Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Maine Nonprofit Calls for More Support for Child Caseworkers
(Augusta) Members of the nonprofit “Walk A Mile in Their Shoes” say the state’s child welfare agency needs to stop prioritizing family reunification when parents fail to follow plans to keep their children safe from neglect or abuse. The organization, led by former State Senator Bill Diamond, is calling for reforms that include providing more support for overburdened caseworkers and removing children who are clearly at risk of harm. The Portland Press Herald reports the group’s recommendations are documented in a 35-page report resulting from listening sessions with front-line workers, foster families, and those mandated by law to report suspected abuse.
(Augusta) More support for caseworkers and more accountability for parents – two recommendations published in a 35-page report that resulted from listening sessions with front-line workers in the state’s child welfare system, foster families, and others with direct experience in the system. The report was put together by nonprofit “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes”, led by former Democratic State Senator Bill Diamond. The Portland Press Herald reports the recommendations come as lawmakers look for ways to improve a system critics say fails to protect children from neglect and abuse due to rapid staff turnover, poor management and inadequate training.
Law Enforcement Agencies Will Be On Alert for Impaired Drivers this Holiday
(Augusta) Maine law enforcement agencies want the public to know they’ll be working hard through the holidays to reduce impaired driving in order to keep everyone safe. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign is in effect through January 1. The winter holiday season ushers in parties and festivities, and that means more impaired drivers on the road. Patrols say no one should mix alcohol or drugs with driving, and they encourage everyone to have a designated sober driver, use public transportation, or plan to stay where they are to make sure everyone makes it SAFELY home for the holidays.
(Augusta) The holidays are here, and that brings parties and festivities … and the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Maine law enforcement agencies say they want everyone to get home for the holidays safely and that it’s never prudent to drive while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. They encourage everyone to have a designated driver, take public transportation or stay where they are if under the influence. Also, with the winter season, they say take it slow on ice and snow, and don’t take chances when pulling out into traffic, as road surfaces can be slippery and unpredictable.
Local Politics
Groups Push Back on New Law on Foreign Spending Referendums
(Augusta) Multiple groups filed separate lawsuits this week, challenging a referendum passed in November that was designed to prevent foreign governments from spending money on state and local political campaigns. The Portland Press Herald reports suits were filed on behalf of Versant Power, CMP, and the Maine Association of Broadcasters and Maine Press Association. Media outlets say the content-based regulation of political speech is subject to the highest level of constitutional scrutiny under the First Amendment and that the law would mean news outlets would be forced to investigate political advertisers and could lead to other content and messaging being subject to investigation and removal.
(Augusta) A citizens’ initiative to ban spending by foreign government-influenced entities was aimed largely at the state’s largest utilities, CMP and Versant Power. The two are subsidiaries of or are owned by companies outside the U.S. But the referendum also places pressure on media outlets. This week, three separate lawsuits were filed … on behalf of the Maine Association of Broadcasters and Maine Press Association, as well as CMP and Versant. According to the Portland Press Herald, media outlets say the content-based regulation of political speech is subject to the highest level of constitutional scrutiny under the First Amendment and that the law would mean news outlets would be forced to investigate political advertisers and could lead to other content and messaging being subject to investigation and removal.
Economy
Sugar Mags in Ellsworth Closing
(Ellsworth) The store that brought such sweetness to Downtown Ellsworth is closing permanently on December 22nd. Sugar Mags owner Sarah Bowden says the lease on the historic building and anticipated electricity costs beginning next year are beyond what the store, in business for about six years, can bear. The Ellsworth American reports Sugar Mags will host a free community dinner from 5-7 on the 22nd to commemorate their time on Main Street. The owners are looking for alternative ADA-accessible spaces to open a new playspace in the future.
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth’s sweetest little shop is feeling bittersweet this season. The Ellsworth American reports Sugar Mags will close the doors at its downtown location permanently on December 22nd. Owner Sarah Bowden said the lease on the historic building, coupled with the expected increase in electricity costs means the space is no longer viable for the gathering place that offered pinball and air hockey, as well as iconic candies such as pop rocks and sugar meltdowns. Bowden credited Nick Turner and Kim Fitch at The Grand for giving them their start and Atlantic Landscape Construction for ongoing support. The owners will look for alternative ADA-accessible spaces to open a new playspace in the future.
Heating Assistance in Crisis State
(Ellsworth) The need for heating assistance is up dramatically, while cuts in funding have put Downeast Community Partners’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, in a crisis situation. While the agency has seen an influx of new, first time applicants – up roughly 40% – the benefits awarded by Maine Housing have been cut more than 50% since last year. In addition, DCP’s THAW Fund, which is solely donor funded, has already been depleted due to profound need. The need is so critical, DCP is seeking to raise $10K in ten days. To make an impact for our vulnerable neighbors, go to downeast community partners dot org and click the “donate now” button.
(Ellsworth) As temperatures drop, the need for heating assistance has risen dramatically. Downeast Community Partners reports the benefits awarded by Maine Housing have been cut more than 50% since last year, while the agency has seen an influx of new, first time applicants for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program, or LIHEAP – up 40%, in fact. The agency’s THAW fund, which is solely donor funded, is already depleted. And with even colder weather approaching, some House Republicans have introduced a continuing resolution that would cut LIHEAP funds by more than 60%, according to one source. That would result in a $26M cut for Maine alone. DCP hopes to stem such drastic proposals head on by raising $10K in ten days. To help our most vulnerable neighbors, they ask that you click on the “donate now” button and give as generously as you can at downeast community partners dot org.
