Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

MEMA to Test Local Alert System

(Undated)  It’s about a month away, but MEMA wants to give everyone plenty of advance warning that FEMA and the FCC plan to test the Emergency Alert System on Tuesday, November 17th around 2:20 p.m. Eastern.  During the test, radio and TV programs will pause for about one minute to show the test message, residents will likely hear the standard EAS tones, and the message may be in English, Spanish, or both. They say cell phones will not receive this test, and no action is needed.  Maine Emergency Management officials say such tests help ensure emergency alerts work when they matter most.

UMaine to Conduct Annual Emergency Communications System Test

(Orono)  This Wednesday, if you’re on the University of Maine campus, don’t be alarmed when you hear the alarms. The University plans to conduct its annual emergency communications system test at noon on October 21st.  Outdoor sirens will sound for several minutes as part of the multifaceted emergency system established in 2007 that helps officials communicate vital information quickly during emergency situations.

Local Politics

No Kings Rallies

(Ellsworth)  Somber but enthusiastic crowds gathered in towns and cities across Maine and throughout the country Saturday at No Kings protests. In Ellsworth, several hundred people turned out carrying signs and listening to music and  speakers from churches, the League of Women Voters Maine, and others, and a march led by veterans. The No Kings protests are designed to bring awareness to policies that go against the Constitution and the system of Democracy put forth by the founding fathers. Above all and no matter the party, folks are encouraged to pay attention, write letters, make their voices heard and vote  in the upcoming midterms.

Economy

Community Closet 207 Seeks Sponsors for Warm Winter Boots

(Ellsworth)  Brrr … cold weather is here. Imagine going through our bitter winters without warm boots on your feet. That’s a sad reality for all too many kids in Ellsworth.  Community Closet 207 is stepping up to change that. They already have more than 70 requests for such footwear, but they need funding to fulfill those requests … and the many others that will surely come in.  Plus, they’ll be putting together Christmas gifts this year so no child goes without.  To learn more or to donate, check out Community Closet 207 on social media or stop by during their open hours – conveniently located at 330 Water Street in Ellsworth.

Chamber Plans Early Bird Weekend

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce reminds local businesses Early Bird Weekend will be here before you know it!  November 7th is just three weeks away.  If you plan to offer a sale or special discount for the weekend, they’d like to include you on their list of deals to help spread the word and encourage shoppers to shop locally.  Reach out to katelin at the chamber to let her know about your specials and sales!

Economy

Discount Store Coming to Machias

(Machias)  Gisele Denny-Leighton knows that in today’s economy, while everyone likes nice things, not everyone can pay retail prices.  So, she’s opening the Below Retail Outlet on Dublin Street in Machias, with a target opening date of November 1st.  Denny-Leighton says the store will source clothing from Target, Amazon, Nike, and others, and will also carry cosmetics, health and beauty items, novelty items, shoes, and even squishies – with every shopping trip bringing new inventory for you to browse.  You may find new with tags, new without tags, overstock, or sometimes customer returns, and they’ll be carrying a mix of clothing for men, women, and children in all sizes, styles, brands, and for all seasons. Keep an eye on her FB page for an exact opening date.

Tremont, Swan’s Island Receive SEA Maine Grants

(Tremont)  The Town of Tremont and Swan’s Island have received two of five SEA Maine grants designed to strengthen public marine supply chain infrastructure and provide greater resilience in the face of climate change.  MaineBiz reports Tremont plans to retrofit a 1200 square foot town-owned building and create a cold storage facility, helping to improve cold-storage capacity and year-round usability, while continuing to support working waterfront businesses and the seafood industry.  The building currently houses a local bait company and the harbormaster’s office.  Swan’’s Island will renovate its Harbor Road facility for dedicated harbormaster and shellfish warden offices.  Other towns receiving grants are Rockland, Freeport, and Boothbay Harbor.

Environment

Maine Drought Continues

(Augusta)  Maine continues to suffer from a multi-year drought.  At Friday’s Drought Task Force meeting, attendees said recent rain has helped lawns and streams, but groundwater is at record lows in parts of the state and is unlikely to recover before the ground freezes.  DTF reports deficits of up to 12 inches in northern Maine and one to two feet in central and southern Maine.  The National Weather Service in Gray and Caribou estimate the state needs precipitation totaling up to 200% of normal to substantially alleviate current conditions before heavy frost sets in. They say Mainers should conserve water, check private wells, protect drinking water supplies, and stay informed through your local Maine Emergency Management Agency, and that farmers should monitor water availability and seek available drought assistance and resources through state agricultural programs.

