Crime/Public Safety

ATM Scheme

(Damariscotta) One person was arrested, but others remain at large in a multi-agency investigation into a cyber scheme involving ATM machines in Maine. The investigation began in February when authorities responded to various locations on reports of suspicious activity at the automated teller machines.  The investigation led to evidence of a widespread cyber attack.  A vehicle was identified and was captured on a Waldo County license plate reader, leading to the identification of suspects from Tajikistan and Iran who managed to make fraudulent withdrawals of more than $10K.  A third suspect stole more than $260K in American Airlines miles.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Lincoln County authorities.

Local Politics

Towns Rally to Support Washington County in Budget Crisis

(Machias)  Maine’s State Motto is “Dirigo” – Latin for “I lead”.  The tiny town of Addison on Monday put that motto into action at a special town meeting regarding the Washington County budget crisis.  Voters earlier this month rejected an $11M bond initiative that would have lifted the County’s burden, causing the county to then turn to towns in hopes they would use surplus funds to help pay off the 2025 Tax Anticipation Note or TAN – funds that keep the county operating.  Municipalities recognize the TAN must be paid in order to obtain another one. Unless that happens, municipal taxes could be calculated into the 2026 county taxes in town budgets. Addison residents voted unanimously to appropriate up to $325,000, and they hope others will follow their example so that vital county services, such as 9-1-1, can continue. Machias, Steuben, and Columbia Falls are among towns planning to meet on the issue soon.  

Knox County to Partner with Two Bridges Regional Jail

(Wiscasset)  Knox County will move long-term inmates to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset beginning in 2026.  In a press release, officials said the move would ease financial strain and address growing concerns about the aging county jail in Rockland.  Under the agreement, the Knox County Jail will be used as a short-term holding facility and continue to operate under the supervision of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, reportedly reducing the financial burden on Knox County taxpayers.  Sheriff Patrick Polky told NewsCenter Maine the Knox County jail’s infrastructure is nearing the end of its lifespan, and replacing outdated systems would mean costly renovations.

Locals Protest Terms of Ending Government Shutdown

(Augusta)  Mainers protested outside the office of Senator Susan Collins and similar offices across the country Monday and Tuesday.  Opponents were vocal in their displeasure with the terms of ending the government shutdown, which did not include any guarantees to provide funding for the Affordable Care Act.  Unless ACA tax credits are extended come January 1st, healthcare costs for most Americans will likely skyrocket.  Republicans have promised to bring the matter up for a vote in early December, but Democrats feel there is little chance they’ll vote to extend such tax credits.

Economy

Maine Veterans Project Seeing Unprecedented Demand for Food, Heating Assistance

(Bangor)  Yesterday’s Downeast Digest news sponsor was the Maine Veterans Project in Bangor.  The nonprofit serves veterans with the goal of reducing veteran suicide.  NewsCenter Maine reports services include running camaraderie-centered programs and helping to meet veterans’ basic needs, such as food and heating assistance.  With both on hold much of this month, they say needs have grown in both areas.  As we shared yesterday, donations can be made at maine veterans project dot org.  By the way, NewsCenter Maine’s telethon yesterday, through your generosity, raised almost $180K to help veterans and their families enjoy Honor Flights to Washington, DC.  

SNAP Benefits Begin to Roll

(Maine)  Hundreds of Mainers are breathing sighs of relief as SNAP benefits this week have begun showing up on their EBT cards.  Governor Janet Mills said Maine DHHS began distributing full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on Monday, even as the Trump Administration returned to the Supreme Court in a push to prevent full payments during the government shutdown.  Mills had directed DHHS on Friday to begin sending full SNAP benefits for November to all eligible households this week. The payments began Monday, in spite of a US Supreme court order issued later on Friday granting the Administration’s appeal that they continue being withheld.

Environment

Ellsworth Tree Planting Continues 

(Ellsworth)  Trees, please.  The City of Ellsworth Parks and Recreation Department and Arbor Commission will be continuing their tree planting along Washington Street this morning and Thursday, and they could use your help.  Meet behind Shaw’s to help anytime between 9 and 3 either or both days.  They say wear sturdy shoes, work gloves, and warm clothing.  Volunteers will maneuver wheelbarrows, spread mulch, backfill holes with soil, and help set the trees.  The project is funded through a federal grant and supports tree planting along Washington and in areas near the city’s low-income housing units to expand the tree canopy and strengthen the natural environment. Volunteers recently helped plant 22 trees along Foster Street in Ellsworth.

