Crime/Public Safety

Man Falls from Bus Roof

(Kittery)  Scary moments on the Maine Turnpike near Kittery last Friday after a passenger traveling on a Concord Coach Lines bus opened the emergency roof hatch, climbed atop the moving bus and then fell off as the driver attempted to pull to the side of the road.  Public Information Officer Shannon Moss tells Downeast Digest, 35 yo Derrick McDuffy of New York said he was overheated before acting out the bizarre stunt along I-95 shortly before 11:30 a.m.  First responders arrived to find volunteers providing aid to the man, who was taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.  The other passengers on the bus were transported to another bus to continue their journey.

Arrest Made in Corinth Homicide

(Corinth)  Authorities have arrested a man in connection with a pair of shootings last September that left one man dead and another wounded.  Police were called to a home on Main Street in Corinth on September 21st after witnesses reported hearing gunshots.  An extensive investigation led them to issue an arrest warrant for 27 yo Jawon Owens of East Hartford, Connecticut.  Owens was taken into custody last Thursday and is being held in the Hartford Correctional Facility awaiting extradition back to Maine for a hearing in Bangor.

Fairfield Burglary Leads to Arrest of Vassalboro Man

(Waterville)  Members of the Fairfield and Waterville Police Departments were called to a home on Dyer Court in Fairfield last Thursday night on a report of a burglary in progress.  Witnesses told authorities an armed male who appeared to be under the influence of drugs broke into a residence and was acting erratically.  Officers arrived to see a man fleeing the scene.  A pursuit followed, with the suspect ultimately crashing his vehicle and running off on foot.  27 yo Joel Williams of Vassalboro was apprehended and taken to the Somerset County Jail where he faces multiple charges.

Local Politics

Ellsworth City Council Recount

(Ellsworth)  The November 4th Ellsworth City Council Election results will be certified and three new members sworn in at 4 this afternoon before this evening’s regular City Council meeting, set for 6 p.m..  The City completed a recount of the November 4th City Council election ballots on Friday.  The recount reaffirmed the election of Patrick Shea, Carol Patterson-Martineau, and Marinna Smith to the three open seats.  The recount was requested by candidate John Linnehan, who ultimately lost to Patterson-Martineau by two votes and was three votes shy of beating Marinna Smith.  

Collins Secures Funding to Renovate Holden Police Department

(Washington, DC)  Maine Senator Susan Collins reports she led the package to reopen the government to include $643K for the renovation of the Holden Police Department facility.  The project will be dedicated to late Holden Police Chief Chris Greeley, who was all about serving and helping others through his 25 Days of Kindness campaign.  Greeley passed unexpectedly in 2023. Collins secured funding for six Maine towns for federal grants to build and/or expand fire stations and emergency services, including Swans Island, St. Albans, and Thomaston.  

Economy

Jackson Lab Childcare Center Seeks New Operator

(Bar Harbor)  The operator who opened an on-site childcare center at Jackson Lab’s Bar Harbor facility plans to close the center, less than two years after it opened.  MaineBiz reports the lab opened the $4.5M facility in 2024.  It was operated by the Ellsworth-based Down East Family YMCA, whose board of directors reportedly made the decision to close the operation, citing a combination of declining enrollment and staffing challenges.  Jackson officials say they will begin looking for a new operator for the center and that they’re committed to supporting families during the transition .

Portland Jetport Seeks New Food Concession Operator

(Portland)  Portland is looking for a new food concession operator to oversee dining operations at the Portland International Jetport.  MaineBiz reports officials are vetting three proposals and expect to finalize a decision in December.  The new concessionaire will be responsible for all the food and drink spaces at Maine’s largest airport, which grossed around $10.6M for the fiscal year that ended on June 30th.  

Environment

New Report:  Washington County at High Risk for Coastal Issues

(Washington County)  A new report by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science finds Washington County and the Greater East Grand Region have some of the most at-risk populations and infrastructure in Maine.  The group, a branch of NOAA, spent the past year mapping where people live and comparing population density with different hazard areas.  They say as the risk of infrastructure failures in Washington County increases, it’s important for communities to have local information they can use to prepare for and respond to hazards.  Access the full report at coastal science dot n o a a dot gov.

Whitney Forest

(Ellsworth)  You may not even be aware of the Whitney Forest, a property almost hidden behind Tradewinds in Ellsworth that was acquired by Frenchman Bay Conservancy in 2024.  The land is to be the home of the new Everybody Eats Community Garden, created in partnership with Green Ellsworth.  In addition, FBC is mowing the field bi-annually to maintain the meadow for the wildlife and wildflowers that thrive there.  Follow FBC and Green Ellsworth on social media for exciting updates.  

