Crime/Public Safety

Hancock County Sheriff Charities Offering Deputy Luke Gross Commemorative Plates

(Ellsworth)  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Charities is once again offering the Deputy Luke Gross 509 Commemorative Plates, now featuring the updated Sheriff’s Charities logo.  The plates are a heartfelt tribute to Gross, whose service and sacrifice continue to inspire.  Plates are $25 each, cash or check only, and can be purchased at the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office in Ellsworth.  While supplies last, so don’t delay in getting yours!

Local Politics

High Profile Bills Await Action by Governor Mills in January

(Augusta)  Several high profile bills await decisions by Governor Janet Mills in January.  Those include an Internet Gaming bill that would provide the Wabanaki Nations exclusive rights to operate online gaming in Maine, a bill that would prohibit local officials from cooperating with federal immigration, or ICE, agencies, a bill on ghost guns that would require serial numbers for untraceable firearms, a bill adding Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history to school curricula, and one that establishes a statewide system to safely dispose of firefighting foam containing harmful PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”.  

Economy

Bath Breaks Ground on Housing for Shipbuilders

(Bath)  Like in much of Maine, a housing shortage in Bath complicates the job market for those needing an affordable place to live in order to work at Bath Iron Works.  Officials recently broke ground on what’s being called “housing for shipbuilders,” a project designed to address that issue.  MaineBiz reports the development will include three buildings with 84 apartments,  about a 20 minute walk to both the shipbuilder’s main yard and to Downtown Bath.  Employees will get first dibs, with unused capacity then  made available to Navy personnel, and then to the community.  Apartments are expected to be available mid-2027.

Maine Treasurer’s Office Has Millions in Unclaimed Funds

(August)  How nice would it be to discover you have money waiting for you that you didn’t know you had?  The Maine Treasurer’s Office is currently safeguarding $359M in unclaimed property, money, and financial assets that rightfully belong to Mainers.  This includes forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts and contents of safety deposit boxes.  In 2024, Maine’s Unclaimed Property Program processed nearly 70K claims and returned close to $30M to rightful owners, with the average claim adding up to about $412 – the largest, more than $300K.  It’s quick and easy to check.  Visit maine unclaimed property dot gov, search for your name, and start the claims process.

Tips on Tipping

(Augusta)  With November here, people are hitting the woods to harvest evergreen boughs to make Christmas wreaths – a practice also known as “tipping”.   Maine Forest Rangers offer this “tip” about the practice.  They say harvesting evergreen boughs requires WRITTEN permission from the landowner and that the same goes for anyone wishing to cut their own Christmas tree.  If you’re questioned, you must have that written permission or a bill of sale with you – otherwise it’s considered a Class E crime.  Not the gift ANYONE wants for the holidays.

Nonprofit Hub Opens in Bangor

(Bangor)  Nonprofit organizations now have a new central location in Bangor.  Heart of Maine United Way opened the doors to its new headquarters on Mount Hope Avenue this week, dubbing the facility “The Community”.  The location will be a shared space for any and all Maine nonprofits.  The cost of the project was $1.7M, which is already 80% funded.  HMUW President Sharir Patterson said it’s all about enhancing the capacity of nonprofits to deliver on their mission.

Health

Central Maine Medical Center Will No Longer Serve as Trauma Center

(Lewiston)  Come December 1st, Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston will no longer seek verification as a Trauma Center.  A Trauma Center means the hospital is committed to and able to provide a comprehensive array of trauma care and support resources and is one not designated as a Regional Trauma Center.  Trauma Centers provide efficient clinical decision-making, assure appropriate consultation; and, when required, arrange for transfer to other facilities.  Maine’s remaining Trauma Center facilities are Maine Medical Center and Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.

Human Interest

Keith Carson Leaves NewsCenter Maine

(Maine)  Sad news for fans of weatherman Keith Carson of NewsCenter Maine.  Carson announced recently he’s stepping away after covering weather for almost 20 years.  But he’s not leaving the state.  He’s accepted a position with Maine Conservation Voters, members of whom  he notes care about our wonderful state’s resources for vastly different reasons.  Today will be Carson’s last day on air. 

PEO Thanksgiving Pie Sale

(Ellsworth)  You have enough to do getting ready for the holidays, so let the PEO pie ladies do the baking for you!  Choose from a variety of delicious homemade pies, but be sure to get your order in by November 22nd for November 26th pickup at Reny’s in Ellsworth.  You’ll find contact information on our social media pages or visit p e o international dot org.  New this year, you can order half pies, starting at just $15. The Philanthropic Educational Organization is made up of women who celebrate the advancement of women … helping with education scholarships, grants, and more.

