Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

TVFD Member Completes Certification

(Trenton)  When it comes to leadership, Lieutenant Rachel Malcolm of the Trenton Volunteer Fire Department is – dare we say it? – on fire!  Lt. Malcolm recently completed the requirements for her Pro Board Fire Officer IV certification, the highest level in the certification series. TVFD says the program goes beyond emergency scene operations, focusing on leading an organization, including decision-making, budgeting, human resources, legal issues, and preparing a department for the future.  We’re sure she and the department have a bright one!

Campaign Signs Vandalized

(Gouldsboro)  While tensions are certainly running high as we approach the midterm elections, folks need to remember vandalizing political signs is an affront to free speech … and removing signs unlawfully from public rights of way carries a fine of up to $250.  A string of signs posted Burma-shave style along Route 1 in Gouldsboro was vandalized earlier this month.  The signs were critical of the Trump administration’s tariffs and were stolen the day after they were displayed.  Members of both parties told the Ellsworth American they condemn such actions.  

Local Politics

Ellsworth City Council Approves Monies for Road

(Ellsworth)  At a special meeting this month, Ellsworth City Council approved a bond issue of up to $3.8M for capital improvement projects.  According to The Ellsworth American, the money will fund sidewalk and road improvements, network switches for digital infrastructure, and the construction of the new road to the future Hancock Judicial Center.  Each project will still need to be approved individually by the Council.  The vote was 5-2, with Councilors Patrick Shea and Steve O’Halloran opposed.   

Survey Shows Respondents’ Ideas of Social Media for Young People

(Blue Hill)  Schools have finally gotten around to banning personal technology devices like phones and watches during the school day.  Research shows the escalating screen time is literally changing our brains.  And there’s no doubt young people communicate less in person, leading to stunted social skills and distraction.  Many contend it’s an addiction.  How do local folks feel about banning social media use for kids under the age of 16?  The Ellsworth American polled people at this year’s Blue Hill Fair and found 64% (248 people) were in favor of such a ban, while 32% (122) were opposed, and 4% (17 people) were unclear or undecided.  

Economy

Survey Reveals How Mainers Feel About Living and Working in Maine

(Maine)  We hear it repeatedly from those whose families are generational, as well as those of us “from away” – life in Maine is “the way life should be”.  But a survey commissioned by the Portland Press Herald found living and working here are not without drawbacks. Siena Research Institute surveyed 824 people and found some surprising – and not so surprising – results. The worst thing about living in the Pine Tree State?  It’s unaffordable, especially for young people.  A vast majority of those surveyed view the state’s escalating cost of living and housing availability negatively, with nearly half reporting they struggle to afford basic daily necessities.  Other data surveyed that we’ll share as it becomes available, what it’s like to raise a family here, pessimism about healthcare, and what it’s like to work and do business here.

Camden National Bank Move

(Ellsworth)  Camden National Bank has announced dates for its Ellsworth consolidation move.  The Ellsworth Plaza banking center will close permanently at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 23rd.  The following Monday, the new Ellsworth location at 217 High Street will open its doors, with new lobby and drive-through hours.  Then on Friday, October 30th, the Ellsworth Main Street location will permanently close at 3 p.m.  ATMs at all locations will remain open and available to use.  The downtown building that housed Camden is for sale for $1.2M –  the first time it’s been put up for sale since it was built more than 90 years ago.  

Education

Mountain View Fundraiser for Backpack Program

(Sullivan)  Ice cream?  Yes, please!  The Darling’s Ice Cream for a Cause truck will be at Mountain View School’s Family Night this Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30.  Families and community members are encouraged to stop by for free ice cream and to make a voluntary donation to support the school’s Backpack Program.  All money raised for the event will benefit the school pantry, cash or check accepted.  While you’re there, stop by the Scholastic Book Fair – that runs all next week in the school gym.  Mountain View School is at 542 Bert Gray Road, that’s Route 200, in Sullivan.

Sumner Speech and Debate Team Earns Honor

(Sullivan)  The Sumner Speech and Debate Team is just a year old, but you might say they know what they’re talking about!  The team has already earned enough points to reach charter status, the highest school honor awarded by the National Speech and Debate Association.  Teams achieve charter status based on collective participation and success.  Of the state’s five chartered teams, Sumner is the newest, but certainly not the least passionate. Head Coach John Russell noted the young team only missed one tournament last year, with members qualifying to compete in multiple national tournaments.

