Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

HCS Students Learn About Fire Safety

(Hancock)  Students at Hancock Grammar School this month were treated to a visit by some VIPs – very important preventers.  Fire preventors, that is.  The Hancock Volunteer Fire Department brought one of their trucks to the school, accompanied by Sparky, the Fire Prevention Dog, to the delight of students and staff alike. The Ellsworth American reports Sparky handed out hugs, high fives, and important information during the school’s Annual Fire Prevention Day.  Some of the older students even got to try their hand at using the fire hose.  Thanks to all our first responders who take the time to teach kids these life-saving messages.

Alarm Grows Louder When it Comes to Rural First Responders

(Augusta)  Maine for years has heard dire warnings about the state of fire departments – particularly when it comes to rising call volume and limited volunteers. Those alarms grew even more clear with the release Friday of a years-long study. The Bangor Daily News reports the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the University of Maine released the results of a survey that puts statistics behind those growing concerns.  The surveys sent to fire departments last year paint a grim picture about critical services such as fire and EMS in the state’s rural areas.  219 of 347 departments surveyed responded, citing a 42% increase in calls between 2014 and 2024.  Experts say that while full-time, paid career firefighting isn’t in the cards for the state, there needs to be more training, and support for such critical services.

Former Mill Town Boosts Maritime Safety

(Bucksport)  In 2019, Maine Maritime Academy bought the former administration and training building used by the now defunct mill in Bucksport.  Since then, the Bangor Daily News reports, the four-story structure has become a large part of the school’s continuing education program.  As one example – an area of the building has been redone to simulate a commercial vessel’s kitchen area, where Navy trainees practice fighting a propane-powered blaze on a ship. In addition to the safety aspect, the site is bringing economic activity to the town and provides an example of successful repurposing.  Officials say fire training alone brings about 120 adult mariners and up to 250 undergrads to the site each year.

Local Politics

Property Inspectors Visit Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  If you live or work in Ellsworth, you may have noticed property inspectors on the job there.  This fall, the City and Municipal Consulting Group of Maine are conducting field inspections, which are visual reviews of a property to verify assessment records are accurate and up to date.  The current inspections are focusing on properties with open building permits.  The City says the routine inspections help keep property records accurate and support fair, consistent assessments.  Plus, they say they’re getting a head start on next year’s work and introducing new technology to make inspections more efficient.  If you have any questions, you’re asked to contact MCGM at 605-0200.

Dems Dominate Early Voting So Far

(Augusta)  When it comes to early voting, Mainers are turning out in droves, particularly Democrats.  The Portland Press Herald reports as of Friday, whether by mail or at their town offices, more than 100K Mainers had already cast their ballots in this fall’s high stakes election.  That number is already more than the total absentee turnout for the June 9th Primary Election and is on track to blow past the most recent midterm election in 2022.

Economy

Maine Brands Help Market State Nationwide

(Maine)  Mention Maine to folks who live outside New England, and they likely envision rocky coastlines, lobsters, and lumberjacks in flannel.  But Maine owes its far-reaching brand to more than just the environment.  MaineBiz reports multiple enterprises that began here in the Pine Tree State have grown to market themselves, and the state, nationwide.  Those include L.L. Bean, Stonewall Kitchen, Cousins Maine Lobster – boosted by an investment on Shark Tank, and the Portland-based Sea Bags, which turns recycled sailcloth into tote bags with such high-profile licensing agreements as one with the NFL, covering all 32 teams.  Maine … the way life should be, showcasing itself all across the U.S.

Education

Alfond Grants Designed to Keep Maine College Students in Maine

(Orland)  In an effort to keep more Maine students in the state for college and careers, the University of Maine System will offer $250 scholarships to more than 24K Alfond Grant recipients currently in high school.  According to the Pen Bay Pilot, Alfond Grant awardees born in the 2008 pilot year of the program and those born statewide between 2009 and 2012 who enroll at Maine’s public universities are eligible for the one-time $250 scholarship.  Every bit helps – according to data from the U.S. Department of Education, the Northeast is experiencing the nation’s steepest decline in high school graduation rates; and Maine’s graduating class is shrinking faster than those in 45 other states.

