Nearly everyone in this small town knows someone who works at the sawmill. A deadly explosion there last week has emboldened the sense of community in an already tight-knit town.
Dylan Tusinski
Staff Writer
Dylan Tusinski is an investigative reporter with the Maine Trust for Local News' quick strike team, where his stories largely focus on money, drugs and government accountability. He has written about international drug trafficking rings, Maine's housing crisis, political polarization and much more. He previously worked for the Morning Sentinel in Waterville from 2023 to 2025. When he's not on the clock, Dylan can often be found at the nearest Grateful Dead cover band show or minor league hockey game.
Posted inCommunity, Maine, News
As investigation ramps up, memorial announced for firefighter killed in Searsmont explosion
Investigators provided few new details Tuesday about the incident that took the life of Andrew Cross, a volunteer at the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, and injured a dozen more.
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Posted inNews
Firefighter killed in Searsmont mill explosion remembered as ‘wicked happy guy’
Andrew Cross, 27, was a firefighter for Morrill, officials said Saturday.
Posted inCommunity, Maine, News
‘We take care of each other’: Midcoast community rallies for victims, first responders after mill explosion
Dozens of people from across the region donated and delivered food, water and thousands of dollars to support those battling the blaze at Robbins Lumber on Friday.
Posted inCommunity, Maine, News
1 firefighter dead, at least 10 people injured in fire and explosion at Searsmont mill
A large plume of black smoke was visible for miles as firefighters rushed to Robbins Lumber in Waldo County, where state Fire Marshal Shawn Esler said at an afternoon press conference “we have not even really begun a scene examination.”
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, News
16 years, 17 homes: Chelsea killings show flaws in Maine’s child welfare system
Family members raised concerns about the teen’s mental health for years. The state wouldn’t, or couldn’t, help.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Maine issues warning after mold in medical weed tests at 18 times recreational limit
State authorities issued an advisory for medical cannabis patients after unsafe amounts of mold and pesticides were found in 2 strains of flower cultivated and sold by a Piscataquis County grower.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Moldy cannabis is being treated with radiation in Maine. Growers don’t have to tell you.
As growers debate the safety of cleaning contaminated marijuana with radiation and ozone in the wake of recalls, the state isn’t enforcing a rule that treated product be labeled as such.
Posted inBusiness, Life & Culture, Maine, New England, News
Why a small mountain town became the cannabis capital of Maine
With about 1 grow or dispensary for every 200 residents, Bethel has a higher concentration of marijuana businesses than almost anywhere else in the state. The locals aren’t sure it will last.
Posted inCommunity, Maine, News
North Yarmouth man drowns while saving his children from rip current in Florida
Ryan Jennings, 46, died while holding his daughter above the water as a rip current pulled them away from the shore, according to his wife, who is pregnant with their fourth child.