Crime/Public Safety

Bodies of Plane Crash Victims Now with State Coroner

(Bangor)  The bodies of all the victims of Sunday’s plane crash at Bangor International Airport have now been transferred to the Office of the State Medical Examiner in Augusta.  While some outlets are reporting names of the victims, nothing official had been released as of yesterday, and authorities were asking for discretion out of concern for the families.  Weather hampered the crash investigation and delayed the arrival of members of the NTSB and FAA.  The airport reopened yesterday for the first time since the crash.

One Dead Following Amtrak Train Crash

(North Berwick)  A motorist was killed Thursday afternoon when their vehicle was struck by a Downeast Amtrak train in Berwick.  The crash happened shortly after 2:40 p.m. as the train was traveling from Brunswick to Boston carrying 147 passengers and crew, none of whom were injured.  A section of Elm Street near the tracks was shut down, and drivers were asked to take an alternate route.  Amtrak was working with North Berwick police to investigate the incident.

Improperly Thawing Pipes Suspected in Norway Fire

(Norway)  The State Fire Marshal’s Office says a person improperly attempting to thaw frozen pipes is the likely cause of a structure fire in the town of Norway Tuesday afternoon.  Firefighters were called to Everett Drive shortly before 4 p.m. and found the owners just returning home to heavy fire conditions.  They say frozen pipes were being thawed, using a combination of heaters and electrical heat tape, inadvertently causing the blaze, which has been ruled accidental.  Firefighters warn thawing frozen pipes can present a serious fire hazard if not done properly.  They say never use open flames such as torches or heat guns, keep portable heaters at least three feet from combustible materials, and never leave them unattended.  Also, they say, use electrical heat tape according to manufacturer’s instructions and inspect it regularly for damage.  

Collins Says ICE Has Ended Surge in Maine

(Washington, DC)  Senator Susan Collins on Thursday issued a press release saying Immigration and Customs Enforcement has ended its surge in Maine.  The Senator cited a conversation with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.  The Trump administration appears to be retreating from the enforcement operation amid growing bipartisan backlash after criminal tactics, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota and the arrests of legal immigrants in Maine.  Residents of Minneapolis say they’ve yet to see much change there.  Both Collins and Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski on Thursday voted to further fund ICE in addition to millions in funding already secured in the President’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.”

The Eddington School Evacuated

(Eddington)  The Eddington school was evacuated Thursday morning after an unidentified odor was detected.  Students and staff were relocated to Holbrook School for parent pickup.  RSU 63 Superintendent Sheila Caldwell said the fire department was working to determine the source of the odor and that the safety of students and staff was the highest priority.

Plowing Safety

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth is reminding residents and contractors that it is illegal to plow, blow, shovel, or otherwise place snow or slush onto or across any public road, right–of-way, or ditch.  They say doing so creates a serious safety hazard for drivers, pedestrians, and public works crews.  Violations could result in traffic fines ranging from $150 to $500.  Also, they ask that you be cognizant of piling snow that creates a barrier to visibility for those pulling out onto roadways from driveways and parking lots.  And for everyone’s safety, they ask folks to please keep those fire hydrants shoveled out and free of snow.  

Economy

Low Income Utility Customers Overcharged

(Hallowell)  Low income utility customers who purchased power from competitive electricity suppliers overpaid by $156M between 2016 and 2024.  That’s according to a report presented to the legislature’s Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee on Thursday.  In Maine, customers have the option of purchasing from the Public Utilities Commission or from any number of competitive suppliers.  The report showed those who opted for certain competitors consistently paid higher premiums. The Electric Ratepayer Advisory Council is recommending the Legislature consider policy changes in order to help prevent future such overcharging to low-income families.  

New Ownership Saves Farmers’ Almanac

(NY)  The 208-yo Farmers’ Almanac has weathered the storm.  New owners have reportedly saved the historic publication that was set to go out of print this year after more than two decades, due to financial pressures.  The acquisition establishes Farmers’ Almanac LLC, a New York-based company.  Founder and publisher Tim Konrad said the Almanac, published for years in Lewiston, Maine, is more than just a book – it’s a living link to generations of knowledge and curiosity about the natural world.  The Almanac remains fully accessible online at farmers almanac dot com.  The OLD Farmer’s Almanac is a separate and competing publication that was established in 1792 and that was never in danger of going out of print.

Annual Wild Blueberry Conference to be Held in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  You’ve heard of Blueberries for Sal – this year, it’s blueberries for Ellsworth.  The University of Maine Cooperative Extension will host the annual Wild Blueberry Conference on Wednesday, February 7th, at the Moore Community Center in Ellsworth.  The full day event brings together experts, researchers, growers and industry leaders to discuss the latest developments and innovations in blueberry production.  For more information or to request accommodations, contact Mary Michaud at  581-3175.

