Crime/Public Safety

Northfield Crash Injures Two

(Northfield)  A three-vehicle crash in Northfield Sunday resulted in two people being hospitalized and the road being closed for several hours.  Maine State Police say a 16 year old from Northfield was making a left turn on Northfield Road shortly before 9:30 a.m. when her car collided with a truck driven by 50 yo Perin Yates of East Machias.  Authorities say the teen’s car then spun around and crashed into a third vehicle driven by 43 yo Aaron Getchell of Whitneyville.  Yates and the teen were hospitalized, the teen in critical condition, although she is expected to survive.  Getchell was not injured.  The crash remains under investigation.

Update on Washington Junction Road Crash

(Ellsworth)   An update on that crash we reported on yesterday that closed a section of Washington Junction Road in Hancock Sunday morning for close to two hours.  Public Safety Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Downeast Digest it appears a Kia was making a left turn onto Washington Junction from Poplar Road about 9 a.m. when it hit a Jeep traveling toward Ellsworth.  The driver of the Kia, 35 yo Katrina Springer of Ellsworth, was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  Four passengers in her car were treated for minor injuries.  The driver of the Jeep, 43 yo Amy Richards of Ellsworth, was charged with Operating Under the Influence and Operating After Revocation.  Authorities continue to investigate that crash.

Local Politics

Maine Lawmakers Submit Emergency Bills in Response to Trump’s Agenda

(Augusta)  Maine lawmakers have reportedly submitted more than 250 emergency bills for the upcoming session.  The Portland Press Herald reports many of the bills are in response to President Trump’s aggressive second term agenda, including proposed cuts to healthcare and the Administration’s crackdown on immigration.  Also on the agenda, proposals to regulate artificial intelligence and provide property tax relief.  

Republican Lawmakers Target Environmental Legislation Designed to Protect Rare Whales

(Augusta)  Republican lawmakers in Congress are reportedly targeting one of the country’s most longstanding pieces of environmental legislation, finding the climate right to do so under the current Administration. The Portland Press Herald reports The Marine Mammal Protection Act was passed in 1972.  It’s credited with protecting seals, polar bears and other sea animals and saving rare whales from becoming extinct. …  It also places restrictions on commercial fishermen, shippers and other marine industries especially vital to Maine’s economy.  Changes proposed include lowering population goals for marine mammals and easing rules on what constitutes harm to marine mammals. A spokesperson for the Maine Lobstering Union said Maine supports the proposed changes but that more accurate data is needed, adding, “We don’t want to see marine mammals harmed; we need a healthy vibrant ocean and a plentiful marine habitat (in order) to continue Maine’s heritage fishery.”  

Education

Pemetic Elementary Appoints Interim Principal

(SW Harbor)  Carolyn Todd has been named interim principal of Pemetic Elementary School in SW Harbor.  The School Committee voted unanimously for Todd to serve as Principal for the remainder of the school year.  Todd previously served as the school’s Guidance Counselor.  She replaces Dr. Christine Gray, who resigned shortly after the school year began, citing personal reasons.

Health

Avoiding Harmful Effects of Microplastics

(Undated)  In today’s world, getting rid of plastic entirely seems almost impossible.  But researchers say there is one thing we can do to prevent exposure to microplastics, the tiny particles that have been linked to Alzheimer’s and dementia in mice and in some cases higher risk of stroke, heart disease, and death.  Researchers quoted in the Washington Post say a major step in reducing the release of harmful microplastics is to simply turn down the heat.  They say higher washing temperatures lead to more tiny plastics being released from synthetic clothing, and plastic jars and tubs can release huge amounts of nanoplastics when heated in the microwave.  Even older coffee makers with certain plastic components showed significant release of the particles when the plastic came into contact with hot coffee.  And while turning down the heat won’t stop their release entirely, it’s certainly a reason to “go cold”.  

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Surry

(Surry)  While it should be about time those pesky mosquitoes are gone, it still pays to be cautious.  The Maine CDC recently notified the town of Surry that a raven found there tested positive for the West Nile Virus. Chris Stark, a member of the Surry Select Board, told the Ellsworth American the CDC did not give information about where or how the bird was found in Surry.  The City of Brewer also reports two deceased crows found there were infected by the virus, but they stress it is not an outbreak or cluster.  Symptoms of West Nile include fever, head and body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash … with severe cases requiring hospitalization. Experts caution, cover exposed skin when outdoors, drain sources of standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs, repair torn screens on doors and windows, and avoid being out during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Human Interest

Woodlawn to Host Enchanted Forest Family Festival

(Ellsworth)  Look for fairies this Saturday at Woodlawn in Ellsworth!  It’s an Enchanted Forest Family Festival, featuring nature themed crafts, fairy house building, family friendly activities, and WingDings Food Truck.  The event runs from 10 to 1.  For more information, visit woodlawn ellsworth dot org.

