Happy Halloween!

Crime/Public Safety

FMO Investigates Arson in Sanford

(Sanford)  The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a possible case of arson that occurred Monday morning in Sanford.  Public Safety Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Downeast Digest the fire was reported at the vacant International Woolen Mill shortly before 9 a..m., prompting a large response by local fire and law enforcement.  Authorities say they arrived to find heavy smoke and flames in a section of the mill complex.  It took several hours to bring the fire under control.  No injuries were reported.  The site has been in the process of environmental cleanup because of its history of hazardous materials, including oil and asbestos, and is heavily monitored due to trespassing and safety concerns.  

Child Welfare in Maine Continues to be Lacking

(Maine)  Sources say Maine continues to fall short when it comes to child welfare.  The Maine Monitor reports the state is required to arrange visits between parents and children within seven days after removing children due to concerns of abuse or neglect.  Visits typically must include a supervisor who monitors the visits and takes notes.  But in nearly all cases, Maine’s largest contracted provider of such services, Community Care, failed to schedule the visits within the required time frame last year, meeting that requirement just 10 percent of the time.  In spite of such troubling figures, DHHS again contracted with the nonprofit in December – at increased hourly rates.  In contrast, Penquis Community Action Agency exceeded the contract benchmark, scheduling 197 of 212 referrals – or 93% – within the required seven-day period.  Attorneys involved in child welfare proceedings called the Community Care data “troubling”.  State watchdogs have also raised concerns.  

Local Politics

Maine to Release Funds for Food Aid

(Augusta)  Governor Janet Mills on Thursday held a press conference to announce the distribution of $1.25M to counter the Trump Administration’s refusal to release federal contingency funds designed to support those who rely on SNAP benefits for food. The Trump Administration announced last week SNAP benefits would not be distributed in November as the government shutdown drags on.  Maine’s funding includes a million dollars from the Governor’s contingency account and $250K from the John T. Gorman Foundation, to be distributed through the Good Shepherd Food Bank, Age Wise Maine, and the DACF Hunters for the Hungry program.  The November cuts affect more than 170K vulnerable Mainers, particularly in Androscoggin,  Aroostook, Piscataquis, Washington, and Somerset Counties where 1 in 5 residents depends on SNAP.  75% of households affected have at least one working adult; 33% are households with children.

(Augusta)  Governor Janet Mills yesterday announced the state will distribute $1.25M to counter the Trump Administration’s directive that SNAP benefits would be withheld in November, as the federal government shutdown moves into its second month.  Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey has joined a multistate lawsuit demanding release of contingency funds authorized by Congress to continue those SNAP payments. Some 170,000 families in Maine rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Businesses across the state continue to step up to offer relief to those in need, as well.  The Governor remarked she is grateful, but not surprised.  Maine’s funding includes a million dollars from the Governor’s contingency account and $250K from the John T. Gorman Foundation, to be distributed through the Good Shepherd Food Bank, Age Wise Maine, and the DACF Hunters for the Hungry program.  

Blue Hill to Hold Special Town Meeting Tuesday

(Blue Hill)  In addition to voting on the ballot referendums regarding dams and recreational marijuana, the Town of Blue Hill is planning to hold a special town meeting at 7:30 a.m. on November 4th.  The Ellsworth American reports attendees will be surveyed on two questions – one regarding a moratorium ordinance on cannabis establishments, which would give the town time to enact an ordinance should voters choose to allow recreational marijuana establishments.  The second question is to see if the town would agree to appropriate funds from the Fire Equipment Reserve and unassigned funds to make a final payment on a fire truck ordered in 2023 and delivered this year, purchase a second Public Works plow truck, and provide property tax abatements deemed appropriate by the Select Board.  The meeting will be held Tuesday at the town hall.  

Health Care for All

(Maine)  Maine voters could be asked to weigh in on a referendum requiring state lawmakers to develop a plan to provide publicly funded healthcare for all residents next year.  The Portland Press Herald reports the proposal comes as federal lawmakers are in a standoff over extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies.  Those in support of such a proposal will need to gather 67,682 valid signatures from registered voters by February 2nd in order to qualify for the 2026 ballot.

Rules on Removing Political Signs

(Maine)  While it may be tempting to remove the signs of a political opponent or someone with whom you disagree, such actions could prove costly.  According to Maine law, removing political signs from public rights-of-way without proper authorization could result in fines of up to $250.  A separate statute covering theft of property from private land (yes, that includes those political signs) could earn you an additional fine up to a thousand dollars.  Of course, landowners are free to remove signs on their own properties, and Maine law dictates campaigns must remove their signs promptly after an election.   

Economy

IFWA Contributes to Island Economy

(Deer Isle-Stonington)  When it comes to helping fishermen in need, few are as purpose driven  as The Island Fishermen’s Wives Association.  Island Ad-Vantages reports the group has been an active part of the Deer-Isle/Stonington community since 1989, when it was formed in the wake of the tragic deaths of two fishermen.  The group of some 20 women now advocates for boating safety practices and runs a program that provides free swimming lessons for Island and Isle au Haut kids at the Blue Hill YMCA. This year, the IFWA donated more than $2,000 in school supplies to the Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary and Isle au Haut schools, based on teachers’ wish lists.  Members say for the first time this year, they turned to the community, which came through with generous donations.  