Human Interest

Coffee Company Brews Up Hope for SNAP Recipients

(Undated)  Josh White is one of thousands of good people across the country, willing to help the one in eight Americans who would otherwise go hungry without SNAP benefits.  Josh owns Heretic Coffee Company in Portland, Oregon.  When he heard about parents who might not have the money to feed their children, he offered a free cup of coffee and a free breakfast burrito to anyone who lost their benefits.  Critics told him he would go bankrupt, but in an interview with ABC News, Josh said, “That’s fine.  If we go broke making sure children have food for breakfast, I’m OK if that’s the reason I lose my business.”  Not only did Josh not lose his business, the community came together, donating $300K to help pay for those free meals. Josh says people from all over the world donated.  Here’s to good karma.

Bagaduce Provides Safe Haven for Horses, Donkeys

(Brooksville)  When we think of animal rescue, cats, dogs, and the occasional rabbit usually come to mind.  But a rescue in Brooksville, Maine is dedicated to another type of animal.  Bagaduce River Equine Rescue takes in horses and donkeys in need, providing food, shelter, farrier and veterinary care and helps find safe, knowledgeable homes after rehabilitation.  Like all nonprofits, they can always use financial support. If you’d like to give, check them out on FB or visit their website.

Christmas Tree Arrives in Rockefeller Plaza

(NYC)  (Christmas sfx :05)  Tomorrow is the big day in New York City – pretty much rivaling the election of Mayor Mamdani on Tuesday.  But this arrival is much less controversial – a 75-foot Norway Spruce from East Greenbush, New York arrives to kick off the annual Christmas celebration.  It will take crews up to two weeks to adorn the tree with 50K LED lights for the December 3rd lighting ceremony.  You can watch the tree lighting on NBC that evening, beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern.

DownEast Magazine Readers Choose 2025 Best of Maine Winners

(Maine)  DownEast Magazine’s 2025 Best of Maine Poll Results are in.  Elliott Architects in Blue Hill made the list.  So did Plants Unlimited, with locations in Trenton and Rockport.  Out on A Whimsey in Belfast was a finalist for Best Toy Store.  The Grasshopper Shop in Belfast and Rockland scored in two categories – Best Gift Shop and Women’s Boutique.  Maine’s Best Friend in Milbridge and Crystal Clear Family Pet Center were finalists as Best Pet Supply Stores. The Pickled Wrinkle in Birch Harbor won for Best Trivia Night. The Orono Bog Walk made the list of Best Nature Preserves.  Best Campgrounds include Mount Desert Campground and Searsport Shores Ocean Campground.   And Acadia Yurts & Wellness Center topped the list of Best Saunas and was a finalist for Best Yoga Studio.  We’ll have more categories and winners coming up.

(Maine)  DownEast Magazine’s 2025 Best of Maine Poll Results are out.  There are numerous categories – everything from best architects to best golf course, with many local winners.  Focusing on food, the Salsa Shack in Ellsworth made the list for Best Food Truck, Mosquito Harbor Brewing Company in Winter Harbor, a finalist for Best Bar, Best New Restaurant, Best Taproom, and Best Brewery, 44 North Coffee in Deer Isle/Stonington on the list of best coffee makers, the Blue Hill Co-op a finalist as Best Co-op, Lubec’s Monica’s Chocolates a finalist as Best Chocolatier, and of course, Momo’s Cheesecakes in Ellsworth and Sweet Cheeks Bakery based in Verona Island made the list for Best Bakeries.  And finally, Pat’s Pizza tops the list of Best Pizzerias.  We’ll have more winners – coming up!

National News

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor Losses Title, Perks

(UK)  The disgraced younger brother of King Charles III, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, has lost his perks of title and status over his friendship with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.  Following years of scandal related to Andrew, once married to Sarah Ferguson, Charles recently  took the step of seeking to insulate the monarchy from further exposure resulting from Andrew’s connections with Epstein.  Andrew has reportedly been ordered to leave the Royal Lodge, his home the past 20 years, and will no longer retain any royal titles.

Supreme Court to Weigh in on Tariffs

(WaPo)  The Supreme Court this week appeared skeptical that President Trump has the legal authority to impose tariffs on a range of goods from nearly all countries, signaling the justices could strike down or limit the administration’s signature economic policy.  The Washington Post reports that while liberal justices were expected to be critical of the tariffs, several of the court’s conservatives joined in sharp criticism of the tariffs during more than two hours of arguments.  It’s the first major test of whether the court will embrace or limit Trump’s assertions of broad executive power.  The decision could affect global trade, as well as the U.S. economy, inflation and the wallets of Americans.

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