New Miss USOA Maine is Rock Star Volunteer at Houlton Humane Society

(Houlton)  The new USOA Miss Maine 2026 is not only a beauty, she’s a beast – rather, a beast LOVER.  The Houlton Humane Society says Kelsey Sewell is a total rock star when it comes to caring for their animals.  From cleaning kennels to cuddling rescues, they say she gives her heart every single time she walks through their doors.  Now, Kelsey is taking her kindness and compassion to the big stage.  March 26 – 29th she’ll compete for the big one in Las Vegas.  In our book, and in the books of the staff and little ones at the Houlton Humane Society, she’s already a winner.

Maine Veterans Return from Washington, DC Trip

(Bangor)  While there aren’t words or actions enough to thank those who sacrifice in service to our country, Honor Flight Maine certainly paves the way.  The non-profit provides flights to Washington, DC for veterans to visit the capitol for which they fought and the memorials honoring their service.  This past Sunday, more than 70 Maine veterans returned home from such a trip to a hero’s welcome at Bangor International Airport.  Many were teary-eyed as the crowd broke into applause, calling the trip truly inspirational.  Since 2005, more than 300K veterans have made the trip free of charge thanks to Honor Flight.

Ghost Hunting Musicians Spend Night at “Haunted” Bar

(Portland)  With Halloween quickly approaching, a pair of ghost hunting musicians decided to spend a night recently at an Old Port Bar, The Thirsty Pig, in Portland … a bar, rumor has it, is haunted.  The sleepover turned out to be, well, “child’s play”.  The Portland Press Herald reports the owners of the bar had no shortage of tales to tell  – unexplained noises, balls rolling along the floor out of nowhere, and a man with a pencil mustache who appeared in the basement.  Undaunted, about 1 a.m. on a mid-September night, Chad Walls and Joe Sweeney set up mics and meters inside the darkened bar and waited.  At first quiet, they say a mic upstairs picked up what sounded like children’s voices, including one that let out a “meow” after Sweeney asked if anyone there had ever owned a pet cat. Then a meter lit up when asked if their presence was welcome.  Children’s giggles were heard in a room that held stuffed animals and board games, lending credence to the owner’s story about balls that randomly appear in the bar, including one that once followed her downstairs.  As they went to leave, Sweeney turned the deadbolt to open the door, which was strange, he said, because noone who had come upstairs with them had locked it.  

National News

Trump Travels to Egypt for Middle East Peace Talks

(Egypt)  President Trump was in Egypt yesterday trying to advance broader peace in the region.  The Associated Press reports at a global summit on Gaza’s future, the President urged leaders to put generations’ old rifts behind them for a peaceful future.  Despite the release of hostages, Gaza remains in shambles from the war, and the sides have not agreed on Gaza’s postwar governance, the territory’s reconstruction, and Israel’s demand that Hamas disarm.  Roughly 200 US troops will help support and monitor the ceasefire deal.  

(Middle East)  People gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square Monday as Israelis prepared to welcome home the last 20 living hostages from devastated Gaza and mourn those killed.  A breakthrough ceasefire involving President Donald Trump was reached in Egypt after two years of war that some said amounted to genocide, with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed, according to the Associated Press. Palestinians returning to what is left of their homes in Gaza City say the bare minimum to sustain a life is not available because of the scale of destruction.  Gaza’s postwar governance is still unclear, as is the territory’s reconstruction and Israel’s insistence that Hamas disarm.  

Historic Wave of Retirements Strains Government

(Washington, DC) On top of the Trump Administration’s latest layoffs, tens of thousands of federal employees have taken retirement or other voluntary departures, putting huge strains on the federal government.  According to the Washington Post, more than 150K federal employees who accepted buyout offers were largely removed from the payroll at the end of last month, and thousands of cases are still pending, creating a crisis for already understaffed human resources offices across the federal government.  The government shutdown that began October 1st, further complicates the situation. Sources say the government is spending about 16% more on federal employee retirements so far this year compared to last.  

Vet Tech Week

(Undated)  This week is National Vet Tech Week – you know, those amazing folks who trim your pet’s nails, express their anal glands, check their temperatures, give vaccines, assist in surgeries, clean, feed, and show compassion to frightened little ones on their visits to the vet.  Most have big jobs and even bigger hearts.  Be sure and thank your vet techs this week for their service.  

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