Crime/Public Safety

(Bangor)  Maine is recalling cannabis vapes due to what it calls unsafe levels of pesticides.  According to a press release, the recall targets a strain called Watermelon Chimera, produced by MorCO Outdoor Cannabis.  The recall comes after a complaint by a consumer who suffered an adverse reaction.  The Maine Office of Cannabis Policy said that led to further testing, which revealed unsafe levels of Chlorfenapyr, which can cause high fever, sweating, nausea, vomiting and other issues.  The vapes were sold in Bangor, Waterville, Thomaston, and other locations between July 10th and October 16th.  Contaminated vapes should be returned to the retailer or thrown away.

Local Politics

Warehouse Worker Calls Ballot Snafu an “Honest Mistake”

(Brewer)  A UPS warehouse employee says an “honest mistake” led to 250 ballots for the November 4th election being delivered to a home in Newburgh instead of their intended destination, the City of Ellsworth.  The anonymous employee told WABI a high volume of packages arrives each day from other warehouses, sometimes with contents exposed, and said sometimes the contents get put into other boxes.  Earlier this month, a Newburgh woman claimed she found 250 ballots in a damaged Amazon box delivered to her home – ballots missing when the shipment to Ellsworth arrived.  The Secretary of State’s Office said numerous safeguards are in place to protect the printing and shipping of absentee ballots and that an investigation into the matter is ongoing.  

Requests for Absentee Ballots Remain High

(Maine)  Just under a week now before Mainers will vote on two referendum questions, and municipal clerks say they’re handling more requests for those absentee ballots than at this point in 2023.  This year’s referendum includes Question One that would eliminate two days of absentee voting and make other changes to the absentee voting process.  Question Two proposes a “red flag” law that would allow family members to petition a judge to order someone to surrender their firearms should they pose a threat to themselves or others.  Tomorrow is the last day to cast an in-person absentee ballot.  After that, absentee ballots can still be mailed back or deposited in designated drop boxes.  All ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.  

Rockland Voters to Weigh in on New Police Station

(Rockland)  Rockland voters will be asked to weigh in on a new police station on Tuesday.  Police Chief Tim Carroll told WABI when it rains, water comes through the brick of the present building, causing extensive water damage and potential health issues.  The department is currently housed in a condo facility, and Carroll said convincing the other units to spend the money needed for repairs is an ongoing  issue.  Rockland is asking voters to approve a bond of up to $5M for purchase and renovation of a property at 170 Pleasant Street.  Carroll said the new building would provide enough space for a growing department and allow more privacy for crime victims.

Economy

Communities Step Up to Help Food Pantries

(Ellsworth)  With communities facing SNAP benefit cuts come Saturday, community ORGANIZATIONS continue to step up.  Bangor Savings Bank recently donated a whole lot of jars of PB&J and the Jordan Pond House dropped off three THOUSAND pounds of produce, bread, meat, eggs and baked goods to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.  Many area food pantries are going to be most grateful for any donations you’re able to give.

Still No Agreement Between Anthem and Northern Light

(Maine)  Despite a thirty-day extension, there’s still no agreement between health insurance giant Anthem and Northern Light Health.  NewsCenter Maine reports the primary care providers for some 30K Mainers could go out of network on Friday.  Northern Light and Anthem did not provide comments on where they are in negotiations as of yesterday, but a spokesperson for Northern Light said the two companies are continuing in mediation and may have more to share later this week.

Summer Tourism Season Sees Fewer Visitors, but “Still Strong”

(Maine)  Maine saw fewer visitors this summer, but tourism officials say the season was not a complete loss.  NewsCenter Maine reports it’s the state’s fourth consecutive year of declining visitation.  According to the Maine Office of Tourism, the state saw 6 percent fewer visitors than last year.  Experts say political tensions, particularly with Canada, were a major factor in the decline, with Canadian tourism falling from 7 percent in 2024 to 4 percent this year.  Still, tourism remained a driving economic factor, bringing in nearly $5B this season, and 97 percent of visitors report they would recommend Maine as a travel destination.

First Congregational Hosts 100th Monthly Community Meal

(Ellsworth)  One hundred is a pretty big milestone any way you look at it.  This past Saturday, the First Congregational Church of Ellsworth held its 100th monthly community meal.  The Ellsworth American reports the church served up 90 pounds of potatoes, 145 pounds of turkey, 15 dozen rolls, and 56 pounds of squash, among other delights.  Church Supper Committee Co-Chair Ruth Tainter says the church began small, with the first monthly meal served up in 2009.  Now they serve well over a hundred people each month.  Volunteers say they try to keep the portions large and the ticket price affordable for all.

Education

Harrington Elementary Fundraiser

(Harrington)  Yesterday was National First Responders Day.  Now, lest you think all these brave folks do is fight crime, put out fires, and save lives, think again.  The Harrington Elementary School PTSG held a fundraiser  recently, raffling off tickets for kids to win a ride to school with one of these heroes.  Lincoln B. won a ride to school in a sheriff’s cruiser, lights flashing, with Washington County Sheriff Deputy Abbey Allen.  Harrington Fire Chief Chip Williams escorted Easton S. to class in a ladder truck. Jerry H. was riding high in a dump truck with operator Travis Perry, and Ryder B. positively floated to his assigned seat with Boat Hauler Cory Austin.  Perhaps the big win went to Karter R. who got to stand in for Principal Eric Brooks.  No word on how many of his classmates got “called to the office” that day!