Woodlawn Hosts Civil War Re-enactment

(Ellsworth)  It wasn’t exactly Outlander; but folks did go back in time locally over the weekend, as Woodlawn became a virtual Civil War battlefield. Eleventh and Twelfth grade history classes spent the day with a deep dive into history through Civil War re-enactments.  From exploring the life of a Civil War soldier, to medical care and musket demonstrations, to uniform gear and camp cooking, students got a first-hand look at history in action through the 3rd Maine Regiment Volunteer Infantry who put on the display.  Woodlawn is deeply rooted in the history of Ellsworth and a fitting venue for this and its many other offerings.  Follow and support them at woodlawnellsworth.org.

Health

Medicare Open Enrollment Period Begins

(Maine)  The 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment period is now through December 7th.  ABC News reports this enrollment cycle is particularly critical, as beneficiaries face widespread alterations, plan discontinuations, and shifting cost structures heading into 2027.  During open enrollment, participants can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or switch Part D prescription plans.  Experts say changes to Part D subsidies and privately run Medicare Advantage Plans are creating a highly volatile market, with an estimated three million enrollees needing to find entirely new plans as current ones are being discontinued.  Also, maximum out-of-pocket limits for in-network care under Medicare Advantage are rising by about 9% to approximately $6,600.  With the changes come scam artists and fraudsters contacting seniors and pretending to be Medicare employees and claiming they need to issue new cards.  Consumer protection advocates advise official Medicare reps will not initiate contact via phone or email to request personal info, which should never be shared with unsolicited callers.

Maine Hospice Council Ceases Operations

(Augusta)  The Maine Hospice Council Board says they have ceased operations and closed the organization.  Executive Director Kandyce Powell said in a news release the decision was a difficult one, and that she would continue to be available to anyone searching for hospice and end-of-life care.   MHC accomplished a host of notable initiatives in its 35 years, including developing the Hospice Veteran Partnership, the Maine Pain Initiatives, community listening sessions, and international human rights presentations and program collaborations.

Human Interest

Dinner and a Movie in Milbridge

(Milbridge)  How does dinner and a movie tonight sound?  Head to Milbridge and the 1899 Cafe, where they’ll be serving up chicken pot pie, a side salad, and your choice of pie with ice cream from 4 to 6:45 for just 19.62 – the year the movie Cape Fear came out.  Wrap up your evening at the Milbridge Theatre and Community Arts Center with a showing of Cape Fear.  It’s the monthly Throwback Thursday event – and you don’t have to be from Milbridge to enjoy the evening!

EHS Educator to Appear on Jeopardy!

(Ellsworth)  What is exciting news for the Ellsworth High School community? Tune in to Jeopardy! this coming Monday, October 26th, as EHS teacher Jamie Calandro appears as a contestant.  Calandro steps to the podium alongside host Ken Jennings to try his hand at buzzing in and barking out answers to trivia for a chance to win hundreds? thousands?  Wishing him luck – catch Jamie on ABC anywhere in Maine next Monday at 7:30.

Mount Desert Islander Wins Major Award

(MDI)  Congratulations to the Mount Desert Islander!  At the Maine Press Association conference this past weekend, they received the General Excellence Award, one of the highest honors a newspaper can receive in Maine.  The Mount Desert Islander is a sister paper to the Ellsworth American and part of the recently launched Acadia Newspaper Trust, whose goal is to raise a million dollars in order to purchase the newspapers and place them under nonprofit ownership, ensuring their ongoing commitment to the communities they serve.  Check them out on social media or call to see how you can contribute.

National News Headlines 10/22/26

In National News headlines:

• The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday blocked the Trump administration from denying gender-affirming care to trans prisoners, a rare example of the conservative-dominated bench siding, at least for now, with the rights of transgender individuals.
• And with just two weeks to go before the midterms, the latest national poll finds President Trump’s approval ratings at 36% – a new low.  The NYTimes/Siena poll found likely voters favored Democratic candidates over Republicans by 11 percentage points in their congressional districts.
• The Inspector General at the US Department of Justice has declined to investigate the handling of a criminal case against former Olympian David Hearn, who was cleared of accusations he intentionally damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
• And Meta has been ordered to pay New Mexico $25B dollars for deceiving users about privacy on FB.  New Mexico’s state attorney says it’s a warning for tech companies that they’ll be held accountable, although the monies are likely to be held up with appeals.

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