Crime/Public Safety

New Gloucester Fatal Crash

(New Gloucester)  A two vehicle crash early Wednesday on I-95 SB claimed the lives of two adults and left four children injured.  Authorities say the crash happened about 4:30 a.m. yesterday near New Gloucester.  Initial reports indicate a GMC Acadia with two adults and four children was towing a U-Haul trailer that became detached from the trailer ball, leaving it secured only by safety chains.  The driver pulled to the shoulder, with the trailer still partially in the roadway.  The trailer was struck by an Audi SUV.  The two adults in the Acadia died. The four children and the driver of the Audi were taken to Maine Medical with minor injuries.  No names have been released, pending next-of-kin notifications.

Cutler Accused of Violating Probation

(Ellsworth)  A probation officer for former Maine gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler has filed a motion to revoke his probation.  The Ellsworth American reports documents filed in Hancock County Superior Court allege Cutler violated his probation this fall by accessing sexually explicit content online and by possessing unmonitored devices.  Cutler, who lives in Brooklin, is just under a third of the way through a six-year probation, ordered after his May 2023 conviction on four counts of possession of sexually explicit material of a minor under the age of 12.  The 79 yo pleaded guilty and was given a negotiated sentence of four years on each count, with all but nine months suspended, which he served in the Hancock County Jail.

Local Politics

Dems Seeking to Recruit Replacement for Golden

(Augusta)  Maine’s Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is actively looking for people to enter the primary to replace Representative Jared Golden.  Golden announced he does not plan to run to retain his seat in Congress.  The Maine Monitor reports State Auditor Matt Dunlap is in the running, as is former Congressional Aide Jordan Wood, who originally was running for a Senate seat.  Currently, former Governor Paul LePage is the only Republican in the race.  The contest will be a challenge for Democrats, as Maine’s Second Congressional District has been one of the reddest districts in the county held by a Democrat since Golden was first elected in 2019.

HUD Cuts Divert Funds for Those Facing Housing Insecurity

(Maine)  Governor Janet Mills called it a “callous move”.  The U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced sweeping policy changes that will divert funding away from a permanent housing program that keeps more than a thousand Mainers off the streets.  The Bangor Daily News reports the funds currently support some 1800 Maine residents with housing assistance, including more than 300 people in Bangor.  Mills said the loss of funding will put about 1200 Mainers at risk of losing their housing, likely leaving more people living outside, as unsheltered homelessness continues to rise and shelters across the state are at capacity.

Economy

MPUC Turns Down CMP Request for Rate Hike

(Hallowell)  The Maine Public Utilities Commission this week voted to dismiss a five-year rate plan proposed by Central Maine Power.  The proposal included a $1.4B rate hike CMP said was necessary in order to improve grid infrastructure and staffing.  Governor Janet Mills praised the PUC’s decision, but CMP issued a statement saying delaying action will ultimately cost Mainers more in the short and long run.

New Resource Helps Mainers Find Food Assistance

(Maine)  There are so many needs out there for those who are food insecure – but a wealth of resources, as well.  The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry has put together a wonderful new guide to help people find nearby food assistance. The Maine Food Access Map brings together food pantries, meal sites, WIC clinics, school programs and other food resources – all in one place.  We’ve shared a link through which you can access the map on our social media pages and hope you’ll share with anyone you know who may be in need.  

Environment

Mount Washington on Track for Record November Snowfall

(Mount Washington, NH)  Mount Washington in New Hampshire is on track for record November snowfall.  The observatory reports more than a foot of new snow has fallen since Sunday, greeting staff with towering snow drifts, and thick rime coating the summit Wednesday morning.  Month-to-date snowfall is now up to more than 60”, bringing them closer to the November record of 86.6” set in 1968 – with ten days left to go.

PFAs and Plastics Art Exhibition to Open at Shaw Institute

(Blue Hill)  The Shaw Institute in Blue Hill is proud to host a thought-provoking art exhibit that explores humanity’s complex relationship with persistent materials, like microplastics and PFAS.  “Forever Ours: PFAS and Plastics” opens this Saturday with a public reception from 4 to 6, with a 5:00 p.m. lecture by Dr. Charles Rolsky that will include information on misleading greenwashing practices, as well as cutting-edge research on microplastics and the development of sustainable materials.  The reception is free and open to the public.  The exhibit will run through summer 2026.  

