Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Emergency Room Physicians List Toys to Avoid
(WashPost) You want those toys you buy your kids to be fun, but can some of them be dangerous as well? Emergency room physicians say yes, with certain gifts even landing children in the ER. A Johns Hopkins pediatrician whose video has gone viral on TikTok, warns against those brightly colored water beads that kids may be tempted to put in their eyes, nostrils, or mouths. According to The Washington Post, Dr. Meghan Martin says parents should also avoid toys with magnets and button batteries, electric scooters and hoverboards that can move at speeds that may pose a danger to children, and rockets and projectiles for perhaps obvious reasons.
(WashPost) A video on toys to avoid this holiday posted by a Johns Hopkins pediatric emergency medicine physician has gone viral on Tik Tok. The Washington Post reports that in the video, Dr. Meghan Martin warns against some obvious … and not so obvious … toys that can pose dangers for kids. For instance, anything that can be put in ears, noses, or mouths – water beads, anything with magnets and button batteries, etc. – should be avoided. She also warns electric scooters and hoverboards can be dangerous because they sometimes move at speeds that can lead to accidents and broken bones. On the not-so-obvious side, Dr. Martin says they often see injuries connected to trampolines. She says emergency rooms often treat sprained ankles, broken arms, and lower leg injuries from children jumping with others or just taking undue risks on the bouncy delights.
Illegal Marijuana Grow Raided in Machias
(Machias) Maine law enforcement this week executed a search warrant and raided an illegal marijuana grow on Kennebec Road in Machias. The Maine Wire reports the raid netted 2600 live marijuana plants and more than 100 pounds of processed cannabis. Three individuals were arrested – all are of Asian descent and appear not to be U.S. citizens, according to the article. A recent investigative report revealed the locations and owners of dozens of Chinese-owned marijuana growers across rural Maine.
(Machias) Three people were arrested this week and charged with Class B felonies for illegal drug trafficking. The Maine Wire reports law enforcement on Monday executed a search warrant at a property on Kennebec Road in Machias, confiscating 2600 live marijuana plants and more than 100 pounds of processed cannabis. The facility was reportedly not operating in relation to any adult use recreational or medicinal license. The three arrested are of Asian descent. A recent investigative report reportedly revealed the locations and owners of dozens of Chinese-owned marijuana growers across rural Maine.
School Threats Determined to be Hoaxes
(Maine) Schools nationwide on Thursday received email threats directed toward educational institutions. Public Safety Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, the Maine Information Analysis Center deemed the threats to be hoaxes. The emails were reportedly sent to dozens of schools in Maine, with WMTW reporting many instituting hold in place orders. Among the schools receiving the email threats, Blue Hill Consolidated School. Newscenter reports the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department checked the school but found no evidence of danger.
(Maine) Blue Hill Consolidated School was one of dozens of schools in Maine and nationwide that received threatening emails on Thursday. WMTW reports some schools affected issued hold in place orders until it was determined by the Maine Information Analysis Center the emails were hoaxes. One source said at least 70 schools in Maine were targeted. Newscenter reports the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department checked the schools in Blue Hill but found no evidence of danger.
Local Politics
Golden, Pingree Speak Out Against Move to Impeach Biden
(Augusta) Maine’s Representatives didn’t hold back when it comes to Republicans’ efforts toward impeaching President Biden. WMTW reports Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden both voted against launching an impeachment inquiry against the President, with Pingree issuing a statement saying that after months of committee investigations and “fishing expeditions”, House Republicans had uncovered no proof of any criminal conduct. Pingree further commented that Republicans are now holding their hearings in secret, behind closed doors, to avoid embarrassment.
(Augusta) Representative Chellie Pingree minced no words when issuing a statement in response to Republicans’ efforts to launch an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden. WMTW reports both Pingree and Jared Golden voted against launching the inquiry. Pingree’s statement said in part that after months of committee investigations and “fishing expeditions”, House Republicans had uncovered no proof of any criminal conduct. She further commented Republicans are now holding their hearings in secret, behind closed doors, to avoid embarrassment.
Collins, King Introduce Bill to Name Acadia Visitor Center After George Mitchell
(Washington, DC) If Senators Susan Collins and Angus King have their way, the Hulls Cove Visitors’ Center at Acadia National Park will be re-named the “George J. Mitchell, Jr. Visitor Center”. The two introduced legislation to that effect this week. Mitchell served in the Senate and was majority leader from 1989-95. He later served as a special adviser to the peace process in Northern Ireland under President Clinton and was a member of the special envoy to the Middle East under President Obama. Collins and King called Mitchell a peacemaker and loyal champion of Maine who dedicated his life to public service.
(Washington) George J. Mitchell, Jr. was a peacemaker, statesman, and loyal champion of the State of Maine who dedicated his life to public service, working across all three branches of the federal government. This week, Senators Angus King and Susan Collins introduced a bill that would designate the Waterville native as namesake of the Hulls Cove Visitor Center at Acadia National Park. Mitchell was involved in the peace process in Ireland under President Clinton and served as an envoy to the Middle East under President Obama. If passed, the center would be known as the “George J. Mitchell, Jr. Visitor Center.”