Despite Drought, Number of Maine Forest Fires Stays Small

(Maine)  In spite of the year’s extreme drought, fire officials say preparation helped prevent and control what could have been a devastating fire season in Maine. Joe Mints, Director of Forest Fire Training for the Maine Forest Service, told WMTW drought conditions rivaled those of 1947, the worst fire year in Maine’s modern history.  In the wake of those disasters, the state began to modernize its firefighting capability and train professionals and local volunteers in the most modern and efficient techniques.  Mints said they’ve also taken advantage of technology, such as satellites for identifying the beginning of fires, rather than fire towers, and weather forecasts that help predict when the worst fire conditions are likely.  While more than 800 wildfires have been reported so far this year, those blazes burned just a little over 500 acres.

Parts of Maine See First Snowfall

(Maine)  Parts of the Pine Tree State saw their first measurable snowfall on Veterans Day.  Light snow was reported in Fryeburg, Rumford, and Lewiston, and the Maine Turnpike Authority reduced speed limits on part of the highway due to snow.  The National Weather Service advised there was potential for brief but heavy snow showers and/or snow squalls into last evening in the mountains of western Maine, along with the Midcoast.

Infrastructure

Road Changes

(Ellsworth)  In case you missed it, the state-owned road, Boat Launch Drive, leading to the Branch Lake State Park and boat launch is closed for the winter season.  The closure is mandated by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.  The gate at the end of Branchview Drive is now open for Branch Lake State Park and boat ramp access from Branchview Drive until next spring, when the procedure will be reversed.  Just in case you want to take a stroll in the snow …

Human Interest

Heart of Ellsworth Holiday Marketplace

(Ellsworth)  In case you need a reason to linger a little longer in Downtown Ellsworth this season, the Heart of Ellsworth Holiday Marketplace at 16 State Street opens the end of this month.  For two festive weekends, November 28 & 29 and December 5 & 6, the gallery space will be filled with handmade gifts from talented Maine Makers.  The Holiday Marketplace will be open from 3 to 7 on Fridays and from 10 to 4 on Saturdays.  

Community Closet 207 Food Drive

(Ellsworth)  Community Closet 207 on Water Street in Ellsworth is having a Thanksgiving Food Drive.  They’re collecting stuffing, frozen vegetables, rolls, turkey and other Thanksgiving items to help brighten the season for those in need.  And if you ARE in need, sign up for free turkey and fresh food on November 22nd from Noon until 2.  Sign up via private message, email or text.  Check out Community Closet 207’s FB page for more details.

Heart of Ellsworth Friendly City Puzzle

(Ellsworth)  Puzzled about what to get that hard-to-buy-for person on your holiday list this year?  Heart of Ellsworth presents The Friendly City puzzle, a custom 500 piece puzzle that when complete offers a vivid glimpse into Ellsworth’s rich history.  The image, taken from an historic postcard, captures the heart of downtown Ellsworth, and each puzzle purchased helps support Heart of Ellsworth’s mission to preserve, celebrate, and strengthen our historic downtown.  Order yours at heart of ellsworth dot org.  

Sports

Flagg Sets Personal NBA Best Score

(Dallas)  The Mavericks lost to the Bucks by two Monday night, but Maine native Cooper Flagg put up a personal best score of 26 points, had four assists, and nine rebounds in just 35 minutes of play.  Flagg joins LeBron James as the only two 18 year olds to ever record 25 point games.  The Mavericks take on the Suns tonight in Dallas.  

National News

Senate Passes Bill to Open Government

(Washington, DC)  Recapping now where the federal government shutdown stands.  The Senate on Monday passed legislation to reopen the government, bringing the longest shutdown in history closer to an end.  A small group of Democrats ratified a deal with Republicans, despite vocal opposition the agreement contains no guarantee of extended tax credits for ACA healthcare, which expire on January first.  Republicans did, however, agree to bring the matter up for a vote within the first two weeks of December.  The Associated Press reports the legislation includes a reversal of the mass firings of federal workers by the Trump Administration and protects federal workers against further layoffs through January.  It also guarantees they will be paid once the shutdown ends.  The House must now vote on the measure.  That could happen as early as this afternoon.  

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