Crime/Public Safety

Authorities Investigate Death After Body Found in Hancock County

(Hancock County)  Maine State Police are investigating after the body of a 70 yo Kennebunk man was found in a bog just off a road in Township 41 in Northern Hancock County. Authorities say about 3:30 p.m.Tuesday, troopers responded to a report of an unattended death in the 32000 Road vicinity.  They identified the body as that of David Bridges, who appeared to have been fur trapping in the area.  Investigators say the death does not appear suspicious, but the body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine a cause and manner of death.  The Maine Warden Service assisted.

Norway House Fire

(Norway)  Fire destroyed a home in Norway, Maine Monday.  Public Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Downeast Digest, the Norway Fire Department responded to 25 Summer Street shortly before 11 p.m. and found the home fully ablaze.  The home’s sole occupant was able to get out safely.  No injuries were reported, but the house was deemed a total loss.  Following an investigation, fire officials say the blaze was accidental, likely caused by careless disposal of smoking materials.

Local Politics

Legislators Send Letter Urging Release of SNAP Benefits

(Ellsworth)  A group of more than 80 Maine legislators on Tuesday sent a letter to the US Secretary of Agriculture urging release of SNAP contingency funds, which could bring partial or full benefits during the government shutdown, calling the stoppage of benefits unacceptable.  Among those signing from Hancock County, Senator Nicole Grohoski, District 7, and Representatives Lynn Copeland, District 130, and Marc Malon, District 133.  In case you are one of those impacted, The Ellsworth American has compiled a list of Hancock County food resources for those in need in this week’s paper.  

Air Traffic Controllers at BIA Still Working – Without Pay – for Now

(Bangor)  Tuesday was the first day air traffic controllers across the country missed paychecks due to the ongoing government shutdown.  MaineBiz reports a spokesperson at Portland International Jetport said passengers weren’t yet seeing any direct impact.  Air traffic controllers and TSA agents continue to show up for work, but the jetport has seen a few flight cancellations.  The scene  was much the same at Bangor International Airport. Spokesperson there, Aimee Thibodeau, told MaineBiz the airport could not comment on behalf of government agencies but that at present, BIA was operating as normal.

Economy

Provender Partners with Loaves and Fishes

(Ellsworth)  Perhaps speaking to the overwhelming need resulting from the discontinuation of SNAP benefits in November, Provender Kitchen & Bar is now partnering with Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry to ensure everyone in need can be served efficiently and with dignity.  Owner/Chef Daron Goldstein says following his offer of providing meals, an incredible number of families reached out for help – more than could be handled effectively at the restaurant location.  So, beginning Monday, Provender will be delivering 100 prepared meals each week to the pantry.  Anyone affected by the government shutdown and disruptions to EBT and SNAP is welcome to pick up meals there.  Reach out to Loaves and Fishes for hours and pickup details.  Goldstein again reiterated – “No one should go hungry.  We are here for you.”

Downeast Graphics and Printing Named Official Box Office Sponsor of The Grand

(Ellsworth)  You might call it a “Grand partnership”. Downeast Graphics &  Printing in Ellsworth is now the official Box Office Sponsor for the Grand, Ellsworth’s historic performing arts venue.  Grand Community Relations Manager Ashley Terwilleger said Downeast Graphics & Printing’s dedication to Ellsworth and the greater Downeast community mirrors the theater’s mission to inspire, entertain, and bring people together for the arts, and helps ensure The Grand continues to be a vibrant gathering place.  Downeast Graphics & Printing has been a cornerstone of the community since 1974, celebrating more than 50 years of serving and supporting area individuals, nonprofits, and businesses.  And don’t miss the full holiday lineup coming to the Grand – tickets and information at your grand dot org.

Education

Students Across Maine Participate in Mock Elections

(Maine)  Voters will turn out Tuesday to weigh in on a pair of referendum questions, plus a host of local issues.  In schools across Maine this week, students made their voices heard in mock elections, tackling some of the same issues that will be put before registered voters on November 4th.  The Portland Press Herald reports it’s the first year students have had the opportunity to vote in a mock referendum election, run by the Office of the Secretary of State.  Seventy eight schools participated.  On Question 1, regarding limiting absentee balloting, just more than 65% voted no; just under 35% yes.  On Question 2, the “red flag” issue, 79.5% voted yes, 20.5% no.  The students were also asked to vote on the question, “Do you believe the language of the Declaration of Independence, written 250 years ago, is still relevant today?”  On that question, 70.8% said yes, while just 29.2% said no.

Human Interest

SPCA Hancock County Teams with Pittie Clothing 

(Trenton)  Here’s a doggone wonderful idea!  The SPCA of Hancock County is teaming with Pittie Clothing for a special donation opportunity!  Now through November 2nd, for every doggy pajama or muscle tee you buy, Pittie Clothing will donate one to the SPCA’s rescue pups.  Not only can you help the little ones look amazing, the pjs also help protect any pups with skin issues.  Simply visit pittie clothing dot com and use code SPCA H C WINTER, all caps, no spaces, at checkout.  Be sure to check out the adorable matching pjs available for those humans who have been rescued by shelter dogs as well!

