Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Maine State Library Gathers Feedback on AI

(Augusta)  Concerned about Artificial Intelligence?  Recent alarms sounded by tech giants and others in the know seem to indicate we should be – or at least that AI needs to be regulated.  The Maine State Library hopes to create a Maine Artificial Intelligence Literacy Framework as a safety plan for Mainers. In order to gather feedback for the framework, MSL is hosting listening sessions around the state this week, including at the Ellsworth Public Library tomorrow from 1:30 to 3.  Funding for the project was included in the state’s FY2027 Supplemental Budget, as recommended in the 2025 Maine AI Task Force Report.  

Local Politics

Ellsworth City Council to Adopt New Public Comment Procedures

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth City Council last week adopted new rules of order that include new public comment and question procedures.  According to The Ellsworth American, many of the rules remain consistent with previous guidelines; but the public comment period may be limited going forward.  According to the new guidelines, the citizens’ comment period – typically held at the start of meetings – may be concluded after 30 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes added to the end of the meeting at the discretion of the Council Chair, if additional speakers wish to comment.  The vote to adopt the new procedures passed 5-2, with Councilors Steve O’Halloran and Patrick Shea opposed.

Town of Gouldsboro Plans Four-Day Workweek

(Gouldsboro)  Ellsworth and Bucksport adopted four-day workweeks for municipal employees.  As of November 9th, the Gouldsboro town office will follow suit.  In addition, the Gouldsboro town website is getting a refresh next month.  Town Manager Josh McIntyre said the new website will make it easier for residents to find information and conduct town business online; and the shorter workweek – which involves longer hours on certain days – will add convenience for those who work typical 9-5 hours and find it hard to get into the office. McIntyre stressed both changes are designed to make town government more streamlined and accessible.  New town office hours will be 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1 to 5 Monday through Thursday.

Secretary of State Warns of Voting Scams

(Augusta)  The office of Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is warning Mainers to be vigilant when viewing voting information online.  Bellows’ office said private sites may give a false impression that they are an official election website – either by name, URL, and/or design. AI and other automated tools aid cybercriminals and partisan operatives in creating websites that look official and are designed to encourage citizens to vote, but then direct them to bogus sites.  Bellows says Mainers can register to vote at maine.gov/vote or by visiting their local municipal office in person.

Economy

Steak and Seafood Restaurant to Open in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth will soon have a new steak and seafood restaurant.  The fine dining establishment will be housed at 30 Water Street, the former site of Chloe’s Cafe.  The Ellsworth American reports the goal of the venue is to serve both local residents and visitors with a high-demand staple for upscale dining in Downtown Ellsworth.  30 Water bills itself as a Bistro Bar serving fine steak and seafood.  Comments on FB express concerns about cost and location; but an overwhelming number of people responded with  “It’s about time!” The building is currently undergoing renovations and 30 Water plans a soft opening sometime this winter, with a full opening in Spring 2027.

Cannabis Businesses Apply to Open in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  The three businesses that won the adult-use cannabis lottery held by the City of Ellsworth in June have submitted applications.  Lighthouse Cannabis applied for a location at 403 High Street, JAR Cannabis at 59 Downeast Highway, and Lighthouses Cannabis, at 225 High Street.  The City Clerk’s office told the Ellsworth American no licenses have been issued yet.  Each business must pay a $10K licensing fee and be inspected by Code Enforcement and the Fire Inspector before going before Council for final approval.

Community Clothing Swap

(Blue Hill)  Here’s your motivation to clean out that closet!  The Blue Hill Public Library invites you to their Annual Clothing Swap, this Saturday from 10 to 4 on the library lawn.  They say clothing of all sizes and styles will be available to take home for free – bring a bag, browse, and be ready to leave with a brand new wardrobe – at no charge!  Donations can be dropped off on Friday from 1-5.  You’ll find donation guidelines at bhpl.net.  

Wild Blueberry Land for Sale

(Columbia Falls)  You could own your own giant blueberry – and all the history that goes with it.  The owners of Wild Blueberry Land, the geodesic dome that houses a wealth of information on the state’s iconic berry, have listed the site for sale. The longtime owners told Maine Public they’re ready for life’s next adventure and hope to sell the property to the right buyer who would keep the attraction open.  Dell and Marie Emerson opened Wild Blueberry Land in 2001, and it was recently named one of the most at-risk sites by Maine Historic Preservation.  The roadside oddity draws between 15 and 20 thousand visitors a year.  

