Crime/Public Safety

Fire Damages Searsport Bus Garage

(Searsport)  Searsport officials say crews were called to a structure fire Saturday at the RSU 20 bus garage. Firefighters say they arrived shortly after 3:30 that afternoon to find heavy smoke pouring from the peak of the building. Because the roof was compromised, they say crews had to work defensively in order to control the blaze.  One school bus and a pickup were in the building, with two other vehicles undergoing long-term repairs, all of which were lost.  Authorities thanked local school bus drivers who showed up to move other buses away from the building and leave one running as a place for firefighters to warm up.  The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating to determine a cause.

Fire in Lewiston Deemed an “Active Crime Scene”

(Lewiston)  Lewiston authorities Saturday responded to two house fires that broke out within minutes of each other, one of which they reported as an “active crime scene”.  WMTW reports the first fire broke out around 8:45 p.m. on Grove Street, with a second blaze minutes later just two miles up the road on Sabattus Street.  Neighbors reported hearing sounds like gunshots leading up to the first fire; the second fire is believed to have been electrical in nature.  The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating both.  

Strong Winds Bring Downed Trees, Power Outages

(Maine)  Strong winds blew through Maine Friday night, toppling trees and power lines and leading to multiple road closures and thousands of power outages. Versant Power reported the biggest impacts were in Hancock and Penobscot Counties.  The Hancock Volunteer Fire Department reported responding to more than a dozen incidents, including trees on fire, even as they worked to get ready for yesterday’s Santa Run.  In Addison, gusts of close to 70 mph toppled the recently dedicated country’s tallest buoy tree, though that community is working to have it standing tall once again soon after the holidays.  Kudos to all those who worked to get the power back on, the trees off roadways, and the businesses back open for the weekend and that last-minute holiday rush.  

Local Politics

Collins Pushes Back Against New Coast Guard Policy

(Washington, DC)  Recent reports indicate the U.S. Coast Guard has implemented a policy that downgrades displays such as swastikas and nooses from “hate symbols” to being considered merely “potentially divisive”.  Maine Senator Susan Collins was quick to send a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding the reclassification be immediately abandoned.  Collins called the decision “…an affront to the memory of the millions of Jews murdered during World War II and the Allied Forces who fought, and in many cases died, to liberate Europe from the Nazi regime”.  

Thousands Drop ACA Plans After Congress Fails to Act

(Maine)  Thousands of enrollees in Maine’s Affordable Care Act have dropped their plans, with many saying they are unable to afford the higher monthly premiums, inevitable after Congress failed to extend ACA tax credits that expire at the end of this year.  The Bangor Daily News reports as of December 15th, some 5500 enrollees in Maine had canceled their plans for next year.  2026 premiums spiked by an average of 77% for most of those signing up for health insurance through the ACA marketplace.  CoverME dot gov expects more Mainers could cancel once bills for January roll out. It’s unclear what most plan to do for coverage.  

Washington County Not Alone in Budget Crisis

(Machias)  For months now, Washington County has taken the heat for a budget crisis that began with mismanagement by members of the previous administration – a crisis that wasn’t caught earlier largely  because the County was behind on audits.  It turns out, Washington County was the tip of the iceberg.  A Maine Monitor analysis found seven of Maine’s 16 counties are behind on their audits – with the potential for similar crises coming to light.  County audits require a certain skill set, so a shortage of such auditors is a nationwide problem.  And County treasurers, which are elected, are not always financial professionals.  The Bangor Daily News reports as part of their efforts to dig out from the budget woes, Washington County officials last week voted to put forth an $11.6M budget – that includes monies for outside auditing support and a new full-time finance director.  After initial shock and pushback, many towns are rallying to pay their share of county taxes early this year; not only saving the County’s ability to secure another Tax Anticipation Note, but also potentially saving those towns money on interest.

Economy

Messenger Animal Rescue Receives MaineCF Grant

(Harrington)  There were woofs of wonderment and purrs of delight at The Messenger Animal Rescue in Harrington this week, when they learned they’d be the recipient of a $15K grant from the Maine Community Foundation.  ACO Sarah Strout, who for years has run the rescue out of her home, is in the process of seeing her dream of opening a free-standing shelter become a reality.  She says caring for animals is certainly a labor of love, but that it also involves veterinary care, food, and overhead costs, so the grant arrived at a critical time.  Strout says  they’re grateful to MaineCF and the Belvedere Animal Welfare Fund for believing and investing in their mission.  

