Crime/Public Safety

Human Remains Found in Clinton

(Clinton)  Maine State and Clinton Police Tuesday reporting the discovery of human remains in a field off Route 100, also known as Main Street.  The remains were found about 11:30 a.m. during a missing person investigation and have been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for identification and to determine a manner and cause of death.  No other information was given, pending the outcome of the investigation.  

Local Politics

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.  Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said at a press conference Monday the ballots sent to a Penobscot County woman last week were seemingly ones intended for Ellsworth. 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.  

Collins Criticizes Democrats for Shutdown

(Washington, DC)  Republican Senator Susan Collins is reportedly continuing to blame the ongoing government shutdown on Senate Democrats.  The Portland Press Herald reports Collins this week expressed concern about President Trump’s threats of mass layoffs, but that she insists Democrats are the holdout.  Congressional Democrats say “no deal” unless Republicans roll back recent Medicaid cuts and extend expiring healthcare tax credits.  They say without that concession, healthcare costs will double for consumers next year.

Economy

Loaves and Fishes Joins Forces with Everybody Eats!

(Ellsworth)  It’s the perfect pairing – Everybody Eats! and Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth have combined their Ellsworth operations.  The collaboration comes at a time of increasing pressure on nutrition support programs, as well as a growing community need for prepared meals.  Both organizations are volunteer-driven, with many community members donating their time and resources.  Everybody Eats! will continue to offer its once a week hot meal for pickup or dine in at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Ellsworth.

MCCF Auction This Weekend

(Augusta)  The Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries’ mission is to keep fisheries sustainable and coastal communities strong.  Beginning Friday, you can help support that mission by bidding on their Annual Online Auction.  This year’s treasures range from original artwork to Maine gift baskets overflowing with local flavor, fresh seafood straight from the coast, a paddle board, and more.  Bidding opens at 8 a.m. October 10th and runs through 8 p.m. on the 24th at new dot bidding owl dot com.  Go overboard for a great cause, shop and support local, and help keep working waterfronts working for Maine..  

New Three County Agency Says Plans are Ahead of Schedule

(Maine)  Efforts to establish a unified Community Action Agency serving Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook Counties are moving forward ahead of schedule.  The new agency is expected to launch with a new name and brand in 2026, and marks a significant step toward enhanced service delivery, regional coordination, and long-term sustainability.  Organizers say all remaining Downeast Community Partners contracts for essential services have either been transitioned to Aroostook County Action Program or are actively in process – including major programs such as Head Start, Energy and Housing Services, Elder Services, and Friendship Cottage. They say it’s not a merger, as efforts are underway to wind down DCP, but a “future-focused” transformation that will result in a new agency designed to meet the needs of the three-county region. 

New Holden Playground Honors Late Police Chief’s Legacy 

(Holden)  There’s a new playground in Holden that’s about much more than swings, slides, and sandboxes.  NewsCenter Maine reports it’s honoring a legacy of kindness.  Community members this week gathered at Holbrook School to dedicate the Chris Greeley Champions of Kindness Playground.  The space was inspired by the late Holden Police Chief, known for his “25 Days of Kindness Initiative”, actions Greeley lived and practiced every day.  The project was proposed by local parent and project organizer Heather Lander after she noticed children playing on an empty field during a recreation soccer game.  Lander said the dedication to Greeley was a natural fit.

Environment

Maine Enacts Emergency Fishing Regulations

(Washington County)  Emergency fishing regulations are now in effect at a remote Washington County Lake.  Maine Emergency Management tells Downeast Digest the state enacted the regulations in response to the illegal introduction of largemouth bass into West Musquash Lake, one of the state’s most treasured native fisheries.  The rule eliminates all bag and size limits for bass in Washington County.  Unlike many lakes in the region, Musquash is not stocked, making it a vital natural habitat for several rare species. A local Maine fishing guide in July reported his son had caught a largemouth bass in the lake – a species that was not supposed to be there and that could lead to the elimination of that native fishery, according Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife spokesperson Mark Latti.  Latti said evidence points squarely to human involvement in introducing bass to the lake, a crime that could result in a $10K fine and a ten-year fishing license suspension.

