Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

POS System Scam

(Ellsworth)  The good folks at Black Moon Public House in Ellsworth are warning others who use the  TOAST Point of Sale system, there is a scam going around.  Reportedly, someone is calling restaurants and saying there is an update but that their eatery’s system didn’t update.  They then say they will try sending you an email.  Those in the know say, don’t fall for it.  Hang up and delete any messages.

Local Politics

CMP Sues State Over Revenue Blocking Law

(Undated)  Central Maine Power is suing Maine regulators to prevent implementation of a new state law that would block the utility from collecting a $4.6M boost in investment return. The Portland Press Herald reports the law, LD2038, requires transmission line owners in Maine – CMP, Versant, and the utility-owned Maine Electric Power Company – to join a regional group that operates the lines and manages the flow of electricity.  All three are currently voluntary members of the group, meaning they are eligible for a federal profit incentive.  By requiring the utilities to participate, lawmakers hope to eliminate the federal incentive, which Maine regulators and consumer advocates have asked FERC to block utilities from collecting.  

OOPS!  Wrong Portland

(Portland)  It’s an easy mistake to make – but maybe one political operatives should have checked more carefully.  Defending Main Street, a Republican Super PAC, ran ads attacking Maine Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson in more than 260 zip codes around Portland, Oregon between October 8th and 11th.  The Super PAC reportedly purchased about $25K in attack ads.  Once the error was identified, the group immediately stopped the ads and updated the buy to cover Maine.  According to the Portland Press Herald, DMS said the error was 100% the fault of Cross Screen Media, a political and public affairs advertising group.

Economy

Social Security COLA at 3.6% for 2027

(NYTimes)  Retirees will see their January Social Security checks reflect a 3.6% cost of living (COLA) raise for 2027. The increase is the largest since 2023, driven largely by persistently high inflation, according to the New York Times.  The Social Security Administration announced the annual adjustment Wednesday morning after the release of government inflation data for September.  Part B Medicare premiums, which cover outpatient care, are usually deducted from Social Security benefits, changing net COLAs.  The Medicare Board of Trustees has projected the monthly Part B premium will rise $6.60 in 2027 to just over $209.  

Breeze Airways to Offer Direct Flights Between Portland and Myrtle Beach

(Portland)  Already looking forward to a getaway next spring?  Breeze Airways plans to add nonstop year-round flights next year between the Portland International Jetport and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The airline began offering the route this year with one stop, although passengers did not need to change planes. Beginning in May, the flights will be direct on Thursdays and Sundays.  The airline currently offers 15 destinations leaving from Portland, with 11 nonstop options.

Education

Lawmakers, Education Leaders Visit EHS

(Ellsworth)  Lawmakers and education officials from Oklahoma and representatives from the BARR Center in Minnesota visited Ellsworth High School this month to study the school’s student support system.  The Ellsworth American reports the groups focused on examining how EHS implemented the BARR – Building Assets, Reducing Risks – framework, including the school’s Freshman Academy.  Following the school’s adoption of the program in 2024, Ellsworth High School’s graduation rate rose from 73% to 90%.  The program helps educators build closer relationships with students by tracking academic, social, and personal factors in order to improve engagement and support.

Environment

Fall Foliage Season Ends

(Maine)  Maine’s 2026 Fall Foliage Season is just about at an end, with rain dampening the final week of peak colors along the coast.  In fact, we hear there might soon be some “snowliage” in the higher elevations.  Throughout the season, we’ve shared the foliage maps on social media, courtesy of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.  Just how those reports came about is a story in itself.  In 1959, Austin Wilkins, Commissioner of Forestry, had the idea of broadcasting foliage conditions throughout Maine to the public.  In order to make it happen, on-the-ground observations were collected from forest rangers throughout the state.  Those observations were compiled and reported to radio stations of the day, giving Mainers and visitors an indication of where the color was.  Six decades later, forest rangers still provide the colorful data, helping everyone track those all important leaf-peeping routes.

Mount Katahdin Closes to Hikers for the Season

(Millinocket)  As of Tuesday, hikers can no longer journey up Mt. Katahdin…at least through the end of November.  Officials with Baxter State Park say all Katahdin and Traveler Ridge trails are closed for the season, including the Appalachian Trail, also known as the Hunt Trail,  in order to protect fragile alpine ecosystems and trails during the winter transition.  The Chimney Pond Trail remains open just through today for registered campers only.  Winter camping and hiking applications open today, with the winter lottery set for November 2nd.  The park’s winter season runs from December 1st to March 31st.  