Human Interest 

Age Friendly Sullivan to Hear From EAAA in February

(Sullivan)  Age Friendly Sullivan invites folks to their February 4th meeting to hear from guest speaker Meghan Milliard.  Milliard is with the Eastern Area  Agency on Aging and will offer an overview of the organization’s Family Caregiver Programs, which provide essential support for those caring for loved ones.  Services include information and assistance, caregiver respite services, and support groups.  Wednesday’s meeting will be held at the Sullivan Town Hall, with social time and refreshments at 8:30 and the speaker at 10.  All are always welcome.

Woodlawn Archivist Honored

(Ellsworth)  25 years – that’s how long Roz Rea has devoted to the Woodlawn Museum in Ellsworth.  It’s doubtful anyone knows more about the Special Collections and Archives she’s worked tirelessly to organize and preserve.  Though terming off the Board of Trustees this year, members and staff were relieved at Wednesday’s annual meeting to learn Roz was agreeable to continuing her vital work in preserving the Black family records.  To acknowledge her dedicated service, the Board voted Woodlawn’s archival storage space be named in her honor as the Rosamond Rea Special Collections and Archives.  Signage for the designation is in the works and will soon be in place to honor one very special historic preservationist.

Heart of Ellsworth Annual Meeting

(Ellsworth)  Join Heart of Ellsworth at their Annual Meeting – Tuesday, February 10th at their downtown offices!  The annual meeting is a relaxed, community-centered gathering, featuring light refreshments, conversation, and a chance to connect with Heart of Ellsworth’s Board Members, committee volunteers, and staff.  Share in their reflections on key accomplishments in 2025 and learn what exciting things they have planned in 2026, including continued development of the State Street Makerspace, the Riverwalk North Sculpture Trail, and other initiatives supporting downtown businesses, arts and culture and overall community vitality.  That’s 5:30 to 7 February 10th at 16 State Street.

2026 Sea of Blue 5K/10K/Walk

(NE Harbor)  It may be frigid outside right now, but spring will be here one of these days, and now’s the time to sign up for our FAVORITE Spring Event – the Sea of Blue Autism Awareness Walk, 5K and 10K Run!  This year’s event is set for Saturday, April 25th at the Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor!  The community really gets behind this wonderful event that includes raffles and an auction of items that absolutely fill the event space!  The course is so scenic, you’ll almost forget you’re running!  Sign up at sea of blue autism dot org – see you there!

National News

Trump Officials Order Removal of More Signage from National Parks

(Washington, DC)  Trump officials this week ordered the removal of more signs in more National Parks.  The signs to be taken down educate people on climate change, environmental protection, and the mistreatment of Native Americans, but the administration calls their removal “an order to restore sanity to American history”.  Parks affected include the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana,  the Grand Canyon, Glacier, Big Bend, Zion and a dozen other National Parks.  The order follows the removal of an exhibit at Independence National Historical Park that focused on George Washington’s ownership of black slaves.

Nipah Virus

(India)   Some airports in Asia are on alert after confirmed cases in West Bengal of Nipah virus.  The Washington Post reports South Asia sees outbreaks nearly every year.  There is no cure for the virus, which has a mortality rate of between 40 and 70 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; although there is reportedly low global awareness of the outbreak.  So far, no cases have been reported beyond India.

In National News headlines

• Authorities have arrested 55 yo Anthony Kazmierczak after he allegedly used a syringe to spray U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, with an unknown liquid as she spoke at a meeting, calling on ICE to be abolished and for Secretary Kristi Noem to either resign or face impeachment.
• President Trump is facing a rare Republican  backlash as more details come to light about the murder of ICU Nurse Alex Pretti by Customs and Border Patrol agents.  Evidence points to fatal shots being fired by two federal agents, with no mention of Pretti brandishing a weapon, according to an initial government review.
• And some European lawmakers are calling for a boycott of this summer’s World Cup, questioning the fitness of the U.S. under President Trump to host the iconic soccer tournament.

Activists Call for General Strike

(Undated)  Activists are calling for a nationwide general strike today to protest DHS and ICE raids.  Organizers say they want to hit the Trump administration where it hurts most in the wallet.  Participants are asked to stay away from work and school and to not purchase anything Friday, creating an economic blackout.  Among those participating here in Maine, The Norumbega in Camden which says it employs immigrants who perform difficult tasks and work inconvenient weekly shifts.  

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Sea of Blue Autism Awareness

Walk/5K/10k Run – April 25th