Merry Christmas Eve! We’ll be taking a break for the holidays, but will be back on Nice and Easy Internet Radio, beginning at 6 a.m. Monday morning! Keep up with important stories on our social media pages, and THANK YOU for a great year!

Crime/Public Safety

Trenton Structure Fire

(Trenton)  A firefighter is recovering this morning from a concussion, neck and back injuries, following a Monday evening blaze that destroyed a multi-story residence in Trenton.  The Trenton Volunteer Fire Department tells Downeast Digest the fire broke out on Pressey Lane around 6:30 p.m. Monday.  Shortly after crews arrived, the second floor of the structure collapsed, followed by a partial roof collapse.  Authorities say the home contained some 20K books and an extensive collection of vinyl records.  The sole occupant was able to escape the blaze uninjured.  It’s believed embers from a wood stove ignited a nearby couch.  The fire marshal’s office is investigating.  

Authorities Investigate Double Death in Tremont

(Tremont)  Maine State Police are investigating a double death in Tremont. Southwest Harbor Police responded to an incident near Big Rocks Road about 9 a.m. Tuesday after a caller dialed 9-1-1 to report finding two deceased adults.  The bodies have been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine a manner and cause of death.  Police say they believe this is an isolated incident with no ongoing public safety concerns.  Anyone with information related to the case is urged to call the MSP Major Crimes Unit North.

Delivery Safety Tips

(Maine)  Neither rain, nor snow, nor dark of night will keep our wonderful mailpersons and delivery drivers off the roads today, ensuring we get those last minute packages.  The Portland Press Herald offers these simple measures to help them finish their rounds safely.  Obviously, they say, clear the snow from around mailboxes and other delivery destinations, and apply salt and sand to walkways and steps.  Keep overhangs free of snow that could fall from above.  Leave an outside light on, and make sure your house number is clearly visible.  Be responsive – especially if you’ve ordered food or are expecting something else that’s perishable.  And of course, appreciation – treats, thank you notes, tips, etc. are always well … appreciated.

Local Politics

Formation of Toddy and Alamoosook Watershed Districts

(Orland)  A budget hearing is planned for Monday, January 5th for the newly formed Toddy Pond and Alamoosook Lake Watershed Management Districts.  The River Observer reports the trustees held preliminary organizational meetings early this month to elect officers and prepare for public hearings on the budget.  The districts are quasi-municipal corporations approved by the voters of Blue Hill, Orland, Penobscot, and Surry to receive ownership of the dams and maintain water levels of the two properties.  The January meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Orland Community Center.

Economy

Limits on Federal Work Permits Could Impact Maine Businesses

(Maine)  Economists say federal constraints on work permits for non-US residents could cause staffing shortages, disrupt business, and increase costs for employers.  MaineBiz reports changes at the federal level this past year have included revoked work authorizations, increased delays in processing work permits, and shortened validity periods.  Cristina Morino, an immigration advocate with WorkPermits US, said about 4.5% of Maine’s workforce is made up of immigrants with work permits, including migrants critical to harvesting the state’s annual blueberry crop and temporary workers who fill positions during the state’s busy tourism season.

Anonymous Donor Contributes to Warmth for Mainers

(Maine)  The Maine Community Action Partnership has received a gift that will make a life-changing difference for families across Maine this winter – an anonymous $100K donation to support emergency heating assistance.  The donation was part of a collaborative Giving Tuesday campaign with the Bangor Daily News and comes at a critical time, as energy costs rise, and federal support wanes.  The funds will be distributed quickly to local community action agencies, including Community Action in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock Counties, in order to provide heating fuel, electricity support, and other essential resources to those in need.

Families First Offers Free Window Insulation Kits

(Ellsworth)  By the way, Families First in Ellsworth not only helps support families facing homelessness, they also help those who are housed but struggling.  One way they do this is by helping folks winterize their homes with free window insulation kits – the kinds you secure with a hairdryer to keep the heat in and drafts out.  If you or someone you know could use such a kit, give them a call.  

Dentist Purchases Downtown Ellsworth Building

(Ellsworth)  A local dental practice is moving to downtown Ellsworth.  The Bangor Daily News reports the City has approved a building permit to convert part of the former Masonic Lodge building on Main Street into a dentist’s office.  Records show Kevin Wright, who currently owns and operates Downeast Dental on Oak Street, plans to alter the first floor of the building for his practice.  The brick structure formerly housed several businesses, including Flex-It Cafe … and, most recently, Desert Harvest, a health supplement supplier who has since moved out of state.

