge recognized for 40 years of service to the city
City Council Chairman Dale Hamilton recognized Mike Hangge for 40 years of service to the city, including as a member of the Ellsworth Fire Department, fire and life safety inspector and plans examiner. He was honored by Councilor Marc Blanchette (above) and all council members on Jan. 11.
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News Reporter Anne Berleant covers news and features in Ellsworth, Mariaville, Otis, Amherst, Aurora, Great Pond and Osborn. When not reporting, find her hiking local trails, reading or watching professional tennis. Email her at [email protected]
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Planning Board sees issues with 8 Union St. plan
ELLSWORTH The Planning Board on Jan. 7 accepted as complete a preliminary application to convert a former medical building at 8 Union St. into a mixed-use building with office, commercial and residential units. Questions have been raised, however, on whether the uses detailed are permitted under the city’s unified development ordinance.
The building sits on a 0.7-acre plot in the Neighborhood Zone and is under contract to be sold to Dale and Barbara Joyce of Swan’s Island.
The Joyces plan to convert medical offices into business office space and a small gallery downstairs, with two residential units upstairs and a second handicapped-accessible ramp to the east side of the building where the five or six offices would be situated.
Council tables emergency services contract
ELLSWORTH Citing “no progress” in negotiations with Northern Light Medical Transport prior to a scheduled Jan. 21 Emergency Medical Services Committee meeting, interim City Manager Glenn Moshier told the City Council on Jan. 11 that he was “hopeful we can bring it back to the next council meeting.”
The EMS Committee last met on Dec. 15, when Moshier recommended a three-year contract that met with reluctant approval from its members. The issue was tabled at the Dec. 21 council meeting because of a lengthy agenda.
The Northern Light-operated ambulance service surprised the city with a request for a service contract last year, as an existing agreement to house NLMT personnel in the Fire Department has provided Ellsworth with ambulance service at no cost since 2018. That agreement ends in August.