Crime/Public Safety

Washington County Town Gets New Fire Tanker

(Columbia)  Christmas came early for those who battle fires at the Epping Volunteer Fire District, which serves the Washington County towns of Columbia and Columbia Falls.  They recently took delivery of a custom 3000 gallon Tanker-Pumper.  Speaking of our wonderful first responders, Ellsworth Professional Firefighters Local 3402 is seeking donations for the Bobby Dorr Memorial Scholarship.  Dorr was Vice President and known as a passionate advocate for teaching and training others before he passed away of cancer in May 2021.  Donations can be dropped off at the Ellsworth Fire Department or mailed to them at One City Hall Plaza in Ellsworth.

Local Politics

Heart of Ellsworth Sponsors “Meet the Candidates” Night

(Ellsworth)  With seven candidates vying for just three open seats on the Ellsworth City Council, it’s important to know where those running for office stand on the issues facing the city.  Heart of Ellsworth will host a “Meet the Candidates” Night, Tuesday, October 14th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Grand.  To watch “Meet the Candidates” live or at a later time, head to the Heart of Ellsworth YouTube channel..  

City of Ellsworth Finds Discrepancy in Number of Ballots Received

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth Elections Team recently received two boxes of absentee ballots from the State of Maine.  One box reportedly contained a fewer number of ballots than was allocated for the delivery.  The City immediately notified the Maine Secretary of State’s Office, requesting further guidance.  The State subsequently initiated an official investigation, with which the City has been fully cooperating.  Further details were unavailable, as the investigation is ongoing.  The City of Ellsworth says it is committed to maintaining election integrity and looks forward to the results of the investigation.  

Early Voting Begins

(Augusta)  Yesterday signaled the start of early voting in Maine.  Secretary of State Shenna Bellows held a press conference to discuss the absentee ballot process, including what safeguards are in place to ensure accountability.  A story first reported by the Maine Wire alleges a private citizen in Newburgh recently received 250 blank ballots inside an Amazon package that appeared to have been tampered with.  The Secretary of State’s office has been working to independently verify those claims.  Republicans have requested intervention by federal investigators.  NewsCenter Maine reports Maine has historically been known for secure elections. Since 1982, there have been only two convictions of fraud out of the millions of votes cast.

Economy

Town of Sullivan Opens New Marine Access Point for Clammers

(Sullivan)  Clammers, wormers, and other harvesters have a new access point off Route One in Sullivan.  Selectman Greg Ring tells Downeast Digest, Frenchman Bay Conservancy purchased land just south of 185 once owned by the late Larry Sinclair and his wife, Dawn, and donated it to the Town of Sullivan.  A new sign guides clammers and others down a short trail where they can access the flats during low tide.  

Clynk Purchased by Norway-Based Company

(South Portland)  CLYNK, the South Portland-based bottle redemption company, has been acquired by TOMRA, a global recycler headquartered in Norway.  MaineBiz reports CLYNK was founded in 2006 and has more than 500K customer accounts in Maine and New York, with additional clients in three other states.  A TOMRA spokesperson says combining CLYNK’s bag drop technology with TOMRA’s infrastructure is expected to create significant synergies and drive additional growth.  

Education

Banned Books Week

(Undated)  October 5th through the 11th is Banned Books Week, an event designed to celebrate the freedom to read and highlight efforts to censor books in libraries, schools, and bookstores.  Organized by the American Library Association, the campaign draws national attention to the harms of censorship and encourages readers to defend the freedom to seek out and express ideas.  Previously banned or challenged books include E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, and To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. 

Maine Schools Unsuitable for 21st Century Learning

(Maine)  More than half of Maine’s schools were built over 50 years ago – with 72 still in use built before 1950.  The Portland Press Herald reports many are in some state of disrepair or have design issues that make them unsuitable for 21st century learning.  One such school, Hancock Grammar School, has infrastructure so old mechanics say sometimes parts needed for repairs aren’t even made anymore. There are days the school’s well runs dry, and students can’t use faucets or flush toilets.  The school is No. 8 on the state’s priority list.  School Superintendent Ellen Halliday said the answer is “a big pot of money that nobody has for a school system like this.”   Last Fall, Governor Janet Mills created a Commission on School Construction to assess the problem and determine solutions.  A preliminary report reveals an overwhelming majority – 500 of 600 schools – will need replacement in the next 20 years, at a conservative cost estimate at $11B. 

EPL Offers Costume Check Outs for Halloween

(Ellsworth)  Priced out of buying new Halloween costumes for the kids?  Don’t have the time or creativity to make them?  Head to the Ellsworth Public Library, where they not only check out books, media, and museum passes, but – this year – Halloween costumes as well.  The library’s costume closet has dress ups for babies to size 10/12.  Many people donated their gently used outfits, and Downeast Graphics and Printing finished filling the Costume Closet with some brand new ones.  So the library now has more than 50 costumes from which you can choose, with ghosts, princesses, cowboys and cowgirls, first responders, clowns and others just needing to return those clothes by November 14th.

