Crime/Public Safety

Services Announced for Rockland Student Hit by Bus

(Rockland)  The family has announced services planned for Brayden Callahan, the 12 yo Rockland student who died after he was hit by a school bus on November 21st.  According to an obituary, a service will be held at Burpee, Carpenter, & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland this Friday between 2 and 4 p.m.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over During the Holidays

(Augusta)  Drive sober or get pulled over – that’s the message from the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety and others for their winter holiday campaign, which runs from December 10th through January 1st, 2026.  Officials say the winter holidays are a time when alcohol-impaired driving crashes and fatalities increase.  They say don’t take chances – if you find yourself impaired, give your keys to a sober driver; and step in and TAKE their keys if you’re a friend who recognizes someone shouldn’t be driving.

BIA Threat Deemed Not Credible

(Bangor)  A threat overnight Sunday caused officials at Bangor International Airport to increase security levels and temporarily prevent anyone from entering the terminal.  That notice was issued just before 12:30 a.m. Monday morning.  Bangor Police say the threat was unsubstantiated.  Traffic was allowed to enter the terminal again a short time later, with an “all clear” update.  Operations were reportedly  back to normal by 4 a.m. Monday.

Economy

19 Million Reasons to Buy a Maine-grown Tree This Christmas

(Maine) There are millions of reasons to deck the halls with a Maine-grown tree this holiday season.  MaineBiz reports those purchases support an industry that contributes an estimated $19M annually to the state’s economy.  The trees are a renewable resource that also bring an incomparable pine fragrance to homes during the holidays.  Maine’s Christmas tree sector, which produces and sells fresh trees and wreaths, employs more than 800 people at 115 family farms that make up the Maine Christmas Tree Association – a Standish-based nonprofit.  Thanks for supporting local!

Gas Prices Fall to Lowest in Four Years

(Undated)  Just in time for the holiday, GasBuddy reports average gas prices in the US are at their lowest in over four years.  The national average price per gallon is below $3 for the first time since 2021, with average prices falling in all 50 states over the last seven days.  Easing crude oil costs and softer season demand are said to be contributing to the lower prices.  In Maine, GasBuddy reports the average cost of a gallon of gasoline stands at three dollars and a penny.

Community Closet 207 to Provide Christmas for Those in Need

(Ellsworth)  With our first major snowstorm on the doorstep, and Christmas right around the corner, we thought it appropriate on this Giving Tuesday to highlight Community Closet 207 on Water Street in Ellsworth.  Owner and tireless volunteer Sarah Bowden believes everyone deserves warmth; so she says if you need blankets, gloves, hats or other essentials, please stop by.  In addition, CC 207 is teaming with Community Compass to present the 2025 Christmas Program that for many years provided gifts for families in need through Downeast Community Partners.  But they really need our donations – find out how you can help at community closet 207 dot org or follow them on FB.

Environment

Winter Storm Warning

(Maine) Chances are, wherever in Maine you are this morning, things may look calm and dry.  But the National Weather Service says we’re in for our first big snowstorm.  They’ve issued a Winter Storm Warning from 11 a.m. this morning to 7 a.m. Wednesday.  Heavy snow is expected, with total accumulations between 4 and 8 inches and winds gusting as high as 35 mph for portions of Coastal and Interior Downeast, and the Penobscot Valley.  Plan on slippery road conditions and possible power outages, especially as winds pick up.  And do check with your local municipality about winter parking bans in effect so you don’t get towed. 

Health

Advice for a Healthier Day

(WaPo)  We all want to stay our healthiest; but winter and the busy holidays can wreck havoc with the best of intentions.  Dr. Trisha Parsicha tells the Washington Post, consistent daily routines do matter – and are linked to academic success, resilience, and better sleep.  She gives these tips, but says make your routine your own.  If you can, get outside early – bonus points if you can exercise with a friend.  Late morning is the most productive time, so tackle activities that require the most focus.  In the afternoon, counter post-lunch inertia with a brisk walk, then get to those simpler tasks.  In the evening, eat early and start winding down.  Plan on a digital sunset – minimize screens and dim household lights by 8 p.m.  After that, avoid alcohol and vigorous exercise, take a warm bath an hour before bed, journal or do a mindfulness exercise, then lights out. Finally, Dr. Parischa says, be patient with yourself – routines don’t stick overnight – make them easy to make them last.  Here’s to your good health for the holidays and beyond.  

