Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Motorcycle/Moose Fatal
(T2 R9) Maine State Police Wednesday released information on a September 30th crash involving a motorcycle and a moose. They say 50 yo Anand Sreedharan of Princeton, NJ, was southbound at mile marker 240 in T2 R9 when a moose crossed into his lane and was struck by his motorcycle. The victim was ejected from his bike and ultimately died of his injuries. Maine State Police say the moose also died. The crash remains under investigation.
(T2 R9) A New Jersey man died when the motorcycle he was driving hit a moose in Northern Maine last week. Maine State Police just released the information, although the crash happened September 30th. They say 50 yo Anand Sreedharan of Princeton was southbound at mile marker 240 in T2 R9 when a moose crossed into his lane and was struck by his motorcycle. The victim was ejected from his bike and ultimately died of his injuries. Maine State Police say the moose also died. The crash remains under investigation.
Local Politics
Ellsworth Code Enforcement Closed for Training
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth Code Enforcement office is unavailable for appointments or drop offs today and Friday due to training. Permits can be found outside the office door with a drop off folder. Code Enforcement will respond to inquiries and requests on Monday. Forms and additional information can be found online at ellsworth maine dot gov.
(Ellsworth) No in-person appointments or drop offs today at the Ellsworth Code Enforcement office. The staff is out for training today and Friday. They say permits can be found outside the office door with a drop off folder. Code Enforcement will respond to inquiries and requests on Monday. Forms and additional information can be found online at ellsworth maine dot gov.
Economy
Ellsworth MakerSpace Grand Opening
(Ellsworth) Join Heart of Ellsworth tomorrow evening for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Makerspace in Downtown Ellsworth! The exciting new space will feature an exhibition gallery, artist studios, offices and co-working spaces, providing an engaging environment that invites creativity and collaboration. The ceremony happens at 5 p.m. at 16 State Street, with the first show a stunning art exhibit “The Life of the River”, featuring works by some very talented Ellsworth High School students! And don’t miss a minute of Maine Craft Weekend, October 4-6 in Downtown Ellsworth!
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth now has its very own Makerspace! The exciting new space at 16 State Street will feature an exhibition gallery, artist studios, offices and co-working spaces, and will provide an engaging environment that simply invites creativity and collaboration. Join Heart of Ellsworth tomorrow evening at 5 for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and view the first show – a stunning art exhibit “The Life of the River”, featuring works by some very talented Ellsworth High School students. It’s all part of Maine Craft Weekend, October 4, 5, and 6th.
Schwan’s Food Delivery to Permanently Close
(Bangor) The food delivery company formerly known as Schwan’s is going out of business. The frozen food brand began in 1952 and was purchased in 2022 by meal delivery service Yelloh; but the company said nationwide staffing and food chain supply issues caused by the pandemic have resulted in insurmountable business challenges. A company spokesperson also said digital shopping has replaced the personal, at-the-door customer interaction on which Schwan’s relied. The last day to purchase products will be November 8th. Yelloh currently employs about 1100 workers.
(Bangor) For more than 70 years, folks have relied on those yellow Schwan’s – now Yelloh – food trucks for home delivery. But come November 8th, the iconic company will close its truck doors for good. Schwan’s was started in 1952 and purchased by Yelloh two years ago. But nationwide staffing and food chain supply issues caused by the pandemic have resulted in what the company says are insurmountable business challenges. A company spokesperson also said digital shopping has replaced the personal, at-the-door customer interaction on which Schwan’s relied. Yelloh currently employs about 1100 workers.
Hancock Lumber Acquiring Tiny Homes of Maine
(Casco) Hancock Lumber has announced plans to purchase Tiny Homes of Maine. Both are family-owned companies. Hancock Lumber dates back to 1848, while Tiny Homes is a relative newcomer, founded in 2016. In a statement, Hancock Lumber said founders Corinne Watson and Tom Small will still manage the daily operations of the Aroostook County manufacturing facility that began as a side project for the pair. Being under the umbrella of Hancock Lumber will allow them to leverage its buying power, connections, and experience, according to the two companies.
(Casco) Tiny Homes of Maine began in 2016 as a fun side project for founders Corinne Watson and Tom Small. Hammond Lumber goes back seven generations to the year 1848, when the Decker brothers purchased a 400-acre timber stand in Casco. This week, Hammond announced plans to purchase the younger company, allowing Tiny Homes to leverage Hammond’s buying power, connections, and experience, according to the two companies. Watson and Small will reportedly still manage the daily operations of the smaller Aroostook County manufacturing facility. Hammond currently employs more than 700 workers, with 11 lumber yards, 4 sawmills, and 6 kitchen design locations, managing more than 12,000 acres of timberland in Oxford and Cumberland Counties.