Kobe Ninja House in Bangor Reopens

(Bangor)  Kobe Ninja House Japanese Grill in Bangor has reopened, following what some called a raid by federal agents this summer.  The restaurant posted on FB they’ve undergone a deep cleaning, with new tile, painting, and signs up and running.  The business’s doors were shuttered at the end of June when federal immigration agents arrested three employees and were seen removing boxes from the building.  The restaurant re-opened with a soft launch on Friday with hibachi only.  Dining room service and takeout were expected to resume this week.  

Infrastructure

City of Ellsworth Seeks Input on Parks and Recreation Need

(Ellsworth)  Parks, recreation services, trails and open spaces – if you’re a resident or someone who uses these amenities in Ellsworth, the city would like your input in order to plan for future improvements. Now’s your chance to put in your two cents’ worth – access the survey at ellsworth maine dot gov.

Human Interest

Francine the Cat Found Safe

(NC)  And now for the feel-good story of the month.  Francine the cat is safely back home.  Lowe’s Corporate Headquarters tells Downeast Digest it all began when Francine, a stray who began living at the Lowe’s in Richmond, Virginia eight years ago, hopped a truck headed to a distribution center in Garysburg, North Carolina – some 85 miles south.  When the truck reached its destination, Francine was seen hopping out, but then disappeared for about two weeks.  Thermal imaging drones were brought in, the community and rescues PITCHED in, and a team arrived with her favorite foods. Finally, on Saturday night, a cat was seen on a security camera, and those in the know confirmed it was, indeed, Francine.  Humane traps were set and monitored, and the famous feline was finally secured.  Lowe’s says Francine will soon be back to her routine at the Virginia store she calls home, exploring the aisles and no doubt soaking up more affection than ever from her adoring fans.   

A quick side note:  WTVR reports the Richmond SPCA has waived adoption fees Monday and today for all cats and kittens to celebrate Francine’s return.  An approved application process still applies.  

Damariscotta Pumpkinfest Weighs in with Big Winner

(Damariscotta)  Elroy Morgan brought something big to this year’s Damariscotta Pumpkinfest.  We’re not sure how he managed to get his giant pumpkin – weighing in at a whopping 1,624.5 pounds – to the event, nor what kind of scale was used to weigh it, but that’s a heck of a lot of pumpkin pie to be made.  Congratulations Elroy – bring on the whipped cream.

Abbe Features Free Programming on Indigenous People’s Day

(Bar Harbor)  The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor will feature free programming on Indigenous People’s Day, this coming Monday, October 13th.  Experience performances by the Inter-Tribal drum group Rez Dogs, a printmaking workshop, a special tour of the museum, and a discussion of the sacred medicine sweetgrass – its cultural significance and traditional uses.  Then use the revered resource to create a print you can take home.  Admission for the day will be “pay what you can”, which, along with the performances, is sponsored by Friends of Acadia.  For a schedule of times and offerings, visit abbe museum dot org.

Ellsworth Christmas Parade Set

(Ellsworth)  OK, we know it’s not yet Halloween, but when you’re planning an event as big as the Ellsworth Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, you have to start early!  Organizer Kim Fitch tells Downeast Digest, the 45th Annual Downtown Ellsworth Christmas Parade of Lights is set for Saturday, December 6th, kicking off at 4 p.m.  This year’s theme is “Christmas in Whoville”.  Once again, this year’s parade will be light-themed, so get creative and deck out your floats and vehicles with Christmas lights and Grinch deterrents.  Churches, civic groups, businesses and schools are encouraged to join the Whobilation by emailing ellsworth christmas parade at gmail dot com.  

National News

Vote Paves Way for Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

(Japan)  Sanae Takaichi (SAH-nah-ay TAH-kah-ee-chee), a hardline conservative lawmaker, has won a critical leadership vote in Japan.  The New York Times reports the vote puts her on track to become the country’s first female prime minister in a country vastly underrepresented by women in politics.  Pundits say her victory could signal a rightward shift in Japan as the country faces stagnant wages, rising prices, and an influx of foreign workers and tourists.  

U.S. Supreme Court Back in Session Monday

(Washington, DC)  The U.S. Supreme Court is back in session this week. The court will hear arguments involving some of President Trump’s most controversial executive orders, including whether or not his tariffs are constitutional, if the Court should limit the President’s power to fire members of the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Reserve, and whether or not at least one state’s – Louisiana’s – congressional map is drawn to prevent minorities from being represented.  Meanwhile, overnight Sunday, a federal district judge blocked the President from sending any National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, a move Trump said was necessary to protect yet another blue-state city he has called a “war zone”.  

Illinois, Chicago Sue Trump Administration Over Planned Guard Deployment

(CNN)  The State of Illinois and Chicago on Monday sued the Trump Administration over its attempt to deploy National Guard troops to the Windy City.  The White House has targeted Democratic-led cities amid weeks of protests against the federal government’s immigration enforcement campaign.  The lawsuit calls the deployment “patently unlawful”, according to CNN, with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker likening it to an “invasion”. 

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