Central Maine Healthcare to Change Hands

(Lewiston)  Prime Healthcare Foundation is set to become the sole owner of all Central Maine Healthcare services and facilities, although Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston and other entities involved will reportedly retain their current names and leadership.  MaineBiz reports regulators have approved plans by the California nonprofit, pending several conditions, including a two-year timeline for completing the deal and assurance CMH maintains trauma hospital certification for at least a year.

Human Interest

Giving Tuesday

(Undated)  It’s Giving Tuesday – a day to count and SHARE our blessings with the many nonprofits that add so much to our communities … from animal rescues, to historical societies, to food pantries and more.  Please consider donating to one or more of your favorites today.  Since October 1st, Downeast Digest has highlighted close to 50 different nonprofits that benefit our area – and every one of them tells us no gift is too small.  In fact, those smaller donations really add up and make a difference.  No place more generous than the folks of Downeast Maine.  Thank you today and every day for making a difference.

Heart of Ellsworth Gathers Input on Franklin Street Parklet

(Ellsworth)  The Franklin Street Parklet in Ellsworth has become a year round gathering place, and Heart of Ellsworth is gathering information on the potential of it becoming a permanent green space in downtown Ellsworth.  Complete a short survey on their website about what you’d like to see in a future permanent park, and you’ll be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card.  The winner will be announced  December 15th – be sure and include your email if you’d like to enter!  Visit heart of ellsworth dot org.  

Skowhegan Indian

(Skowhegan)  If you live in Maine, you’re likely familiar with the tall, wooden sculpture of a Skowhegan Indian that has overlooked the town for more than six decades.  Now, the local chamber of commerce is threatening to dismantle the statue if no interested buyer is found.  The Portland Press Herald reports so far, the Chamber has remained mum about the results of a request for proposals that closed in July.

Northern Ice Busters to Attend Long Lake 100

(Sinclair)  The Northern Maine Ice Busters are coming to the Long Lake 100 in Sinclair, Maine on March 14th to make an ice carousel!  For those unfamiliar with the practice, an ice carousel is a monster ice merry-go-round that actually rotates atop a body of water.  The legendary volunteer crew from St. Agatha is known worldwide for building the massive carousels, including their 1,234 food giant on Long Lake that reclaimed the world record in 2021.  The team has battled  Finland, Canada, and others in an international showdown of chainsaws, engineering, and Northern Maine grit, last year setting the world record for the largest ice carousel ever made on international waters.  Follow Northern Maine Ice Busters on FB for more on this exciting event.  

Nova Scotia Sends Tree to Boston Annually

(Boston)  Nova Scotia sends a Christmas tree to Boston each year.  It’s a thank-you tradition that honors Beantown for its kindness following the devastating December 1917 Halifax Explosion.  Doctors and nurses carrying supplies from  Boston rushed to the province when they were needed most; and Nova Scotia says they’ve never forgotten.  This year’s Tree for Boston is a beautiful 45-foot white spruce from Lunenburg County that will be lit this Thursday on the Boston Common, a symbol of a bond shared for over a century.

New York City Christmas Tree

(NYC)  When New York City lights its tree in Rockefeller Center tomorrow night, Judy Russ and her son, 7 yo Liam, will be there.  Judy’s husband and Liam’s Dad, Dan, died in 2020 at just 32 years old … and the family decided donating the tree would be a perfect way to honor Dan’s memory. The tree, a huge Norway Spruce, was planted by Dan’s grandfather 75 years ago at their East Greenbush, New York property.  The tree Liam once used as his own personal jungle gym is adorned with 50K lights and a Swarovski star for all to see. Judy says in spite of her heartbreak, she’s dedicating each shining light on the tree to her late husband, adding this encouragement for us all – “Spread joy, spread cheer, love one another – think of our family.  We’re just happy to share it with everybody.”  

Billboard Statue Celebrating State’s Sardine Industry Headed to Searsport

(Searsport)  Over six decades ago, a 40-foot-tall statue of a fisherman in familiar yellow fishing gear and holding a can of sardines, heralded one of Maine’s most lucrative industries as it stood sentry along Route 1 in Kittery.  A few years later, the statue was relocated to Prospect Harbor’s Stinson Seafood, where it stood for 60 years.  Now, Big Jim, as he’s known, is headed back to Route One – this time to stand tall at the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport.  The Pen Bay Pilot reports plans are to erect the statue there over Memorial Day Weekend next year, in connection with the museum’s ongoing exhibit – Sardineland:  Boom, Bust, and Aftermath. 

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