Crime/Public Safety

Authorities Look for Person Who Stole Cash from Side of Road

(Kennebunk)  Police in Kennebunk are asking for help identifying a man who was reportedly seen picking up more than $7K in cash off a roadway after it fell from the roof of a car.  Authorities say the money was from the sale of a vehicle the seller inadvertently left on the top of his auto when he drove away from that sale.  They say an older man driving a dark grey Honda CR-V was seen gathering up the cash from the side of the road. Police had hoped the money would be returned, but the incident happened mid-week last week and no one has yet come forward.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kennebunk Police Department.  

Local Politics

No Kings

(Undated)  Millions turned out from coast to coast Saturday in small towns and major cities to protest what they said was President Trump’s overreach of power and trampling of Constitutional rights, particularly pushing back against the sometimes brutal treatment of immigrants.  In Ellsworth, hundreds turned out to hear special speakers, along with music by Noel Paul Stookey and others. In Maine, the October 18th date marked 250 years to the day when the British attacked what is now Portland during the Revolutionary War, with the same rallying cry – “No Kings”.  About 40 protests were held across the state.  Across the country, rallies were held from coast to coast, with protestors in Chicago carrying a gigantic copy of the Constitution.

Thousands to be Dropped by Cuts to Private Medicare Advantage Plans

(Maine)  Thousands of Mainers will lose their Medicare Advantage plans in January, as at least four of the five private insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans are scaling back the choices they offer in the new year.  The Bangor Daily News reports older Americans nationwide will be affected, including some 36,000 here in Maine.  Aetna and Anthem are each discontinuing two, but not all their plans across Maine.  Martin’s Point Health Care is ending one plan statewide and scaling back two more in eastern and northern counties.  United Healthcare is also ending one plan.  No word yet from Humana.  Those losing coverage can transfer to another Advantage option or switch to a Medicare Supplement plan, also known as Medigap.

Platner’s Political Director Resigns

(Sullivan)  A former state lawmaker who worked for Graham Platner’s US Senate campaign has resigned.  WMTW reports Genevieve McDonald was serving as Platner’s campaign director, but said she could not overlook the volume and nature of past comments made by Platner as an adult on social media.  Platner reportedly made comments that could be construed as blaming rape victims and defending the military in such cases, saying anyone who thinks they were purposefully covering up rape to save careers is “clearly both an idiot and junior enough in rank or life experience to think it matters.”  Platner posted a video on his campaign social media Friday, apologizing for the remarks from several years ago; remarks which have since been removed.  Platner is one of several Democratic candidates hoping to win a chance to unseat longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins.

Trump Administration Guts Education Department

(Washington, DC)  Another round of sweeping cuts at the US Department Education threatens special education, funding for low-income students, and civil rights enforcement.  The New York Times reports last week’s cuts by the Trump Administration decimated the Office of Special Education Programs, which oversees billions of dollars that support about 10 percent of the nation’s school-aged children.  The cuts have left the department with fewer than a half dozen employees, a reduction of about 95% since the start of the school year.  The Office of Civil Rights in the department was slashed as well.  About 460-plus workers at the Education Department have been fired since Friday, according to the White House Office of Management and Budget.  

Young Republicans Group Suspended

(NY)  New York’s Republican State Committee on Friday suspended a Young Republican organization.  The suspension follows the release of a group chat the AP reports included jokes about rape and flippant commentary on gas chambers.  New York GOP chair Ed Cox said the group was already grossly mismanaged and that such vile language had no place in the Republican party or its subsidiaries.  In a statement, New York’s Republican committee said its leaders had voted unanimously to suspend authorization of the New York State Young Republicans to operate at a statewide level, but said the group could be reconstituted at a later date.  

Economy

Home of Former State Legislator for Sale in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  The home of a former City Councilor and state legislator is for sale in Ellsworth.  The Bangor Daily News reports the property belonging to Ruth Foster, who passed away in June at the age of 96, is listed for one-and-a-quarter-million dollars.  Foster also ran her own business, served on many boards, and was a lifelong activist.  The house sits next to the Hancock County Courthouse and was briefly considered by the state as a site for the new judicial center.  But the property, which sits on a 2 acre lot, was ultimately considered too small for that project.  It’s listed by Sargent Real Estate.

