Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Pedestrian Crash Seriously Injures Man

(Palermo)  A man was seriously injured Tuesday morning when he pulled his vehicle to the side of Route 3 in Palermo, exited, then reportedly intentionally entered the roadway.  Maine State Police say the incident happened shortly after 5:30 a.m. near Level Hill Road.  Authorities say the man, who was not identified, was struck by an oncoming vehicle and was taken by ambulance to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.  The driver of the vehicle was uninjured.  The Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty Ambulance, and several Fire/EMS departments assisted.  The crash remains under investigation.

Two Die in Wrong-Way Crash in Medway

(Medway)  Two people died in a crash in Medway Monday night that involved a wrong-way driver traveling at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour.  Authorities say shortly before 9:30 Monday night, they received reports of a man traveling south in the northbound lanes of I-95 in Island Falls.  An officer responded and attempted to stop the driver who continued at a high rate of speed.  They say the wrong-way driver entered a construction zone on a bridge in Medway and collided head on with another vehicle.  The driver, 20 yo Luis Mendoza of Indian Township, was killed.  The driver of the vehicle that was struck, 67 yo Sandra Lacombe of Medway, was also killed.  An investigation revealed the car Mendoza was driving, a 2011 Toyota Camry, had been reported stolen from Hannaford in Houlton.  An investigation into the crash continues.

US Coast Guard Rescues Fishermen Near Metinic Green Island

(MGI)  The U.S. Coast Guard Monday rescued two mariners whose commercial fishing vessel ran aground near Metinic Green Island.  The island is about seven miles offshore from the Knox County town of St. George.  Coast Guard boat crews responded from Rockland and Boothbay Harbor, and the men were ultimately hoisted from the island by helicopter without injury.  Their vessel, the Gulf Traveler, suffered major damage and remained aground on the rocks as of yesterday.

Orland Fire Department Grant

(Orland)  The Orland Fire Department has secured a $101K federal grant through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.  The program is administered by FEMA and is part of a larger $6.2M allocation designed to support first responder organizations across the state of Maine.  According to the OFD FB page, the town will use the funding to upgrade vital safety equipment.  They say the grant team spent countless hours navigating the complex federal submission and compliance system in order to successfully secure the grant.

Local Politics

Five Run for Two Seats on Ellsworth School Board

(Ellsworth)  Five candidates are vying for just two seats on the Ellsworth School Board.  The three year terms held by incumbents Christopher Walters and Kelly McKenney are up for election.  The two are running again, along with three newcomers – Karen Shea Arkin, John Linnehan, and Brittany Rumery.  Voters will have an opportunity to meet the candidates at a non-partisan meet-and-greet set for 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 21st, at the Ellsworth Public Library.  Sponsored by Heart of Ellsworth, the evening will consist of an informal conversational setting, allowing residents to ask questions of the five candidates, as well as of candidates vying for Library Trustee.

Economy

MaineHousing Releases Early HEAP Payments

(Augusta)  MaineHousing has issued nearly $4M in early Home Energy Assistance Program payments to fuel vendors in anticipation of increased demand and a challenging winter heating season – largely due to historically high heating oil prices.  Funding carried over from the 2025-26 season will help about 4,400 of Maine’s most vulnerable households receive fuel before cold weather arrives.  Priority households include those with older adults, young children, and people with disabilities.  They say making payments now enables vendors to begin deliveries and helps ensure those households enter winter with heating fuel available.

Blue Hill Approves Higher General Assistance Limits for Those in Need

(Blue Hill)  The Blue Hill Select Board this fall approved higher General Assistance limits for residents in need of short-term help with food, rent, heat, and other necessities.  According to Penobscot Bay Press, the new figures took effect October 1st and will remain in place through next September.  Towns review and update limits annually.  Persons wishing to apply for General Assistance can contact the Town Office to schedule an appointment.  They say in an emergency, residents should contact the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.

Downeast Mexican Takeout Closing for the Season

(Gouldsboro)  For those who can’t get enough authentic Mexican food, get into Downeast Mexican Take Out in Gouldsboro this week.  The popular eatery says their last day of this season will be Sunday, October 18th.  They’ll be back in April … but that’s a long time to wait until the next tacos, empanadas, enchiladas, burritos and all your favorite Michoacan Mexican soul foods!  What, you’ve never been?  They’re at 22 Old Route 1, and they’re well worth the drive!  But get in there before they close for the season this Sunday!