Health

Dye Free Chips Set to Hit Stores

(Undated)  We’re calling it Dye Hard. Doritos and Cheetos will have a new look beginning next month, as PepsiCo rolls out versions of the chips without artificial colors or dyes, meaning they won’t have that familiar bright color.  The move is in response to the federal government’s push to rid the nation’s food supply of synthetic food dyes.  The company promises the flavors won’t change, and you’ll still have the option of purchasing the brightly colored versions WITH those food dyes.  CBS News reports some doctors say the health risks of those dyes pale in comparison with the risks of added salt, sugar, and fat in processed foods.

Listening to Music Could Guard Against Dementia

(WaPo)  You’re doing something this morning that could guard against dementia.  The Washington Post reports a new study indicates people who listened to music most days slashed their risk by 39% compared to those who didn’t listen.  The study says your favorite songs appear to activate parts of the brain.  Other things the study found helpful in reducing the risk of dementia – trying a plant-based diet, exercising regularly, and drinking less alcohol.  

Infrastructure

Ellsworth Road Work

(Ellsworth)  A quick traffic note – Gary Moore Road in Ellsworth will be down to one lane today.  Northeast Paving will be working on the road, so there will be one lane of alternating traffic during the project.

Human Interest

Ellsworth Public Library Rebrand

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth Public Library is housed in a beautiful historic building.  But its services are as modern and UPdated as you’ll find anywhere.  So, alongside some renovation and remodeling, Director Sarah Lesko and staff decided it was time for a rebranding.  The library settled on LK Weiss for a new design that honors their history while embracing the future and the community they serve.  It’s down to two designs, on view at the library or online, and they’d like your constructive input on which should be the final choice.  Visit the library’s FB page by November 29th to share your thoughts!

Volunteers Spread Christmas Cheer at Woodlawn

(Ellsworth)  Things are looking festive all across Ellsworth and our local communities these days!  On Friday, a group of volunteers gathered to string garland, hang wreaths, and decorate trees at the Woodlawn Barn!  Check it out and get a jump on local holiday shopping at Saturday’s Winter Market at the Barn, November 22nd from 10 until 2.  Then hang around downtown Ellsworth as  the season’s early darkness comes alive with lights.  The shop displays are absolutely gorgeous!  We’ve shared some pictures on our social media pages – but you really need to see them for yourself!    

Christmas for Kids Silent Auction at Ellsworth City Hall

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth Christmas for Kids Silent Auction is underway at Ellsworth City Hall.  But get in there quickly.  You only have until a week from Wednesday, November 26th, to browse and bid on a wonderful selection of items donated by our generous community.  Every bid helps make the season brighter for local kids!  Don’t forget, they’re open 7 to 6 Monday through Thursday but closed Fridays.  

Conscious Cafe Joins Loaves & Fishes to Provide Free Thanksgiving Meal

(Ellsworth)  The Conscious Cafe, formerly Steamy Buddha, is joining with Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth to provide a free Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, November 27th, from 11 to 4 at the cafe, 50 Church Street in Ellsworth.  Shoppers will also be able to pick up holiday meal fixings, including turkeys, beginning today through Friday at the pantry during regular hours.

Rotary Club of Ellsworth Donates

(Ellsworth)  The Rotary Club of Ellsworth recently presented checks for $500 each to Camp CaPella in Dedham and the Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary – fondly known as Birdsacre – in Ellsworth.  Senator Nicole Grohoski presented the club with a recognition from the State of Maine Senate and House for 75 years of service.  Well done!

National News

Trump Purchases

(Reuters)  President Donald Trump bought at least $82M in corporate municipal bonds from late August to early October, including new investments in sectors benefiting from his policies.  Reuters reports the financial disclosures were made public on Saturday.  According to the filings, the maximum total value of the bond purchases exceeded $337M and spanned several industries, including sectors that benefitted or are benefitting from his administration’s policy changes, such as financial deregulation.

Many House Republicans Will Back Bill to Release Epstein Files

(Washington, DC)  Lawmakers seeking to force the release of files related to the sex trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein are predicting a big win in the House this week.  The Associated Press reports a “deluge of Republicans” is expected to vote for the bill, bucking the GOP leadership and President Donald Trump, who for months have disparaged their efforts.  The bill would force the Justice Department to release all files and communications related to the convicted sex offender, as well as information related to Epstein’s death in federal prison that was ruled “suicide”, a cause some question.

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