Infrastructure

Ellsworth Road Work

(Ellsworth)  Public Works crews will be on Christian Ridge Road in Ellsworth today, tackling a cross culvert near the property at 387.  The City says expect one lane of alternating traffic while crews are working, and they ask drivers in the area to slow down and drive with caution to keep everyone safe.

Health

Maine Seacoast Mission Brings Vaccines to Unbridged Islands

(Cherryfield)  Residents of six of Maine’s unbridged islands will have an opportunity to get their full vaccines this month without crossing the water.  Maine Seacoast Mission is partnering with Community Pharmacies to hold vaccination clinics on Frenchboro, Great Cranberry, Isle au Haut, Islesford, Matinicus, and Monhegan from October 19th to the 21st.  Fall clinics are a yearly tradition, and just one of the ways the Mission works alongside islanders to keep neighbors healthy through the winter months.  Flu and COVID vaccines will be available at no charge, and they say all island residents are eligible, whether or not they have insurance.  With advance notice, the Mission can also provide RSV, shingles, pneumonia, Tdap, and other vaccines.

Human Interest

Bangor International Welcomes The Summit Project Honor Case

(Bangor)  There’s a lot of coming and going at airports; but now, the Bangor International Airport has a special place for folks to pause and remember.  On Tuesday, BIA welcomed The Summit Project Honor Case.  Just inside the front door, its memorial stones honor Maine’s fallen service members, with names and stories about the lives they lived.  A dedication ceremony is in the works; but for now, travelers can remember those who never made it back home, giving the ultimate sacrifice for all.  The Honor Case will remain at the airport through the holiday season.  

USA’s Spookiest Cities

(Vivint)  Headed for Salem, Massachusetts this Halloween?  You might want to rethink that.  Vivint has released its list of Spookiest Cities in America, and Salem doesn’t even make the top six. The index analyzed seven key metrics – reported ghost sightings, number of haunted places, haunted house attractions, psychic and spiritual businesses, funeral services per capita, paranormal search trends, and security camera data showing paranormal activity.  Virginia City, Nevada topped the list, leading the study in spiritual and psychic shop density per capita, followed by Tombstone, Arizona; Eureka Springs, Arkansas; Galena, Illinois; Gettysburg, PA; and Cape May, New Jersey.  

Better Milbridge Spooktacular at the Farm

(Milbridge)  Better Milbridge is excited to sponsor their Second Annual FREE Halloween Spooktacular at the Farm.  Join them at Mill River Ranch from Noon until 3 on Saturday, October 24th, for a fun-filled day of family activities – including animals in costume, kids’ crafts, apple cider pressing, hayrides with a stop for candy, face painting, a pirate bounce house, and more.  They say be prepared to sign a waiver, and they ask that everyone respect farm fences and staff, as Mill River is a working farm.  And don’t miss Milbridge’s Trick or Treat on Main Street on Saturday, October 31st, from 4:30 to 7 in downtown Milbridge.  They’re looking for folks to set up candy stations along Main Street – email info@bettermilbridge.org if you’d like to participate.  

National News 10/15/26

In National News Headlines:

• That 3.6% Social Security raise may be of little comfort to recipients, as economists report soaring energy prices continue to push inflation higher.  The Consumer Price Index rose 3.7 percent in September, compared to a year earlier, as gas prices surged 34%.  The New York Times called it a warning shot to the President ahead of midterm elections – which have centered largely on affordability concerns.  They say the uptick in the cost of goods will keep the Federal Reserve under pressure to raise interest rates again after last month’s move.  
• And the U.S. Department of Energy on Wednesday issued an emergency order to prevent widespread electrical blackouts across 13 states and Washington, DC.  The move is in response to strain on the mid-Atlantic and Midwest power grid caused by extreme autumn heat, coupled with scheduled plant maintenance.

In National News headlines:

• Worries about worsening inflation weighed on Wall Street Wednesday, pulling the U.S. Stock market further from its record.  The Associated Press reports the S&P dropped point-nine percent and was on track for a fifth loss in the six days since setting its all-time high.
• Republicans are retreating from a handful of battleground U.S. House races as Democrats race to raise money to boost candidates once thought of as longshots, trying to capitalize on President Donald Trump’s weak approval ratings.  
• And an inspection obtained by the Washington Post found the Reflecting Pool liner in the nation’s capitol failed in 85 places, following a flawed renovation.

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