Economy
Loaves and Fishes Ham Drive
(Ellsworth) Here’s a unique spin on holiday giving – the Ellsworth WalMart is hosting a ham drive this Saturday from 11 to 2 to help local families put holiday meals on the table. Volunteers from the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry will be on hand to collect donations of food and funds. The pantry relies on the local community’s efforts to combat food insecurity. Donations can be made at the December 16th ham drive or online at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth WalMart and Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry are asking you to “ham it up” this Saturday! Volunteers will be on hand from 11 to 2 at the WalMart on Myrick Street as the store holds a ham drive to help local families put a holiday meal on the table. They’ll be collecting donations of food and funds, or you can donate to the pantry online at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.
Ellsworth’s Mad Hatter Event
(Ellsworth) Don’t dread that Christmas shopping you still have to do – make a night of it tonight in Downtown Ellsworth! It’s Mad Hatter Night in Ellsworth, with stores open until 8 p.m. And they’re filled with surprises, just waiting for you, including cozy winter clothing, unique gift ideas, and everything from antiques to the latest gadgets everyone on your list will love. Grab a bite to eat, finish your holiday shopping and support local businesses. Sponsored by your Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce.
(Ellsworth) Don’t sit home tonight stressing about the holiday shopping you still have left to do! Make a night of it, as the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce presents Mad Hatter Night! You’ll find maddeningly great deals and surprises in Ellsworth’s local stores and eateries, with shops open until 8 p.m. Get out of the kitchen, grab a friend, boost your energy with a bite to eat, and browse the many offerings the shops and eateries of Downtown Ellsworth have to offer. From puzzles to plants, treats to toys, books to beanies… from sweaters to seasonal décor … find everything you need! Shop local … Mad Hatter night tonight in Downtown Ellsworth.
Health
French Pharmaceutical Received Funding for Combination Antibiotic
(CIDRAP) A French biopharmaceutical company announced this week it has raised $25M to continue development of an antibacterial combination for severe drug resistant infections. The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy reports the funding will enable continued research on a “truly differentiated alternative” to life-threatening infections. Researchers believe the drug will be an important tool for physicians struggling to treat infections for which there are currently few effective treatments available.
(CIDRAP) A breakthrough in treating increasingly antibiotic-resistant infections has received a major funding boost. The French biopharmaceutical company Anti-bio announced this week it has raised $25M to continue development of an antibacterial combination for severe drug resistant infections. Anti-bio reports the funding will enable continued research on a “truly differentiated alternative” to life-threatening infections. Researchers believe the drug will be an important tool for physicians struggling to treat infections for which there are currently few effective treatments available.
United Health Foundation Releases Report on Health Rankings
(Undated) There’s good news and bad news for the state of Maine in the just-released report from the United Health Foundation. The report, “America’s Health Rankings 2023”, highlights improvements, challenges, and disparities in the health and well-being of Americans across all 50 states. Among findings for the Pine Tree State … a 20% increase in drug deaths between 2020 and 2021 … from 37.6 to 45.2 deaths per one hundred thousand people. On the plus side, the state ranked second in the nation in high school completion, with 94.6% of adults ages 25 and older with at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
(Undated) Maine’s numbers are up – and that’s a good thing when it comes to graduation rates, but not so good when it comes to drug deaths. United Health Foundation just released its “America’s Health Rankings 2023”, which highlights improvements, challenges, and disparities in the health and well-being of Americans across all 50 states. Mainers suffered a 20% increase in drug deaths between 2020 and 2021 – from 37.6 to 45.2 deaths per one hundred thousand people. On the plus side, the state ranked second in the nation in high school completion, with 94.6% of adults ages 25 and older with at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace Network Launches
(Machias) The Sunrise County Economic Council has launched the Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace Network. Member employers receive a variety of benefits at no cost, including one-on-one access to a local RFW advisor; networking, training and education opportunities, and connection to resources. They say a Recovery Friendly Workplace supports a workplace culture that encourages wellness and recovery through connection to resources and services and encourages open communication that supports mutual success. Find more information at recovery friendly downeast dot org.
(Machias) A Recovery Friendly Workplace is one that supports a workplace culture that encourages wellness and recovery through connection to resources and services and encourages open communication with an eye toward mutual success. The Sunrise County Economic Council has launched the Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace Network. Member employers receive a variety of benefits at no cost, including one-on-one access to a local RFW advisor; networking, training and education opportunities, and connection to resources. For more information, visit recovery friendly downeast dot org.
Sports
High School Basketball tonight – lots of action on the ladies’ side, with Ellsworth hosting Hermon, Sumner up against Machias (5 pm), Woodland at WA, GSA taking on Dexter, and the MDI boys and girls teams will be taking on John Bapst.
The Celtics with another win last night over the Cavs – 116-107. Boston hoping to work their own kind of Magic on Orlando tonight at TD Garden.
High school basketball action last night – all boys’ teams locally, with Orono handing Ellsworth a 70-56 loss, George Stevens handily defeating Deer Isle/Stonington, WA with a comfortable win over Narraguagus, the Jonesport-Beals Royals defeating Sumner, and Machias squeaking out a 53-52 win over Woodland.
The Bruins in NY tonight to put the sticks to the ice against the Islanders.