Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Maine Marks One Year Since Lewiston Tragedy
(Lewiston) A year ago today, a gunman walked into two Lewiston businesses, killed 18, wounded 13 others, and forever shattered the sense that it couldn’t happen here – anywhere else, but not here in Maine. Governor Janet Mills has ordered flags to fly at half mast to honor the survivors and others impacted. The Bangor Daily News reports in a state where hunting is a way of life, the tragedy has changed just about every Mainer’s stance on guns, with some becoming gun control advocates, while others cling even more tightly to their weapons, with little room for compromise, especially when it comes to AR’s. The Washington Post reports the automatic weapons are owned by one-fifth of Americans who refuse any kind of restrictions, even though semi-automatic rifles have been used in seven of the ten deadliest mass shootings in the US since 1949, including Lewiston.
(Lewiston) Flags are flying at half mast in Maine today by order of Governor Janet Mills, to honor those impacted by the mass shooting in Lewiston a year ago that forever shattered the notion that “it couldn’t happen here.” WMTW reports in the year since, lawmakers have passed legislation designed to prevent future such tragedies in the state. Examples include extending background checks to private sales of guns, establishing an office of violence prevention, improving crisis support, hiring more Maine State Police troopers, promoting safe firearm storage, and expanding the state’s yellow flag law. The tragedy changed how the state – noted for its hunting culture – and many of its citizens viewed firearms, particularly ARs that have been used in seven of the ten deadliest mass shootings in the US since 1949, including Lewiston.
(Lewiston) It was one of those defining moments – most of us clearly remember where we were and what we were doing a year ago today when we first learned an Army Reservist, armed with an AR-style rifle, had walked into a bowling alley and a bar and grille in Lewiston, shot and killed 18, wounded 13 others, and forever changed a state known for its safety. The tragedy not only changed citizens’ thoughts on firearms, but politicians’ stance as well. Following the mass shooting that put Maine on the map for all the wrong reasons, the Legislature jumped into action. WMTW reports changes passed to help prevent such horrors in the future include extending background checks to private sales of guns, establishing an office of violence prevention, improving crisis support, hiring more Maine State Police troopers, promoting safe firearm storage, and expanding the state’s yellow flag law.
(Lewiston) Lives were cut short, families forever changed, accusations flew, a full report made of mistakes and missed opportunities, and a pending lawsuit against the US Army. It was a year ago – on October 25th, 2023 – that an Army reservist carrying an AR-style rifle walked into two Lewiston businesses and opened fire, killing 18, wounding more than a dozen others, and drawing unfathomable attention to Maine in one of the country’s worst mass shootings. It forever changed our mindset that “it couldn’t happen here.” The state with a gun culture that values hunting – deer, moose, turkey, and bear – was suddenly forced to take a second look at gun control. The state is still divided on just how far that should go. But today, we come together to mourn those lost, injured, and impacted by the unthinkable and to hopefully take meaningful action to prevent such a horror from ever happening again.
Economy
Eastport Showing Resurgence with Growing Cruise Ship Market
(Eastport) While Bar Harbor voters will once again wrestle with the question of cruise ship passenger limits when they go to the polls on Tuesday, another Downeast town is experiencing a resurgence of sorts, thanks to its growing cruise ship market. MaineBiz reports in June 2020, the City of Eastport hosted a Norwegian Cruise Lines ship looking for refuge during the pandemic. Eastport housed the Rivera for almost two months. That became a turning point for the coastal city. The ship’s stay highlighted the port’s ability to host large cruise ships, and cruise lines took notice, with passengers from one Holland America ship rating its stop in Eastport the highest on its itinerary. The City’s attributes include a strong cargo capacity with the deepest natural seaport in the continental US, a robust fishing fleet, and a growing arts and culture scene anchored by the Tides Institute & Museum of Arts, Eastport Arts Center, and numerous galleries and festivals.
