Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Steuben Man Arrested for Trespassing

(Sullivan)  A Steuben man was arrested Wednesday for a trespassing incident at a residence in Sullivan.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department says 48-year-old Reed Hamilton was taken in on an active arrest warrant.  HCS was assisted at the scene by the Gouldsboro Police Department and their K9 unit.

Local Politics

More Money Going to Negative Political Ads Than Heating Assistance

(Augusta)  Things are heating up across the political spectrum in Maine.  Unfortunately, that hasn’t translated to heating assistance as Mainers head into winter amid skyrocketing fuel prices.  The Maine Monitor reports in the Senate race between Democrat Troy Jackson and incumbent Republican Susan Collins, more money is being spent on negative advertising than Maine’s entire federal allotment for heating assistance this winter.  Roughly $46 million in federal funds for heating aid in Maine are spread among direct home fuel assistance, weatherization, and emergency response funds.  With two weeks left before Election Day, the figure has been eclipsed by negative ad spending in the volatile campaign, with more than $54M already spent or committed.  Chilling statistics that should make turnout at the polls even hotter.

Education

University of Maine Outlines Plan to Reduce Budget Deficit

(Orono)  The University of Maine has outlined a multi-phase plan to close sixteen of its projected nineteen-million-dollar budget deficit for FY 2028.  Officials say rising operational costs, coupled with inflation, have outpaced tuition and state revenue, with federal funding cuts also a factor in the shortfall.  The plan includes a $10M reduction in academic affairs, including staffing cuts, the elimination of vacant positions, consolidating curriculum, and boosting enrollment and retention.  An additional $6M in Operational Cuts is planned that includes cutting back on employee overtime, merging research centers and other institutes to reduce overhead, added facility fees, and looking for ways to monetize assets, such as seeking corporate sponsorships and licensing deals.  The plan will be presented to the Board of Trustees for approval in January.

UMaine Homecoming Weekend

(Orono)  It’s Homecoming Weekend at the University of Maine today through Sunday.  The three-day gathering features football, ice hockey, soccer and softball games, along with tailgating, concerts, and campus tours.  Over at the Versant Power Astronomy Center, enjoy tonight’s presentation of “Time”, an immersive fulldome journey exploring the nature of time – from daily natural rhythms to its role in shaping the structure of the Universe.  Close out the weekend on Sunday with Mission to Mars, featuring the music of Styx.  Visit astro.umaine.edu for ticket and other information.

Economy

Relief Available to Maine Farmers and Fishermen

(Augusta)  Relief is now available to Maine farmers and fishermen.  The Bangor Daily News reports the two groups are eligible for assistance under the USDA’s $8B “Harvest Fuel Relief” program.  Under the program, farmers and fishermen can get a one-time payment to offset higher production costs.  Rates are expected to be announced in November.  The President’s war with Iran has driven up energy costs, with the price for a gallon of diesel in Maine now at $6.43. That’s up 66% from a year ago when it was $3.86, according to Triple A.

Feds to Release Heating Oil to Northeast

(Maine)  The federal government plans to release up to 315K barrels of heating oil into the Northeast, the Department of Energy announced this week.  The million-barrel Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve has only been tapped twice before, most recently in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.  The Portland Press Herald reports Senators Angus King and Susan Collins appealed to the government for the release in light of soaring energy costs.  The oil supply won’t hit the Maine market until next month, so it’s unclear how much it will impact prices, which currently sit at close to $6 a gallon; but Collins and King say it should offer some relief.

Deer Isle Select Board Accepts NOAA Grant

(Deer Isle)  The Deer Isle Select Board this month voted 3-0 to accept an $80K NOAA grant that will be used to map out water resources in the town.  According to Island Ad-Vantages, the monies are a result of the town’s ongoing participation in a local, state, and federal partnership known as the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge Grant.  Town Manager Jim Fisher said the goal of the grant is to understand the town’s capacity so they don’t have to haul in water, as Stonington has had to do in the past.  He said although the town doesn’t have a municipal system, he wouldn’t want any residents to run out of water due to wells running dry.

