Crime/Public Safety

Crews Battle Fires

(Randolph)  Staying warm is high on everyone’s minds these days, but a series of recent house fires has fire officials reminding folks about safety.  A Lincoln Street home in Randolph was partially damaged Friday after a space heater sparked a fire there.  A working smoke detector helped alert the homeowner, who was able to escape safely.  In Bangor on Friday, firefighters battled frigid temperatures to douse a blaze at a home on Kenduskeag Avenue.  That fire was ruled accidental, but officials remind homeowners to never thaw pipes using an open flame.

Economy

Thrift Shops Gain in Popularity and Profit

(Maine)  Have a Merry, Thrifty Christmas?  While some brick-and-mortar retail businesses have struggled in today’s economy, resale shops have experienced 7% growth each of the last two years, with more than 20K shops nationwide generating some $15B in annual revenue.  That’s according to the National Association of Resale & Thrift  Shops, which says resale in many locations has become destination shopping, with resellers often making an event out of shopping in an area where customers can visit a variety of shops within a short distance. Sources say resale shops, thrift shops, and antiques malls make it possible to find unique vintage and handcrafted holiday gifts at bargain prices.  And who isn’t looking for a bargain these days?  

Education

Grant Cancellations Hamper Research at UMaine

(Orono)  Federal grant terminations have impacted research projects from Bowdoin to the University of Maine – projects tackling subjects from geoscience culture to zooplankton health in the Gulf of Maine.  The Portland Press Herald reports in some cases, research has continued, with institutions finding new sources of funding; other projects have been delayed, put on pause, or permanently shelved.  Within the University of Maine system, nearly $6M supporting more than 30 projects has been terminated, while another $1.6M remains paused.  More than 90 grants that were paused or terminated by the federal government, particularly during the shutdown, were later restored.

Green Playgrounds

(Maine)  Going green is good for the environment, but is it good for the playground?  The Portland Press Herald reports that while some schools in Maine are embracing eco-friendly outdoor play and learning areas, others are questioning the costs and relative safety.  Advocates, such as those at Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary in Brunswick, say green schoolyards, incorporating boulders, logs, plants, and water, are in many ways better than those dominated by athletic fields and prefabricated equipment.  Principal Heather Blanchard says the kids love it, too.  But pushback has come from teachers worried about keeping track of kids exploring a pond or wandering into the woods.  Still, at least a dozen schools across the state have embraced the concept, with more ready to hop, skip, jump and slide on board – naturally.

Health

More Opting to Go Meat-Free

(NatGeo)  Health, environmental concerns, ethical reasons – National Geographic says those are just some of the reasons more people are opting to cut meat from their diets. However, scientists say it’s not just about what you cut out, but also what you add.  Fiber-rich plant foods have fewer calories and help us feel fuller faster, and, thus, can reduce overeating.  Several studies have found vegetarian diets lasting six weeks or longer can lead to lower blood pressure and lower blood sugar – factors in heart disease and diabetes.  It can also alter the ecosystem of bacteria living in our guts, with at least one study indicating higher activity in the parts of the immune system that works to combat viruses.  Dieticians say do your research – vegans require Vitamin B12 supplements.  They say start small, experiment with new foods and recipes, and see if it works for you.

Human Interest

Santa Turns Sorry into Selfless Acts

(Brewer)  Roberto Mucciarone has reason to be a bit low this holiday – he and his wife must travel from Dexter to Bangor three days a week for her dialysis.  But Roberto has turned the trips into an opportunity to bring cheer to others, donning a Santa suit and visiting various locations to offer free photos and little gifts to anyone in need of a smile.  His long, white beard and mustache and naturally upbeat disposition make him a natural.  We caught up with Roberto at the Dunkin’ in Brewer and were quickly charmed.  He tells Downeast Digest this is the fourth year he’s made the rounds to craft fairs, shops, businesses – wherever he’s welcome.  At his own expense, he buys and bags tiny stuffed toys to give to visitors, along with that coveted photo with Jolly St. Nick.  More good people, bringing great things to the people of Downeast  Maine.

City of Ellsworth Basket Raffle

(Ellsworth)  Now through December 17th, stop by the City Clerk Tax Office in Ellsworth City Hall and bid on their Holiday Basket Raffle!  The basket is filled with oven mitts, ornaments, Stanley and Yeti cups, scratch off tickets, a $50 Amazon gift card and more – with all proceeds going to the Christmas for Kids Fund to help local children in need receive gifts this holiday season.  Tickets are just two bucks each, 3 for 5, 7 for 10, or 15 for $20.  Drawing is December 18th, so stop in soon; and remember City offices are open til 6 Monday through Thursday and closed on Fridays!