Fall Downtown Cleanup

(Ellsworth)  Heart of Ellsworth is seeking volunteers for the Fall Downtown Cleanup, set for Noon to 2 on Saturday, November 8th!  The cleanups are an opportunity for neighbors, students, civic groups, and businesses to come together and contribute to the care and charm of Ellsworth’s Downtown.  Everyone is welcome to participate.  Meet at the Franklin Street Parklet at noon for task assignments.  Snacks and water provided!  Sign up through Heart of Ellsworth!

Rockefeller Christmas Tree Chosen/Small Business Saturday

(New York)  This year’s giant is headed for Rockefeller Center in New York City!  A 75-foot Norway spruce was donated by the Russ family of East Greenbush, New York, to stand tall as the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.  The tree is scheduled to arrive on November 8th.  It will then be adorned with lights and ornaments and be ready for the official lighting ceremony on December 3rd.  Now, if that gets you in the mood for some holiday shopping, remember Small Business Saturday is coming up just about a month from now on November 29th – a day set aside to help you find unique gifts and generate revenue for small businesses during the holiday rush.

November Age-Friendly Sullivan Meeting

(Sullivan)  The November meeting of Age Friendly Sullivan on November 5th will honor the upcoming Veterans’ Day.  Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting at the Sullivan town office to learn about resources available for veterans.  Guest Speaker Larissa Heanssler with Eastern Area Agency on Aging will discuss the Veterans Directed Care program – a self-directed homecare support option that empowers veterans to live independently while receiving personalized services at home.  Refreshments and social time at 8:30, with the program starting at 9.  

Frenchman Bay Conservancy Pumpkin Hike 

(Ellsworth)  And don’t miss Frenchman Bay Conservancy’s Pumpkin Hike, on the Riverwalk behind the Ellsworth Public Library!  More than 60 amazing carved pumpkins line the path, and you can vote on the best, spookiest, and silliest – trust us, it’s not an easy task, but it is a delightful experience.  Now through Sunday.  Sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank.

National News

Government Shutdown to Cost Billions

(WP)  The U.S. economy will lose between 7 and 14 billion dollars due to the federal government shutdown. That’s according to a new report released yesterday by Congress’s nonpartisan bookkeeper, the Congressional Budget Office.  The Washington Post reports federal workers missing paychecks and the disruption of food benefits for low-income Americans will likely lower gross domestic product by one or 2 percentage points in the year’s fourth quarter.  The report naturally says the longer the government stays closed, the more costly the pause will be.

Melissa Hits Cuba

(Jamaica)  Jamaica has been declared a disaster area.  Hurricane Melissa made landfall there as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday, one of the strongest hurricanes on record.  Flooding in Haiti claimed at least 20 lives.  Melissa early yesterday headed for Cuba as a Cat 3, with winds of around 125 mph.  A hurricane warning is in effect in Bermuda, as Melissa accelerates to the northeast and is expected to hit there tonight.

Trump Secures Trade Deal with South Korea

(Washington, DC)  President Trump has secured a trade deal with South Korea.  The agreement is expected to lower US tariffs on Korean cars and parts to 15% in exchange for a $350B investment.  South Korea presented the President with a replica of an ancient crown.  The Washington Post reports Trump remarked the crown, “…symbolized the divine connection between the authority of the heavens and the sovereignty on Earth, as well as the strong leadership and authority of a leader.”

Trump Ballroom to “Dwarf” the White House

(Washington, DC)  Little public information has been released on President Trump’s plans for a 90,000 square foot ballroom, apart from shocking pictures of the entire East Wing of the White House being bulldozed; destroyed along with the famous Rose Garden and two historic magnolia trees planted to honor former Presidents Warren G. Harding and Franklin D. Roosevelt.  A rendering of the ballroom by the Washington Post shows it dwarfing the rest of the White House.  The original $200M cost has now been revised to upwards of $300M.  

In other Washington news, a statue of Confederate General Albert Pike, torn down in 2020, is back up at Third and D Streets NW, as part of an order from the President.  And the House Oversight Committee released a report questioning the legitimacy of former President Joe Biden’s executive actions, citing his use of the autopen.   

Obituary

Marden’s Lady Passes Away

(Maine)  Karmo Sanders has passed away.  In case you don’t recognize the name, Sanders was an actress and playwright best known as “The Marden’s Lady”.   She used the character in her standup, and the salvage chain used her character in their ads until 2013.  According to her obituary, Sanders passed away peacefully at her home in Scarborough this past weekend.  Sanders was 74.  

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