Crime/Public Safety

Moose Hit Twice While Crossing NH Roadway

(Candia, NH)  A moose this week chose the wrong time to try to cross a New Hampshire highway.  NewsCenter Maine reports a passenger in a Mazda 3 was seriously injured shortly after 8 Wednesday evening when the car in which the person was riding hit a moose on Route 101.  The moose then crossed the median, where it was struck by a Kia Sportage.  The injured person was taken to a hospital. Both vehicles were towed due to extensive damage.  Because of its injuries, the moose was euthanized at the scene.  Safety officials remind drivers that wildlife activity increases during the fall and encourage motorists to use high beams when possible, adjust speed, and stay alert.

Amazon Denies Involvement with Misplaced Ballots

(Ellsworth)  Amazon says it had nothing to do with blank ballots that were likely intended for Ellsworth but that showed up in an Amazon box at a home in Newburgh.  The box showed clear evidence of tampering, appearing to have been opened and resealed. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said that while the Newburgh woman’s Republican legislator and a conservative blogger were notified of the incident on September 30th, the Secretary of State’s office was not notified about the incident until the blogger reported it on October 1st.  The Bangor Daily News reports that based on Amazon’s findings, the company believes the package was tampered with outside its fulfillment and delivery network, and not by an Amazon employee or partner.  Law enforcement officials, including the FBI, are investigating the incident.

Local Politics

Heart of Ellsworth Shares Flow Chart on How Local Government Works

(Ellsworth)  If someone asked you to explain how municipal government in Maine works, who pays for it, and where the money goes, could you give a well-informed answer?  Most of us would probably struggle. Heart of Ellsworth has posted a summary of sorts – a one-page illustrated guide to how local government keeps Ellsworth running.  It’s a great resource as the non-profit gears up for Meet the Candidates 2025 on October 14th at the Grand.  That event will feature the seven candidates running for three open seats on the Ellsworth City Council.  Thanks, Heart of Ellsworth – we’re passing the summary along on our FB page, as well!  

Federal Shutdown Continues, Even as Maine Senators Vote to End It

(Washington, DC)  Republican Senator Susan Collins and Independent Senator Angus King of Maine voted Wednesday in favor of Republicans’ temporary funding bill that would have ended the government shutdown.  Even so, the Senate vote – the sixth since the shutdown began – failed.  King told the Portland Press Herald he’s supporting the stopgap funding bill because a shutdown “only accelerates the country’s slide to authoritarianism.”

Tide May Be Turning in Washington County

(Machias)  The tide may be turning in Washington County – and that’s a very good thing for residents who fear for critical services offered there – a sheriff’s department and law enforcement, a jail that secures a surprising number of suspects, and a 9-1-1 call center, to name a few.  Washington County Manager Renee Gray and three new commissioners walked into a mess they didn’t create and have exhausted every avenue to help the county out of a deep financial hole.  To do that, they’re asking for a 40% tax increase, but that’s NOT an across the board hike, as many mistakenly think. The increase is just on folks’ county taxes which amounts to, for most, a cup of coffee or two a month – a small price to pay, some say, to SAVE those vital services, the jobs of dozens of county employees, and ultimately the Washington County economy. That clarification alone has several on FB walking back their anger and resistance and now saying they can support the bond on November 4th.  

(Machias)  When folks in Washington County heard it would take a 40% tax increase to get them out of a devastating financial bind, many naturally expressed anger and resistance.  The situation was reportedly caused by a series of missteps and misses by former county finance, the budget committee and others – a situation the new County Manager and three new commissioners walked into and were blindsided by.  Manager Renee Gray went to work to investigate, break it down, and clarify – and people are now listening.  The bottom line – the necessary tax increase is on COUNTY taxes only; a small percentage of residents’ overall taxes that amounts to a cup of coffee or two a month for most.  Some who were at first adamantly resistant seem to have understood that clarification and are now reversing course and saying it’s a small price to pay to save vital services such as county law enforcement, the jail, and Washington County’s critical 9-1-1 service.  A vote on November 4th will ultimately determine the outcome.

Economy

Salsa Shack Moving to Permanent Location

(Ellsworth)  Better get down to the Salsa Shack at Harbor Park in Ellsworth today if you want to catch them there one last time.  The Ellsworth American reports the popular food trailer is packing up and moving to a brick-and-mortar location in Bucksport in November, so this is their last week in Ellsworth.  Owner Cory LaForge said he’s been eyeing the 84 Main Street location in Bucksport for some time and felt he needed to jump on it when it became available.  The new Salsa Shack location will reportedly feature familiar items from the food trailer, along with new items such as burritos and quesadillas and will have seating for up to 40.  LaForge thanked teachers, police, firefighters and others in Ellsworth for showing up on lunch breaks and helping him be able to take what he calls the next logical step in his business.