Education

WCCC Celebrates First Nursing Pinning Ceremony

(Machias)  Washington County Community College celebrated a major milestone this weekend.  Nine students participated in the College’s first Nursing Pinning Ceremony.  These professionals displayed dedication and perseverance to reach this all-important milestone, in a field facing major shortages and an unfounded lack of respect.  Nice & Easy Internet Radio applauds their hard work in attaining this goal.  They’ll no doubt be lifelines to the sick and injured. We’ve shared a post with the new nurses’ names on our Social Media pages.  

COA Students Receive Full-Tuition Scholarships

(Bar Harbor)  Six Maine students entering College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor in the fall next year will receive full-tuition scholarships through the institution’s new Pine Tree Scholars Program.  The program is made possible through a generous gift from an anonymous donor, which the school will match to fully fund the scholarships.  In addition to tuition, needs such as the cost of room and board, will be met in full, based on students’ FAFSA applications.  Interested students can contact COA to learn more.

Environment

Winter Solstice

(Maine)  Ah, the winter solstice.  Yesterday marked the shortest day of the year here in the Northern Hemisphere, with sunset in Downeast Maine about 3:57 Sunday afternoon.  We won’t notice a difference right away, but the days will be growing longer from here, with sunset Monday just before 3:58 p.m.  But, hey, at least it will start to be lighter later and those seconds will add up to more vitamin D time as the long weeks of winter wear on.

Right Whale and Calf Spotted 

(South Carolina)  The season’s fifth North Atlantic Right Whale calf was spotted last week near Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina.  The sighting is seen as a beacon of hope for the critically endangered species.  There are currently 384 documented right whales – fewer than 70 of which are reproducing females, who may only give birth every three to ten years.  Sources say boat strikes, entanglement, and habitat degradation are a few of the difficulties the whales face, but climate change is increasingly raising concerns for the species, which generally forages for food in the northeastern U.S.

Human Interest

Where in the World

(Maine)  Congratulations to Melissa Richards, our first “Where in the World is Sonnie?” winner.  She correctly guessed we were at the Sagadahoc County Courthouse in Bath.  This week’s new location photo is up on Facebook and on our website.  This week, one lucky winner will get a $25 gift card to Brick House Soups – Ellsworth’s fastest growing eatery.  They have some 200 reviews – all five stars, and it’s not hard to see why when you dine there.  To enter, click on the link on our social media page and email us your answer at the address given!  Good luck, and bon appetit! 

Lobstermen Support Those in Need

(Thomaston)  For the eleventh straight year, lobsterman Noah Ames of Rockland and his fellow fishermen will be giving away free lobsters to families in need on Christmas Eve.  The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association reports the fishermen will be at the Lowe’s parking lot in Thomaston, beginning at Noon this Wednesday, with lobsters, toys for children, and gift cards for those struggling during the holidays.  Any fishermen who want to help out, are urged to reach out and join them.  Ames said he began the tradition to show his children that Christmas is all about giving.  

Pine Tree Camp Celebrity Egg Ride

(Hermon)  Pine Tree Camp, a summer camp in Maine offering extraordinary experiences for children and adults with disabilities, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year!  One of their biggest fundraisers is the annual Celebrity Snowmobile and Egg Ride.  Celebrity riders raise $50 an egg, then stuff those raw eggs down their snowmobile suits for a fun and messy ride.  This year’s event is set for January 31st and includes celebrity riders Kelly, The Downeast Cowboy,  Survivor Winner Bob Crowley, Social Media Personality Meredith Steele, and many others!  Visit Pine Tree Camp on FB and support your favorite rider and this amazing camp!

National News

NORAD to Track Santa Again This Year

(ABC) For the 70th consecutive year, people of all ages will be able to monitor Santa’s progress Christmas Eve, thanks to the North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado, otherwise known as NORAD.  ABC News reports more than a thousand volunteers will be taking calls to 877-HI-NORAD from 4 a.m. to midnight Mountain Standard Time on the 24th.  Santa seekers will also, for the first time this year, be able to place a call through the program’s website, which organizers say will be easier for those outside North America.  Don’t forget to leave out the milk and cookies.

President Trump Announces Lower Prescription Prices

(Washington, DC)  President Trump on Friday announced nine drugmakers have signed on to lower the cost of their prescription drugs in the U.S.  The Associated Press reports companies, including Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, and Novartis, have agreed to reign in Medicaid drug prices to match what they charge in other countries.  As part of the deal, new drugs made by those companies will also be charged at the so-called “most favored nation” rates.

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Housing Limits

(PPH)  A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to halt changes to a grant program that could leave thousands across the country homeless.  The Portland Press Herald reports U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy ruled on a lawsuit filed by 20 States Attorneys General, including Maine’s Aaron Frey, that challenged the Trump Administration’s proposed limits on support for long-term housing.   

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