Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Mt. Desert Man Indicted for Setting Homes on Fire
(Ellsworth) A Mount Desert man has been indicted for setting two homes on fire on Stanley Mountain Road in Mount Desert in April. WABI-TV reports 58 yo Glenn Stanley started fires at the two residences with the intention of destroying them. Stanley is charged with arson, attempted arson, aggravated criminal mischief, and criminal mischief. No one was at home at the time of either fire. No word on a motive, but authorities said Stanley was related to the owners of both properties that were damaged.
(Ellsworth) A Mount Desert man was in court this week, facing multiple charges pertaining to a pair of fires he allegedly set at homes on Mount Desert last April. WABI-TV reports 58 yo Glenn Stanley started the fires at two residences on Stanley Mountain Road with the intent of destroying them. No one was at home at the time of the fires. Stanley was indicted by a Hancock County grand jury. He faces multiple charges, including arson, and aggravated criminal mischief. No motive was given, but authorities say Stanley was related to the owners of the two properties.
Game Wardens Rescue 71 Year Old Hiker
(Carrabassett Valley) A 71 year old man who collapsed while hiking in the Carrabasset Valley was rescued by Maine Game Wardens and other first responders on Wednesday. MDIFW Spokesperson Mark Latti tells Star 97.7, Gerard Jalbert of Falmouth was returning from hiking to the top of Redington Mountain with a friend about 12:30 p.m. when he collapsed on the trail. The friend called 9-1-1, and rescuers were able to determine their location and send aid – a two and a half hour endeavor. A Maine Forest Service helicopter ultimately lifted Jalbert out of the woods. He was then transferred to a LifeFlight helicopter and transported to Maine Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition.
(Carrabassett Valley) A 71 year old hiker is in stable condition at Maine Medical Center today after collapsing on a trail while hiking in the Carrabassett Valley Wednesday afternoon. MDIFW Spokesperson Mark Latti reports to Star 97.7, Gerard Jalbert of Falmouth was returning from hiking to the top of Redington Mountain with a friend when he collapsed on the trail. The friend was able to call 9-1-1, and rescuers were then able to determine their location and send aid – a two and a half hour endeavor that included members of the Maine Forest Service, Carrabassett Valley and Eustis Fire Departments, and teams of game wardens. A Maine Forest Service helicopter ultimately lifted Jalbert out of the woods. He was then transferred to a LifeFlight helicopter and taken to the hospital, where he is said to be recovering.
Local Politics
Voter Registration Spike
(Augusta) Maine saw a spike in new voter registrations in July. The Portland Press Herald reports nearly 3800 people registered to vote last month, with the number significantly jumping after Biden left the race and opened the door for Vice President Kamala Harris to run. The increase is a sign that enthusiasm for the November Presidential election is building here in the Pine Tree State. Jumps in new voter registrations after Biden dropped out were also seen in two swing states – North Carolina and Pennsylvania, as well as across the country. A significant number of new voters in those two states didn’t align themselves with a particular party when registering, making the November outcome still difficult to predict.
(Augusta) In a country where citizens far too often choose not to take advantage of the right to vote, a spike in the number of new voter registrations in July is an encouraging sign. Here in Maine, The Portland Press Herald reports nearly 3800 new voters registered last month, with the number significantly jumping after Biden left the race, opening the door for Vice President Kamala Harris to run. The increase is a sign that enthusiasm for the November Presidential election is building here in the Pine Tree State. Jumps in new voter registrations after Biden dropped out were also seen in two swing states – North Carolina and Pennsylvania, as well as across the country.
Economy
DCP Giving Magic
(Ellsworth) While YOU may not be thinking Christmas at the moment, the staff at Downeast Community Partners IS. They want to ensure everyone has a joyous holiday through their “Giving Magic” program – and the time to call them is NOW. DCP members will be focusing on shopping for items you’ll have a say in – for each child, one item they want, one item they need, one item to wear outside to keep warm, and something to read. Electronics and gift cards excluded. If you anticipate needing a bit of help – or if you’d LIKE to help, call the DCP Ellsworth or Machias office before Monday, December 2nd. Help THEM out, so they can help YOU out – call early so Santa can get on his sleigh and get going on your requests.
(Ellsworth) Santa’s elves are busy all year round – and that includes those at the Downeast Community Partners workshops in Ellsworth and Machias. They want to ensure every family has a merry holiday through their “Giving Magic” program; which they say, this year, is operating a little differently. The busy workers will be focusing on shopping for items you’ll have a say in – for each child, one item they want, one item they need, one item to wear outside to keep warm, and something to read. Electronics and gift cards excluded. If you anticipate needing a bit of help – or if you’d LIKE to help, call the DCP Ellsworth or Machias office before Monday, December 2nd. Help THEM help YOU by calling early – Santa needs time to make sure your every wish comes true.
Environment
Fashion Industry Figures in Climate Crisis
(Washington, DC) When it comes to the climate crisis, the textile industry is in fashion these days – literally. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree’s office says since the year 2000, textile waste in the United States has increased 80%, and the fashion and textile industry is reportedly responsible for approximately 4% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. With the industry employing millions domestically, Pingree’s Slow Fashion Caucus is urging the Biden Administration not to overlook its potential in addressing the climate crisis. Experts say for too long, the industry has been left off the menu of the national sustainability agenda. The Slow Fashion Caucus is working to curb fast fashion pollution through climate smart policies.