Package Mailing Deadlines

(Undated)  A quick reminder about mailing deadlines – for the US Postal Service, December 17th is the deadline for Ground Advantage, First-Class Mail; December 18th for Priority Mail;  and Saturday, December 20th for Priority Mail Express – earlier for Alaska and Hawaii.  Fed-Ex and UPS have similar deadlines, with UPS even delivering December 23rd with UPS Next Day Air and Christmas Eve with FedEx Same Day – just be prepared to pay!  Specific deadlines and guidelines are available on each of their websites.

Millinocket Marathon

(Millinocket)  Sure, you warm up when you run.  But when you’re running a half marathon – 13.1 miles – or a marathon – 26.2 miles, and it’s below 20 degrees at the start of the race, it’s bound to be a bit chilly.  Congratulations to the runners who completed the 10th annual Millinocket Marathon and Half Saturday.  The race broke records, with 3,200 registrations this year.  In the Marathon, Sarah Mulcahy took first place for the women, Matt Cheney beat out the other men.  In the half, Marah Borgman placed first for women, with Paul Phillips capturing the men’s title.  Everyone who ran Saturday is a winner in our books.  The race was originally begun by local celebrity runner Gary Allen and Crow Athletics to help boost the economy of an area depressed following a mill closure, with this year’s event raising $20K in charitable gifts for 16 local groups and organizations.

Wreaths Across America

(Columbia Falls)  The Wreaths Across America convoy got underway this past weekend, arriving in Milbridge for a parade early Sunday, then on to Ellsworth for a ceremony honoring veterans, before heading to Arlington, Virginia.  It was fitting to see them rolling down Route One Sunday, as yesterday  was Pearl Harbor Day, commemorating the 1941 bombing that helped jar the U.S. out of its isolationist policy into World War II. Only 12 survivors of the attack are still alive, all centenarians.  The annual journey dates back to 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreaths, decided to use extra wreaths to grace the graves of veterans in Arlington.  It’s now become a national event, with wreath laying ceremonies in every state.

Ellsworth Police Department Stuff the Cruiser

(Ellsworth)  It’s one of our favorite traditions – this Friday, December 12th, members of the Ellsworth Police Department will be at WalMart in Ellsworth from 1 to 8 p.m. for their annual Stuff the Cruiser event.  This year, they’re teaming with Special Children’s Friends to fulfill the Christmas wish lists of 106 local children.  You’ll find tags with specific wishes currently in the lobby of the police station – so if you’d like to shop ahead of time, come in and grab one or two.  The station is located at 416 High Street; and again, they’ll be at WalMart from 1 to 8 this Friday.

Special Children’s Friends

(Ellsworth)  Special Children’s Friends in Ellsworth is a team of community providers, therapists, and family-identified supports that provides specialized nursery school programs and individual developmental therapy for children, birth through age 6, who have identified special needs.  They offer case management services for youth and children through age 20, supported in part by Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services.  They say early intervention is key for children in need of occupational, speech, or physical therapy services.  To learn more, visit them at special childrens friends dot org.  

National News

Russia Cracks Down on Internet Communication

(WAVE)  Russian authorities have imposed restrictions on Apple’s FaceTime, claiming it facilitates terrorist activities, which marks a continuation of the government’s efforts to tighten online communication controls. WAVE News reports the state regulator also blocked Snapchat and has previously restricted popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. The measures are part of a broader crackdown on internet freedoms initiated after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  Experts warn such regulations will likely extend to other platforms, further limiting online communication options. The government has promoted a domestic app, MAX, which lacks end-to-end encryption and shares user data with authorities.  Of related interest, Journalist Levi Bridges will be at the Ellsworth Public Library this coming Thursday evening at 6 to talk about covering Russia’s borderlands during the war.

ICE  Arrests Thousands with No Criminal History

(Undated)  Newly obtained data shows more than a third of the roughly 222K people arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the Trump Administration had no criminal history, despite claims by the White House ICE is targeting violent criminals.  The Independent reports ICE has averaged just over 800 arrests per day; well short of a reported internal goal of 3,000.  ICE stopped posting detailed information about its arrests at the beginning of Trump’s second term.

Trump Administration Changes Free Entry Days for National Parks

(Washington, DC)  The Trump Administration has changed the schedule for free entry days to national parks. CBS News reports Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Juneteenth have been removed, while June 14th, which is both Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday, will now be included.

Judge Deals Setback to Fresh Attempt to Indict Comey

(Washington, DC)  A federal judge has dealt a setback to Justice Department efforts seeking a new indictment against former FBI Director James Comey.  The Associated Press reports the Saturday night ruling from a US District Judge temporarily bars prosecutors from using evidence upon which they had relied when initially securing charges. The case was dismissed last month after a different federal judge ruled the prosecutor who filed the charges, Lindsey Halligan, was unlawfully appointed by the Trump Administration.  Fortune magazine reports Halligan, a former Miss Colorado hopeful, worked only three federal cases before Trump appointed her to the position of U.S.Attorney.  The Trump Administration denies the case is retribution over the FBI’s investigation into links between the 2016 Trump presidential campaign and Russia.  

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