Education
Locals Among Nominees to US Military Service Academies
(Ellsworth) Senators Susan Collins and Angus King Wednesday announced their nominees to US Military Academies. Local students include Lucas MacPhee, an Ellsworth homeschool student, who’s nominated for the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the US Military Academy at West Point, and the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Ellsworth High School’s Casey McDonald was nominated to the US Military Academy at West Point and the US Naval Academy. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized source, such as a member of Congress.
(Ellsworth) Two Ellsworth students are among Maine high schoolers nominated to attend US Military Academies. Applicants must be nominated by an authorized source, such as a member of Congress. Local students include Lucas MacPhee, an Ellsworth homeschool student, for the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the US Military Academy at West Point, and the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and Ellsworth High School’s Casey McDonald to the US Military Academy at West Point and the US Naval Academy. The two were nominated by US Senators Angus King and Susan Collins.
Health
Application Process for EMS Grants Now Open
(Augusta) The application process is now open for EMS services in Maine to secure funds to ensure Mainers have continued access to high quality emergency medical services. The state budget signed into law in July includes $31M to support the Maine Emergency Medical Services Stabilization and Sustainability Fund grant program. The EMS Board passed an emergency rule on December 6th allowing Maine EMS to proceed with the $12M Stabilization component of that fund. Applications are now available on the Maine EMS website at maine dot gov, forward slash e m s. The initial funding opportunity will remain open for 45 days.
(August) As part of the state budget signed into law last July, $31M was allocated to support EMS services. Applications are now available for the $12M Stabilization component of the Maine Emergency Medical Services Stabilization and Sustainability Fund grant program. The funds are designed to help ensure Mainers have continued access to high quality emergency medical services. Find applications at maine dot gov, forward slash e m s. The initial funding opportunity will remain open for 45 days.
Environment
Geminids Peak This Week
(Undated) One of the year’s best meteor showers peaks this week. With the new moon, skywatchers that find a location away from the light pollution of towns and cities could see around 120 shooting stars per hour. The Geminids are visible throughout the world and appear to stream from the constellation Gemini, rising in the northeastern sky. Experts say best viewing times are between midnight and 2 a.m., and they say give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust … and then enjoy the show.
(Undated) The Geminid meteor showers are one of the best and most reliable and can be seen throughout the world. They’ve been streaking across the skies since late November and will continue until Christmas Eve, but this week skywatchers can view their peak performance. Experts say find a dark location away from light pollution – the new moon should make for perfect viewing – head out between midnight and 2 a.m. for best viewing, and give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust. If conditions are right, you could see up to 120 of the bright greenish particles cut through the sky per hour.
Ticks Likely Active Year Round
(Maine) You might think winter would be a reprieve from Lyme Disease in Maine. Think again, says the Maine CDC. They warn deer ticks can be active anytime the temperature is above freezing. To date, the state agency says it’s recorded a record number of at least 2,700 cases of Lyme disease in Maine.
(Maine) If you think it’s safe to go into the woods in the winter weather without protection against ticks, think again. The Maine CDC warns deer ticks can be active anytime the temperatures are above freezing, and experts caution ticks are adapting to become a threat year round. To date, the CDC reports it’s recorded a record number of at least 2,700 cases of Lyme disease in Maine.
Human Interest
Greeley Honored with Spirit of America Award
(Holden) Holden Police Chief Chris Greeley was honored posthumously this week with the Spirit of America Award. The Bangor Daily News reports the award recognizes local individuals and groups for commendable community service. Greeley’s widow and son accepted the award during a ceremony that also honored more than 30 others from across Penobscot County. Greeley passed away unexpectedly in March. During his tenure in Holden, he started the “25 Days of Kindness” program, which continues to help those in need during the month of December.
(Holden) Holden Police Chief Chris Greeley passed away unexpectedly in March, but his legacy lives on through the community service program he started during his tenure. This week, Greeley and others were honored with the Spirit of America Award. Greeley’s widow and son accepted the award during a ceremony that also honored more than 30 others from across Penobscot County. Though Greeley is no longer with the department, they’ve so far this year raised more than $20K for his “25 Days of Kindness” program to help those in need during the month of December.
Sports
The Celtics back on the home court tonight for a rematch against the Cleveland Cavs.
The Bruins lost to the NJ Devils in OT last night 1-2. Bruins have the night off tonight – they’re in NY Friday to take on the Islanders.
Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston reporting Patriots owner Robert Kraft has decided to move on from head coach Bill Belichick after the 2023 season.
In high school basketball action last night, the Ellsworth Lady Eagles decimating Foxcroft Academy 94-20, Machias over Shead, the Jonesport-Beals Lady Royals over Sumner, and Calais defeating Narraguagus.
Tonight’s HS basketball action – Ellsworth boys home against Orono, DI/Stonington at George Stevens, Woodland takes on Machias, WA at Narraguagus, and the Jonesport Beals boys face off against Sumner.