Crime/Public Safety

Officer Stops for Lunch at Surry Elementary

(Surry)  Reports from law enforcement agencies often detail drug arrests, speeding and OUI detail, trespassing and domestic violence complaints.  But not always.  In a recent report from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Officer Anthony Jones writes that while working the town of Surry detail, he visited the Surry Elementary School and had lunch with the students.  Way to go, Deputy Jones.

Rabid Racoon Found in Deer Isle

(Deer Isle)  A rabid raccoon has been found in Deer Isle, the first confirmed case in Hancock County this year. The Bangor Daily News writes the town reported the incident over the weekend, saying there have been several other unconfirmed reports.  Officials say the cases are “widespread”.   Residents are urged to exercise caution, make sure pets are vaccinated and registered, and keep trash covered to avoid attracting wildlife.  

Local Politics

Nirav Shah to Run for Governor of Maine

(Brunswick)  He became a familiar face in Maine during the pandemic.  Yesterday, Dr. Nirav Shah announced his intention to run for Governor of the state.  Shah was appointed by Governor Janet Mills in 2019 to lead the Maine Center for Disease Control. During the COVID crisis, he became a familiar fixture, providing daily updates on the progress of the pandemic in Maine.  He served as head of Maine’s CDC until 2023, when he was named principal deputy director of the US CDC – the second highest position at the agency.  Shah stepped down earlier this year following Donald Trump’s election.  He’ll run as a Democrat.  It’s the 48 year old’s first run for any elective office. 

City of Ellsworth Registrar of Voters in Session October 30th

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth Registrar of Voters will be in session next Thursday, October 30th, from 5 to 7 p.m. for voter registration and absentee voting.  Absentee voting is available now until October 30th during regular City Hall business hours.  Voter registration is also available during those times.  In Maine, you can register to vote on election day or you can register online.  To register, you must be a United States citizen, at least 16 years of age to pre-register, and have established a fixed principal home in Maine.  To vote in a Referendum or General election, you need to be registered in the community where you reside and be at least 18 years of age.  A 17 year old may vote in a Primary Election if that person will be 18 by the date of the General Election.

Economy

Halloween Candy Costs Driving Sales

(Undated)  The cost of Halloween treats is anything but sweet this year.  The Portland Press Herald reports costs are up more than 8% over 2024, with a punishing cocoa season pushing up chocolate prices and forcing some to opt between spending more or skipping out on the so-called “good stuff”.  That increase is three times the overall inflation rate for groceries, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor statistics, and more than twice the overall inflation rate.  More than half of Americans surveyed said they’re spending less on Halloween this year.  Expect prices to be tricky when you head out to buy those treats.

Opportunity for Service Hours for Teens

(Milbridge)  If you’re a teen in need of community service hours, you won’t find a more fun way to earn them than at the free Halloween event in Milbridge this Saturday.  Scare people in the haunted forest from 6 to 8 p.m., help with non-spooky stuff from 2 to 6, or help with prep or forest spooky installation ahead of the Halloween Spooktacular at the Farm this Saturday, October 25th.  If you’re interested in helping, contact Becky French at the Milbridge Town Office.

Bangor Vintage Shop Hoping to Save Jonesport Area Lighthouse

(Jonesport)  A couple who runs a mobile vintage-clothing business is hoping to save a neglected lighthouse that stands on an island near Jonesport.  Down East Magazine reports Jeremy Richardson and Miriam Davidson purchased Moose Peak Light on Mistake Island in 2019.  They estimate repairs on the 1851 structure will run upwards of a million dollars – funds they first began raising through a crowdfunding campaign.  They now hope profits from their new Bangor vintage shop, Log Jam Vintage, will cover the bulk of that cost.  You can read more about the restoration efforts in the October issue of Down East Magazine.

Amazon Web Services Recovering After Global Internet Outage

(CNN)  Amazon says its services were recovering Monday, after a major global internet outage that experts say could cost hundreds of billions.  CNN reports the outage first happened early Monday when Amazon Web Services, or AWS, experienced a failure of translation – a glitch that didn’t recognize services that were trying to connect.  Experts say AWS sits in the middle of everything and is used by multiple web services because it’s more economical.  But a glitch in the system, believed to have happened at an east coast service center, affected everything from Ring cameras, to AT&T services, to United and Delta airlines – along with Snapchat, Facebook, and Fortnite.  Amazon reports it “fully mitigated” the early outage, but reports of connectivity issues persisted late into the day Monday.

Loaves and Fishes Launches Cooking Matters

(Ellsworth)  Loaves and Fishes is launching Cooking Matters, a fun, hands-on cooking class, designed to help folks make healthy, delicious meals on a budget.  Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, you’ll leave with practical skills and a free bag of groceries at each class.  Space is limited, sign up by October 30th at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.  

