Crime/Public Safety

EMEVC Warns About Pets on Ice

(Dedham)  The staff at Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Holden is warning pet owners about ice safety.  They say while some lakes are frozen solid, larger bodies of water may not be.  The pet care pros further say that running on ice can lead to torn ligaments and other soft tissue injuries. The clinic reports seeing a high number of dogs with hind limb lameness during the months of January and February due to running on slippery and uneven icy surfaces.  They advise precautions such as always supervising pets around ice and frozen water, using a NON-retractable leash, and being hyper aware of hypothermia in your pet.

Ellsworth Traffic Advisory

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth Police Department has issued a heads up about an oversized load transport scheduled for tomorrow night, beginning about 8 p.m.  Bay Crane Northeast will be moving a large heavy load from Hermon to Eastbrook, traveling through portions of the Ellsworth area Tuesday.  Maine State Police and support crews will be on the scene, but motorists are asked to use caution, be patient, and plan alternate routes if possible during the transport.  We’ve posted more complete route details on our social media pages.

Family Says Tremont Couple’s Murder-Suicide a Mutual Decision

(Tremont)  The Tremont couple who died by murder-suicide December 23rd reportedly left behind evidence they planned to take their own lives.  The Portland Press Herald reports the family of 78 yo Jyoti Hawley and 75 yo William Hawley, found dead of gunshot wounds near Big Rocks Road two days before Christmas, said the two left behind hand-signed instructions showing they had made a “planned, mutual decision” to take their own lives. In a statement, the family said the two were “a loving couple, soulmates since they met in the early 1970’s.”  

Knox County Deputies Respond to Back to Back Threats

(Washington)  Knox County Sheriff’s Deputies faced back-to-back dangerous situations around the town of Washington on January 2nd.  Authorities were called to the scene of a pickup truck engulfed in flames on the shoulder of Route 17 about 6:20 Friday evening.  The Pen Bay Pilot reports the driver had escaped, but boxes in the truck held two hundred rounds of ammunition, most of which had already detonated prior to law enforcement arrival.  About 15 minutes later, another 9-1-1 call drew responding deputies to another incident in which a man had allegedly left a house carrying a rifle, threatening to first kill his wife and then be killed by police.  Fire officials at the scene of the first call were able to safely extinguish that truck fire, but remained on the scene until after 8, when the vehicle was safely towed from the scene.

Ellsworth Presents  “Be Red Cross Ready”

(Ellsworth)   Would YOU know what to do in an emergency?  The Red Cross certainly does, and they’re ready to share with you ways you can help yourself as you wait for first responders to arrive … or in the unlikely event, they can’t get to you.  This Saturday, January 10th, learn lifesaving techniques through their free disaster preparedness training, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Ellsworth Fire Department, located behind City Hall.  Learn hands-only CPR and other skills that could make a difference in an emergency.  To learn more or to sign up for a future class, call Caroline King at 272-9561.

Economy

New Year – Boom or Bust for the Economy?

(MaineBiz)  Will it be Boom or Bust for the economy in the new year?  MaineBiz asked business leaders around the state to weigh in.  Keith Luke, Augusta’s economic development director, likened 2026 to a disciplined thoroughbred in a stakes race – not so flashy out of the gate, but bound to build momentum as conditions improve down the stretch.  Patrick Woodcock, President of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, sees turbulence ahead for the healthcare sector. Tom Rainey, executive director of the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, predicts that despite volatility in international relations at the national level, Maine will continue to strengthen international ties with Canada, Nordic countries and others.  Still others say the state will continue to see an economic shift from traditional industries toward high-tech, digital and professional sectors.  Stay tuned.

Childcare Providers Face Funding Freeze

(Maine)  Child care providers and Maine officials were left with uncertainty Friday when the Trump Administration announced a freeze on roughly $12.3B in childcare funding nationwide.  The Portland Press Herald reports if the administration follows through on the threat to curb such funding, many providers will be forced to close their doors, including those who serve the most needy. The announcement follows a series of allegations about fraud at Minnesota daycare centers, many of which are run by Somali immigrants.  According to the paper, the initial allegations of fraud were made by a right-wing influencer.  It’s unclear at this point how deeply the HHS decision would impact Maine and other states and territories.

Funding Request Deadline

(Ellsworth)  A quick reminder that 6 p.m. this evening is the deadline for submitting funding requests from committees, commissions, outside and agencies and groups interested as the City of Ellsworth begins preparation of the municipal budget for FY 2027, which begins July 1st, 2026.  Get those applications in today, and good luck.

