Crime/Public Safety

Fire Officials Rescue Cat in Accidental Fire at Bangor Apartment Building

(Bangor)  Workers soldering pipes at an apartment building on Ohio Street in Bangor yesterday afternoon apparently caused the building to catch fire.  The blaze reportedly spread through a pipe shaft to three apartments, but crews were able to quickly tamp down the flames before significant damage occurred.  The one “victim” in the incident was a cat who suffered from smoke inhalation, but who was treated with oxygen by caring first responders.

L&F Hosts Fraud Prevention Workshop

(Ellsworth)  Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth is hosting a free Fraud and Identity Theft Prevention Workshop on October 31st.  The workshop will be led by Key Bank’s Eric Mihan.  He’ll teach participants how to recognize and avoid the rampant and constantly changing problems of fraud and stolen identities.  The presentation is set for 11 a.m. on the 31st. Food pantry shoppers who attend will receive a $10 Hannaford gift card.

Next Step Domestic Violence March

(Machias)  Join members of Next Step Domestic Violence tonight in a march and vigil remembering those affected by domestic violence.  Support survivors and remember those lost at 5:30 p.m. beginning at the Performing Arts Center at the University of Maine Machias.

Economy

Planning Board Reviews Preliminary Plans for Hancock Judicial Center

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth Planning Board gave a thumbs-up verdict to plans for the new Hancock Judicial Center on October 1st.  Original plans were for the center to be built on the Surry Road, but backlash from nearby residents in particular prompted City leaders to look for an alternative.  That resulted in the City’s agreement with the Maine Judicial Branch to relocate the project on property behind Merrill Furniture.  A major concern in both locations has been traffic.  A traffic study is due back within the next month, meaning a final plan review will likely take place in December.

Maine Reduces Emergency Heating Aid

(Augusta)  The state of Maine has reduced emergency heating aid for households that run out of fuel.  The Portland Press Herald reports the state’s Energy Crisis Intervention Program is now capping benefits at $500 per household. That’s down from  $800 last year.  The cut is tied to the end of pandemic relief funding.  Heating oil prices remain relatively stable at $3.33 a gallon, close to last year’s cost.

Flight Delays

(Undated)  The Washington Post says the shutdown and staffing shortages are causing delays at major U.S. airports.  Nashville’s International Airport on Tuesday posted both departures and arrivals would be reduced, due to a shortage of air traffic controllers.  Staffing issues led to average delays of 41 minutes Tuesday at Chicago O’Hare, with the FAA reporting a second day of delays at Newark Liberty International.  The vast majority of air traffic controllers remain on the job, even though they are not being paid during the shutdown; but one source said it was not unusual for them to call in sick.  

Education

RSU 24 Board Votes to Adopt Resolution Supporting Two-Sex Recognition

(Sullivan)  The RSU 24 in Sullivan Board of Directors this week voted to adopt a resolution entitled “Ensuring Compliance with Title IX and Protections of Sex Based Privacy.”  The resolution is in support of President Trump’s Executive Order recognizing two sexes only.  The Ellsworth American reports the issue drew considerable public input, with 4,832 voting for the resolution, 2,497 weighing in against it.  The District will amend its policies to ensure all private spaces, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, are designated and accessed by defined sex, male or female.   All applicable athletic teams and extracurricular activities will be defined in the same way, with the changes reportedly in effect immediately.

Ellsworth High School Green Team

(Ellsworth)  Whether you have a green thumb or are maybe pretty green yourself when it comes to gardening, the Ellsworth High School Green Team would love for you to come grow with them!  Join Mrs. Berry and the crew to get your dose of Vitamin D while you dig in the dirt and help grow garlic, herbs, carrots, peppers – you name it! – right outside the high school.  No experience necessary, just bring your curiosity and maybe a pair of gloves.  Meet in Room 227 at the high school every Thursday at 2:30.  Questions?  Swing by the room or email j k berry at ellsworth schools dot org.

Environment

Drought Continues to Plague Farmers

(Maine)  Although much of the state saw rain Wednesday, the damage to farms, blueberry fields, and dairy operations from this summer’s drought meant too little, too late.  The Portland Press Herald reports Maine this year saw its sixth driest summer on record, with nearly three fewer inches of rain than the historical average of 11 inches. According to the National Weather Service, as of October 2nd, more than half the state was in severe or extreme drought.  At a recent meeting of the state’s Drought Task Force, officials said the long-term persistent dry conditions are now threatening next year’s harvests, as well.

