Crime/Public Safety

SFMO Investigates Fatal Fire in Benton

(Benton)  The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fatal fire that happened early Wednesday morning in the Kennebunk County town of Benton.  Firefighters arrived at the Pleasant Drive residence shortly after 2 a.m. to find the home fully engulfed.  A person and a dog that succumbed to the blaze were found inside the home.  The person’s body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death and a positive i.d.  The fire remains under investigation.

Heating Home Safety

(Swanville)  Raise your hand if you’ve already enjoyed a cozy fire in that woodstove this year.  The Waldo County Emergency Management Agency reminds us as colder weather approaches, a little prevention goes a long way in keeping your family safe this fall and winter.  They say have your chimney or furnace inspected before its first use.  Keep flammables at least three feet away from heat sources.  Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly, and never use your oven to heat your home.

Local Politics

Decision on City’s Assessing Department Tabled

(Ellsworth)  It was a marathon City Council meeting Monday night in Ellsworth, the last for members Jon Stein, Michelle Beal, and Tami Mote, whose terms are expiring and who chose not to run for re-election.  One of the topics up for discussion was possible dissolution of the Ellsworth Assessing Department.  The City had considered contracting that out; but the decision was tabled after multiple residents expressed concerns about the loss of local control and others concerned the decision should be left to the new council to be seated after November’s election. City Manager Charlie Pearce said hiring an outside source was being considered, in part, because Ellsworth citizens have had their tax bills delayed – some for up to five years.  Council Chair Patrick Lyons said the City may yet follow through with the decision but that it was evident residents needed more time and information.

Nurses Describe Unsafe Conditions at Area Facilities

(Bangor)  Understaffed, unsafe, and unconscionable.  Nurses from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor and Maine Medical Center in Portland this week used those words to describe conditions inside their hospitals.  At a press conference, the healthcare professionals said nurses are trying to juggle care for too many patients, with less time per patient, leading to  mistakes and overlooked care.  The Maine State Nurses Association is again pushing for a law mandating nurse-to-patient ratios.  A similar bill failed in the legislature last year, and nurses contend the problem has only worsened.  Hospital heads maintain staffing decisions should be made locally by hospital management and not lawmakers.  

Construction Career Event Draws Record Number of Students

(West Bath)  Not everyone is cut out for a career that involves strictly hitting the books – and that’s a good thing for all of us.  MaineBiz reports a Construction Career Days event held in Maine this month attracted a record one thousand high school students from across the state.  Participants interacted with more than 50 construction-career-related exhibitors at the West Bath event, including heavy equipment operators, electricians, and welders, all of whom provided hands-on demonstrations and information about high demand jobs like carpentry and electrical work.  The event was co-sponsored by the National Association of Women in Construction and the Associated General Contractors of Maine.  

WalMart Hopes to Make Changes in How You Shop

(Undated)  WalMart and Sam’s Club are looking to change the way customers shop.  The Corporate giant has partnered with OpenAI to create what they’re calling AI-First shopping experiences.  Through the collaboration, customers and members will be able to complete purchases from WalMart directly within ChatGPT, using Instant Checkout and shifting the retail experience from reactive to proactive. They say they hope to help customers anticipate their needs even before THEY do.  WalMart says it’s already using Artificial Intelligence to enhance product catalogs, improve customer resolution times, and promote AI literacy among associates.  The company says the future of retail is not about replacing human connection with machines but about using AI to remove friction and make everyday moments “easier, smarter, and more delightful.”

Infrastructure

Construction Underway for Access to Proposed Judicial Center

(Ellsworth)  Construction is underway for the Merrill Lane extension project in Ellsworth, a primary access road that will one day carry traffic from High Street to the new Hancock Judicial Center.  The Ellsworth American reports City Manager Charlie Pearce said use of the Public Works Department’s time and materials will significantly reduce the estimated $1.4M cost of constructing the road.  City Council Chair Patrick Lyons said, “The courthouse and Merrill Lane extension create more than just a road – they create space for new housing, commercial investment, and enhanced recreational access.”  The city is responsible for the construction of the road, but has worked with local legislators to request additional cost-sharing from the state.

