Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Bar Harbor PD Offers Narcan Training

(Bar Harbor)  The Bar Harbor Fire Department is once again offering Narcan training to the public.  Learn how to recognize an opioid overdose, administer narcan, and make a difference in your community.  You’ll also hear information on understanding opioid use and overdose, recognizing the signs of an overdose, and what to do after administering the life-saving spray.  Class dates are October 5th or 22nd from 6 to 7 p.m. at MDI High School.  Training is the same night as Stop the Bleed training, and they say you can sign up for both.  Contact BHFD for moe information.

Local Politics

Washington County Manager Settles Lawsuit

(Machias)  Washington County Manager Renee Gray settled her wrongful termination lawsuit against the county and two of its commissioners for $2,500.  The Maine Monitor reports under the terms of the settlement, the case has been dismissed and a previously issued temporary restraining order resolved. The agreement resolves a legal dispute that began in June when Commissioners Billy Howard and Dave Burns voted to terminate Gray without cause. Beyond the direct payout, the county is required to pay $7K to cover Gray’s legal fees. Gray’s employment contract was amended to strip the commission of its authority to make final decisions on her suspension or termination.  Despite the win in Gray’s favor, Burns and Howard continue to deny all liability.  Those who know Gray say the relatively small settlement reflects her integrity and her concern for the County in which she grew up and continues to serve.

LePage Take Position on ICE

(Augusta)  In a closely contested race for Congressional District 2, former Maine Governor Paul LePage told the Portland Press Herald this week Immigrations and Customs Enforcement should “prioritize people in the gangs and criminals first.”  Endorsed by the FOP, LePage said if immigrants aren’t here legally, they’ve broken the law and “(ICE) has a job to do.”  However, his stance was more nuanced Monday when he spoke about his son’s father-in-law, who is subject to deportation, despite holding a work permit – because, noted LePage, “he’s from a country that’s not to the liking of certain people in Washington. That’s not right.”  Data shows almost 70% of people arrested by ICE in the first seven months of 2026 had no criminal conviction or charge on their record.  Only 12% of those arrested had been convicted of a crime. LePage is facing Democratic State Auditor Matt Dunlap to succeed outgoing Representative Jared Golden.

Town of Bucksport Legal Bills Mount Over Dispute

(Bucksport)  The town of Bucksport has spent nearly a quarter of a million dollars on legal fees related to the closure of its former paper mill.  The fees reflect an ongoing conflict between the town and American Iron and Metal, a Canadian scrap metal firm whose subsidiary purchased the property after the mill shut down in 2014. The dispute centers around two main issues – a contentious, mill-associated landfill that was set to be closed, but for which AIM is attempting to extend operations; and the threat of the  abandonment of three regional dams, one of which supplies Bucksport’s drinking water.  Four neighboring towns – Blue Hill, Surry, Penobscot, and Orland – have joined Bucksport in hiring legal and consulting experts to fight the abandonment. 

Affordability is Key Issue in Race for Maine Governor

(Augusta)  It’s no surprise affordability is high on the minds of Maine voters, but MaineBiz reports the three candidates vying for Governor have differing views about how state government should step in. Democrat Hannah Pingree proposes spending $100M annually for housing production, especially targeting the “middle class” who don’t qualify for traditional subsidies. Republican Bobby Charles argues housing is tied to systemic costs like high energy prices and property taxes and proposes sweeping regulatory and tax relief.  Meanwhile, Independent Rick Bennett proposes using targeted state resources to help lower initial down payments and monthly mortgage costs.  Visit the candidates’ web pages for more details and to help you better decide your vote.

Economy

Community Action Group Rebrands Itself

(Undated)  Community Action in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock Counties – whew, that’s a mouthful!  Thankfully, the agency, the former ACAP, is rebranding itself as AVEC – a French word meaning “with”.  In announcing the rebranding Tuesday, CEO Jason Parent said the new name denotes a coming together of multiple agencies that work not FOR the people, but WITH the people they serve. The new name honors the region’s heritage of French peoples, who, along with the native Passamaquoddy, Wabanaki, and others, built the land through the rivers, forests, and other resources.  As one employee said, “You cannot live alongside and help people unless you honor their heritage first.”  Avec, they note, is a promise, that you are never on your own here, a promise the agency will continue to work with people, families, and communities, providing early childhood education, heating assistance, resources for the elderly, and so much more – Avec Aroostook,  Avec Hancock, and Avec Washington.  We love it.

Hypermilers Offer Gas Saving Tips

(NYTimes)  His 2017 Prius is estimated to get 52 miles per gallon; but 74 yo Bradlee Fons says he gets more than 83 mpg by driving with fuel economy in mind.  The NY Times reports Fons is one of a growing number of “hypermilers”. Having a hybrid helps, of course, but Fons says the key is not driving aggressively.  Hypermilers offer tips like avoiding unnecessary braking, accelerating slowly when taking off from a complete stop, anticipating slow-downs, and working the gas so you’re barely holding the speed you want.  Hypermilers say you don’t have to do crazy stuff, just drive conservatively – and stay out of the passing lane.  

