Crime/PublicSafety

Sullivan Car Seat Check Event

(Sullivan)  How safe is your child’s car seat?  Find out Saturday at the Winter Harbor Town Office.  The Sullivan Fire Rescue is putting on a free car seat event.  Parents and caregivers can learn how to properly install their child’s car seat and have it checked by Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians.  Stop by anytime from 11 to 2 tomorrow – 20 School Street in Winter Harbor. No appointment necessary, and anyone is welcome to stop by.

Local Politics

Bar Harbor Planning Board Votes to Recommend End to Lodging Moratorium

(Bar Harbor)  The Bar Harbor Planning Board voted this week to recommend the town’s lodging moratorium come to an end.  The Mount Desert Islander reports a year of data gathering showed the majority of claims in the moratorium were unsubstantiated.  The issue remains a contentious one, as shown by a close vote of 4-3.  No single vote on a “whereas clause” within the moratorium was unanimous – clauses that were considered dealt with parking, conversion of year-round housing, traffic congestion, and degradation of safety services needed to protect townspeople.  

Journalists Refuse Restrictions, Walk Out of Pentagon

(AP)  Dozens of journalists this week pushed back on an effort by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to silence their voices.  Hegseth attempted to impose new rules that would leave journalists open to expulsion if they sought to report on information – classified or otherwise – not approved by him for release.  News outlets were nearly unanimous in rejecting Hegseth’s demands, with refusals from trade publications, wire services, television networks, newspapers – even outlets largely catering to conservatives, like Fox and Newsmax.  Many of the reporters waited to leave together at a 4 p.m. deadline set by Hegseth, with 40 to 50 walking out together carrying boxes, chairs, and other equipment from their workspaces.  The Associated Press reports Nancy Youssef, a Pentagon reporter for the Atlantic since 2007, said, “It’s sad, but I’m also really proud of the press corps that we stuck together.”

(AP)  News outlets across the journalism spectrum on Wednesday refused to comply with new restrictions on their reporting demanded by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.  Hegseth attempted to impose new rules that would leave journalists open to expulsion if they sought to report on information – classified or otherwise – not approved by him for release.  Many of the press corps at the Pentagon waited for the 4 p.m. deadline, then gathered boxes, chairs, a copy machine and other equipment and walked out in unison.  Some 40 to 50 reporters acted nearly unanimously in rejecting the new rules, including reporters for trade publications, television networks, and newspapers.  Outlets that normally cater to conservatives like Fox and Newsmax joined reporters from The Atlantic, Reuters, The Washington Post and others in refusing to comply with the new policy, saying it threatens to punish them for routine news gathering protected by the First Amendment.  

Economy

Bangor Chamber Wins Chamber of the Year Award

(Bangor)  The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce took top honors as “Chamber of the Year” at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.  The award honors a standout organization driving growth, innovation, and community impact.  The three finalists included Chambers of Commerce in Bangor, Rangeley Lakes Region, and Kennebec Valley. Congratulations to all our Chambers of Commerce for the work you do promoting our local business communities.

Lay’s Rebrands Products

(Undated)  It didn’t work out so well for Cracker Barrel, but let the chips fall where they may on this one.  Lay’s announced last week it has redesigned its chip bags and recipes in what the Pepsi-Co-owned brand is calling the “largest brand redesign in Lay’s nearly 100-year history”.  USA Today reports as part of the rebrand, the company is removing artificial flavors and colors from all core Lay’s products in the U.S. by the end of this year.  In addition, Lay’s Baked will be made with olive oil and have 50% less fat than regular potato chips.  Frankly, we think the secret to a choice chip is simply making them from spuds grown in the County …

Education

Choral Music Teacher Named 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year

(Poland)  It was music to everyone’s ears when Julia Edwards, a choral music teacher at Poland Regional High School and Bruce Whittier Middle School, was named the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year.  She was surprised with the announcement during a ceremony in the high school gym on Thursday.  Edwards joined the district in 2012, but has struck a chord with students musically for decades.   RSU 16 Superintendent Amy Hediger said, “Anyone who has seen Julia in action knows her classroom is a place filled with laughter, learning, and genuine connection.  She’s the teacher every student remembers – the one who believes in them, challenges them, and helps them discover their confidence.”  Edwards will represent Maine at the National Teacher of the Year competition in Washington.

SW Harbor Discussion Centers Around Need for School Resource Officer

(SW Harbor)  Teachers, a parent, and the Southwest Harbor Select Board Chair all came to a recent School Committee meeting with one goal in mind – to request the committee reconsider appointing a School Resource Officer at Pemetic Elementary.  The Mount Desert Islander reports a discussion of the issue first arose in August, but then seemed to disappear.  The school has had such staff previously; reportedly, with positive results.  No action was taken at the most recent meeting – but it’s likely to resurface at the next one, set for November 13th at the Pemetic School Library.