Ellsworth Unveils Massive Solar Farm

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth Renewables this week unveiled a new 5.9 megawatt solar farm.  According to WABI, the 10,000 panel array should offset the power from nearly a thousand homes.  The project is located just north of Lower Patten Pond and will affect households in the Versant utility grid.  Ellsworth Renewables, owned by Nexamp, reports that because it’s a community solar project, customers have no up-front fees and no equipment to install.  The modern grid will sport something equally energy efficient to act as natural lawnmowers and weed control. Sheep have been brought in to graze and simplify land management.  

First Hard Frost Expected Friday

(Maine)  The first hard frost of the season is expected to hit much of Maine and New Hampshire by early Friday morning, signaling a shift to colder temperatures.  The County Herald reports the National Weather Service is warning widespread freeze or frost conditions could develop overnight Thursday into Friday morning, with low temps dipping into the mid 20’s to mid 30’s across inland regions.  Residents are advised to protect outdoor plants, gardens, and seasonal decorations as the cold snap moves in.  The first true frost of the season is likely across Oxford and York Counties in Maine, as well as southern New Hampshire.  The National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch for Bar Harbor, effective from 8 p.m. tonight until 8 a.m. Friday morning.

Human Interest

Aroostook County Woman Wins Mrs. Maine USA Ambassador Title

(Fort Fairfield)  An Aroostook County woman carries the title “Mrs. Maine USA Ambassador”.  WAGM reports Melissa Libby of Fort Fairfield will represent the state at the National competition in Orlando this July.  It’s the first time since 2017  a woman from the County has won the honor.  

Joan Bennett Kennedy Dies at Age 89

(Undated)  Joan Bennett Kennedy has passed away.  The former wife of Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy, she was an accomplished pianist who played to standing ovations and even published a book on Classical Music, edited by her famous sister-in-law, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  While she publicly had her struggles, in her later years, the New York Times reports she devoted herself to raising money for nonprofits and charities in Boston.  Kennedy was 89.

Little Free Library in Blue Hill

(Blue Hill)  If you happen to be walking man’s-best-friend through Blue Hill these days, be sure to stop at the little free library on the porch at Saplings Toy and Gift.  There, you’ll find interesting reading for you to borrow .. and a jar full of tasty treats for your four-legged friends.  This week’s flavor is Blue Buffalo Bits Chicken Recipe.  Stop by regularly to enjoy the change in menu and the store’s delightful offerings for kids of all ages – including those who may consider themselves adults.

National News

Joan Bennett Kennedy Dies at Age 89

(Undated)  Joan Bennett Kennedy has passed away.  The former wife of Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy, she was an accomplished pianist who played to standing ovations and even published a book on Classical Music, edited by her famous sister-in-law, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  While she publicly had her struggles, in her later years, the New York Times reports she devoted herself to raising money for nonprofits and charities in Boston.  Kennedy was 89.

Comey to Seek Dismissal of Case Against Him

(Washington, DC)  Former FBI Director James Comey on Wednesday pleaded not guilty during an arraignment hearing in federal court.  The New York Times reports Comey is reviled by President Trump, who targeted him as part of a retribution campaign.  Comey faces one count of making a false statement and one count of obstruction of a congressional proceeding, with many prosecutors saying the case will be difficult to prove. Comey and his legal team are  seeking to have the case dismissed as Vindictive Prosecution before a trial date set for January 5th.

Humans of New York Banners Transform Grand Central Station

(New York)  Tens of thousands of people follow Brandon Stanton and his Humans of New York.  Stanton began the photoblog and book of street portraits and interviews in November 2010, and has since developed a huge following.  His first book spent 31 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller List.  Now through October 19th, an art project, “Dear New York” is reimagining New York City’s most recognizable landmark, Grand Central Station, and the subway below.  For the first time in history, Grand Central has been cleared of advertisements, replaced with huge banners featuring faces that reflect New York as a city where the world comes together in one place.  Stanton told ARTNews last week, “…there’s something almost sacred about that – it’s like a microcosm, a proof of concept that humanity can get along, even when shoved into the smallest places.”
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