Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Storms Rip through State, Leaving Damage, Power Outages
(Maine) Governor Mills yesterday declared a state of emergency in 14 of Maine’s 16 counties, allowing the state to request federal disaster relief. Powerful storms ripped through the state Monday, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and crews scrambling to do cleanup and repairs. At one point, CMP reported more than 400,000 outages, and 90,000 Versant customers were in the dark. Gusts were reported over 70 mph in places. State government offices and universities closed early, with many remaining closed on Tuesday. Numerous roads were closed due to flooding or being blocked by downed trees and wires. Crews will be working around the clock until all power is restored.
(Maine) Crews continue to assess storm damage and wok to restore power after strong winds and heavy rains pummeled the state Monday into the night, leaving hundreds of thousands in the dark. In Augusta, strong winds caused scaffolding to collapse at the Cross Office Building. In Ellsworth, the buoy tree at Whiting Park was toppled, and the Ellsworth Elementary Middle School roof sustained serious damage. Schools throughout the area were closed for the day, and downtown Ellsworth businesses were largely without power just days before the holiday. Ocean swells covered the road near Seawall Picnic Area in SW Harbor. Governor Mills on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in 14 of Maine’s 16 counties, allowing the state to request federal disaster relief.
(Maine) Governor Mills yesterday declared a state of emergency in all but Cumberland and York Counties, allowing for more efficient storm response and allowing the Governor to request federal funds for cleanup and restoration. Entire towns lost power or were cut off due to falling trees and wires during the storm that ripped through the state on Monday. Gasoline was in short supply, as numerous stations were unable to open due to power outages. The town of Lewiston yesterday issued evacuation orders and set up shelters for low-lying parts of the community near the Androscoggin River. Other towns along swollen rivers taking the same precaution. It will likely be days before all power is restored, but crews continue working around the clock to get that power back on.
Storm Cleanup Advisory
(Augusta) In the aftermath of the severe weather, the Maine Forest Service is offering some tips for cleanup. They say homeowners should contact local power companies for assistance if they find trees entangled in power lines. For large branches that may be threatening your home, they say call a licensed arborist. They also warn customers to be wary of fly-by-night emergency tree-cutting services, and always request proof of licensing, insurance, and references.
Ellsworth Elementary Middle School Sustains Damage in Storm
(Ellsworth) Damage to the roof at the Ellsworth Elementary School from Monday’s storm was contained to one section in the seventh grade wing. Superintendent Amy Boles sent a letter to parents saying those classrooms sustained water damage, and cleanup will continue today, so no school for 7th graders only today. Ellsworth High School and HCTC will also reopen today.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Elementary Middle School sustained heavy damage in yesterday’s storm. Superintendent Amy Boles issued a letter saying the damage was contained to the seventh grade wing, which sustained water damage. Cleanup will continue today, with classes resuming at Ellsworth High School and HCTC. No school for 7th graders only at EEMS.
Two People Missing After Road Floods in Mexico, Maine
(Mexico) Two people are missing after their vehicle was swept away by flood waters Monday evening in Mexico, Maine. WMTW reports four people were in the vehicle when it attempted to cross the Red Bridge into Rumford from Mexico about 5 p.m. Authorities say the driver attempted to turn around, but the vehicle was swept into the Swift River. Three of the four were able to escape, two of whom were rescued and treated for hypothermia. The Maine Warden Service, Maine State Police, and others are searching for the two still missing.
(Mexico) A vehicle was swept into flood waters in Mexico, Maine Monday evening, and two of the four occupants are missing. WMTW reports the driver attempted to cross the Red Bridge into Rumford from Mexico about 5 p.m. and then attempted to turn around, but the vehicle was swept into the Swift River. Three of the four were able to escape, two of whom were rescued and treated for hypothermia. The Maine Warden Service, Maine State Police, and others continue to search for the two who are still missing.
Two Killed by Falling Trees During Monday’s Storm
(Windham, Fairfield) Two people were killed by falling trees Monday afternoon. 40 yo Troy Olson of Windham died when he was hit by a piece of a tree around Noon as he was working to clear debris from the roof of his home on Vance Drive. … The Fairfield Police Department reports a man was killed around 3:30 as he was removing a downed tree with a tractor during the windstorm. They say the tree struck and killed him. That victim not yet identified.
(Windham, Fairfield) Falling trees claimed at least two lives Monday during the violent windstorm that whipped across the state. Authorities report 40 yo Troy Olson of Windham died instantly after he was hit by a piece of a tree while working to clear debris from his roof around Noon. … The Fairfield Police Department reports another man was killed while attempting to remove a tree with his tractor during the windstorm. They say the tree struck and killed him. That victim not yet identified.
Local Politics
Ruling Expected This Week on Trump’s Eligibility to be on Maine Ballot
(Augusta) Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is expected to rule this week on whether Donald Trump is eligible for a spot on the state’s November ballot. Three petitioners – both Democrat and Republican – made their cases on Friday, saying Trump should be disqualified for inciting an insurrection, according to Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The case is similar to challenges filed in 32 states. Colorado yesterday ruling Trump is ineligible to be on the ballot there. Attorneys representing Trump say the states don’t have jurisdiction to make such a decision. Experts say if Bellows rules for the petitioners, appeals are likely to follow.
