Crime/Public Safety

Portland Protests

(Portland)  A crowd of about 200 protesters filled Monument Square in Portland on Saturday in response to rumors of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents planning to descend on the city and on Lewiston.  The Portland Press Herald reports while some have been protesting regularly, many were there for the first time, compelled to participate by the recent brutality of ICE officers and the Trump Administration in Minneapolis and other cities.  On Sunday, about 100 people braved the cold to line High Street in Ellsworth for a Martin Luther King, Jr. Standout and protest.  Schools, hospitals, and other public entities nationwide are preparing staff with warnings and educational materials about how to respond and educating them about their rights should they be confronted by the masked, gun-wielding and often threatening ICE agents.

Three Charged in Wiscasset Shooting Incident 

(Wiscasset)  Three men have been charged in a shooting incident that happened last week in Wiscasset.  The Pen Bay Pilot reports just after 5:30 p.m. on January 13th, officers responded to a report of a residence being shot-at on Old Sheepscot Road.  At the time of the shooting, the home was occupied by a man and his young son.  An investigation led to the arrest of three 18 year olds and evidence of a possible link to a similar incident that occurred in Alna. The three were charged with Aggravated Criminal Mischief and Reckless Conduct with a Criminal Weapon and are currently being held at Two Bridges Regional Jail on $10K bond each.

Red Flag Law Goes Into Effect in February

(Maine)  Maine’s new red flag law, approved by voters in November, goes into effect next month.  The law, passed two years after the devastating mass shooting in Lewiston, offers a new way to temporarily remove guns from those who appear to be suicidal or who may present a risk of harm to others.  The Portland Press Herald reports details of how law enforcement is preparing for the change are limited, with the Maine Department of Public Safety having yet to finalize its procedures and the courts continuing to work on forms.  Under the current yellow flag system, only law enforcement can initiate the process of weapons removal, and the person must be taken into protective custody and given a mental health evaluation.  A red flag order can be initiated by a concerned family member directly petitioning the courts.

Local Politics

Proposal for Separate Child Welfare Department Fails in Legislature

(Augusta)  Child welfare in Maine has been under the gun for years, especially following four high-profile cases of children allegedly dying at the hands of parents in just weeks in 2021.  Yet the Portland Press Herald reports, on Thursday, the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee voted 9-1 across party lines not  to recommend a bill establishing a separate state Department of Child and Family Services. It’s the third time since 2021 lawmakers have proposed splitting children and family services from DHHS.  DHHS officials say they oppose the change because it would undermine work done to eliminate barriers to ensure cross-system collaboration.  Republican Senator Jeff Timberlake, who proposed the legislation, said he would keep fighting for change because it was the right thing to do.

Governor Proclaims 2026 Year of the Woman Farmer in Maine

(Augusta)  Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed 2026 the Year of the Woman Farmer in Maine.  The designation aligns Maine with the Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.  A press release states the initiative is part of a globally coordinated, non-partisan effort led by agricultural groups, private sector partners, research and other groups and organizations.  The proclamation recognizes the invaluable role women play in Maine’s agriculture and confirms the state’s commitment to enhancing the lives of women farmers and to helping address the barriers they face.

Ellsworth Moves Forward in Allowing Recreational Cannabis Businesses

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth City Council is moving forward with the process of authorizing recreational adult use cannabis businesses in the City.  FoxBangor reports following votes by residents in favor of such establishments last November, the Council discussed the best way to implement the change.  Council members are focusing on how to distribute licensing while preserving Ellsworth’s character.  According to City Manager Charlie Pearce, the Council decided to limit Ellsworth to three recreational cannabis business licenses, due to community concerns with the amount and location of the establishments.

Bucksport Approves Ambulance Billing Policy

(Bucksport)  Councilors in the Town of Bucksport have approved a long-sought-after ambulance billing policy.  The River Observer reports among other matters, the policy outlines billing and collection procedures, includes provisions for hardship and compassionate bill reductions, and policy on how to handle non-collectible bills.  The policy, requested by the town’s auditor, reportedly follows the best practices of the town’s ambulance billing company and was approved unanimously by the Councilors.  

Education

George Stevens Academy to Lower STR’s to Sending Towns

(Blue Hill)  As the school continues to struggle with budget shortfalls and declining enrollment, officials with George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill have announced they’ll both lower this year’s supplemental tuition request to sending towns and pursue school contracts with those towns.  The Penobscot Bay Press reports, with some exceptions, students from particular towns attend the nonprofit as they would school in a public school district.  While it mostly serves local students, GSA is a private institution whose town academy nonprofit model is unique to Maine and that in the past has drawn students from around the world, as well as local youth.  The school does not receive the state and federal funding typical of public schools.  Instead, GSA raises  funds from private donors and tuition payments from sending towns.  