Education

Maine Human Rights Commission Sues Five Maine School Districts

(Augusta)  The Maine Human Rights Commission is suing five Maine school districts that they say have adopted policies restricting the rights of transgender students.  One of those being sued is RSU 24 in Sullivan, which includes Sumner High School.  The suit alleges the adopted policies “create a hostile educational environment for gender non-conforming students”, which violates the Maine Human Rights Act.  Last month, RSU 24’s board adopted a resolution that defines sexes as male and female only, which “does not include the concept of gender identity.”  Gender identity is a protected class under the Maine Human Rights Act.

Health

Longtime Supporter Gifts MaineHealth 

(Rockport)  A long-time supporter of MaineHealth Obstetrics and Gynecology in Rockport has gifted the facility with a game changer – a state-of-the-art, high level disinfection system.  Nurses and physicians say the new equipment, made possible by Elinor Klivans, allows the department to work more efficiently in disinfecting semi-critical instruments that are used daily for women’s health imaging.  A medical sonographer told the Pen Bay Pilot it’s not just about making their work easier, but about improving quality and safety for every patient. Training for the new system is underway, and staff say they’re excited to integrate it into daily workflows.

MaineHealth Grant Allows Inclusion in National Pediatric Research Network

(Rockland)  MaineHealth has been awarded an NIH grant to join a network that addresses disparities in pediatric research by including children from rural or underserved populations in clinical trials.  The research also includes building pediatric research capacity in states like Maine and New Hampshire, which have historically had less NIH funding.  MaineHealth currently offers a wide variety of clinical trials to adults, but lacks the infrastructure to make those offerings to children because of the small number of eligible participants living here. The $2.1M grant will empower MaineHealth to allow such trials for young  patients suffering from asthma, obesity, mental health challenges and more.  

Infrastructure

Ellsworth Water Disruption

(Ellsworth)  A heads up for Ellsworth residents.  The Ellsworth Water Department needs to do some necessary construction and repair work on the system – and that means a water service interruption that will temporarily affect the entire public water system in Ellsworth today.  If you’re listening to a later newscast, you may already notice the effects.  Again, the City says it’s temporary.  Check the link on their website for more information.

Human Interest

Friends in Action

(Ellsworth)  Friends in Action in Ellsworth was founded by Jo Cooper in 2003, and was originally known as Faith in Action.  Its initial focus was providing free transportation for older adults in Hancock County;  but the nonprofit has expanded to include much more – including home visits, assistance with grocery shopping, simple home repairs, and a senior center offering coffee, lunch, and fitness classes.  The goal, says current Director McKayla Peers, is to help older adults and people with disabilities live independently and with dignity.  FIA is located in the Moore Community Center, and they welcome your participation and support,.

Main Street Ellsworth Honored

(Ellsworth)  World Atlas has confirmed something we’ve known all along – they’ve named Downtown Ellsworth one of the seven standout Main Streets in Maine.  The City says the recognition belongs not just to our wonderful downtown businesses, but to everyone who makes Ellsworth special.  We’d say that includes Heart of Ellsworth, our public works crews, the Arbor Commission and those who come to dine and shop.  If you haven’t yet done so, ya gotta get downtown after dark and see the festive lights and holiday decor adorning the streets and windows.  Ellsworth is in good company – other Maine Main Streets honored include those in Bar Harbor, Belfast, Brunswick, Camden, Damariscotta, and Kennebunkport.

Pugnuts Seeks Ornaments for Display

(Surry)  Here’s the latest scoop from Pugnuts Ice Cream and Gelato Shop in Surry!  Our friends there tell us that since they’re going to remain open through Christmas, they’d love your help decorating their tree.  Bring in some handmade ornaments they can display and receive a FREE small ice cream cone in return. Make your ornaments fun, traditional, whimsical, or wacky.  Pugnuts staff say they’ve kept the ornaments brought in over the years and plan to display those, as well.  Stop by Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 11 and 5 … and if you happen to leave with JUST that one free cone … well, you have a lot more willpower than WE do!

National News

Biden to Attend Cheney Funeral

(Washington, DC)  Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s funeral will be held in Washington today, with several high profile political figures expected to attend.  ABC News reports former President Joe Biden will be there.  Former President George W. Bush, with whom Cheney served two terms, will offer a tribute.  Cheney’s daughter, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, and his grandchildren are also expected to speak.  Cheney died November 3rd at the age of 84, following a bout with pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.

Federal Court Bars Texas Redistricting Maps

(Texas)  A federal court has barred Texas from using a new Republican-biased US House map in the state’s midterm elections.  CNN reports the court ruled the map is likely an unconstitutional racial gerrymander and blocked its use in 2026 elections.

© 2025 Downeast Digest News.  All rights reserved.