(Augusta) Three petitioners – representing both Democrats and Republicans – presented arguments last week for keeping Donald Trump off the November Presidential ballot in Maine. The main argument cited by the groups is that Trump incited an insurrection in the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. That, they say, disqualifies Trump, according to Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Similar challenges have been filed in 32 states, including Colorado where courts yesterday ruled Trump ineligible to be on that state’s ballot. Attorneys representing Trump say the state doesn’t have jurisdiction to make such a determination. Experts say appeals are likely to follow if Bellows rules for the petitioners.
Economy
Downeast Community Partners’ THAW Fund Ten Day Challenge
(Ellsworth) It may take a few days, but power will be restored. But imagine if your heat wasn’t part of that. Downeast Community Partners tells Star 97.7, they field hundreds of calls a week from people needing assistance. With the THAW – the heating and warmth fund – depleted, DCP put out a call for help. The goal is to raise $10,000 in ten days to help those in need stay warm. Half way through the challenge, the generous folks of this community have stepped up and donated nearly $4,000. Sunday is the challenge deadline. Please donate what you can at downeast community partners dot org.
(Ellsworth) Imagine your power comes back on, but you have no source of heat – a job loss, a sudden illness, an unexpected accident and you find yourself without the means to stay warm. Downeast Community Partners tells Star 97.7, that’s the case with the hundreds of calls they field each week, begging for assistance to keep families from freezing. With DCP’s THAW – the Heating and Warmth fund – depleted, they’ve issued a challenge. $10,000 in ten days to help those in need. The community, as always, has stepped up and so far donated close to $4,000. Tomorrow is 5 days, Sunday is the challenge deadline. If you would like to help, please go to downeast community partners dot org.
Education
Ellsworth Library Greets January with Download Library
(Ellsworth) Just in time for curling up by the fire this winter with a good book! The Ellsworth Public Library introduces “Libby”, a robust app offering e-books, audiobooks, and more! Beginning in January, Libby will allow you to browse, search and discover thousands of e- and audio-books across all your devices. You can adjust font size, book layout, and lighting, and even add bookmarks, create notes and highlights, and define words. The Hancock County Download Library will be a service in partnership with the Jesup, Blue Hill, and other area libraries. Watch the EPL’s website for updates on when Libby will be available.
(Ellsworth) This January, Libby is coming to the Ellsworth Public Library! Libby is a robust app offering e-books, audiobooks, and more! Beginning in January, Libby will allow you to browse, search and discover thousands of e- and audio-books across all your devices. You can adjust font size, book layout, and lighting, and even add bookmarks, create notes and highlights, and define words. You’ll just have to sign in with your library card. Follow the Ellsworth Public Library on their FB page for updates.
Health
Survey Shows Fewer Students Vaping, but Mental Health Struggles Persist
(Augusta) Vaping among students in Maine has dropped dramatically, but struggles with mental health issues persist. Those are the findings of The Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, conducted every two years by Maine DHHS. The survey found the percentage of high school students who vaped during the previous 30 days dropped from a high of 29% in 2019 to 16% in 2023. But 35% of high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless for two weeks in a row, roughly the same as in 2021 and a slight increase over 2019. Mental health care providers say a shortage of workers has led to some having waiting lists of as many as 2,000 patients.
(Augusta) Mental health care providers in Maine report having waiting lists of those wanting to see a counselor of as many as 2,000 patients, with the Portland Press Herald writing patients report waiting months to get professional help. Like many others, the mental health industry has a workforce shortage. So it’s no surprise the 2023 Maine Integrated Youth Healthy survey found the percentage of high school students struggling with mental health issues has remained steady at between 32 and 35% the past few years. One bright statistic – the survey found the percentage of high school students who vaped during the previous 30 days dropped from a high of 29% in 2019 to 16% in 2023.
Infrastructure
Road Closure – I-95
(Bangor) Don’t forget about the road closure tonight in Bangor. Both sides of I-95 over Broadway will be closed between 11 p.m. tonight and 5 a.m. Thursday morning so crews can remove the sign that spans the width of the Interstate.
Human Interest
Sorrento Pre-Teen Could Become Youngest Female Eagle Scout
(Sorrento) 12 yo Macy Neleski spent time last weekend overseeing construction of a wooden shed at the Sorrento town office. NewsCenter reports the shed will be used to store food for the town pantry and will serve as a board game exchange. More importantly, the project has helped the preteen build on her goal of becoming the country’s youngest female Eagle Scout, an achievement Macy says she hopes to be awarded sometime in February.
(Sorrento) A 12 yo from Sorrento is well on her way to becoming the country’s youngest female Eagle Scout. NewsCenter reports Macy Neleski spent time this past weekend overseeing the building of a wooden shed at the Sorrento town office that will be used to store pantry food and board games. The project is the capstone of Macy’s journey toward attaining Eagle Scout status, something she hopes to be awarded in February.
Sports
Not a great night for Boston last night. The Bruins lost to the Wild 4-3 in Overtime. The Celtics lost to the Golden State Warriors 132-126. Celtics remain on the West Coast tonight for a game against the Sacramento Kings.
Tonight’s High School basketball – the MDI boys battle it out with Ellsworth. On the girls’ side, Machias vs. Narraguagus (5 p.m.) and Sumner taking on Searsport.