Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

State Fire Marshal’s Office Highlights Importance of Working Smoke Detectors

(Augusta)  The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding folks to make sure they have working smoke detectors in every room, on every level.  They say the reminder was prompted by an investigation into an early morning fire in Unity this week.  Around 4 a.m. Tuesday, a resident of a two-unit residential building was awakened by an activated alarm, allowing all persons to safely and quickly evacuate and call 9-1-1, which helped firefighters rapidly suppress the blaze and prevent extensive damage.  If you’re unsure about your system, your local fire department is a great resource to answer any questions you may have.

MSP Cruisers Display 9/11 Commemorative Plates

(Maine)  Now through September 14th, Maine State Police cruisers will display special  commemorative plates, featuring designs honoring the heroes lost 25 years ago on 9/11.  Following the campaign, the plates will be auctioned to the public, with all proceeds benefitting the Trooper Black Foundation, which provides assistance to first responders and their families during times of crisis or need.  Auction plates will be available on September 15th at mainestatetroopersfoundation.org.

Local Politics

House Bill Pushes Back Deadline to Protect North Atlantic Right Whales

(Undated)  The U.S. House this week passed a bill, spearheaded by Democrat Jared Golden of Maine and Republican Mike Lawler of New York, that pushes back the deadline for the National Marine Fisheries Service to implement new gear regulations intended to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whale.  According to the publication “Saving Seafood”, the extension gives the fishing industry and researchers more time to study whale migration patterns and to safely develop innovative fishing gear technologies, without crushing the regional economy.  Opponents such as Oceana and other environmental groups strongly oppose the bill, saying the 9-10 year delay puts the 380 remaining members of the whale species at grave risk.  The bill, entitled, the Northeast Lobstermen Protection Act, now heads to the U.S. Senate.

MPUC Approves Versant Power Reforms

(Hallowell)  The Maine Public Utilities Commission has approved a package of reforms at Versant Power intended to resolve an investigation into the company’s management practices.  According to the Bangor Daily News, commissioners approved a stipulation requiring Versant to complete a multipoint performance improvement plan.  The plan includes the utility completing long-term strategic planning, better tracking of customer service, and improving facets of its renewable energy projects.  Versant also agreed to contribute $400K to its program for low-income customers.

Economy

Casa Jalisco Celebrates Four Years in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  Casa Jalisco is celebrating four years at its popular location on High Street in Ellsworth.  Today is Mariachi Friday, with live mariachi music from 4:30 to 9 and 9.99 house Margaritas all day.  The family-owned restaurant is celebrated for its authentic Jalisco-inspired Mexican dishes and vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.  With fresh tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and sizzling platters, we guarantee you won’t go away hungry.  Dine in, takeout, or Door Dash available, they’re open today from 11 to 10.

Labor Day

(Undated)  Monday is, of course, Labor Day.  Schools are closed, as are most municipal offices, there’s no mail delivery, and Brian and I are even taking a break from the news and weather for the day!  Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrated the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the contributions of workers across the country.  By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the US officially celebrated such accomplishments, recognized as trade union and labor movements grew.  However you spend the day, kudos to all who contribute not just to the U.S. economy but to what has become a very interconnected world economy.    

Bliss Ellsworth a True Downtown Gem

(Ellsworth)  Time to highlight another of our favorite local gems!  Perhaps you’ve seen the storefront in downtown Ellsworth and thought Bliss at 93 Main Street was a women’s clothing boutique.  While it’s definitely that, sustainable fashion is just the tip of the iceberg.  Opened in 2020 by husband and wife Scott Mayer and Susan Nordman, there’s a reason a store first established during the pandemic is still thriving today.  The couple makes roughly one-fourth of the items they sell, including the signature soaps Susan once made in her kitchen, and Scott’s hand-crafted Japanese shakuhachi bamboo flutes.  You’ll also find beautiful, unique jewelry, pottery, stationery, art materials, fair trade spices, and gift books for those who need inspiration … or a touch of cheeky humor.  Need a necklace and earrings for a special event?  Susan has come to our rescue on more than one occasion with the perfect pieces. Christmas shopping early?  Last year, we found 90% of our gifts at Bliss – they truly have something for everyone.  And you can shop online at bliss93.com.  Shop often, shop local, shop for everyone you love – you’re bound to find pure Bliss!

Black Moon Celebrates Teachers

(Ellsworth)  Teacher Appreciation Fridays are back at Black Moon Public House in Ellsworth.  