Environment

Halloween Safety for Wildlife

(Maine)  Halloween is coming up SOON, with activities planned locally this weekend and next.  Here in Maine, it’s important to think about wildlife safety.  According to Raccoon Rescue 911, ER visits for wildlife poisoning spike 400% after Halloween.  Why?  Halloween candy is deadly to wildlife.  Chocolate contains theobromine, which poisons foxes, raccoons, and coyotes.  Sugar-free candies contain xylitol, which is even more deadly to canines – including our domesticated ones.  Wrappers cause intestinal blockages, and sugar harms the liver.  Please teach kids to pick up dropped candy, secure your trash, and never toss leftovers outside.

Health

Medicare Advantage Plans Canceled, Added in Maine

(Augusta)  More than 49K Medicare Advantage plans are being discontinued for Maine in 2027 …  that’s according to the State Bureau of Insurance.  But the Portland Press Herald reports new plans are being introduced in their place.  One company, Martin’s Point, will have more than 41K plan terminations for 2027, representing 63% of the company’s plans.  Medicare Advantage is insurance that’s an alternative to traditional Medicare, which is healthcare for those 65 and older, with enrollees often receiving perks such as gym memberships and dental and vision coverage that aren’t available in traditional Medicare.

Human Interest

Peabody Memorial Library Renovations

(Jonesport)  Peabody Memorial Library in Jonesport has been closed this week, but when patrons walk back through the doors this coming week, they’ll be in for some nice surprises.  Director Heidi Hinckley tells Downeast Digest with additional grant funds and a private donation, they’ve been able to replace the last three windows – important for better insulation just in time for winter.  In addition, they’ve put down new floors in the community room and bathroom.  Heidi says the plan is to reopen Tuesday, but keep an eye on their social media pages for updates, just in case.  Thank you to everyone who supports our wonderful local libraries!

Better Milbridge Holiday Memory Tree

(Milbridge)  Better Milbridge will once again this year present an opportunity to honor or remember loved ones with their Holiday Memory Tree.  Submit each name with a $5 donation.  Names will be placed on the tree and read aloud during a special ceremony at 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 28th, just before the tree lighting.  This year’s tree was donated by the Milbridge Fire Department in memory of Bob Stanley.  Donations will go to the Milbridge Historical Society, where you’ll find the tree and the ceremony.  Questions about how to submit names and donations can be found on the Better Milbridge FB page.

Infrastructure

Ellsworth Road Work

(Ellsworth)  A quick heads up about Ellsworth road work next week. On Monday, crews will be making repairs on Grant Street.  Also, a contractor will be working near Bridge Hill Apartments.  Work at both locations will begin at 8.  Watch for flaggers and alternating one-way traffic.  Beginning at 8:30 Monday, City crews will be repairing a curb box near 133 State Street.  Look for a work truck to be positioned in the roadway there and expect a lane shift.  Work on Grant Street will continue Tuesday, along with work by the City Water Department near 5 Main Street.  Watch the City’s social media pages for any changes to the schedule.

Bar Harbor Road Work

(Bar Harbor)  West Street in Bar Harbor is closed between Main and Rodick this morning for sewer manhole paving.  Portions of Main, Rodick, West, and Bridge tSreets will have alternating one-lane traffic.  The work is expected to be completed by 1 p.m.

National News Headlines  10/23/26

In National News headlines:

• A federal judge on Thursday ordered President Donald Trump to sit for a deposition in his $10B defamation lawsuit against the BBC.  Trump canceled an earlier deposition date to campaign in Georgia, calling it “a matter of national importance”.  The judge has now ordered him to report by December 11th or face sanctions up to dismissal of the suit.
• And the rush is on to patch a software vulnerability that could impact 70% of websites worldwide, after the AI-assisted discovery of a weakness that could allow malicious actors to remotely execute code in the programming language PHP, which powers websites and web applications.
• An Ohio attack ad put forth by Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy against his Democratic opponent Dr. Amy Acton is drawing disgust from both parties nationwide.  Even Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine has denounced the ad, featuring Acton’s estranged mother.  In response, Ramaswamy has only doubled down.
• Meanwhile, here in Maine, Senator Susan Collins has called for the removal of a radio ad attacking her Democratic opponent Troy Jackson as a “freak” and a “creep”.

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