Crime/Public Safety

Fight Over Transgender Issue Disrupts Polling Place

(Rockport)  Most of Tuesday saw a steady but quiet stream of voters weigh in on the issues; but at one polling location, police were called in to break up an argument.  The Midcoast Villager reports a man collecting signatures at the Rockport Public Library to keep transgender athletes out of girls’ sports got into an argument with a girl carrying a sign opposing his effort.  Police were called.   They say the man moved along before the argument developed further.  

Hancock County Probate Judge Again in Hot Water Over Child Support

(Ellsworth)  A Hancock County Probate Judge is reportedly in trouble again over failing to pay child support.  William Blaisdell IV was suspended from practicing law in April and has until next Wednesday to pay his former spouse $25K.  The consequence of not paying will mean 30 days in jail. It’s the third time and the third judge that has issued Blaisdell the directive to abide by the terms of his 2019 divorce.  Sources say Blaisdell also previously faced charges for not filing federal or state income tax returns for at least three years and has been held in contempt of court for failing to pay child support and attorney fees due his ex-wife.  

Local Politics

Towns Approve Takeover of Dams

(Blue Hill)  Four Hancock County towns will take ownership of the Toddy Pond Dam.  The Ellsworth American reports voters in Orland, Blue Hill, Surry, and Penobscot overwhelmingly agreed to form the Tody Pond Watershed Management District, with Orland voters also approving takeover of the dam on Alamoosook.  The question of what to do with the dams arose after owner Bucksport Mill LLC filed petitions for release of ownership, leaving them potentially to go to ruin.  A trustee from each town will meet this Friday to decide on plans moving forward, plans that include recreation continuing on the water bodies and protection of wildlife and waterfront property values.

Golden Won’t Run in 2026

(Washington, DC)  Citing the increasing threat of political violence and a Congress constantly rendered ineffective due to its partisanship, Democratic Congressman Jared Golden says he won’t run to retain his seat in 2026.  Golden told the Bangor Daily News he feels confident he would win, but that he dreads that very prospect … adding what he could accomplish in an unproductive Congress pales in comparison to what he could do in that time as a husband, father, and son.

Washington County Voters Reject Bond 

(Machias)  Voters in Washington County Tuesday said no to an $11M bond that would have helped dig the county out of a budget crisis created by the previous administration.  The Bangor Daily News reports the vote pushes Downeast Maine to the brink of insolvency with next steps uncertain.  Washington County is now on track to default on short-term loans in December and run out of money entirely by February.  The current commissioners, County Manager, and newly elected budget committee were meeting Wednesday to try to determine next steps.

Government Shutdown Now Longest on Record

(Washington, DC)  The federal government shutdown is now the longest on record.  The shutdown, which began October 1st, this week surpassed the 35-day record set in December 2018 and January 2019.  As of yesterday, the shutdown was in its 36th day, due to Congress failing to pass funding legislation for FY 2026.  The stalemate has impacted approximately 2 million federal workers, with 900,000 being furloughed and the country’s most vulnerable facing even greater food insecurity and a lack of heating assistance because of the Administration’s refusal to release contingency funds set aside for SNAP beneficiaries until the shutdown ends.

Economy

MaineHousing to Offer Heating Assistance, Despite Government Shutdown

(Maine)  Recently we told you about Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds being on hold during the government shutdown.  With winter fast approaching, MaineHousing now says it will use leftover funds from last year to issue heating assistance payments to nearly 4,000 struggling households while this year’s funds remain tied up.  NewsCenter Maine reports the agency announced Wednesday it will allocate $2.2M in carryover funds to participating fuel vendors on behalf of households already approved for HEAP assistance.  A spokesperson said borrowing from one program to pay another is neither ideal nor a long-term solution, but that it is necessary in order to avoid heating emergencies suffered by the state’s most vulnerable.  

Maine Among Top Ten States for Jobs

(Maine)  When it comes to job opportunities, Maine is employing all the right strategies.  MaineBiz reports with a score of 58.89 out of 100 in a national barometer by personal finance website, WalletHub, the state ranks among the top 10 most attractive states for employment … No. 2 in the job market category.  To determine the best states for jobs, WalletHub compared the job market and economic environment of all 50 states.  Massachusetts and Connecticut are on top at Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, joined by all other New England states in the top 10 (Maine squeaked in at No. 9).  On the other end, West Virginia came in dead last at No. 50.

