Local Politics

Election Results

(Maine)  Mainers left no doubt Tuesday about the two referendum questions – both decided by wide margins.  Voters said no to Question One, a Republican-led effort to require voter ID and restrict absentee voting and YES to Question Two, the so-called red flag law.  Close to home, while the results are still unofficial, the citizens of Ellsworth elected Patrick Shea, Carol Patterson-Martineau, and Marinna Smith to City Council, but the top five vote-getters were separated by less than 76 votes, with John Linnehan placing fourth by just two votes. Linnehan has asked for a recount Leading in the race for Bangor City Council were Susan Faloon, Daniel Carson, and Angela Walker.  With just a few towns left to report, it appears the Washington County bond issue failed 53 to 46 percent. We’ll keep you updated on results on our social media pages.  A big thank you to the municipal clerks and poll workers who had a pretty long day yesterday.

(AP)  Turning now to some closely watched national races, it was a good night for Democrats.  Zohran Mamdani easily defeated Republican Andrew Cuomo for Mayor of New York City.  In two closely watched Governor’s races – Abigail Spanberger will be the first female Governor in Virginia history, flipping that office with a win over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears.  In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill easily winning over Trump-endorsed Jack Ciatarelli.  Exit polls show economic concerns were high on the minds of voters as they cast their ballots in those key elections.  Writing on social media President Trump said,  “Trump wasn’t on the ballot and shutdown were the two reasons that Republicans lost elections tonight.”

Dupuis to Run for Hancock County Sheriff

(Ellsworth)  Finally, voters will see a familiar name on the ballot when deciding on a new Hancock County Sheriff next November.  Lieutenant Dakota Dupuis has relocated from Orrington to Ellsworth to run as a Democrat.  Dupuis told the Ellsworth American he has the support of current Sheriff Scott Kane and that he would like to hold the job for multiple terms.  So far just one other candidate is running – Detective Corey Bagley, who will run as a Republican.

Election Results

Economy

Local Businesses and Individuals Continue to Step Up with Food Aid

(Maine)  From a tiny food stand on the Eastside Road in Hancock operated by the Trombetto family … to Provender, Flex-It and other area restaurants, to schools holding food drives, Mainers continue to step up and make sure no one goes hungry in light of the Administration’s refusal to release SNAP benefits during the ongoing federal shutdown.  Portland-based Maine Needs raised thousands not only for groceries, but to provide bus passes for those in need.  Moe’s Original BBQ in Bangor plans to hand out 100 free meals between 9 and 11 this morning to those in need on a first come, first served basis.  Moe’s said people qualify by feeling insecure about their food situation, period.

Breweries Donate 

(Ellsworth)  Local beer purveyors brewed up an awful lot of good will last week for the Emmaus Homeless Shelter in Ellsworth.  Jon Stein, owner of Fogtown Brewing in Ellsworth, brought pre-cooked pizzas for the shelter’s emergency food boxes, and Daniel Kleban from Maine Beer Company stopped by with a check for $8K to help with food insecurity.  Shelter Director extraordinaire Stacey Herrick says the shelter, which is operated by H.O.M.E., couldn’t do what they do without such community support.

Education

HCTC Serves Up Lunch

(Ellsworth)  If your mouth is watering for a delicious meal at lunch today, listen up.  The Brookside at Hancock County Technical Center in Ellsworth is having their first restaurant service from Noon until 1:15 today, and these students can COOK.  On the Fall Buffet Menu, Roast Beef au jus, Barbecued Chicken, Vegetarian Broccoli Sesame Stir Fry, and Haddock Chowder – and those are just the main courses being offered.  There are also sides, salads, and desserts – all for just $13 a person.  Get there early, they’re popular for a reason!

Ellsworth Middle School PE Teacher Honored

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth Middle School’s Matthew Downs is exercising his right to be awesome!  Downs was honored this weekend as Maine’s Middle School PE Teacher of the Year by the Maine Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance!!  Mr. Downs was nominated by his students and peers who say his commitment to helping students grow, stay active, and build lifelong healthy habits makes a difference daily.  They say beyond the gym, he’s always willing to step in wherever needed, including taking on leadership of the entire Middle School Athletic Department.  Cheers to you, Mr. Downs!  

