Ellsworth’s Main Street, arguably the nicest Main Street in Maine, has long enjoyed the distinction of owner-occupied businesses. From Ruth Foster’s and Beal’s to J&B Atlantic and John Edwards, if you ever wish to speak to the owner of one of our lively retail or service businesses, just go in and ask. You’ll find him or her out back organizing inventory. And you’ll still find Ken Schweikert at The Grasshopper Shop ... but not as the owner. Ken sold the business on Tuesday to a Lamoine woman. But don’t worry, Elizabeth McMillan plans to retain the name and the friendly staff. Heck, Ken will be there for the next few months to help with the transition. One way or the other, an owner will be there for you. Page 1.

We all know the old line about death and taxes. Here’s the good news: You’re not dead. But if you own property in Ellsworth, your taxes are going up. How’d that happen? Ask the school board. Page 1.

Big wheels, noisy trucks and racing in the mud aren’t the first images that come to mind when you think about Blue Hill. Yet. Page 1.

We also have a moving interview with the parents of Chris Angell of Brooklin, whose death last month might have been prevented if he had received the mental health intervention he needed. Read all about it.

And you won’t want to miss our three-page salute to Hancock County HomeCare & Hospice, which has been providing the county with compassionate care since 1931.

All this plus a ton of high school sports, a review of the Oscar Wilde play at The Grand, a blow-by-blow report on the marathon annual town meeting at Hancock, the Bucksport-based RSU 25 education budget, courts, cops, all manner of school kid achievement, a gorgeous Arts section, Hancock musician Chris Ross’s new CD and a report on Bucksport High School’s new sailing team.

All in The American ... The Ellsworth American ... serving the community since 1851, the year “Moby Dick” was published.