(Eastport) From the airline industry to the cruise ship industry. The City of Eastport is experiencing a resurgence of sorts, thanks in no small part to a burgeoning cruise ship industry. While Bar Harbor continues to wrestle with the overcrowding during tourist season that led to a limit on disembarking cruise ship passengers, Eastport began attracting ships during, of all times, the pandemic. MaineBiz reports in June 2020, the City of Eastport hosted a Norwegian Cruise Lines ship looking for refuge during the COVID-19 crisis. The City housed the Rivera for almost two months – it became a turning point for the small fishing village. The ship’s stay highlighted the port’s ability to host large cruise ships … and cruise lines took notice. City officials say Eastport’s welcoming atmosphere is an added plus. In addition, Eastport boasts a growing arts and culture scene anchored by the Tides Institute & Museum of Arts, Eastport Arts Center, and numerous galleries and festivals.
Environment
Six Communities Receive Assistance with Revitalization Projects
(Augusta) Bucksport, Lincoln, Wiscasset – six Maine communities will receive technical assistance from the state to support local revitalization projects at current and former industrial sites. The Town of Bucksport is conducting economic development planning for underutilized industrial land along the Penobscot River near the downtown area. The project will focus on areas surrounding the existing thermal power station and transitioning to clean energy technologies, in partnership with power station owner JERA Americas.
(Augusta) Bucksport is one of six Maine communities chosen to receive technical assistance from the state to support local revitalization projects at current and former industrial sites that will create well-paying jobs, drive local economic development, and meet state climate and clean energy goals. For its part, Bucksport is conducting economic development planning for underutilized industrial land along the Penobscot River near the downtown area. The project will focus on transitioning to clean energy technologies in areas surrounding the existing thermal power station. Others chosen include Auburn, Lincoln, One North in Millinocket, Wiscasset, and Yarmouth.
MDIFW Creates New PFAS Do Not Eat Areas
(Augusta) If you hunt wildlife for food, you’ll want to pay close attention to this. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in conjunction with the Maine CDC has issued a Do Not Eat Wildlife Consumption Advisory for two different areas in portions of Unity, Unity Township, Albion and Freedom. The advisory areas are in addition to current advisory areas in Fairfield and parts of Skowhegan. The new advisory areas were based on the testing of deer and turkeys in eastern Kennebec and western Waldo counties. Contact MDIFW for more specific information on the contaminated areas.
(Augusta) It’s no secret PFAs, or forever chemicals, have been found in wildlife in several states, including Maine. Do Not Eat advisories have been in effect for wildlife in areas of Fairfield and parts of Skowhegan. And now, based on further testing of deer and turkeys in eastern Kennebec and western Waldo counties, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Maine CDC have issued Do Not Eat advisories for two additional areas – in portions of Unity, Unity Township, Albion and Freedom. The new advisories encompass 5.5 square miles and 4.3 square miles respectively. For more specific information, contact MDIFW.
Right Whale Population Grows, but Remains Endangered
(AP) One of the world’s rarest mammals has increased slightly in population, encouraging conservationists to call on the federal government and the shipping and fishing industries to do more to bring back the North Atlantic Right Whale from extinction. The Associated Press reports the population of the whales that live off the East Coast plummeted in the 2010s, but increased about 4% to 372 in 2023. Researchers say the whales remain an extremely vulnerable species, but that protecting them with new rules has proven difficult.
(AP) The North Atlantic Right Whale was nearly hunted out of existence by whalers in the 1890s. They’ve since been federally protected for decades, but have never fully recovered. Still, the Associated Press reports the population of the whales, which live off the East Coast, increased about 4% to 372 in 2023. That’s heartening news after their numbers plummeted in the 2010s. Scientists say the whales remain a vulnerable species, and that protecting them with new rules has proven difficult.
Maine Coastal Program Seeks Input to Update Five-Year Plan
(Augusta) Life in Maine is deeply connected to its coast through family legacies, cultural identities, and a deep appreciation of its nature, wildlife, and wild spaces. The Maine Department of Marine Resources’ Maine Coastal Program asks, “How does Maine adapt its coastal infrastructure to hazards while maintaining access, identity and heritage, and how does Maine preserve its working waterfront while also preparing for sea level rise? The program seeks answers to those and other questions as it updates its 2026-2030 Strategic Outlook Plan. Between now and January 3rd, 2025, MDMR invites public input on an opinion survey to help inform such plans. Access the survey on the MDMR website at forms dot office dot com.
