Crime/Public Safety

Hancock Man Charged With Stalking

(Hancock)  A Hancock man has been charged with stalking and multiple counts of violation of privacy after he allegedly set up a camera in a bathroom at Jackson Laboratory last May.  The Ellsworth American reports 31 yo Brandon Lyons, who was employed at the lab at the time, set up the camera in a shoe facing a toilet.  Lyons was reportedly recorded on camera setting up the device.  Police say in the 1.5 hours the hidden camera was installed, three women and a man were unknowingly recorded using the bathroom. Investigators obtained search warrants for Lyons’ home and seized several electronic devices. They also reportedly found drugs and multiple unsecured firearms in the home where his two young daughters also live. He was taken into custody on October 3rd and released on bail conditions October 6th.  Lyons is due back in court December 12th.  

Local Politics

National Forecasters Call Senate Race a Toss Up

(Maine)  National forecasters are now calling the race for Susan Collins’s Senate seat a toss-up.  This after Maine Governor Janet Mills this week officially declared her candidacy.  Another Democrat, Maine Beer Company’s Dan Kleban, dropped out of the primary this week, endorsing Governor Mills instead.  The Portland Press Herald reports a spokesperson for Senator Collins’s campaign said the five-term Republican would be ready to take on whoever emerges as the Democratic candidate.  Democratic competitors Graham Platner and Jordan Wood, both of whom have raised millions, welcomed Mills to the race, expected to be one of the most closely watched in the country.

Local Airport Joins Those Refusing to Show Noem Video

(Portland)  Add Portland International Jetport to the list of those who say they won’t air a video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristy Noem.  In the video, Noem blames Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown and resulting delays at airports.  Airport officials told WMTW the video was political in nature and did not address any operational guidance for customers, so the Jetport declined the request to voluntarily display it on the airport’s monitors.  Major airports throughout the country, including those in New York City, Chicago, and Atlanta, have refused to air the video as well, citing its political nature, which goes against policy.  We reached out to Bangor International Airport, but have not yet received a response.

Ellsworth City Council to Consider Changes to Assessing Department

(Ellsworth)  Changes could be coming to the Ellsworth Assessing Department.  On the agenda for Monday night’s City Council meeting is the possible appointment of a new city assessor and dissolution of the department.  Earlier this month, the City released a request for proposals to have the work performed by an outside company.  If a suitable contractor is found, the company would work for the city as an independent agent to assess city properties for tax purposes, and the contractor would be appointed as city assessor.  City Manager Charlie Pearce said all options are on the table and the outcome will depend largely on the RFPs.

No Kings Day Leads to Run on Inflatable Costumes

(Undated)  If you’re hoping to buy an inflatable costume for Halloween this year, you may be out  of luck.  Not because of the holiday, however.  Huge protests are planned in cities across the country and around the world this Saturday, which has been designated “No Kings” Day … a reflection of growing concern across the globe about increasingly heavy-handed governments that fly in the face of Democracy.  When President Trump sent National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon recently – a city he claimed was a “war zone” – the agents were met by frogs, raccoons, dinosaurs, and peacocks.  Actually, protestors wearing those inflatable costumes and demonstrating peacefully.  The costumes not only helped diffuse a tense situation, they provided protection from gas and other toxins that have been deployed against the protestors.  The costume strategy seems to be working.  NBC News reports the inflatable-wearing demonstrators have attracted attention from international media outlets in France, Australia, England, and elsewhere.

Cost of Policing Mass Gatherings Discussed

(Ellsworth)  Policing such mass gatherings here in Ellsworth was a topic of discussion at an October 6th Ellsworth City Council workshop.  Police Chief Troy Bires requested clarification on the Police Department’s billing practices for such gatherings, saying he wanted to make them “fair across the board.”  Bires said the department has spent more than $17K on outside details, and have billed just under $6K.  He asked whether they would bill the city or the private citizens who sponsor such events.  The Ellsworth American reports any entity other than the city that wants to hold such a gathering, must go through a permit process and hire officers – exceptions are the Christmas and Memorial Day parades, which are budgeted in advance.  City Manager Charlie Pearce said they would need to discuss the requirements with the City’s legal team so as not to obstruct the right to free speech, but acknowledged a need to budget accordingly.  

Regulations for Political Signs

(Ellsworth)  You might say they’re signs of the times – those political signs that spring up everywhere this time of year.  The City of Ellsworth says there are rules regarding such signs.  They are allowed to be erected up to six weeks before an election and must be removed within a week afterwards.  No permit is required, and such signs can be placed within public rights-of-way.  Signs can have a maximum size of 32 square feet. 

