Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Minnesota Man Arrested in Ellsworth Following High Speed Chase

(Ellsworth)  A high speed chase that began on the Trenton Bridge early Sunday morning landed a Minnesota man in jail, where he faces OUI and other charges.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department reports to Downeast Digest the chase began shortly before 1 a.m. when officers attempted to stop a vehicle clocked going more than 90 mph.  They say the driver failed to comply and continued to Ellsworth, where Ellsworth police stopped 29 year old Joshua Foster just across the town line.  Foster, from Apple Valley, Minnesota, is also charged with criminal speed and refusing to stop for authorities.

HCVFD Talks Safety from Carbon Monoxide

(Hancock)  Carbon monoxide –  it’s often a silent killer, because there is no color, odor or warning…unless you have a carbon monoxide alarm.  The Hancock Volunteer Fire Department said such an alarm was a lifesaver for a local family Sunday night … and their first such call this year.  As a reminder, they say all homes should have CO alarms on every level, and they should be tested once a month.  Also, they say it’s crucial to have your furnace and other heating appliances checked and cleaned by a professional each year.  Remember to ensure vents for dryers, furnaces, stoves, and fireplaces are clear of snow buildup, and never run a vehicle or fueled engine indoors, even if the garage door is open.  And if an alarm goes off, they say it’s time to leave and call 9-1-1.

Fire Safety Study Nears Completion

(Hancock Co)  A fire service study that began in Hancock County in 2019 is nearing completion.  The State Fire Marshal’s Office says the pilot program began nearly seven years ago with statewide planning and grant applications and statewide surveys conducted last year.  The study, in conjunction with UMaine’s Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, surveyed 219 departments, along with code enforcement officers and others, in order to better understand challenges such as aging apparatus, staffing shortages, and barriers to training … and their effects on local communities.  They say the project’s recommendations focus on three areas – maintaining reliable firefighter workforce information, improving access to training, and strengthening employer support to enable firefighters to respond to emergencies.  A comprehensive report will be published in 2027 and will be available on the State Fire Marshal’s website.

EFD Fire Apparatus Pump Testing

(Ellsworth)  Shore Road in Ellsworth will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic at the causeway this Thursday and Friday as the Ellsworth Fire Department performs fire apparatus pump testing between 8 and 5 each day.  At times during the testing, the road will be completely closed for periods of 40-45 minutes, so they ask that you plan ahead.  The testing is part of routine maintenance and operational readiness.

Economy

Maine DOE Grant Program for Small Businesses

(Augusta)  As communities across the state brace for winter, energy costs are high … and high on everyone’s minds – including small business owners.  The Maine Department of Energy Resources recently announced a new grant program specifically designed to help small businesses cut energy costs by improving efficiency.  Island Ad-Vantages reports the money is offered through the state’s ACRES program, with Maine issuing $950K in grants. The application deadline is 4 p.m. on November 3rd.  For a link to apply, visit the Maine DOE website.

Education

Rosanna’s Readers Puts Books into Hands of Kids

(Surry)  Volunteers, families, and community members turned an October afternoon of car washing in Surry into support for a program that puts books into the hands of kids on the Blue Hill Peninsula.  The Weekly Packet reports since 2022, Rosanna’s Readers has provided books for children in the area on their birthdays.  The program was established in honor of Rosanna McFarland, a teacher with local connections who passed away from cancer.  The foundation also supports young moms receiving cancer treatment.  The car wash included a bake sale, with all proceeds benefitting the local nonprofit.

Health

MDI Hospital’s New Main Entrance Opens

(MDI)  The new main entrance at MDI Hospital is now officially open.  The hospital says the Main Street entrance, which opened Monday morning at 6, marks an exciting milestone in their Campus Improvement Project, and provides a welcome, accessible arrival space with registration just inside to the left. Drivers can pull up to the new Main Entrance and drop passengers at the door, with wheelchairs also available just inside. Visitors can park in the new lot, as well as in existing patient and visitor parking areas.  During yesterday’s soft opening, staff and volunteers were on hand to answer questions and help folks find their way.  Hospital staff say during the first few weeks, signage and arrival procedures may be adjusted based on patient and visitor feedback.

