Crime/Public Safety

Stonington Man Arrested for OUI

(Deer Isle)  A Stonington man faces OUI and other charges after a crash on the North Deer Isle Road on Saturday.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports the crash happened around 10:45 Saturday night.  All occupants of the vehicles involved were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.  60 yo James Jones was transported to the Hancock County Jail where he faces multiple charges, including driving to endanger and driving under the influence.

Blue Hill Traffic Stop Secures “Habitual Offender”

(Blue Hill)  A Deer Isle man police call a “habitual offender” was taken into custody Saturday following a traffic stop in Blue Hill.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports 37 yo Ryan Morey was arrested off East Blue Hill Road and charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Being Revoked and Operating Under the Influence.  He was taken to the Hancock County Jail.

Ford Recall

(Undated)  Ford Motor Company has announced it’s recalling more than half a million vehicles due to seven separate safety issues reported in late October.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published a report detailing the vehicles and their issues last week.  The two largest recalls involve SUVs and trucks with possible moonroof wind deflectors that could detach and Ford Bronco SUV’s with drivers’ seats that might not restrain drivers in a crash.

Economy

SNAP Benefits Could Return Mid-Week

(Washington, DC)  SNAP benefits could be reinstated Wednesday, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.  Bessent made the announcement Sunday after two federal judges ruled the Trump administration must use emergency funds to make the benefits available.  More than $5B in contingency funding earmarked for SNAP benefits is available, but the Trump Administration has to now refused to release them.

Maine’s Forest Industry Still Logging Impressive Numbers

(Maine)  A report released last month shows Maine’s forest industry continues to be an economic “powerhouse”.  The Portland Press Herald reports the industry supported 29K jobs in 2024 and contributes one out of every $29 to the state’s GDP.  The 36-page industry snapshot shows that in spite of mill closures, the pandemic, unpredictable weather and other factors, Maine’s forest product industry contributed $8.3B to the state’s economy last year. 

207 Area Code Viable Another 25 Years

(Maine)  Maine’s 207 area code will remain single for at least another 25 years before running out of numbers.  Maine officials have for years warned of the coming need of a second area code, but for now it appears to be solo-safe until early 2050.  The 207 area code has become part of the state’s identity, used to name everything from businesses to news programming.

Health

Northern Light/Anthem Dispute

(Bangor)  While talks between Northern Light Health and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield continue to stall past a deadline, Northern Light President Guy Hudson told the Portland Press Herald Saturday Anthem patients would not be treated as out-of-network during negotiations.  The contract dispute affects some 30K Mainers.  An Anthem spokesperson said the insurance giant would be “unwilling” to extend the current contract past last Friday’s deadline, but Northern Light said talks were continuing.

Environment

Mainers Switch to Biodegradable Boat Wraps

(South Portland)  Some Mainers are switching to biodegradable boat wraps as they store their crafts for the winter.  The Portland Press Herald reports the manufacturer of BioWrap, a pale-green single-use shrink wrap, claims the material breaks down in fewer than five years.  Defend Our Health, a statewide nonprofit, says each year as much as 1.5M pounds of plastic from Maine boat wrap ends up in landfills, where it breaks down into microplastics and releases harmful chemicals into the environment.  This winter will be a test for BioWrap, as Port Harbor, a South Portland based company, plans to use it in all five of its locations, from Rockland to Kittery.

Overfishing Concerns Those in Lobster Industry

(Maine)  A new report says while Gulf of Maine lobsters are healthy, they’re being caught faster than they can replenish themselves in a warming environment.  The Portland Press Herald says a new assessment estimates there were about 201 million lobsters in northern New England in 2023  – down 34% from the 2018 peak.  The numbers are still above the 143 million needed to sustain the population naturally, but fall short of the 229M required to support the fishery at current levels amid changing conditions.

Lobster Bait Quotas Reduced

(Portland)  It’s not just the crustaceans causing worry.  Lobstermen next year won’t be able to “take the bait” – at least not as much as this year.  WGME reports The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has approved a 20% reduction in the catch of menhaden, an important lobster bait also known as “pogies”, for next year.  The commission says the menhaden population isn’t overfished, but the goal is to keep it high enough so lobster and other species have enough on which to feed.