Environment

Drought Threat Persists

(Maine)  Most of the state saw rain yesterday, but the Portland Press Herald reports Maine will need at least a foot of rain before the ground freezes in order to stem the months-long drought that has decimated crops and caused wells to run dry – 439 reported so far.  Downeast Maine saw 13 weekends of rain in the spring, and then the spigot turned off.  The Narraguagus River in Cherryfield is approaching its most shallow flow in recorded history. Other rivers in eastern and northern Maine have also dropped to record low levels, particularly in Aroostook, Penobscot, and Washington Counties.  Experts say unless the state receives that large amount of rain soon, drought conditions will likely continue into the spring.  About 34% of the state is now considered to be in an “extreme” drought.

Infrastructure

BIA Plans Additional Improvements

(Bangor)  The Bangor International Airport, which recently saw upgrades to a runway, is now considering an additional $124M in improvements.  MaineBiz reports the airport is looking at key initiatives as part of its long-term five year plan, including relocating the TSA checkpoint, with a redesigned layout to relieve congestion, improve flow, and support future growth. Plans also call for replacing asphalt on key taxiways, relocating the “fuel farm” and consolidating the rental car facility.  Airport officials recently met with the FAA to review the initiatives and explore federal funding options, which they say will be critical to advancing them on schedule.

Human Interest

Community Closet Helping Provide Christmas Joy

(Ellsworth)  Community Closet 207 in Ellsworth is joining forces with Community Compass to present a Community Christmas.  The two will be teaming up with local businesses to provide gifts for children in need this holiday season.  To apply, visit the Community Closet 207 FB page no later than November 14th and fill out a form for each child.  While wishes aren’t guaranteed, they hope to provide winter coats, board games and puzzles, dolls, legos, stuffed animals and/or personal care and sports items for teens.  Approved families will receive an invitation to the FREE shopping event on December 13th at the Moore Community Center.  Deadline for gift donations is December 10th.  

Frenchman Bay Conservancy’s Seventh Annual Pumpkin Hike

(Ellsworth)  Frenchman Bay Conservancy’s Seventh Annual Pumpkin Hike is coming up October 29th, and there are lots of ways to participate.  On Sunday, October 26th, head to Tidal Falls in Hancock from 1 to 4 to carve a pumpkin for the hike.  Register ahead; pumpkins will be provided.  Then enjoy the Pumpkin Hike Grand Opening and Lighting of the Ellsworth Riverwalk on Wednesday the 29th from 5 to 7, where you can vote on your favorite carving.  Can’t make that date?  Enjoy the hike along the Riverwalk from the 29th through Sunday November 2nd for you to hike among the lit jack-o-lanterns at your own pace.  Brought to you by FBC, the Ellsworth Public Library, and Bangor Savings Bank.

Workshop Lights the Way with Holiday Light Spheres

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth will be shining brighter than ever this Christmas, thanks to Heart of Ellsworth’s recent Public Art Workshop.  Instructors Randal Simons and Peter Lione helped volunteers create 25 handmade glowing spheres – wire bases strung with strands of tiny colorful lights.  The globes will soon twinkle through Merrill Park and beyond.  A heartfelt shoutout to Versant Power, whose support helps light up Main Street and bring people together through such projects.

National News

Louvre Remained Closed Monday, Following Sunday Morning Robbery

(Paris)  The Louvre in Paris remained closed Monday, following Sunday’s brazen daylight theft of jewels.  New details have emerged, with the Associated Press reporting the museum had opened about 30 minutes prior to the theft.  The robbers rode a basket lift up the museum’s facade, forced a window, and focused on the gilded Apollo Gallery, smashing display cases, less than 300 yards from the Mona Lisa.  The heist lasted less than eight minutes.  One culprit attempted to burn the basket lift during the getaway, but was prevented from doing so, leaving behind critical evidence.  Officials also have license numbers from the motorcycles on which the thieves roared away after the theft.  One of the stolen items, the emerald-set imperial crown of Napoleon III’s wife, containing more than 1300 diamonds, was later found outside the museum.  

Trump Administration Begins Demolition of White House East Wing

(Washington, DC)  Demolition crews Monday began tearing down part of the White House East Wing to make way for construction on President Trump’s planned ballroom, in spite of his pledge that construction of the $250M addition wouldn’t interfere with the existing building.  The Washington Post reports the space in the people’s house has historically served first ladies and their staff.  The administration’s goal is to complete the 90,000 square foot ballroom before Trump’s second term ends in 2029.  

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