Health

Age-Friendly Sullivan Vaccine Clinic

(Sullivan)  Got your flu shot yet this year?  Age-Friendly Sullivan is partnering with Northern Light Home Care to offer a flu vaccine clinic on October 15th, from 9 to 11 at the Town Office.  Appointments are highly recommended – contact Misty Gleason at 422-4699.  Insurance is accepted with proof; otherwise, out of pocket payment is available.  Both the standard and high-dose flu vaccines – recommended for age 65 and over – will be offered.  

Human Interest

Prospect Harbor Lighthouse Replica Restored

(Gouldsboro)  The light is shining once again at the replica of the Prospect Harbor Lighthouse in Gouldsboro.  WABI reports the Navy commissioned the replica of the lighthouse, which dates back to the mid-1800’s, decades ago as part of a parade float, and then gifted it to the town.  Years of sitting in the elements weathered the original replica, so Gouldsboro resident Rick Henion offered some fix up. He soon realized he’d need to begin from scratch, got the Navy’s permission, and carefully documented every detail, down to the carpets and clapboards.  It took close to 1100 hours and nearly four years to complete, but the final product has now been delivered to Town Hall where it will be winterized for the season.  

Dexter in High School in Running for Million Dollar Athletic Upgrades

(Dexter)  Dexter Regional High School is in the running to win a million dollar makeover that includes field upgrades, an updated weight-room facility, and a visit from Gronk and Patrick Mahomes!  Dexter is the only Maine school selected to participate in the Friday Night 50 Lights competition – and they’re currently in third place nationally.  They need our help to win, and it’s super easy.  Just go to vote dexter dot com, enter your email, and click vote.  No other information needed – no hoops to jump through.  You can vote once a day now through October 24th.  Help continue to put Maine on the map by scoring a win for Dexter!

National News

Supreme Court Rejects Appeal from Ghislaine Maxwell

(Washington, DC)  The U.S. Supreme Court this week declined to hear an appeal of the criminal conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime associate of accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial. The Washington Post  reports Maxwell is currently serving a 20 year prison sentence after being convicted in 2021 on federal charges related to facilitating Epstein’s crimes.  The court’s action means Maxwell’s only chance of an early release from prison is likely to be clemency from President  Trump, with whom she once socialized in Florida and New York party scenes.

Paramount Buys The Free Press

(NYT)  CBS owner Paramount has announced it is buying The Free Press, an upstart digital news site founded just four years ago.  The New York Times reports the move is expected to shake up the broadcast news landscape.  The acquisition puts one of the country’s most traditional news institutions – the former home of Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite – under the editorial guidance of Bari Weiss, a journalist who rose to fame in part by critiquing old-line media institutions she deemed timid and untrustworthy.  Weiss has never run a TV network.  The role gives her influence over hundreds of producers, anchors and reporters around the world.  She’s also a steadfast champion of Israel whose site frequently lambasts the perceived excesses of the so-called “woke” left.

White House Signals It May Deny Back Pay to Furloughed Workers

(Washington, DC)  President Trump on Tuesday signaled hundreds of thousands of furloughed federal workers may not automatically receive back pay once the government reopens.  That renewed fears the administration may try to circumvent federal law and maximize the pain of the shutdown, according to the New York Times.  Union leaders and Democratic lawmakers say the move contradicts a law adopted under President Trump’s first term.

Sale of Bob Ross Paintings to Support PBS and NPR Stations

(ABC News)  At least thirty paintings created by Bob Ross will soon be up for auction. ABC News reports proceeds from the sales will help defray the costs of programming for small and rural public television stations suffering under federal funding cuts.  Congress has eliminated $1.1B allocated to public broadcasting, leaving about 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations to find alternative funding sources.  

Toyota Recall

(AP)  Toyota is recalling nearly 400K vehicles because the rearview camera may not display when backing up, due to a software issue. The Associated Press reports the issue increases the risk of crashes, according to federal traffic safety regulators.  The recall includes 2022-25 Toyota Tundras and Tundra hybrids and 2023-25 Sequoia hybrids.  Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed mid November.