Environment

Trees, Please

(Ellsworth)  Volunteers were busy Monday and Tuesday this week planting trees along Foster and Washington Streets in Ellsworth.  A project of Green Ellsworth and the Ellsworth Arbor Commission, the plantings are part of a three-year plan to help restore Ellsworth’s once-thriving tree canopy.  The Arbor Commission launched the program in late 2024 with the installation of eight trees along Route 3.  Members say the trees will reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality and help beautify the city.

Health

Northern Light/Anthem Reach Agreement

(Maine) Tens of thousands of collective sighs of relief as Mainers are waking up this morning to learn Northern Light Health and Anthem have reached an agreement.  The announcement came late last night, and means some 30,000 Anthem members will maintain in-network access to all Northern Light hospitals, clinics, facilities, and providers, including patients covered by employer-sponsored, individual, and Medicare Advantage plans.  The contract comes after months of failed negotiations and will take effect retroactively beginning November 1st, with all care since then treated as in-network for Anthem members.

Healthy Peninsula Supports Local Communities

(Blue Hill)  Healthy Families, Healthy Eating, and Healthy Aging – since 2001, members of Healthy Peninsula have worked to share those initiatives in order to improve the health of the people they serve in Blue Hill, Penobscot, Surry, Castine, Brooklin, Sedgwick, Brooksville, Deer Isle and Stonington.  The group is behind the Magic Food Bus, Sedgwick Head Start, Friendship Cottage, and more.  You’ll find them popping up all over the place, bringing together community members and experts to talk about issues important to all.  Learn more, contribute, and get involved by visiting healthy peninsula dot org.

Human Interest

Ellsworth Chamber Christmas Decorating Contest

(Ellsworth)  Downtown Ellsworth is gearing up for the holidays with the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Decorating Contest.  This year’s theme is “Whoville”.  Participating businesses can register with the Chamber anytime between now and November 17th.  Then send a picture of your completed display to katelin at ellsworth chamber dot org by December 1st.  Voting will happen that week.  Help Ellsworth shine for the holidays!  And don’t forget to sign up your float or organization for the annual Christmas parade set for Saturday, December 6th.  Contact Kimberly Fitch at the Grand.  The annual tree lighting at City Hall will take place that same evening.

Estate Sale to Benefit SPCA of Hancock County

(Trenton)  Support the SPCA of Hancock County and go home with some treasures this weekend!  It’s an estate sale at a former high-end vacation rental in Bar Harbor this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Items from the 18 Wayman Lane location include living room, bedroom, and other furniture, art, linens and more – with all proceeds benefitting the SPCA.  Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted.

Freedom & Justice Summit at The Grand

(Ellsworth)  Today through Sunday, don’t miss the Freedom & Justice Summit at The Grand in Ellsworth!  Young art warriors from Camp Jinka will display their moving and intricate portraits, sponsored by Artivism in Maine and others.  Camp Jinka is a free summer program in Belfast and other locations each year for kids and teens whose lives have been impacted by the loss of a parent.  Stop by the Grand and give them your support.

National News

Japan Bear Attacks

(ABC News)  An alarming story out of Japan.  ABC News reports the country has sent troops to the northern prefecture of Akita to help contain a surge of bear attacks that have horrified residents there.  They say the animals have shown up near schools, supermarkets, even a hot springs resort, with attacks reported almost daily ahead of hibernation season.  Since April, at least a dozen people have been killed and more than 100 injured.  The government estimates the overall bear population to be around 54,000.  

At Least Twelve Dead in UPS Cargo Plane Crash

(Louisville)  Authorities now say at least twelve people died Tuesday when a UPS cargo plane crashed on takeoff from Louisville, exploding in a gigantic fireball.  The plane was loaded with fuel, headed to Hawaii.  The crash happened shortly after 5 p.m.  Three crew members were on board and presumed dead.  The plane crashed into an area containing two businesses, including an auto parts store.  A shelter-in-place was issued for those within several miles of the crash because of explosions and debris. The NTSB is investigating. No official cause has been named at this time.

Freedom & Justice Summit at The Grand

(Ellsworth)  Today through Sunday, don’t miss the Freedom & Justice Summit at The Grand in Ellsworth!  Young art warriors from Camp Jinka will display their moving and intricate portraits, sponsored by Activism in Maine and others.  Camp Jinka is a free summer program in Belfast and other locations each year for kids and teens whose lives have been impacted by the loss of a parent.  Stop by the Grand and give them your support.

© 2025 Downeast Digest.  All rights reserved.