Environment

Powerful Gusts Leave Mainers Without Power

(Maine)  Gusts up to 40 miles per hour and stronger left thousands of Mainers without power Tuesday.  As of 1 p.m. yesterday, Central Maine Power was reporting 9,000 outages, while Versant reported more than 400 of its customers were out.  Numerous trees were reported down, but crews expected to have most folks back on line by last evening.  

UNE Research Buoy

(Saco)  A group of University of New England students has launched a souped-up oceanographic buoy in Saco Bay, dedicated to documenting storm waves.  The Portland Press Herald reports within minutes of its launch, the buoy began transmitting wave, wind, temperature, ocean current and other data back to UNE’s lab for analysis.  The goal is to help increase coastal resilience in one of the most vulnerable parts of Maine’s coast.  

Health

Take Steps to Prevent Alzheimer’s 

(WaPo)  We really should be taking steps to prevent Alzheimer’s – literally.  A new study reported by the Washington Post says people at heightened risk for the cognitive malady may be able to slow the progression by taking as few as 3 to 5 thousand steps a day.  The study of people with early, presymptomatic Alzheimer’s by a cognitive neurologist at Mass General Brigham said that number of steps appeared to delay the study participants’ cognitive decline by three years, compared to those who walked less.  Those who walked 5 to 7 thousand steps per day appeared to delay their decline by seven years on average.  In case you’re wondering, depending on your gait, a mile takes around 2,000 steps.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

(Ellsworth)  November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.  The Purple Iris Foundation understands the government shutdown is adding anxiety, especially for those facing a loss of SNAP benefits.  Their team is working to compile a list of helpful community resources to help those affected during this time.  Check out their social media pages to learn more.

Human Interest

Musquito Harbor Invites Folks to Book Club

(Winter Harbor)  Finally, here’s to books and brews!  Musquito Harbor Brewing Company in Winter Harbor invites you to join a local book club “Shelf Indulgent”.  New members are always welcome – the next event is at 5 p.m. on November 20th.  They say read the selected book – this month it’s Bonnie Garmus’s “Lessons in Chemistry” – or just come for the camaraderie and spoilers!

Infrastructure

Ellsworth Road Work

(Ellsworth)  Look for paving to be done on Red Bridge and Gary Moore Roads in Ellsworth this Thursday and Friday.  Both roads will be down to one lane with alternating traffic as Northeast Paving completes that work.  The City says commuters may want to find alternative routes.

National News

Dick Cheney Dies

(Undated)  Former Vice President Dick Cheney has died.  Before being elected to that office under George W. Bush, Cheney served as Defense Secretary, White House Chief of Staff, and as a Wyoming Congressman.  Viewed as one of the country’s most powerful Vice Presidents, Cheney also drew ire for the war in Iraq and expansion of Presidential powers.  Cheney’s family released a statement saying he died Monday night of complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.  He was 84.

SNAP Benefits Off Again

(Washington, DC)  President Trump is vowing once again to withhold all SNAP benefits until the government shutdown ends.  On Monday, the USDA agreed to follow a pair of court rulings by  federal judges that ordered the administration to release the benefits on which 42M Americans rely for food, saying there would be a partial distribution of the funds.  But despite the judges’ rulings and more than $5B in SNAP benefits set aside as contingency funds, the President yesterday said no funds would be released.  It’s unclear if Trump can legally use his Executive power in this manner.  This will no doubt be a changing story, and we promise to keep you updated on our social media pages as things develop.

Shutdown Threatens Air Travel

(Reuters)  U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy yesterday warned the ongoing shutdown could force closure of some of the national airspace to air traffic, a drastic move he added would lead to chaos and upend American aviation.  Speaking at a press conference and placing the blame squarely on Democrats on Tuesday, Duffy threatened, “If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos, you will see mass flight delays.  You’ll see mass cancellations.”  Reuters reports 3.2 million passengers have been hit by delays or canceled flights due to a spike in air traffic controller absences.

Chrysler Recall

(Undated)  Chrysler is recalling more than 320K Jeep plug-in hybrid vehicles due to a faulty battery that can fail and lead to a fire.  U.S. safety regulators say the company is aware of 19 reports and one injury potentially related to the issue.  The Independent reports the recall includes Wranglers model years 2020-2025 and Grand Cherokees model years 2022-2026.  Owners are advised to park affected vehicles outside and away from structures until a remedy for the problem can be determined.

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