Technology

AVEC Receives Digital Resilience Program Award

(Presque Isle)  Scams, bullying, fraudulent communication – all very real issues in today’s digital world.  AVEC Community Action has been awarded funding through Maine Connectivity Authority’s Digital Resilience Program to increase knowledge of internet safety best practices.  AVEC, serving Aroostook, Hancock and Washington Counties, will partner with Waldo and Knox Counties to bring greater awareness and prevention, reporting strategies, and increased confidence in the safe use of technology, and expanded access to trusted internet safety resources.

SCEC Receives Digital Safety Award

(Machias) The Sunrise County Economic Council has received a Maine Digital Resilience Award from the Maine Connectivity Authority for their “Real or Scam? Digital Safety Challenge”.  The program provides bilingual internet safety education for Maine residents, with a dedicated small-business component.  Program participants will encounter 50 realistic examples of suspicious emails, text messages, websites, social media posts, job offers, and investment opportunities, including AI-generated content and decide whether each is real or scam.  Immediate feedback will explain the warning signs, turning each response into a practical learning opportunity.  Contact SCEC to learn more.

Hannaford Technology Woes

(Scarborough)  Speaking of technology woes, Hannaford grocery chain is currently experiencing a network outage affecting its website, mobile app and pickup and delivery service.  The Scarborough-based company says stores remain open and customers can still shop online through third-party services such as DoorDash and Uber Eats.  The source of the issue is with Hannaford’s parent company, Ahold Delhaize, which the chain says is taking steps to fix the outage.  Hannaford says they hope to have everything back up and running normally within a few days.

Infrastructure

Private Road Signs

(Ellsworth)  In case of an emergency, are your road and place of residence or business clearly marked so first responders can find you quickly?  It could be a matter of life or death, and it’s certainly one of convenience for those delivering food, packages, and other items. The City of Ellsworth reminds residents who live on private roads, property owners and road associations are responsible for the cost of replacing faded, damaged, or hard-to-read road signs.  The good news is the Public Works team can order and install a replacement sign for $150.00.  Learn more and find a Street Sign Replacement Request Form on the city’s FB page.

Ellsworth Traffic Advisory

(Ellsworth)  Another traffic advisory in Ellsworth this morning as crews work to finish as many projects as possible before winter sets in.  A contractor will be digging in the roadway near Bridge Hill Apartments today.  The City says workers will do their best to shift traffic in order to maintain traffic in both directions, but there may be times when traffic is reduced to one lane with alternating traffic during the project.  Flaggers will be on site to direct traffic through the work area, and travelers are asked to allow extra time, slow down, and follow the direction of those flaggers.

Adding Water to Wells a Bad Idea

(Augusta)  Yesterday, we gave you the latest update from the Maine Drought Task Force, indicating ongoing drought across much of the state.  The Maine Emergency Management Agency warns adding water to a private well is strongly discouraged; and in many cases, not allowed under Maine law.  They say if the water table is low, any water added will likely drain away. Even more concerning, introducing water can contaminate the aquifer with bacteria or other pathogens.  For short term needs, they say bottled water is best.  Contact your municipality to see if there are community water sources and/or work with a licensed well driller to discuss emergency or long-term solutions.  Licensed professionals can be found through the Maine Well Drillers Commission.

National News Headlines  10/20/27

In National News Headlines:

• President Trump yesterday signed an executive order directing the government to bolster federal research into women’s health, a move reportedly pushed by First Lady Melania Trump.  Critics called it a moot point amid policy changes and cuts such as defunding Planned Parenthood, that have significantly impacted women’s healthcare access, research, and reproductive services.
• And a new AP/NORC poll finds Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians have become more disillusioned with Trump as the midterms draw near, giving Democrats an edge on major issues such as the economy and healthcare.

• A rule change that was set to go into effect on Thursday would have impacted Americans who buy their personal medications in Canada, including those drugs not available in the U.S.  But the U.S. is extending the compliance timeframe for a rule that will impose stricter regulations on shipments valued under $800.  After January 20th, medications mailed from outside the U.S. will require additional data and a bond guarantee.
• And riots in the French capital of Paris forced police there to issue an overnight curfew Monday.  Saturday riots targeted city halls and other public buildings.  The riots stem from unrest over high living costs, underfunded public services, and demand for better school conditions.

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