Dysart’s Looks to Open New Facility in January

(Ellsworth)  Driving down High Street toward China Hill, you can’t help but notice the progress of the new Dysart’s complex.  A former structure that housed Branch Pond Marine was demolished this past summer. The  Ellsworth American reports a convenience store and gas station will be located where it stood, with eight gas pumps, two diesel pumps, and a car vacuum and propane fueling stations.  Owner Tim Dysart said he expects the convenience store to open sometime around New Year’s, with a new state-of-the-art car wash opening in May.  Added safety features for traffic flow and pedestrians will reportedly include changes to access from Short Street and crosswalks within the development.   

Seven Honored at 2025 IFOB Awards

(Maine)  Seven Maine businesses have been honored by the Institute of Family-Owned Businesses.  MaineBiz reports the 25th Annual Awards Ceremony was held in Portland last Wednesday and included honors for a couple of Washington County family-owned businesses – Raye’s Mustard, based in Eastport, and Calais IGA, along with the Orono IGA.  IFOB is a non-profit serving member businesses across the state through consulting, seminars, peer groups and networking.  

Education

Thomas College Faculty Members Vote to Unionize

(Waterville)  Union leaders at Thomas College in Waterville, are doubling down on demands regarding workplace policies and pressing for communication with the administration.  MaineBiz reports faculty members recently voted to unionize, but say that’s just a first step.  Eighty percent of the 42 faculty members eligible to vote opted to unionize with the Maine Education Association.  Members cited grievances with the new President, Jeannine Diddle Uzzi, who received a unanimous “no confidence” vote in July, as well as with a reduction in online course offerings, allegedly without faculty consultation, and an insistence the college be the primary employer of faculty and staff – more than 30% of whom also work outside the classroom in consultancies and other capacities.  A spokesperson told MaineBiz in an email on Monday the school’s provost is in regular contact with faculty leadership.

National News

Israel, Palestine Sign Cease Fire Agreement

(Cairo)  Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas yesterday signed an historic cease fire agreement in Cairo.  The conditions include the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.  Reuters reports it’s the biggest step yet toward ending two years of war that has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and historic suffering in Gaza that many have likened to genocide.  Hurdles remain, but sources say the announcement to the end of fighting was greeted with jubilation.

Shift in FBI Agents to Immigration Alarms Insiders

(Washington)  More than a quarter of the country’s FBI Agents are now assigned to immigration enforcement, according to internal data.  The Washington Post reports the large number of reassignments – some 3K agents – reflects a vast reshaping of the agency that since 9/11 has focused on national security.  Experts say the restructuring could now put other priorities at risk.  Agents have reportedly been pulled from duties related to cybercrimes, drug trafficking, terrorism, counterintelligence and more, according to statistics reported in the Post.  A former FBI senior executive and special agent said, “We are weakening ourselves day by day” and called it “a misuse of exquisite ability.”

Human Interest

Howl-O-Run to Benefit SPCA of Hancock County

(Trenton)  Whether you’re a ghost in Nike’s, a Princess in Hoka’s, or the Devil in Asics, it’s time to put on those running shoes and costumes for the Seventh Annual Jim Nobil Howl-O-Run 5K Walk and Run to benefit the SPCA of Hancock County!  The event is coming up October 26th at Marlboro Beach in Lamoine.  The scenic route with views of Frenchman Bay and the mountains of Acadia National Park will be lined with Jack-O-Lanterns. Bring your well-behaved, fully vaccinated canine if you like – you can even dress THEM up.  Cost is $25 per person, $15 for children in advance, $30 the day of the race.  Register online and learn more at spca hancock county dot org in advance and get a free t-shirt while they last!  

Area Businesses Land Spots as “Best Places to Work”

(Downeast Maine)  If you’re looking for a great place to work here in Downeast Maine, it appears you don’t have to look far.  Best Places to Work in Maine recently released its 2025 rankings. In the Medium Employer Category – businesses with 50-249 employees – Witham Family Hotels placed second and Wings for Children and Families third out of 71 places ranked.  In the Large Employer Category – 250 or more employees – Machias Savings Bank ranked second, with First National Bank third.  Also in the top ten in that category – out of 30 that were ranked – Darling’s, Bangor Savings Bank, and Hammond Lumber.  Congratulations, everyone!  You can access the full list of winners at best companies group dot com.  

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