EHS “Friends of Rachel” Club Members Visit EEMS

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth High School “Friends of Rachel” Club members visited Ellsworth Elementary Middle School Tuesday morning, encouraging the middle schoolers to spark their own chain reaction of kindness.  Friends of Rachel is a student-led group inspired by the life of Rachel Joy Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School Shooting.  The club’s goal is to promote kindness with such activities as writing positive notes and helping underclassmen … replacing acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with positive actions.  F-O-R clubs aim to create a culture of compassion to support fellow students with such activities as winter clothing drives.  The EHS club will be back throughout the year to help middle school students launch their own Friends of Rachel group.

Environment

Rainy Weather Changes Halloween Plans for Some

(Machias)  The weather for Trick-or-Treating looks downright frightening, with potentially heavy rain predicted for Friday night.  The Machias Police Department has changed the downtown Trick-or-Treating there to tomorrow afternoon from 3 to 5.  If your town or municipality has plans, it might be a good idea to check ahead for any changes.  

Hurricane Melissa

(Jamaica)  Hurricane Melissa plowed into Jamaica yesterday, barreling ashore as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history.  CNN reports scenes of extensive damage in southwestern Jamaica.  Several deaths attributed to the storm have already been reported as Melissa then headed for Cuba.

Infrastructure

Ellsworth Road Work

(Ellsworth)  A heads up for those driving through Ellsworth.  The City says the southbound lane of 172 at the Bridge Hill intersection will be closed today and Thursday, as the Maine Department of Transportation works on an intersection project there.  They say it should be business as usual for Halloween night, which may be a moot point with the weather forecast, unless you have indoor plans!

Human Interest

Statewide Writing Contest

(Ellsworth)  If you’re a young writer, age 6 to 18, get your pencils, pens, and laptops ready!  The Telling Room’s 2026 statewide writing contest is now accepting entries.  A panel of professional writers and youth selects one grand prize winner, a winner from each of Maine’s participating 16 counties, and submissions are considered for publication in their annual anthology.  Inspired by the contest, local author Melissa Burkart is hosting a writing workshop for kids ages 6-10 on Monday, November 3rd at 3:30 at the Ellsworth Public Library.  Sign up soon on the library’s FB page or by calling them.  Learn more about the contest at telling room dot org.

National News

Government Shutdown Continues

(Washington, DC)  Republican and Democratic lawmakers remain at a stalemate when it comes to finding a government funding solution to end what is now the second-longest shutdown in U.S. history.  ABC News reports the Senate will return on Monday, having failed last week to advance a bill that would reopen the government until November 21st.  The House remains out of session this week.  A Union representing federal workers has called on lawmakers to pass a short-term funding bill to end the shutdown, now in its 29th day. Speaking with journalists aboard Air Force One Monday, the President continued to blame Democrats for the shutdown and resulting air traffic controller shortages.

What’s Affected by Government Shutdown

(Undated)  Many people are going about their daily lives, seemingly unaffected by the government shutdown.  Downeast Digest researched what’s affected and why many may not be feeling those effects.  During a government shutdown, non-essential federal services and facilities are closed, and non-essential federal employees furloughed.  This includes many national parks and museums, the processing of certain loans from agencies like the Small Business Administration, and some IRS taxpayer services.  Essential services like military operations, air traffic control, and federal law enforcement and mail delivery typically continue, although many positions are without pay, leading to reduced staffing and resulting delays.  

Fragile Middle East Peace Shatters

(ABC News)  It’s always been a fragile truce between the Israelis and Palestinians.  The most recent peace agreement was shattered Tuesday as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the IDF to “carry out powerful strikes in Gaza.”  ABC News reports earlier, Netanyahu’s office issued a statement accusing Hamas of a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, after Israeli authorities identified hostage remains returned on Monday as belonging to a deceased hostage previously recovered from Gaza in 2023.  

Judge Bars Trump from Firing Federal Employees During Shutdown

(AP)  A federal judge in San Francisco Tuesday indefinitely barred the Trump Administration from firing federal employees during the government shutdown.  The Associated Press reports in her ruling, the judge said labor unions were likely to prevail on their claims that the cuts were arbitrary and politically motivated.  U.S. District Judge Susan Illston granted a preliminary injunction that bars such firings while a lawsuit challenging them plays out.  Illston had issued a previous restraining order that was set to expire today.  The judge has said she believes the evidence will show the mass firings were illegal and in excess of authority.

SNAP Benefits Lawsuit

(Maine)   A coalition of 25 state attorneys, including Maine’s, and the District of Columbia is suing the Trump Administration over the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – or SNAP – benefits.  Reuters reports it’s the first time SNAP benefits will be suspended in the program’s 60 year history.  More than 40 million Americans rely on the program to feed their children and families.

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