Education

EHS Educator Is NFHS Outstanding Educator for Theatre

(Ellsworth)  An Ellsworth High School teacher has been named Maine’s NFHS Outstanding Educator for Theatre.  EHS says Jasmine Ireland believes deeply in her students and has a tremendous impact on everyone who walks onto her stage.  Her leadership in the school’s Visual & Performing Arts Academy has opened doors, elevated expectations, and inspired countless young performers to step confidently into the spotlight.  Congratulations, Jasmine!

Environment

Let it Snow!  

(SFX song)  Schools are out for the holiday, and it’s a good thing!  The snow is really coming down out there, with several more inches possible.  Some city, state, and municipal offices are closed due to the storm – including City of Ellsworth offices – so if you have to go out, be sure to check ahead.  Our local shopkeepers have plenty of last minute gifts – just be careful on the roads, give the plows plenty of leeway, and make sure our wonderful first responders don’t have to be busy today.

Snowfall Welcome After Year of Drought

(Maine)  This morning’s snow is more than “just another pretty face” on the landscape of our beautiful state.  The Maine Drought Task Force met Friday for a final time this year and reports about 60 percent of Maine is currently in severe drought, with 3% experiencing extreme drought, due to months of below-normal rainfall.  MEMA’s voluntary Dry Well Survey received more than 540 reports of dry wells in 2025.  Dry conditions also contributed to an active wildfire season, with 848 wildfires burning more than 500 acres statewide.  Every sector of agriculture was impacted, with damage to berry and fruit crops expected to carry over into the 2026 season.  Many counties, including Hancock, Knox, Waldo, and Washington, are among those eligible to apply for disaster aid.

Human Interest

Stonington Lobster Trap Tree

(Stonington)  Trap trees, buoy trees, vintage vehicles decked out in lights.  Nobody does Christmas quite  like we do here in New England – in fact, our lobster trap trees were recently written up in the New York Times.  We’ve shared photos of many of the attractions on our social media pages, and don’t want you to miss the trap tree in Stonington, courtesy of 27 Fathoms Waterfront Grill.  The Town of Stonington claims bragging rights as the most productive lobster fishery in the world, made even more famous by Dan Fogelberg’s beloved “The Reach”.  Make sure you pay them a visit this holiday and support our wonderful fishermen and women.

NORAD Tracks Santa

(Undated)  Tonight’s the night!  Santa has loaded his sleigh and is on the way.  Kids can track his progress … thanks to a misprinted phone number.  Sources say back in 1955, Sears, the retailer, advertised a number for kids to call Jolly Old St. Nick.  Turns out, the number that was printed was actually for the Continental Air Defense Command – today, known as NORAD.  The defense staff decided to play along … and the rest is history, reminding us mistakes can lead to magic – it all depends on our perspective.  

Maine Among Top Ten Loneliest States

(Maine)  The weather may not be the best for traveling, but a phone call or online visit could be a most welcome, even lifesaving, gift this season.  New research by healthcare-staffing platform Nursa found Maine ranked No. 9 among the loneliest states this holiday season.  Nearly 30% of adults in the Pine Tree State live alone, with 42% reporting feeling lonely during the festive period.  Maine winters and significant rural populations can make loneliness even more common.  Pick up the phone or log on if you’re so inclined today or tomorrow … and keep the love flowing throughout the New Year.  

National News

Clinton Calls for Release of Epstein Files

(Washington, DC)  A spokesperson for former President Bill Clinton is accusing the Department of Justice of using the selective release of Epstein documents to imply wrongdoing where there is none.  Angel Urena challenged the department to immediately release any remaining materials mentioning or showing Bill Clinton. In a written statement, Urena said, “The White House hasn’t been hiding these files for months only to dump them late on a Friday to protect Bill Clinton.”  Clinton himself has called for release of all the files to avoid “insinuation”, saying he has nothing to hide.

U.S. Economy Grows at Strong Rate

(AP)   The U.S. economy showed a surprisingly strong growth rate of 4.3% in the third quarter, the most rapid expansion in two years.  The Associated Press reports the growth was driven by consumers, who continue to spend in the face of ongoing inflation.  A number of economists believe the growth spurt may be short-lived, with the federal shutdown dragging down the economy in the fourth quarter and a growing number of Americans fatigued by stubbornly high inflation.  A survey published Tuesday by the Conference Board showed consumer confidence slumped close to levels not seen since the US rolled out broad tariffs on its trading partners in April.

Trump Administration Seeks to Void Asylum Claims

(Washington, DC)  The Trump Administration has mounted a nationwide campaign to void the asylum claims of thousands of immigrants by arguing they can be deported to countries that are not their own.  That’s according to internal government data obtained by CBS News.  The effort targets asylum seekers with pending cases in immigration courts across the U.S. – courts that are not part of the judicial branch but are run by the Justice Department, with lawyers  from ICE representing the government in the proceedings.

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