Health

Sweet Smiles Visits Ellsworth/Trenton Early Care Center

(Ellsworth)  Eleven youngsters from Ellsworth and Trenton are smiling a bit brighter, thanks to Sweet Smiles Dental Clinic.  Clinic staff visited a local Early Care and Education Center, part of the Head Start Downeast Program of Community Action in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock Counties.  Many of the children, who received free exams and cleanings, do not currently have regular dental care.  It was the first on-site dental clinic since the pandemic.  Sweet Smiles plans to return in the spring for another round of cleanings and care.

Human Interest

EPL Fall Book Sale

(Ellsworth)  It’s almost time to curl up with a good book, and there’s no better place to stock up than the Annual Fall Book Sale, sponsored by Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library.  Proceeds from the sale benefit the library and its special programs, such as author visits, musical presentations, and classes for all ages. The sale runs from 1 to 4 tomorrow and 8 to 1 on Saturday.  

Bucksport Mill Memories Preserved in New Museum

(Bucksport)  Mainers are some of the most resilient people on the planet.  When the U.S. Navy pulled out of Winter Harbor, the town transformed itself into an art hub.  After the sardine canneries closed in Lubec, the town devoted itself to attracting tourists, capitalizing on its proximity to the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse.  In Bucksport, it was the closing of the paper mill in 2014 that threatened. But former employees began saving artifacts; and today, the industry’s heyday is preserved in a museum.  The Bangor Daily News reports the town’s historical society renovated the mill’s former gatehouse, and last year’s soft opening welcomed the public into a room through which workers passed each morning.  Among the artifacts are the first and last pieces of paper printed at the mill, lunch pails and a desk complete with an original time clock.  The museum is open 8 to Noon Tuesdays through November 25th.  

Berry Named Advertising Person of the Year

(Ellsworth)  The Maine Press Association has named Fred Berry Advertising Person of the Year.  Berry, who works for The Ellsworth American and The Mount Desert Islander, has been on staff since 2021.  Publisher Chris Crockett said, “Fred’s longstanding commitment to [the papers] and his tireless dedication to his clients, colleagues and community embody the very best of Maine newspapers,” adding Berry has built a reputation for professionalism, integrity and results.  Well done, Fred!

National News

US Strikes Eighth Alleged Drug Vessel

(AP)  The US Military has conducted its eighth strike against an alleged drug vessel.  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted news of the Tuesday night attack on social media Wednesday, equating the alleged drug traffickers to the 9/11 terrorists.  Critics have expressed concern that the administration has shown no evidence the attacks in the Caribbean are indeed on boats trafficking drugs and not on innocent civilians.

Demolition of White House East Wing Continues

(Washington, DC)  Americans continued to watch in disbelief yesterday as the East Wing of the White House all but disappeared, bulldozed to make way for a ballroom planned by President Trump. The destruction was first reported Monday by the Washington Post, shocking preservationists and raising questions about White House overreach and lack of transparency.  The President had promised the ballroom would be near the east wing with the people’s house “unaffected” by the addition. White House officials dismissed the criticism as “manufactured outrage”, saying the ballroom is being privately funded, though no donors have yet been revealed.  

North Carolina Redistricting Designed to Benefit Trump

(NC)  North Carolina Wednesday adopted Trump-backed U.S. House districts aimed at gaining a Republican seat. The LA Times reports Republican legislative leaders completed remapping of the state’s US House districts, intent on picking up one more seat to help the President’s efforts retain GOP control of Congress in next year’s mid-term elections.  Democratic State Representative Gloristine Brown, an African American who represents an eastern North Carolina County, said, “You are silencing Black voices and are going against the will of your constituents,” adding North Carolina is a testing ground for the new era of Jim Crow laws.  Republican led Texas and Missouri have also revised their US House Districts to help Republicans win additional seats.  

Argentina Bailout Raises Red Flags for U.S. Farmers

(Washington, DC)  President Trump’s $20B bailout of Argentina’s economy is raising red flags among US farmers, who say it is counter to the President’s claim of “America First”.   Democrats and some Republicans are questioning why the US would commit billions to boost the economy of a foreign country when thousands of American soybean farmers are suffering and in need of help after China stopped purchasing their crops amid the President’s trade war.  While American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland said in September that frustration with the Trump Administration was “overwhelming”, some farmers still support the President.   ABC News reports one Minnesota farmer said they are holding out hope for a trade deal, but added, “we are running out of time.”

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