Environment

Trailhead, Parks Updates

(Maine)  Some notes for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.  The South Trailhead at Great Pond Mountain is temporarily closed for parking lot reconstruction.  With heavy equipment in the area, Wildlands users are cautioned not to access the area.  Due to the Wildlands Summit Run, on Sunday Great Pond Mountain trails will be closed to bikes from 9 a.m. until Noon.  Hikers can still access the trails, but must yield to runners, and dogs must be leashed.  If you’re headed up to Katahdin Woods and Waters, be aware the regular seasonal closure of the Loop Road there begins Monday, November 3rd.  The Park Loop Road at Acadia National Park remains open through December 1st.  The need for reservations to access the Cadillac Summit ended on October 26th, according to the park website, but dress warmly – it’s cold up there this time of year..

Education

Federal Cuts Hinder Special Education Services

(Maine)  Educators across the state say federal staffing cuts are putting special education services at risk, along with the students who rely on them.  NewsCenter Maine reports about one in five students in Maine’s public schools receive special education services – one of the highest rates in the country.  Bangor Superintendent Dr. Marie Robinson told reporters the cuts could have serious long-term impacts on what she called legal and moral responsibilities to children needing special education programs.  

Winter Parking Bans Go Into Effect

(Belfast)  With tomorrow being November 1st, municipalities are reminding folks to be mindful of winter parking bans.  Belfast’s Annual Winter Parking Ban runs from November 1 until April 30th.  Any vehicle parked overnight on any city street for more than an hour between midnight and 6 a.m. is subject to being ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense.  Ellsworth’s annual overnight parking ban also begins Saturday and runs to April 1st.  The ban there prohibits parking on public streets and in city-owned parking areas between midnight and 6 a.m.  Temporary bans may also be declared for specific snow removal operations.  In such cases, vehicles can be parked in the center spots of the Lower City Hall parking lot.  Sounds like a timely “time” to check with your town or municipality.

Human Interest

Tidely-Idley Returns in New Book

(Stonington)  The Tidely-Idley is back in a new tale, just released by Penobscot Books.  Island Ad-Vantage reports the father/daughter team of Sam and Hazel Coolidge restored a boat to resemble the craft featured in Robert McCloskey’s Burt Dow: Deep Water Man, then wrote a book of fiction, based on actual events.  Sam Coolidge said everything in the story – The Tidely Idley Returns to Sea – actually happened after they got the 26-foot former Coast Guard motor surfboat and began the restoration. The book is beautifully illustrated with watercolors by Pamela Pittsley, and can be purchased at pen bay press dot m e.  Royalties earned from the sale of the book have been donated to the Chase Emerson Memorial Library in Deer Isle.

Almost Time to “Fall Back”

(Maine)  It’s almost time to “fall back”.  Daylight Savings Time ends for the year this Sunday, with clocks turning back one hour at 2 a.m. local time.  Of course, many clocks, watches, and tech devices automatically change, and most folks change those that don’t before going to bed.  Daylight Savings Time will return on Sunday, March 8th, 2026, when clocks again “spring forward” an hour.  Something to look forward to, for sure.

Word of the Year

(Undated)  Dictionary dot com has announced the 2025 Word of the Year – and it’s actually not a word, but a number – six seven.  The term is widely used by teens and means “not clear” or “so-so”, classic slang that’s purposefully nonsensical and indicates being in on the inside joke.  For Gen Alpha, the phrase is often accompanied by hand movements – moving the hands up and down, palms up, like weighing two objects.  But don’t try to act too cool by using it – if adults do that, the kids will soon move on, just like they have with Facebook.  

Former Wife of Jeff Bezos Donates $60M to Nonprofit

(NYTimes)  MacKenzie Scott, the billionaire former wife of Jeff Bezos of Amazon fame, is donating $60M to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.  The NY Times reports the nonprofit helps improve disaster resilience and recovery in struggling communities that otherwise lack the resources to rebuild.  Just as our local communities have stepped up in response to the Trump Administration’s cuts to SNAP benefits, the grant is an early signal philanthropists and foundations may be stepping up to fill the void left by those drastic cuts.  Earlier this month, Scott gave $42M to 10,000 Degrees, which works to make college accessible to low income students who are often also people of color.  She’s also supported causes from combatting global warming to the war in Ukraine.

National News

Senate Passes Resolution to End Global Tariffs

(Washington, DC)  Four Republican Senators, including Maine’s Susan Collins, broke ranks with their party on Thursday and sided with Democrats in passing a resolution to end Trump’s global tariffs.   Joining Collins were Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky, who sponsored the resolution, Mitch McConnell, also of Kentucky, and Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski.  The one page resolution would nullify the President’s national emergency declaration invoked on April 2nd to authorize the sweeping reciprocal tariffs on countries across the globe.  McConnell earlier this week warned that “tariffs make both building and buying in America more expensive”.  The four also voted Wednesday to end the 35% tariff against Canada.  The resolutions are mainly symbolic, as they are not expected to get a vote in the House.  

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