Human Interest

New Dr. Seuss Book Release

(Undated)  Uncle Sam I Am would be so proud … to have this new one read aloud … Readers will soon be able to enjoy a new Dr. Seuss book.  Recently discovered sketches and notes from the late author allowed the publication of Sing the 50 United States, with the cover featuring the Cat in the Hat character standing on a map of the U.S. belting out the music.  While some scholars doubt the work is completely original, it will no doubt bring a smile to readers when it’s released next year in time to coincide with the country’s 250th Anniversary.

EEEA Kicks Off Season of Giving with Open House

(Brewer)  Eastern Area Agency on Aging is kicking off this season of giving with a special Open House.  They say while letters, emails, and updates are important, they want to get to know their donors who make the agency possible for those touched by their kindness.  Refreshments will be provided, courtesy of Downtown Charcuterie.   The Open House is Thursday, November 13th from 5:30 to 7 at the Durgin Center.  Everyone is welcome; they just ask that you kindly RSVP through their website.

Sea Captain’s Statue Unveiled in Searsport

(Searsport)  It was an emotional day in Searsport Saturday as a bronze sea captain’s statue was unveiled, taking its place in front of the Penobscot Marine Museum to watch over mariners who sail into the harbor there. The statue was the brainchild of Searsport Historical Society President Dr. Karen Kelley – a dream inspired by a wooden sea captain doll given to her as a child.  Searsport was once home to more Sea Captains than anywhere in the U.S.  Buoyed by encouragement from the late Natalie Knox, to whom the statue was dedicated, Dr. Kelley and others worked for more than two years to raise funds and see the dream become a reality.  The dedication ceremony drew a packed house to the First Congregational Church prior to the unveiling.  

National News

Poll Finds Most Americans Detest Demolition of East Wing

(WP)  While President Trump claims his ballroom project is widely popular, a Washington Post poll finds 56% oppose his decision to tear down part of the White House to build his 90,000 square foot ballroom.  The poll found 28% of Americans support the demolition project.  But polling found most against the project, by a 2 to 1 margin.  Sixteen percent said they aren’t sure whether they support or oppose the project, which critics say didn’t go through the proper channels required for such changes.

Trump Orders Testing of Nuclear Weapons

(Washington, DC)  President Trump has directed the Pentagon to test nuclear weapons for the first time since 1992.  The Washington Post reports the President wants testing to occur “on an equal basis with Russia and China”.  There was no indication of when such testing might take place.  The Kremlin condemned the move.

Kennedy Center Sales Down Since Trump Takeover

(Washington DC)  Kennedy Center ticket sales have plummeted since the takeover by President Trump.  Multiple artists are boycotting the switch, and sources say sales for orchestra, theater, and dance performances at the DC arts institution are the worst they’ve been since the pandemic.  

Majority Blame Republicans for Shutdown

(WP)  More Americans blame President Trump and the Republicans for the ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its second month – but the number of those blaming Democrats has grown.  A Washington Post/ABC News poll shows more than 4 in 10 US adults say Trump and the GOP are mainly responsible.  Among registered votes, 33% now blame Democrats, up from 30% when the shutdown first began.  

Trump Threatens Strikes Against Nigeria

(Washington, DC)  President Trump on Saturday reportedly ordered the Defense Department to prepare for potential strikes against the West African nation of Nigeria, also ordering all US aid to that country immediately cease.  The moves are an effort to pressure Nigeria’s government over its alleged failure to stop the persecution of Christians there.

Sports Notes

(MDI) And a couple of pretty impressive sports notes.  The Mount Desert Island High School girls’ volleyball team served up their first state championship Saturday, defeating Gardiner 28-26 in Class C.  And of course, the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the World Series in the eleventh inning of Game Seven against the Toronto Blue Jays.  The Dodgers the first repeat champions since 2000.  

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