Loaves and Fishes Second Annual “Darling’s Drives Out Hunger” Fundraiser
(Ellsworth) Got your tickets yet? Of course, we’re talking about Darling’s Drives Out Hunger – the second annual DDOH fundraiser for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth. It’s tonight, from 5 to 7 at Darling’s Chevrolet, 121 Downeast Highway. Enjoy a live auction, featuring boat tours, travel packages to Las Vegas and Puerto Rico among other locales, sports memorabilia and more. Tickets are $85 per person and the cost is 100% tax deductible. Plus, Brian Nadeau and the Nite Show Band will be there to keep you entertained, along with a delicious selection of filling hors d’oeuvres to satisfy your appetite. Tickets at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.
(Ellsworth) Help Darling’s Drive Out Hunger at the Second Annual DDOH fundraiser for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth! The event is from 5 to 7 tonight at Darling’s, on the Downeast Highway in Ellsworth. Tickets are $85 per person and the cost is 100% tax deductible. Brian Nadeau and the Nite Show Band will be there to keep you entertained, along with a delicious selection of filling hors d’oeuvres to keep YOU from being hungry. Plus, enjoy a live auction, featuring Patriots’ tickets, a Taylor Swift autographed CD extravaganza, a travel package to Las Vegas to see Keith Urban, and silent auction items including gorgeous wooden cutting boards and more. Get your tickets at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.
Environment
Maine DEP Continues to Monitor Effects of Fire in Orrington
(Orrington) The Maine Department of Environmental Protection continues to monitor effects of the Wednesday morning fire at the Eagle Point Energy Center in Orrington. MDEP and other public safety entities continue to assist with the environmental aspects of the fire at the waste-to-energy facility formerly known as PERC. Officials say it could take several days to fully extinguish the fire. DEP says it does not know of any specific human health or air quality impacts at this time; although, yesterday, residents were cautioned to keep their doors and windows closed. Personnel say they will continue to monitor the air quality in the areas surrounding and adjacent to the facility and will share air sampling results as soon as they are available.
(Orrington) Residents of Orrington and Hampden were cautioned yesterday to keep their windows closed and to stay indoors, following a fire at the Eagle Point Energy Center in Orrington. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection and other public safety entities continue to monitor the environmental impact of the fire at the waste-to-energy facility formerly known as PERC. Crews say it could take days to fully extinguish the fire. Personnel and resources will be employed to monitor the air quality in the area near the facility. MDEP says it will share air sampling results as soon as they are available. DEP says it does not know of any specific human health or air quality impacts at this time.
Health
Obesity on the Rise in US
(AP) Fall is a great time to get out and get moving – and it appears we need to do a bit more of that. The Associated Press reports obesity in the US is high and holding steady, but the proportion of those with severe obesity, especially women, has climbed since a decade ago. A survey of some 6,000 people found the US obesity rate is about 40%, with nearly 1 in 10 of those surveyed reporting severe obesity, according to the US CDC The research found women were nearly twice as likely as men to report severe obesity.
(AP) Not news any of us like to hear, but important nonetheless. The Associated Press reports obesity in the US is high and holding steady, but the proportion of those with severe obesity, especially women, has climbed since a decade ago. A survey of some 6,000 people found the US obesity rate is about 40%, with nearly 1 in 10 of those surveyed reporting severe obesity, according to the US CDC. The research found women were nearly twice as likely as men to report severe obesity. Hopefully, these nice fall days will motivate us to eat healthier and get out for a nice, long walk.
Infrastructure
Lamoine Paving
(Lamoine) A quick traffic note for Lamoine travelers. Asa’s Lane will be repaved today. The road will be open but down to one lane for much of the day. Paving crews will also have a section next to the fire station.
(Lamoine) A quick traffic note for those who travel in Lamoine. Crews will be repaving Asa’s Lane today. While the road will remain open, the town says it will be reduced to one lane much of the day. Paving crews will also be working on a section next to the fire station.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Acadia Fire FC Surpasses Donation Challenge
(Ellsworth) Acadia Fire FC is excited to announce they’ve surpassed the $20,000 matching donation challenge received from the Lawrence Family Foundation. Reaching that goal will allow the organization to replace the existing turf and provide turf throughout the rest of its indoor facility on Eastward Lane in Ellsworth. The Acadia Soccer Center is home to AFFC’s programming, which includes soccer training for ages 2 through adult. They say many generous local businesses and individuals helped them reach this pivotal goal.
(Ellsworth) Acadia Fire FC will soon be playing on new turf – literally. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals, the group has surpassed their $20,000 matching donation challenge received from the Lawrence Family Foundation. That will allow Acadia FC to replace existing turf and provide turf throughout the rest of its indoor facility on Eastward Lane in Ellsworth. AFFC’s programming includes soccer training for ages 2 through adult. The facility is also used by many other local soccer organizations, baseball teams, church gatherings, and other sports and events.
Sports
The Patriots will try to break their losing streak this Sunday as they take on the Texans at Gillette Stadium.
The Celtics have a pair of preseason games in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Game One is tomorrow at Noon Eastern time. Game Two set for Sunday at 10 AM Eastern – both games will have Boston on the court against the Denver Nuggets.