Economy

Maine Drivers Have Lowest Premium Rates in US

(Maine)  Maine drivers have the lowest average premium rates in the United States.  That’s according to a report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.  MaineBiz writes the report compiled data from 2023 showing Maine drivers paid an average total annual premium of $926.  That compares to the national average of $1,438 – 55% higher than Maine.  In addition to comparatively lower premiums, Maine has the lowest percentage of uninsured drivers at 5.7%, compared to most states that average more than 10%.

Environment

Christmas Trees a Bright Spot After Dry Summer

(Maine)  While the state’s blueberry, hay, and other crops were hit hard by this year’s drought in Maine – the sixth driest summer on record – the lack of rain won’t dampen the Christmas spirit.  The Portland Press Herald reports when it comes to trees folks will buy this holiday season, the news is good.  The dry conditions required more irrigation of trees planted over the past two springs, but the older trees are healthy and ready to shine with ornaments, tinsel, and lights.  The state’s Christmas tree industry creates an estimated $18M in direct economic impact each year and supports nearly 800 jobs across the state, according to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.  A nationwide survey revealed 32% of growers expect to sell more trees this holiday season than last.

Human Interest

Stella Makes Cover of New Yorker

(Undated)  It’s not unusual for Maine to be featured in some pretty impressive national publications – National Geographic, The Washington Post, and Newsweek, to name a few.  Now, one of our own is featured on the cover of The New Yorker.  You’ve no doubt seen the videos of Stella the Golden Retriever who LOVES to run and jump into the huge pile of leaves raked up by her owner in their Freeport yard each year.  Cartoonist Harry Bliss, a longtime Stella fan, created an adorable likeness, entitled “Cannonball” for the magazine’s October 20th cover.  Way to be our Cover Girl, Stella!  I’ve shared the photo on my FB page.

A Generous Downeast Maine

(Downeast Maine)  Downeast Maine is nothing if not generous. Some recent newsworthy examples – Versant Power presented a $2,500 grant to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.  The pantry says it comes at a critical time amid the government shutdown and cuts to food programs.  And Musquito Harbor Brewing Company in Winter Harbor presented a thousand dollar check to Ellsworth Professional Firefighters Local 3402, allowing for another scholarship award for the Bobby Dorr Memorial Scholarship.  Dorr was an Ellsworth firefighter who passed away of cancer in 2021.  Each year a thousand dollar scholarship is awarded to a student studying fire science or a similar field.  The Sweet Spot in Downtown Ellsworth had challenged other businesses to join them in supporting the scholarship fund.  

Friends of Ellsworth Library Hosts Fall Book Sale

(Ellsworth)  It’s Fall Book Sale time at the Ellsworth Public Library.  October 24th and 25th, stop in the library’s Riverview Room and browse more than 2,000 fiction, non-fiction, adult and youth titles, as well as DVDs.  Just in time for those cold winter months, and perfect for curling up by a cozy fire or under a warm blanket with a good book.  All proceeds fund special library programs, such as live music performances, author talks, and children’s activities throughout the year.  Holiday themed books will also be available for purchase, cash or check only. 

National News

Marjorie Taylor Greene Tears Into Her Own Party

(Georgia)  Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Republican Congresswoman from Georgia, is going no-holds-barred when it comes to tearing into her own party.  Once dismissed as an anti-establishment outsider, Greene has become one of the loudest voices calling for release of the Epstein files. The Washington Post reports now she’s on what Republicans are calling a media blitz from hell, torching Speaker Mike Johnson’s shutdown strategy in cable news interviews, and siding with Democrats in calling for extensions to healthcare subsidies. Greene says she’s been disillusioned with how she and other conservative women in Congress have been treated and said Republican male leadership is intimidated by stronger Republican women.

Johnson Refuses to Swear in Congresswoman-Elect

(Washington, DC)  Democrats this week swarmed the office of House Speaker Mike Johnson, calling on him to swear in Arizona Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election last month.   The swearing-in has been delayed amid a government shutdown, with Johnson arguing the House must be in legislative session for the oath to be administered.  Democrats say that’s a double standard because Johnson swore in two newly elected Republican representatives during a “pro forma” session earlier this year, which is held when the House is not in legislative session.  Grijalva’s supporters claim Johnson is forcing the delay to prevent her from signing a discharge petition that would be the 218th and final signature needed to force a House vote on a bill to release the Justice Department’s files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.  Johnson denies the accusation.

Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Administration from Firing Workers During Shutdown

(AP)  A federal judge Wednesday temporarily blocked the Trump Administration from firing workers during the government shutdown.  The Associated Press reports the judge ruled the cuts appeared to be politically motivated and were being carried out without much thought.  The Administration on Friday began sending out more than 4,100 layoff notices, even though workers can’t access their work emails and there are no human resource specialists to assist with the next steps.  The judge granted a temporary restraining order blocking the job cuts, saying she believed evidence would ultimately show they were illegal and in excess of authority.