(Augusta) Maine’s coastline stretches thousands of miles, connecting Mainers through livelihoods, cultural identities, family legacies, and an appreciation for its wild nature. But sometimes, says the Maine Department of Marine Resources, those connections to the coast can clash. Between now and January 3rd, 2025, the MDMR Maine Coastal Program invites citizens to participate in an online survey to answer such questions as, “How does Maine preserve its working waterfront while also preparing for sea level rise?” And, “How does Maine develop its coast in a way that also protects the integrity of its coastal habitats?” The survey will help inform the program’s 2026-2030 Strategic Outlook Plan, which is updated every five years. Access the survey by first going to the MDMR website and then typing forms dot office dot com.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Special Halloween Reading at Versant Power Astronomy Center
(Orono) Kick off your Halloween week this Monday with a spooky special reading of some Stephen King material. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Planetarium, tells Star 97.7 about this haunting event. (((Langoliers “…a way to kick off your Halloween week, if you will.” :23)))
Goldfish Crackers Temporarily Renamed to Appeal to Adults
(Undated) And finally, say “cheese” … or rather, “Chilean”, darling. An iconic cheddar cracker popular with kids is getting a fancier name as it goes fishing to attract adults. For a limited time, Goldfish crackers will be called “Chilean Sea Bass”. They will look and taste the same, but it’s hoped the name will reel in the over 21 set. Pepperidge Farm says the move is just a playful reminder that the snack isn’t just for the little ones.
Downeast Cider & Cheese Festival
(Ellsworth) Nothing says autumn like the Downeast Cider and Cheese Festival, presented by Heart of Ellsworth. This year’s festival will be November 8th through the 10th. Honoring the rich tradition of Maine’s historic apple industry, it’s the first and only event of its kind in the state, celebrating the revival of two traditional foods – hard cider and cheese. Learn more at heart of ellsworth dot org.
(Ellsworth) Mark your calendar now for the state’s first and only event of its kind – the Downeast Cider and Cheese Festival, November 8th through the 10th, presented by Heart of Ellsworth. Honoring the rich tradition of Maine’s historic apple industry, the festival celebrates the revival of two traditional foods – hard cider and cheese. Food, drink, music and more – learn more at heart of ellsworth dot org.
Lily’s Christmas Angels
(Ellsworth) The Lily’s Christmas Angels Program is now taking applications for holiday support. The program is open to families in Hancock County facing financial hardships this holiday season. All information is strictly confidential and will not be shared. Each family member may ask for two wishes, and families applying may only apply if they’ve not applied for any other gift programs in the area. To request an application, email [email protected] before November 15th. Applications will be reviewed and applicants notified by November 18th if selected for the program, with gifts available for pickup on Sunday, December 22nd.
(Ellsworth) When Lily Philbrook was just a young girl, she started her angel tree program as her bronze award project for Girl Scouts. She’s since kept the program going – 12 years now – and has provided gifts for 700-plus local children annually since. The Lily’s Christmas Angels Program is open to families in Hancock County facing financial hardships this holiday season. All information is strictly confidential and will not be shared. Each family member may ask for two wishes, and families applying may only apply if they’ve not applied for any other gift programs in the area. To request an application, email [email protected] before November 15th. Applications will be reviewed and applicants notified by November 18th if selected for the program, with gifts available for pickup on Sunday, December 22nd.
Sports
The Dallas Stars shining brightly last night – they beat the Bruins 5-2. The Bruins off tonight – they’ll be home again Saturday for a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Celtics worked their own kind of magic in DC last night, beating the Washington Wizards 122-102. The Celtics at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit Saturday to shoot hoops with the Pistons.
The New England Patriots take on the Jets at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.