Ellsworth Tree Planting

(Ellsworth)  Help keep the beauty of those fall leaves and trees going.  The City of Ellsworth Arbor Commission invites you to participate in a series of tree and shrub plantings, coming up at Union River Estates and at Harbor Park.  Join them anytime at Union River Estates this Wednesday through Friday as they dig holes, plant trees, and clean things up daily between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Next week, October 28th through the 30th, they’ll be doing the same at Harbor Park.  The plantings are part of a major three-year re-treeing effort, funded by monies secured by the Arbor Commission in 2024.  Wear weather appropriate work clothes and boots, and bring work gloves and a water bottle.  All tools will be provided; but if you have a favorite shovel, feel free to BYOS.

Patten Steam Preserve Gets Makeover

(Blue Hill)  Patten Stream Preserve got a serious makeover this summer and fall. Blue Hill Heritage Trust says after months of work, the North Loop is officially once again ready to explore.  Land Steward Ella put an amazing amount of work into the project, along other BHHT staff and volunteers.  From building new bridges to improving trail approaches, drainage, and footing, they say you’ll find more durable structures that are better able to handle flooding, heavy use, and whatever else Maine weather throws at them.  The project was supported by the All Trails Stewards Fund, Bobcat Road Cedar Products, Hammond Lumber, and the GSA Track Team who helped haul lumber out to the site.  Get out there and enjoy!

Infrastructure

Ellsworth Road Work

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth Public Works crews will be cross culvert patching beginning at 8 this morning near George Mary Lane and at the end of Bangor Road near Brown’s Communication.  Tomorrow, they’ll be road patching on Grant Street from the road to the dam back toward Main Street – Tuesday’s work is expected to continue throughout the day.  Both days will involve one lane of alternating traffic in work areas.  They ask drivers to slow down and use caution, watch for crews, and allow a little extra travel time if you utilize those areas.

Town of Sullivan Paving

(Sullivan)  Places in Sullivan will be getting a new coat – of asphalt, that is.  The town will be paving the following roads:  Tuesday, October 20th, Morancy Road, October 21st, Grange Hall and Town Landing Roads, and October 22nd, Miramar/Benvenuto.  Contact the town office with any questions.  And just an early heads up, tree work is scheduled starting in mid-November in several areas of Sullivan. Find a detailed schedule on the town FB page.

Human Interest

Rotary Club of Ellsworth Polio Walk

(Ellsworth)  Here’s a chance to walk for those who might not be able to – the Ellsworth Rotary Club is hosting their annual Polio Walk this Saturday, October 24th, from 10 to 11 a.m.  Walkers are asked to make a $20 donation, with all contributions going to help fight this dreadful malady that still affects people worldwide.  The walk starts at Knowlton Park, heads down State Street to Main to School to State and back to the park.  It’s just about 1.3 miles and is an opportunity to talk with Rotary members and any recruits, including Interact students.

National News Headlines 10/19/26

In National News Headlines:

• Hundreds of trees have been cut down in the Trump Administration’s rush to transform East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, in order to make it a “world class championship” course.  A hearing today before Judge Ana C. Reyes is expected to determine who authorized the work, done without going through the proper channels.
• And in one of the fastest turnarounds, Katie Zachariah is out as President Trump’s Press Secretary.  The move follows reportedly false claims about her credentials and a disastrous first press conference.

• A fast moving fire at an armed forces base in Alberta Canada on Saturday claimed four lives and injured dozens more.  Prime Minister Mark Carney called it one of the worst tragedies for Canada’s military in peacetime on Canadian soil.
• President Trump has signed an executive order exempting Russia from sanctions legislation, offering an economic lifeline to the Ukraine invader, Vladimir Putin, hoping to lower gas prices.
• Authorities have identified the 16 yo shooter who gunned down three children and a special ed teacher, Megan Lambert, at an Oregon elementary school Thursday.  Sources say the troubled teen’s mother had given Griffin J. John II the gun used as a birthday gift.

© Downeast Digest News.  All rights reserved.