Local Politics

Ongoing Shutdown Affects National Park Staff

(Bar Harbor)  As the shutdown drags on, the impact on Acadia National Park, its employees, and the surrounding communities is deepening.  Friends of Acadia reports more than half Acadia’s workforce is furloughed, with those employees having missed their first full paycheck on October 28th, and no pay expected until the shutdown ends.  The small staff still reporting is focused on safety operations and protecting park assets from damage.  Wondering what you can do to help this invaluable resource and its workers? FOA has compiled a list – beginning with something as simple as thanking essential park staff.  Visit them on social media to learn more.

Mills Orders Distribution of Full SNAP Benefits

(Augusta)  Governor Janet Mills on Friday said she is directing the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to issue full SNAP benefits for November.  The funds were to begin going out today.  Nearly 12.5% of Mainers rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for food, with the average family of four receiving just under $600 a month.

Volunteers Step Up to Protect ANP

(Bar Harbor)  There’s no doubt the ongoing government shutdown is affecting Acadia and other National Parks – staff, visitors, and resources.  Fortunately at Acadia, teams of volunteers stepped up this past season with the Drop-In Volunteer Program.  Friends of Acadia reports volunteers donated more than 4K hours of work, clearing trails and drainage features, building boardwalks, weeding carriage roads, and  keep trails in shape at one of the country’s smallest but most visited National Parks.  One point of pride – a new bogwalk at Hadlock Ponds, a rocky area that routinely flooded, leading to wet feet and erosion along the banks.  This year’s volunteer teams were led by Nikki Burtis and her assistants in coordination with park staff.  

Airlines Cancel Flights

(AP)  Travelers across the country found themselves delayed, re-routed, or just plain out of luck this weekend as airlines canceled more than 2500 flights, mostly due to the government shutdown.  However, the Associated Press reports the slowdown at many of the nation’s busiest airports didn’t cause the widespread disruptions anticipated – yet. Ongoing staffing shortages are cause for increasing concern, as TSA agents and air traffic controllers continue to work without pay.  The FAA said the reductions impacting commercial airlines began at 4% of flights at 40 targeted airports Friday and will be bumped up again Tuesday, hitting the government’s targeted demand of a 10% reduction by Friday.

Ellsworth City Council Recount

(Ellsworth)  As Downeast Digest reported on Election Night, City Council Candidate John Linnehan has requested a vote recount, having lost to Marinna Smith by just two votes.  The recount is scheduled for this Friday, November 14th, with an extension Saturday, if needed.  The hand recount will be held in City Council Chambers, beginning at 9 a.m.  Doors will open at 8 for anyone wishing to witness the recount.  The election certification meeting to seat the new council is now set for a week from today, on Monday, November 17th at 4 p.m., prior to the monthly City Council meeting beginning at 6.  

Economy

Woodland Pulp Layoffs

(Baileyville)  Washington County’s largest employer plans to pause operations at its pulp mill and wood chip plant beginning later this month.  NewsCenter Maine reports Woodland Pulp in Baileyville will temporarily lay off workers through mid December.  Mill representatives cite market conditions as a reason.  The Maine Department of Labor says it will provide direct unemployment insurance to support employees affected by the layoffs.  About 144 employees – some ⅔ of the plant’s workforce – are expected to be impacted by the layoffs that will begin November 22 and run through December 16th.  

Drought Takes Heavy Toll on Apple and Blueberry Crops

(Maine)  This year’s drought has all but “dried up” production among Maine’s biggest apple and wild blueberry farmers.  The Portland Press Herald reports extreme weather led to a 50% drop in apple production and a 30% decline for wild blueberries. While recent rains have provided some relief, the latest drought map released last week shows 81% of the state still in extreme or severe drought.

Five Stars for Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  With Small Business Saturday coming up November 29th, Heart of Ellsworth is celebrating with a community-wide campaign called Five Stars for Ellsworth.  All this month, they’re profiling our stellar downtown businesses and all they have to offer.  A Five Stars for Ellsworth giveaway basket filled with small gifts and gift cards is on display at 16 State Street, with a winner to be announced December 6th.  To enter, you just have to leave a thoughtful Google review for any business listed in the Downtown District, take a screenshot of your review, and send it to Heart of Ellsworth.  Each review equals one entry, and you can enter as often as you like.  Check out Heart of Ellsworth’s social media pages for more details.

Pets Impacted by Withheld SNAP Benefits

(Undated)  While numerous businesses, individuals, and schools have stepped up to donate as the federal government continues to withhold SNAP benefits, nonprofits are asking folks not to forget about pets in need.  While SNAP can’t be used for pet food, the uncertainty is placing a strain on shelters and on SNAP recipients who long to provide for their beloved pets, while also now strapped for feeding their other family members.  Most food pantries accept donations of pet food.  Other places to contribute …  Eastern Area Agency on Aging has the Furry Friends Food Bank, Hardy’s Friends in Winter Harbor and Gouldsboro, and a pantry at the Sullivan Town Office.