Environment

Drought Continues to Grow Across State

(Maine)  100% of the state is now experiencing Moderate to Extreme Drought.  The U.S. National Weather Service on Thursday announced the new emergence of Extreme Drought along the Midcoast, even as deteriorating conditions continue to push Moderate Drought conditions deeper into New Hampshire.  Extreme Drought, also known as D3, happens when soil moisture dries out far below the root zone and surface streams dry up or drop to critically low levels.  Occasional showers have offered little relief, and NWS says it will take sustained, widespread precipitation to erase long-term deficits and recharge local water levels.

Stars Over Katahdin

(Katahdin)  For those who still find themselves marveling over a dark sky that’s almost opaque with stars, put Stars Over Katahdin on your calendar!  The October 3rd event, sponsored by Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, affords participants the chance to view the wonders of the night sky through a telescope, listen to stories and learn from astronomers, gather around the campfire, enjoy live music, and simply take some time to look up.  Register at friendsofkww.org.

Penobscot Completes Acquisition of More Than 11K Acres Near Mount Katahdin

(Katahdin)  Speaking of the Katahdin region, the Penobscot Nation this week completed acquisition of more than 11K acres near Mount Katahdin.  According to The Portland Press Herald, the transfer is the first phase of a vast land return that includes the east branch of the Penobscot River and that will ultimately bring more than 30K acres back under tribal control.  It could also lead to a new southern access route into the National Monument.  Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Fancis said in a news release the tribe considers the Penobscot not as a resource that can be owned, but as a relative.  

Human Interest

Better Milbridge Present Farm Spooktacular

(Milbridge)  Better Milbridge is at it again – with October’s Farm Spooktacular set for Saturday, October 17th.  From 2:30 to 5:30 that day, head to the Mill River Ranch and Farm to see animals in costume, a kids’ zone with Halloween crafts, apple cider pressing, hay rides, face painting, a commercial Pirate Bounce House and more!  There will be snacks and drinks available for purchase; but everything else is free; and the event is sure to delight all ages.  Follow Better Milbridge on FB to learn more.

National News 09/18/26

Kraft Donates to Causes Supporting Palestine

(NYT) Patriots owner Robert Kraft told sources this week he plans to donate $2M toward causes supporting those impacted by the war in Gaza.  The donation is meant to match a similar one made by Ed Sheeran after Kraft demanded the singer drop his opening act, Macklemore, when he plays at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.  The directive followed Macklemore’s comments in support of Palestinians.  Macklemore, aka Ben Haggerty, has said he would donate the million dollar earnings received as Sheeran’s opening act to groups aiding Palestine.  The humanitarian crisis across Gaza and the West Bank remains severe, as attacks by Israel continue to heavily impact civilians emotionally, physically, and economically.

Analysts Say the Worst is Yet to Come with Gas Prices

(WaPo)  Fill those gas tanks and home heating oil tanks now.  Analysts are predicting the effects of the U.S.-led war on Iran are about to intensify in the form of huge jumps in the price of gasoline and diesel.  The Washington Post reports in spite of the Trump administration’s assurances, a new and potentially even more economically damaging phase of the war may be about to begin.  According to Triple A, the national average price for regular gasoline stood at $4.44 on Thursday, below the all-time record of $5.02 in June 2022.  But diesel, which heavily affects trucking and retail prices, has continued to hit records, with a national average of $6.40 per gallon.  In California, diesel is averaging $8.35.  

Bayeaux Tapestry

(Undated)  You may not have heard of the Bayeaux Tapestry – but if not, you will … and we’re so honored to be the first to share it with you.  One of the world’s most famous works of art, it’s not a tapestry of all, but an embroidery, with colored wool stitched onto linen that stretches across almost 224 feet.  Remarkably, it’s more than a thousand years old.  The cloth depicts events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings.  No one exactly knows who created the treasure, but the most accepted theory is William the Conqueror’s wife, Queen Matilda, and her ladies-in-waiting … or possibly nuns.  It’s been in France for the past millennia, but is now on display in the British Museum, where thousands are flocking to see it through July 11th, 2027.  

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