Environment

Upper Machias Bay Master Plan

(Machias)  Downtown Machias has weathered nine floods at the 100 year level in just the past seven years.  As climate change accelerates, the town is preparing for conditions to become even more challenging, with plans moving forward on the Upper Machias Bay Master Plan.  The Portland Press Herald reports the group has received overwhelming support and input from residents – a recent meeting drew about 80 people to discuss why flooding happens, where it occurs, and how residents can better protect themselves in the future.  The town faces flood risks both from rising sea levels in the ocean and swelling river tributaries fueled by increasing rainfall, snowmelt, and runoff.  The group’s next meeting is set for January 12th, with formal recommendations to be presented at a February 23rd public meeting.

Health

Cases of Flu Rise Across US, Driven by New Variant

(Undated)  Cases of this year’s flu continue to rise across the U.S., driven by a new variant known as “subclade K”.  Last week, the U.S. CDC reported high or very high levels of illness in more than half the states.  This year in Maine, there have been more than 250 flu-related hospitalizations, compared to just 16 this time last year.  Health experts say it’s not too late to get a flu shot that can prevent serious illness – even if someone is infected, although according to the Associated Press, just over 40% of Americans have so far opted for the vaccine.  

Human Interest

Where in the World Winner

(Ellsworth)  Congratulations to Kenneth Lemoine, winner of last week’s “Where in the World is Sonnie?”.   Thanks to everyone who correctly guessed we were in the lobster fishing capital of Stonington!  Ken gets a $25 gift certificate to Sweet Cheeks Diner or any of their delicious bakery locations.  Thanks, everyone, for playing!  This week’s “Where in the World …” location is up on our social media pages, and we’re already getting lots of responses.  No surprise, since this week’s winner gets a $25 gift card to the eclectic Rock and Art Shop in Ellsworth!  Remember to enter your guess at downeast digest dot news by Friday, and watch our FB page for hints this week!  

Camp CaPella Polar Plunge and Frost Festival

(Dedham)  And are you ready to take the plunge for the coolest campers around?  It’s Camp CaPella’s Annual Polar Dip and Frost Festival.  Get your team together, secure pledges, and dive into Phillips Lake in Dedham on February 28th.  We promise a warm feeling as a result.  Details and sponsor sheets at camp capella dot org.  

USPS Postmark Changes Could Impact Late Fees on Bills

(Undated)  A recent change to US Postal Service policies could impact how you pay your bills, file tax returns and even how you vote.  The Postal Service late last month updated their rules, saying letters and packages may now be postmarked days after being dropped off, rather than the day posted, as in the past.  AARP said the change could create real challenges for consumers sending such deadline-driven mail as bills and ballots.  According to the Portland Press Herald,  the Postal Service claims it is not changing its postmarking practices, as postmarks will still be applied by machines at regional hubs.  Rather, the agency is changing how it transports mail to those hubs, which could mean parcels do not arrive on the same day they’re mailed.

National News

Venezuela Takeover

(Undated)  In an unprecedented move, the United States on Saturday conducted what’s being called a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela, taking President Nicolas Maduro and his wife captive and accusing them of narco-terrorism.  The invasion followed dozens of attacks against what President Trump called the country’s “drug-smuggling” boats.  Leaders in the U.S. and around the world  were quick to condemn the attack, with one calling it “a blatant, illegal, and criminal act with no legal basis.”  Congress, which has broad authority to authorize or prohibit the President’s war powers, has so far done neither, with members expected to address the issue this week.  Trump has gone so far as to say the US will now “run” the South American country, while tapping its vast oil reserves.  Venezuela, a founding member of OPEC, holds one of the largest oil reserves in the world, and many question why other dictators, such as Putin, have been given a pass.  Still others accused the President of creating a distraction from the Epstein files, exorbitant increases in healthcare costs, and growing economic concerns here at home.

Mamdani Sworn in as Mayor of New York City

(NYC)  It was a striking scene Thursday as Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim and self-declared Democratic Socialist, was sworn in as Mayor of New York City by a Jewish Progressive, Bernie Sanders.  Mamdani is the first South Asian person and first Muslim to serve as Mayor and the first to use the Quran at his swearing in. The 34-yo is also the youngest mayor in more than a century.  In his inauguration speech, Mamdani promised to deliver an agenda of “safety, affordability and abundance – where government looks and lives like the people it represents.”  Among challenges the new mayor will face – finding funds to fulfill his ambitious agenda and opposition from President Trump, who’s been outspoken in portraying Mamdani a “communist”. 
 

Department of Homeland Security Pauses Immigration Applications for 20 More Countries

(Undated)  The Department of Homeland Security is pausing immigration applications from an additional 20 countries.  The decision follows an expansion of travel restrictions that went into effect on Jauary 1.  The new list includes mostly African countries, including Tanzania and Zimbabwe.  Thirty nine countries are now under full or partial travel bans to the United States.  In a memo, the Administration defended the pause, saying the excluded countries  have “high overstay rates, significant fraud, or both.”

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