Thomas College Board Stands by President Uzzi

(Waterville)  The Board of Trustees of Thomas College in Waterville is affirming its support of President Jeannine Diddle Uzzi.  In a letter to MaineBiz this week, the college said its Board of Trustees is aware of a summer faculty meeting that included a no-confidence vote, but said attendance at the meeting and final vote count remain unclear, as just a few more than half the faculty participated.  Some Thomas College faculty members are seeking to unionize, but that has not yet been certified by the National Labor Relations Board.  The Board said this is a time of significant change at Thomas, with a new president, a new provost, and a new strategic plan. They say the  incoming Fall 2025 class was 30% larger than 2024 and that overall enrollment at the college has also increased. 

Environment

Trail Closures at Baxter State Park

(Baxter SP)  Beginning today, all Katahdin and Traveler Loop trails at Baxter State Park are closed for the season, due to early snowfall and unstable weather at high elevations.  Yep, snow has begun falling on the sacred mountain; and upcoming freezing temps are expected to make fragile alpine habitats vulnerable to traffic. Hikers are advised to plan accordingly and obey trail closure signs.  More information can be found on the park’s website.

Health

Protein Powders, Shakes, Found to Have High Levels of Lead

(Undated)  In your quest to “get the lead” out, you may just be putting the lead IN if you’re supplementing your exercise regimen with certain protein powders and shakes.  A new Consumer Reports investigation has found some of those popular supplements could contain concerning levels of toxic heavy metals –  like lead, cadmium, and arsenic.  More than ⅔ of the 23 powders and shakes tested reportedly contained more lead in a single serving than is considered safe for a full day by food safety experts.  Even more surprising, perhaps, on average, plant-based powders had about nine times more lead than dairy based options, and twice as much as those made with beef protein.  Consumer Reports recommends “exercising” caution by getting protein from whole foods like dairy, fish, beans, and Greek yogurt instead.  

Human Interest

Halloween in Milbridge

(Milbridge)  While there are lots of Trunk or Treat activities coming up for Halloween, Better Milbridge is sponsoring one that’s a bit more lively!  On Saturday, October 25th, folks of all ages around the area are invited to a Halloween Spooktacular at the Farm.  Enjoy hayrides, a haunted forest walk, Halloween crafts, animals in costume, face painting, and much more from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mill River Ranch and Farm.  All guests must sign a waiver and respect fences on the working farm.  Then join Better Milbridge downtown on the 31st to trick or treat at various stations along Main Street from 5 to 7.  Each station will have different treats and different Halloween inflatables.  No place does Halloween like Milbridge!  

MDI Marathon

(MDI)  If you’re headed for the Island Sunday, be aware of runners on the roads.  Sunday is the Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half, and Relay.  The Marathon and Team Relay begin in Bar Harbor, with the Half-Marathon starting in Northeast Harbor, and all races finishing in Southwest Harbor.  If you see the runners, please give them plenty of leeway and maybe a shout out by race number or name if you know them – few things fire participants up more than encouragement from spectators along the route..  

Protecting Ellsworth’s History

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth’s archives and artifacts provide a priceless history of the city.  Housed in the Chamberlain/Whitney House, those treasures are at risk because of a pressing need for roof repairs.  The Ellsworth Historical Society has started a fundraising campaign, Roof Over the Archives, with a goal of raising $13,000.  MaineBiz reports the money will be matched by a donor at the Maine Community Foundation.  The house, built around 1825, was donated to the Historical Society in 2014 and serves as a meeting place and preservation storage for the city’s historical objects, photos, and documents, which are irreplaceable if damaged.  For more information or to donate, visit ellsworth history dot org. 

MEW Christmas for Kids Fundraiser

(Franklin)  When you think of kids, you may think of wrestling – it’s not unusual for siblings and friends to play-tussle.  But a different kind of wrestling match is making sure no child goes without this holiday season.  Founded by Mike Turner in 2019, Maine Event Wrestling is a live entertainment company focused on promoting family-friendly professional wrestling events.  Last year, they provided more than 60 local families with Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts.  If you or your business is interested in helping out, contact Mike through Bell to Bell Promotions on FB.  

Rotary Club Walk to End Polio

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth Rotary Club invites you to join them on their walk to end polio, Saturday morning, beginning at 10 a.m.  Each walker is asked to donate $20 to the cause.  The annual walk starts at Knowlton Park, heads down State to Main to School, up School Street to State Street and back to Knowlton Park. It’s about a 1.3 mile walk and the pace is casual enough for a nice walk and talk with neighbors and friends, new and old.

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