(Washington, DC) “Dress for Success” has taken on a whole new meaning with the Slow Fashion Caucus. In this case, it’s climate success. Led by Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, SFC is working to curb fast fashion pollution through climate smart policies. Since the year 2000, textile waste in the United States has increased 80%, and the fashion and textile industry is said to be responsible for approximately 4% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. With the industry employing millions domestically, SFC is urging the Biden Administration to not overlook its potential in addressing the climate crisis, and to give industry leaders a seat at the Climate Task Force table.
KWW Opens Visitor Welcome Center
(Katahdin) The Katahdin Woods and Waters Tekakapimak Visitor Center welcomes guests for the first time this weekend. Visitation is by registration only – 2 to 5 on Saturday, and 10 to 4 on Sunday. Wabanaki Culture features prominently in the center, which will be donated to the National Park Service. Find a link on the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters Facebook page.
(Katahdin) Get a first look at the Katahdin Woods and Waters Welcome Center this weekend. Wabanaki Culture features prominently in the Center, which will be donated to the National Park Service to be preserved for public use. Visitation is 2 to 5 on Saturday, 10 to 4 Sunday, and you do need to register at a link you’ll find on the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters FB page.
Health
Medicare Drug Price Negotiations Roll Out
(Politico) The Biden administration on Thursday released the results of the first Medicare drug price negotiations. The results are a milestone in Democrats’ decades-long quest to have the nation’s largest payer use its power to lower prescription drug prices, according to Politico. The report anticipates $6 billion in savings across 10 drugs when the new prices take effect in 2026, with beneficiaries saving roughly $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra issued a statement saying, “Empowering Medicare to negotiate prices not only strengthens the program for generations to come, but also puts a check on skyrocketing drug prices.”
Findings Could Influence Life-Support Choices
(WSJ) Life support decisions are perhaps the most difficult ones a person can make. Now, that decision may be further complicated by a study published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study proposes that while as many 100,000 Americans with severe brain injuries are unresponsive, one in four who appear to be unaware of their surroundings can perform cognitive tasks on command. The responses were detected with brain scans that showed the patients are conscious but have no motor control. According to the Wall Street Journal, the findings could influence decisions about whether to continue life support and on how caregivers interact with patients who appear unconscious but who might actually be aware of what’s happening around them.
Infrastructure
Tremont Gets New Harbormaster Office
(Tremont) The town of Tremont is getting a new harbormaster office. The Mount Desert Islander reports the Select Board approved and authorized purchase of a new building and contract for site work this week. The new facility will be a 12 by 28 foot building that will have room for the office, some storage and a bathroom. It will, of course, replace the current building which is reportedly taking up space on the wharf that can be used for fishing.
(Tremont) A new harbormaster building in Tremont will free up valuable wharf space and give the harbormaster a more comprehensive view of the harbor. Harbormaster Tyler Damon says that’s ideal for harbor safety and management. The Mount Desert Islander reports the Select Board this week approved and authorized purchase of a new 12 by 28 foot building and site prep at the new location. The building will house an office, some storage space, and a bathroom and will free up space on the wharf that can be used for parking and fishing.
Machias Construction Ceases for the Day
(Machias) No construction on Route One in Machias today. It’s the first day of the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, so road crews are getting and giving a break.
(Machias) And if you’re traveling through Machias on Route One today, you may see a bit of extra traffic, but you’ll also get a break from road construction. Crews are suspending work today as the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival gets underway.
Ellsworth Public Library Plans for the Future
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Public Library held its first Space Planning Meeting this week. The meeting was well attended by City officials and members of the public. Results of a recent survey, unveiled at the meeting, showed ease of borrowing materials was a top priority. Areas cited as most needing improvement included quiet study and reading areas, the children’s area, and event space. Library Director Sarah Lesko said her concerns include safety and bringing the library up to code. Five different renovation plans were presented, all dependent upon the amount of funding received. The cost of renovation is expected to be about $2M, which would mostly be funded through congressionally directed spending. The library welcomed more than 7,300 visits in July alone, an average of nearly 300 people per day. Access details of the meeting, the survey, and proposed plans at ellsworth library dot net.
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Public Library recorded more than 7300 visits in July – that’s nearly 300 patrons each day the library is open. Director Sarah Lesko and staff aim to make the library even more welcoming, safe, and convenient for all those who utilize the library’s many resources and services. At this week’s Space Planning meeting, members of the public and City Officials heard results of the recent library survey, discussed funding, and viewed five different plans for the proposed $2M renovation, most of which would be funded through congressionally directed spending. Access details of the meeting, the survey, and some pretty impressive proposed plans at ellsworth library dot net.
Sports
The Patriots with a narrow loss to the Eagles – Philadelphia pulls out a 14-13 win in week 2 of the NFL Preseason.
Red Sox lose to the Orioles 5-1. Teams on the field this weekend to continue that four-game series.