Loaves and Fishes in Need of Bread, Milk Donations

(Ellsworth)  As we continue to report, the number of those stepping up to help stem food insecurity has been heartwarming in the midst of the on-again, off-again withholding of SNAP benefits.  Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth reports they’ve been unable to get the amounts of shelf-stable milk needed, and their shelves are depleted.  Donations of fresh milk – gallons and half-gallons – are particularly appreciated.  Also, any type of sandwich bread.  Donations may be dropped off at the pantry Monday-Wednesday-Friday from 9:30 to 12:30 or on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 6:30.  And remember, free community meals are available every Tuesday through Friday from 11 to 1 at the Maine Seacoast Mission Food Pantry in Cherryfield, and those meals are open to everyone.  

Downeast Mexican Takeout Opens

(Ellsworth)  Tacos, Burritos, and Chimichangas, oh, my!  The Downeast Mexican Takeout Taco Truck is now open in Ellsworth. From 10 to 5 Thursdays through Saturdays, you’ll find your favorite Mexican foods at the red truck parked next to Goodwill.  You can even place your order ahead of time.  We’ve posted their information on our Nice & Easy social media pages.

Education

College of the Atlantic Supports Local Economy

(Bar Harbor)  College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor not only contributes to the environment, but to the local economy, as well.  MaineBiz reports an analysis by RKG Associates shows last year the college supported close to $17M in economic output to the region.  Since 2021, the college, which has a full-time enrollment of 353 students, has undertaken capital projects, including new construction using passive housing principles, supporting more than 300 construction-related jobs.  Operations, wages, and student spending were also factors, with the average COA student spending about $258 a month at local businesses.

Infrastructure

Wetland Boardwalk Could Be Part of HC Courthouse Complex

(Ellsworth)  Plans for the new Hancock County Courthouse in Ellsworth could include much more than a new facility.  The Bangor Daily News reports a parking lot for the DownEast Sunrise Trail could finally be built on the site off Merrill Lane… that, according to City Manager Charlie Pearce.  While the trail ends by the Comfort Inn, the nearest parking lot for the trail is three miles away at Washington Junction.  The development also opens the possibility of building public access into the Card Brook wetland on the east side of High Street if the City gets a required easement.  Potential grant money could be used to construct a boardwalk trail along part of the waterway.

Flight Delays

(Portland)  Portland International Jetport is warning passengers to anticipate significant flight cancellations, as the FAA has been ordered to reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 major airports, including Boston Logan.  The order is the result of the ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in the country’s history.  With TSA and Air Traffic Controllers continuing to work without pay, airports are seeing shortages in both areas, sparking flight disruptions, as well as concerns about safety.  

Human Interest 

Honor Flight Maine Telethon.  

(Augusta)  NewsCenter Maine is holding an Honor Flight Maine Telethon today, one day before Veterans’ Day.  Honor flights allow those who have served to visit the nation’s war memorials in Washington, D.C.  The flights cost about a thousand dollars per veteran, but none of that cost is passed along to veterans or their families.  NewsCenter will be sharing stories about how much previous honor flights have meant to veterans who have enjoyed the flight and tours.

Farmer’s Almanac

(Lewiston)  The Farmer’s Almanac is going away after 208 years.  The Old Farmer’s Almanac is still going strong.  Such recent news has sparked controversy and confusion.  The Farmer’s Almanac, based in Lewiston, Maine, first began publication in 1818, with long-range weather forecasts, gardening tips and more.  But shifting reader habits and economic realities forced fifth generation family owner David Geiger to make the difficult decision to stop the presses – and the website – in December.  But the OLD Farmer’s Almanac, first published in 1792, says it will continue to publish its annual edition for generations to come.

Bar Harbor Bed Races

(Bar Harbor)  Some folks didn’t even have to get out of bed to get to downtown Bar Harbor on Saturday.  Well … almost. The 16th Annual Bed Races “took the sheets to the streets” on Saturday.  It was all in good fun, as folks turned out in their pjs prior to the race to take advantage of the 30th Annual Early Bird Pajama sales.  The bed races are a fun way to celebrate the end of tourist season and the beginning of the holidays, with teams building their versions of beds on wheels and racing not-so-sleepy occupants down Cottage Street, the event never failing to draw crowds urging them on with coffee, croissants, and celebratory cheers.

National News

Trump Announces Tariff Benefits to American People

(Washington, DC)  In an effort to bolster support for his controversial tariffs policy, President Trump Sunday announced the federal government would give a $2,000 check to every American “not including high income people”, based on the tariff revenue collected so far.  But don’t spend that money yet.  A September statement indicates the Treasury Department has collected $195B from tariffs in the first three quarters of this year; but the Administration gave no clear details as to how the monies would be distributed.  Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the $2K dividend could come in lots of forms, including tax decreases on such things as Social Security or deductibility on auto loans.  

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