Education

Field Trips at  Versant Power Astronomy Center

(Orono)  Teachers, now is the time to plan those school field trips to the Versant Power Astronomy Center!  This year, the Center has a number of new programs, including Time, The Chemistry of Life, Messengers of Time and Space, Unseen Earth, and more!  For booking, they ask that you use their Field Trip Request Form; and if possible, give them a few dates and times so they can best accommodate your classes.  Visit astro.umaine.edu to see their complete catalog of shows in a variety of STEM and STEAM areas.  

Human Interest

Art of Ellsworth Weekend

(Ellsworth)  It’s finally here!  Art of Ellsworth kicks off tomorrow as part of Maine Craft Weekend, a statewide celebration of creativity and community.  Organized largely by Heart of Ellsworth, this year’s event will have a special focus on sculpture, beginning with today’s ribbon cutting on the Ellsworth Public Library lawn to celebrate the purchase of Celeste Roberge’s Chaise Gabion for the Union River Trail.  Visit the Makerspace at 16 State Street to meet artists, make and explore art.  Head downtown Thursday evening for a barn dance at the Franklin Street Parklet. On Friday, participate as a juror as the Ellsworth Historical Society presents a mock trial hearing of an 1815 Ellsworth Axe Murder.  Other events will be held at Artsworth, Steamy Buddha, the Ellsworth Farmers Market, and more!  Visit Heart of Ellsworth on FB for a schedule … and craft YOUR weekend full of all things art.

Sullivan Fall Fest

(Sullivan)  It’s amazing how quickly the colors change this time of year, especially with the recent rains.  It’s the perfect time for the October 3rd Fall Fest in the Town of Sullivan, which promises activities for the whole family.  From 10 until 4 Saturday, visit the Sorrento-Sullivan Rec Center for pumpkin decorating, kids’ games, line dancing lessons, hayrides, and vendors, including Waffle Me and Taste of Jamaica.  A skatepark jam will be held from 11 to 2 at the skatepark, featuring a skateboarding contest with prizes from Skate One.  From 10 until Noon, there will be a rabies vaccine clinic for pets, and the Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research will have a touch tank set up with a host of marine mammals.  For people, for pets, for a perfect weekend – Fall Fest, October 3rd in Sullivan.

Maine High on List of Geekiest States

(Maine)  Maybe it’s our long winters when people stay inside?  In a new study of the nation’s geekiest states, Maine ranked No. 5, according to The Sports Geek, an online digital resource and sports betting platform.  The rankings are based on surveys of all 50 states that looked at STEM, education and employment, research universities, geek conventions, and interest in geek culture .   Maine also scored well for science and engineering degrees (nearly 44% of our bachelors’ degrees) and STEM employment (11% of college-educated workers are employed in STEM fields).  With six major geek conventions, Maine ranked No. 1 nationally for geek conventions per capita.  Massachusetts ranked No. 1 overall geekiest state, followed by Vermont, Colorado, and Oregon – which also stood out for searching “Star Trek” more than any other state during the five-year span studied.  South Carolina bottomed out at No. 50.  

National News 09/30/26

Trump Administration Moves to Gun Clean Car Rules

(NYTimes)  The Trump administration this week moved to sharply scale back fuel efficiency rules for new cars and light trucks, gutting one of the government’s efforts to reduce gasoline consumption and hasten the shift to electric vehicles.  According to The New York Times, the new standard reduces the required industry fleetwide average to 34.5 miles per gallon by model year 2031 – down from the previous Biden-administration projection of 50.4 miles per gallon.  Environmental groups argue the rollback increases greenhouse gas emissions, the largest source of climate emissions in the U.S.  In addition, critics say any upfront savings on new car prices will be offset by higher gas costs and consumption.

NY Prosecutor to Revisit Cornell Rape Allegation Case

(NYTimes)  A New York prosecutor this week vowed to reopen an investigation into accusations of a sexual assault that allegedly occurred at a Cornell University fraternity in 2024.  The move comes just weeks after a woman filed a lawsuit accusing the school and law enforcement officials of not doing enough to investigate her case.  The New York Times reports that in the lawsuit, the victim alleges she was given alcohol and drugs and raped repeatedly by multiple men at the Chi Phi fraternity.  She said in spite of reporting the incident to Cornell University police, no criminal charges were filed by prosecutors.  According to the lawsuit, the seven accused fraternity members were allowed to “mitigate their conduct by submitting essays to Cornell.”  The woman said she did not come forward sooner because she was not emotionally ready to face expected backlash.

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