Katina and staff at the popular downtown destination say they’re ready to “pamper, encourage, and thank” educators for another great year of working with kids and their families.  From 3 to 6, teachers and other school employees are invited to enjoy deep discounts, specials, and fun, including 50% off mocktails, wine, crafted bites and more.  While you’re there, head back to Vinyl Vogue and pick up one of their new punch cards. For every ten purchases, get a free record, up to $30 value – perfect for habitual record shoppers – plus, they have an amazing selection of guitars and other collectible items.  Stop in, say hi to Matt (who can answer about any question you have about music!), and see for yourself why they’ve earned all five-star reviews!  See you after work this afternoon in downtown Ellsworth!

Environment

Fall Color Predictions

(Undated)  The Fall Foliage Maps are out for the year!  I’ve shared an interactive map on my FB page.  It looks like here along the coast, we’ll see peak color grace the western and northern mountains beginning October 9th.  Here along the coast, expect the brightest fall foliage the week of October 20th.  Of course, that’s always subject to change based on whether our dry conditions continue or if we get more rain as we did yesterday.  Keep your eye on the link we’ve shared.

Health 

Reigning Hope Ranch Provides Healing Through Horses

(Orrington)  Reigning Hope Ranch in Orrington is dedicated to helping those in need heal, restore self-esteem, and rebuild self-confidence through horses. The non-profit’s licensed staff often work on a sliding scale, incorporating rescued horses to help veterans, first responders, active duty, and ordinary people work through trauma, disabilities, and high-stress professions like caregiving and law enforcement.  Join them tonight, beginning at 5 p.m. – they’ll have a fire going, horses nearby, and plenty of time to relax and connect.  Bring a potluck dish and camp chair if you like – there’s no charge.  Gather at the NEW Meadows Pasture (not at the Ranch), 920 Center Drive.  Look for the red clubhouse and begin your healing journey.

Human Interest

Versant Power Planetarium

(Orono)  It’s a brand new month of programming at the Versant Power Planetarium on the University of Maine Orono campus.  Friday evenings this month, discover how life has shaped our planet and learn how we can partner with the living world to ensure our continued survival with “Living Worlds”.  The 2 p.m. Sunday family program is Magic Globe: A Story of the Seasons – the perfect program as autumn officially arrives at 8:05 p.m. on September 22nd.  Radiohead: Blackstar headlines the 4 p.m music show.  And teachers, now’s the time to book those field trips, for any of a variety of offerings at the planetarium.  For tickets, more information, or to donate, visit astro.umaine.edu.

Sweater Weather Festival Seeks Vendors and More

(Cherryfield)  For those who love “sweater weather”, mark your calendars for the October 10th Sweater Weather Festival on Main Street in Cherryfield!  They’re currently looking for vendors, organizations, church groups, scouts, musicians to entertain, folks to sell items and organize kids’ games, raffle items, and more.  Spaces are available, with funds supporting Cherryfield Days 2027.  For more information contact Lori at the number you’ll find with this story on our website, downeastdigest.news.  (207-318-2209)

National News 09/04/26

Gloria Steinem Passes Away

(WSJ)  Gloria Steinem passed away this week at the age of 92. Steinem, according to a post on her Instagram account, was a living symbol of the women’s movement and spent her life as a journalist, editor, activist, and organizer, dedicated to brazenly propelling women forward and scrutinizing the forces holding them back.  As recently as the 1970s, banks and lenders regularly discriminated against women applying for credit, loans, or mortgages, requiring a husband or male relative to cosign.  Pregnant women were discriminated against in the workplace.  And many sports, scholarships, and academic programs were off limits to women and girls.  Steinem raised awareness and fought hard against such discrimination.  In 2015 when asked by The New Yorker to whom she was passing the torch, she bristled, “There is no one torch – there are many torches, and I’m using my torch to light other torches.”  

Earth Will Soon Reach Critical Warming Point

(Undated)  2.7 degrees may seem minor; but a bleak report issued this week by the United Nations Environment Programme warns that exceeding that critical warming target from the Paris climate accord is now unavoidable within the next few years.  Scientists say the world will surpass that threshold, at least temporarily, creating a path of extra warming before trying to bring the temperature back down.  That would require completely ending fossil fuel use and aggressively scaling up unproven carbon dioxide removal technologies to pull industrial emissions out of the air.  Crossing the limit – even temporarily – means decades of extremes of what is clearly already a reality – heightened sea level rise, melting glaciers, extinctions, and severe weather disasters.

Former NOAA Climate Experts Rebuild Online Climate Information

(Undated)  Former NOAA climate experts have rebuilt years of public climate information online after they were allegedly disrupted by federal regulators under the current administration.  Former members of the team behind NOAA’s Climate.gov launched ClimateUS in June as an independent nonprofit successor to the federal site.  Led by former program manager Rebecca Lindsey, sources tell Downeast Digest the project restored a 15-year archive of climate articles, maps, educational materials, and data resources.  The launch was funded with the help of more than 2,500 small donors, while more than 80 scientists volunteered as expert reviewers.   Access the data at the independent nonprofit climate.us.

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