Environment

Early Season Nor’easter Forecast

(New England)  If we’re lucky and forecasters are on target, Downeast Maine will miss the brunt of an early season nor’easter that’s set to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding to New England, beginning Friday and lasting through the weekend.  Because of the concurrent full moon, coastal areas could be especially vulnerable to flooding from Long Island through coastal Maine.  Downeast Maine, including Hancock and Washington Counties, are currently sitting on the northern fringes of the storm, meaning the primary threats will be dangerous marine conditions and persistent gloom, rather than a direct hit.

University of Maine Creating Environmentally Friendly Golf Tees

(Orono)  Fore!  The College of Engineering at UMaine has found a new use for lobster shells.  Researchers there are turning them into golf tees strong enough to perform, biodegradable in about 30 days, and designed to return natural nutrients to the soil as they break down.  The University says Maine’s lobster industry generates an estimated 50K tons of shells each year, and some processing facilities pay to dispose of them in landfills.  In addition, while golf tees are small, more than a billion wooden tees are discarded each year in the US alone, where they not only don’t rot, but can pose risks to wildlife and maintenance equipment. Project lead David Neivandt said the project has opened opportunities for using lobster shell composites in products ranging from agricultural to temporary or single-use projects.  We’d call that a hole-in-one!

Human Interest

Ellsworth Public Library Maine Craft Weekend

(Ellsworth)  Is there anyone who doesn’t give a hoot about owls?  Owls are found on every continent except Antarctica.  Their specially adapted feathers break up air turbulence, allowing them to fly in absolute silence, they can rotate their necks 270 degrees, and they’re insanely good hunters.  Barn owls eat up to a thousand mice a year.  Want to attract them to your place?   Join the Ellsworth Public Library on October 4th for an Owl Box Building demonstration, with an introduction by Birdsacre!  It’s part of Maine Craft Weekend at the Library, where you’ll also find a Community Craft Swap and a Recycled Weaving Workshop on October 3rd.  Learn more and register at ellsworthlibrary.net.  Be sure to take in all the activities.  Maine Craft Weekend, October 1st through 4th, across the state, and right here in Ellsworth.

BHHT Preps for Halloween

(Blue Hill)  Blue Hill Heritage Trust needs your help getting ready for Halloween.  October 28th, join them for pumpkin carving at the First Congregational Church!  The pumpkins will then be on display at the Fourth Annual Pumpkin Promenade, located at the Murphy Trail next door to the church. They’ll be lit up and ready for viewing each evening October 29th through Halloween.  On October 31st, staff will be at the trailhead passing out Treats on the Trail!  Get those costumes ready and plan now to get in on all the fun!

Weekend Promises Two Big Events

(Ellsworth)  Let’s hope the weather holds this weekend for two of Fall’s biggest events.  First, Autumn Gold kicks off in Ellsworth – with line dancing, a pancake breakfast, a car show, rides on the Downeast Scenic Railroad and decorations, deals, and discounts in local stores.  Also, this weekend, the Common Ground Fair in Unity celebrates its 50th year with more than a thousand exhibitors and speakers emphasizing sustainable living and organic agriculture.  Today is the last day for discounted tickets to the fair – visit mofga.org.

National News 09/23/26

Trump Silenced by News Walkout

(Washington, DC)  When President Donald Trump showed off his new White House helipad on Monday, his speech mostly fell on deaf ears.  Major television networks kept their cameras away in protest of CNN and others being banned from the grounds.  The Associated Press reports the President’s words were largely drowned out by the noise of his waiting helicopter.  MS Now, Politico, and CNN have filed a lawsuit against the ban, part of Trump’s long-running effort to restrict news coverage he finds objectionable.  In response to the censorship, CBS, Fox News, NBC, ABC, and PBS joined their fellow broadcasters in protest of Trump’s attempt to override First Amendment Rights and Freedom of the Press.

Trump Threatens to “Annihilate” Iran

(AP)  During a dramatic speech Tuesday at the 81st UN General Assembly, President Donald Trump threatened to “annihilate” Iran and “drive them into hell” unless the countries reach an agreement to end the war started on February 28th when the U.S. and Israel invaded the middle eastern country.  Trump’s approval ratings have dipped to all time lows in light of the war, record debt, rising gas and oil prices, and ongoing inflation.  Trump predicted a deal would be struck right after the U.S. midterms, alleging Iran was stalling for political impact.

Trump Administration Cuts Hundreds of Thousands from ACA Rolls

(WaPo)  Vice President JD Vance and Trump administration officials on Tuesday announced they are removing 760,000 enrollees from Affordable Care Act coverage.  According to The Washington Post, the administration claims the enrollees were fraudulently enrolled in the government health program. Vance and Trump have long criticized the ACA, a sweeping health law established by then-President Barack Obama and Democrats in 2010.  The law’s expansion is credited with driving the nation’s uninsured rate to historic lows.  Some are calling the announcement a distraction ahead of midterm elections, comparing the administration’s so-called “fraud crackdown” to its efforts to cut spending on Medicaid and other healthcare initiatives.  

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