Dental Hygiene Practice Open in Trenton

(Trenton)  There’s something new to smile about in Trenton.  Shoreline Dental Hygiene opened last month on the Bar Harbor Road in Trenton.  Owner Melanie Liles and her team say they offer preventative dental care in a safe and relaxing environment and are committed to providing quality, comfort, and individualized care. The clinic offers professional cleanings for adults and children, oral health assessments, periodontal care, fluoride and sealants, oral cancer screenings, whitenings and more, and they’re an in-network facility with MaineCare and Delta Dental.  Visit them on social media to learn more.

Skilled Trades Workers in Short Supply

(Ellsworth) Wondering what educational route to pursue?  Consider a skilled trade.  A new study reveals when it comes to trade jobs – construction, auto repair, plumbing and heating, and welders, for example – for every 100 open positions, only 55 are being filled by qualified candidates.  ABC News reports by 2035, the U.S. could be short nearly seven million trade workers.  They say factors include the recent crackdown on immigrants – more than half of painters and roofers in the US are immigrants – and 40% of the country’s skilled workers are over 45 – with trade schools struggling to keep up with retirees. But those who ARE entering such fields, are sometimes making six figures within just a few years.  Downeast Maine is fortunate to have schools like HCTC, Coastal Washington CIT, WCCC, and Eastern Maine Community College who ARE on the cutting edge when it comes to training the skilled workers of the future.

MMA Hosts Career Fair

(Castine)  Speaking of careers, tomorrow is Maine Maritime Academy’s annual fall career fair in Castine.  MaineBiz reports nearly 350 representatives from over 130 companies are expected to attend and pitch career opportunities.  Interest in the event highlights the global demand for specialized technical talent.  They say recruiters will be looking for students with specialities in marine engineering and transportation, business and logistics, and ocean studies. The event will be held from 9:30 to 2:30 in the Alexander Field House on the MMA campus.  

Health

Positive Public Health Movement Launches in Maine

(Augusta)  A new Age-Positive Public Health Movement has launched across the state, designed to make Maine a place where longer lives are healthier lives.  The project brings together aging and public health leaders around a simple idea:  Mainers are living longer, and we need to be more intentional about helping people live those additional years in good health.  The focus includes access to healthcare, nutritious food, safe housing, opportunities for connection and purpose, and what people believe about aging – all factors that shape how we age over a lifetime.  The project is a joint venture of The Maine Council on Aging and the Maine Public Health Association.  

Human Interest

MDI Marathon

(MDI)  If you’re planning to head to the island Sunday, be aware crowds may be “running” a little deep on the roads.  October 18th is the date of the annual MDI Marathon. The 26.2 mile race and the team relay begin at 8 a.m. in downtown Bar Harbor and end in front of Pemetic School in Southwest Harbor. A half-marathon kicks off in Northeast Harbor at 8:30.  Drivers are asked to be patient and drive with caution, and spectators are welcomed and encouraged – nothing like hearing your name and/or bib number to give runners a shot of adrenaline.  For complete race details, visit runmdi.org.

Infrastructure

MDOT Schedules Work on Bridges Over Broadway in Bangor

(Bangor)  Work is scheduled to begin Friday on the I-95 bridges over Broadway at Exit 185 in Bangor.  The Maine Department of Transportation says the work is part of the ongoing I-95 Bridge Replacement Project.  Construction will take place in four phases, with lane and ramp availability changing as construction progresses.  Through October 19th, crews will be doing work necessary to transition traffic from the temporary southbound bridge onto the new, permanent southbound bridge.  Detour signs will direct traffic during all phases of the construction.

National News 10/14/26

In National News Headlines:

• An AP/NORC poll finds most Americans think Donald Trump is profiting off the presidency in unethical or illegal ways and is more focused on his wealth than helping people like them.  Only about 2 in 10 think the Republican President is doing nothing wrong.
• And Cornell University has banned fraternity parties and added sexual assault investigators following national uproar cause by allegations of virtually unpunished gang rape at a fraternity house there.  

In National News Headlines:

• Six Flags temporarily closed multiple rides in the U.S. and Canada after a 42 year old man died Monday at Six Flags Over Georgia, the result of a roller coaster incident.
• And a  game-worn, autographed Michael Jordan road jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals has sold for $14M, the highest price ever paid for a piece of basketball memorabilia.

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