Steuben Country Store to Undergo Remodel

(Steuben)  The Steuben Country Store is getting ready for a remodel.  The owners announced the upcoming makeover on Facebook, saying the store will undergo a complete store revamp.  The overhaul will reportedly expand space by adding new shelves, improving produce and meat cases, and allowing the store to introduce a wider variety of items.  The store has become a local go-to for those in the area between Milbridge and Ellsworth in particular. No word on a timeline for reconstruction, but the store will apparently remain open during the remodel.  

Hermon Mountain Ski Area Announces Last Season

(Hermon)  For many folks, once the leaves are gone, they’re ready to get out the skis and snowboards and head for the slopes.  If that means heading to the Hermon Mountain Ski Area, better hope for a great season – a post on social media announced the owners have decided this will be their last season.  The facility has been for sale for some time, without any viable offers, although the owners say they still hope a buyer will step up.  In the meantime, if you purchase a pass before October 31st, you’ll get 10% off, cash or check only, through a form that can be downloaded on the Hermon Mountain website.

Infrastructure

Bangor Road Closure

(Bangor)  Expect a major road closure if you’re driving through Bangor this week.  The City says a section of Broadway near the I-95 bridge construction site will be closed between 8 p.m and 6 a.m. now through Thursday morning.  WABI reports the city says the closure is necessary as crews work to demolish the I-95 Southbound bridge over Broadway.  Pedestrians walking in the area will be assisted by flaggers.

Human Interest

The Voice Downeast

(Ellsworth)  Less than a week now until The Voice Downeast, Season 2!   The unforgettable night of music, community, and impact will benefit the Next Step Domestic Violence Project, whose goal is to help create safety, hope and change for survivors of domestic abuse.  The event is set for this Thursday, October 23rd from 5:30 to 8:30 at Big Cat’s Catering in Trenton.  The community singing competition features local talent, with attendees voting to choose the winner.  Tickets are free but limited and can be reserved through the NSDVP website.  If you can’t attend, you can vote and donate early online; and you can follow the event on the organization’s social media accounts.

Cat Survives 8K Mile Journey from China to the U.S.

(MN)  A cat named Xiao Mao has surely used up more than one of her nine lives.  People Magazine reports Xiao Mao survived an 8,000 mile journey from China, stowed away in a shipping container.  She arrived in Minnesota deathly thin and highly distrustful after days without food or water, but has blossomed under the care of Pet Haven, Incorporated.  Rescuers are uncertain how she survived, but surmise she lived on condensation and perhaps by eating bugs and rodents.  At the shelter, Xiao Mao bonded with another cat, and they hope to adopt the pair together once they find the perfect home for the miracle kitty.  

Motorcycle Ad Filmed at Seawall

(MDI)  Last week, we told you a portion of Seawall Road would be closed for a time on Friday, although no word was given on why.  We now know it was for the filming of an ad for Triumph Motorcycles.  A social media post shows a helmeted rider zipping along the road that meanders along the shoreline and that has become a favorite with those hoping to capture the beauty of the quintessential Maine coastline. A camera crew follows closely, recording the ride. Members of Charlotte’s Legendary Lobster Pound captured the action –  you’ll find cool video on their FB page.  Seawall was destroyed by storms in 2023, but a coalition of local contractors banded together to repair and restore the scenic roadway. 

Unique Carved Pumpkin at the Blue Hill Co-op

(Blue Hill)  It’s the great pumpkin, indeed, Charlie Brown!  Not only is the pumpkin located outside the Blue Hill Co-op “great” in size, its artwork by Todd DeSautels is something right out of an animated storybook.  While most of us are lucky to work in triangles for eyes and a simple mouth with a tooth or two, DeSautels has carved into the skin of the gourd and used the white beneath to create a farm scene that’s truly something to crow about.  I’ve posted pictures on my FB page; but you really have to see it for yourself to enjoy all the incredible detail.  

National News

Louvre Robbery

(Paris)  Imagine the trip of a lifetime – you’re waiting in line at the Louvre in Paris, when the museum abruptly closes due to a robbery.  That was the scene yesterday morning around 9 a.m. as thieves dressed as construction workers brazenly broke into the museum, cracked open display cases and stole jewelry that once belonged to the Emperor Napoleon and his wife.  ABC News reports at least nine pieces of jewelry of “inestimable heritage and historical value” were stolen, including crowns, necklaces, and brooches.  The culprits made their getaway on motorcycles.  An intense manhunt is underway, with French President Emmanuel Macron vowing on social media that the stolen jewelry will be recovered.

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