Health

Study Shows Decline in Teen Cigarette Smoking and Vaping

(Maine)  A recent survey reveals teens in Maine are smoking cigarettes and vaping less  frequently, but tobacco use – including nicotine pouches – has increased.  The 2025 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey is conducted every two years by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.  Experts say the results are concerning in that nicotine pouches deliver high levels of nicotine, which can impact the developing brain and lead to addiction.  Also of concern, 30% of youth surveyed in Knox and Waldo Counties believe there is “slight or no risk” in drinking one or two alcoholic beverages every day.  The Pen Bay Pilot reports data from the surveys is used to better equip professionals in supporting young people with emerging mental health and substance use challenges.

MaineHealth First in US to Adopt Tissue Technology

(Scarborough)  MaineHealth is the first diagnostic laboratory system in the U.S. to install a fully automated tissue trimming and sectioning technology that has been widely used in Europe.  The process is used to properly prepare tissue to be placed on a slide for diagnosis.  A press release from MaineHealth says until now, the technology has changed little since first introduced in 1848.  The new automation will produce high-quality slides with remarkable consistency, according to the health giant.  Early adopters internationally have reported significant reductions in staff stress, measurable improvements in turnaround time, and enhanced quality.  They add proper trimming is crucial for diagnostic accuracy.  

Human Interest

The Grand Vacation Film

(Ellsworth)  Winter school break is just a few weeks away, and The Grand in Ellsworth has the kids (and you!) covered.  They’ll be screening the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch daily, February 16-20 at 1 p.m., and the cost is just a dollar per person.  The vacation film event is sponsored by the City of Ellsworth.

Ellsworth Library Programs

(Ellsworth)  If animation sparks your creativity … or if chess is your game,  the Ellsworth Public Library is the place to be this Saturday!  At 9 a.m., the library is kicking off a Community Chess Gathering series, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels to drop in, learn, practice, and enjoy the social side of chess.  At 11 a.m., it’s Part 2 of the Animation workshop with Katherine Blakeney, where children continue to learn stop motion animation techniques.  There’s always something fascinating going on – follow them on social media, and at ellsworth library dot net.

Woodlawn Winter Market

(Ellsworth)  Get out of the house this Saturday and enjoy the winter season – there’s lots going on in Ellsworth, including the Winter Market at Woodlawn.  The Market features a wide variety of unique local vendors, offering everything from pork products, artisan breads and other baked goods, pottery, woodworking, knits, jewelry and more.  While the adults shop, the kids can bring their gear for sledding and ice skating on the Woodlawn grounds.  Visitors can warm up with coffee and hot cocoa in the lobby of the Barn.  The Winter Market runs from 10 until 1 on January 24th!

National News

European Countries Blast Trump for Tariff Threats

(Greenland)  The eight European countries targeted by President Donald Trump for a 10% tariff for opposing American control of Greenland Sunday blasted that move.  The joint statement, issued less than 24 hours after Trump’s threat by some of the United States’s closest allies, signaled a possible turning point in tensions over Greenland’s sovereignty and security.  The unusually strong statement from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland warns the President’s threats “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.”

President Trump Attempts to Form “Board of Peace”

(Washington, DC)  President Donald Trump is attempting to form what he is calling an international “Board of Peace”.  The administration wants invited nations to pay a billion dollars to remain on the board.  That’s according to reports citing a draft charter for the proposed group. Trump would serve as the group’s inaugural chair and choose which countries to invite.  The board is an international body that was endorsed by the UN Security Council last November.  It was established to oversee the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in 2025.  Russia, Belarus, and Thailand on Monday were the latest to be asked to join.

Trump Texts Norway Leader Regarding Nobel Prize

(Washington, DC)  President Trump this weekend sent a letter to the leader of Norway, saying because that country failed to award him a Nobel Peace Prize, he “no longer feels an obligation to think purely of peace, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States…”  The letter went on to claim Denmark could not protect Greenland from Russia and China, and questioned why the Arctic country had “right of ownership.”  Trump ended the letter with an unfounded boast that he has done more for NATO than any other person since its founding and that now, NATO should do something for the US, adding the world is not secure unless the US has complete and total control of Greenland.

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