Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Firefighters Battle Blueberry Barrens Blaze
(Union) Dry leaves, dry brush, dry woods – there’s no doubt about it, conditions are dry – and that means prime fuel for fires across forests and fields. The Pen Bay Pilot reports local firefighters spent hours Sunday fighting a fire behind a blueberry field off Sidelinger Road. Union crews and the Maine Forest Service ultimately requested help from Washington, Hope, and Rockport fire departments. Because of a narrow road leading to parts of the fire, authorities were forced to use ATV’s to bring full water containers to the scene and return for refills from tanker trucks. Authorities say fire danger has been posted as high at least until we see some rain.
(Union) Firefighters from multiple towns spent most of the day and into the evening Sunday fighting a brush and forest fire in Union. The Pen Bay Pilot reports Union firefighters and the Maine Forest Service had been on the scene on Sidelinger Road for a fair amount of time when they requested help – first from Washington, then Hope and Rockport. The blaze was behind a blueberry field and down a road so narrow, crews were forced to use ATV’s to bring full water containers to the scene and return for refills from tanker trucks. Authorities say fire danger has been posted as high at least until we see some rain.
Maine Lawmaker Turns Himself in on Warrant for Assault
(Augusta) A Republican state lawmaker has turned himself in after a warrant for his arrest was issued over the weekend. Sanford Police Major Mark Dyer reports Lucas Lanigan of Springvale faces a charge of domestic violence aggravated assault, stemming from a Friday report to the Sanford Police Department. Lanigan, who is running for reelection against Democrat Patricia Kidder, turned himself in Monday morning, according to the Bangor Daily News. No details were given about the incident behind the assault charge.
(Augusta) Another case of alleged domestic violence – this time involving a Republican state lawmaker. The Bangor Daily News reports Lucas Lanigan turned himself in to police yesterday morning. A warrant for his arrest had reportedly been issued over the weekend. Lanigan is facing a charge of domestic violence aggravated assault, stemming from a Friday report to the Sanford Police Department. No details were available about the incident behind the assault charge. Lanigan is running for reelection against Democrat Patricia Kidder for House District 141, which includes part of Springvale, part of Sanford, Newfield and Shapleigh.
Local Politics
Student Mock Election
(Maine) You may have to be a certain age to vote in the official election next Tuesday; but students of all ages will vote today in the Maine Student Mock Election. One hundred thirty eight schools around the state will be participating. Students will be voting for the offices of President, U.S. Senate, and their local congressional races, with results expected Wednesday. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said young Mainers are the voters of the future and that hands-on learning through the mock electoral process underscores the importance of the democratic process. The Secretary will visit several schools around the state today, including George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill.
(Maine) Today is Election Day – mock election day, that is, at 138 schools around the state. Students of all ages will vote in the Maine Student Mock Election, choosing candidates for President, U.S. Senate, and their local congressional races, with results expected Wednesday. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said broad civics education is an important building block for the rest of students’ lives. The Secretary will visit three participating schools today – George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill, Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham, and Elm Street School in Mechanic Falls.
Political Signs Not Always Effective
(Undated) They’re signs of the times – political signs. They clutter roadways, corners, and yards. But just how effective are they? The Bangor Daily News reports when signs do help candidates, it tends to be in smaller, more local races that are lower on the ballot. That’s according to UMaine Political Science Professor Mark Brewer. He says that’s because the signs can increase name recognition for local candidates, with studies showing they can help move a race by one or two percentage points. Brewer says social media posts can do virtually the same thing. He says when it comes to larger races like the run for President, signs are much less effective. How soon before they all go away? MDOT spokesperson Paul Merrill said temporary campaign signs must be marked with the owner’s name, address, and date placed, and that they can remain in public rights of way for up to six weeks.
(Undated) Political campaign signs – on some corners here in Ellsworth, they’re so thick, you can’t tell one from the other. Some candidates post huge banners and signs – causing some to wonder about their fiscal responsibility. UMaine Political Science professor Mark Brewer tells the Bangor Daily News political signs are often most effective in smaller local races, where name recognition is key. But they make little difference in, say, the race for President. How soon before they all go away? MDOT spokesperson Paul Merrill said temporary campaign signs must be marked with the owner’s name, address, and date placed, and that they can remain in public rights of way for up to six weeks.
Environment
Coastal Snow Showers
(Gray) Say it ain’t snow! Oh, but it was – the National Weather Service in Gray shared a clip on social media that showed flurries mixing with light rain along the coast on Sunday. WMTW reports that marked the first snowfall of the season along the coast. Of course, Maine and New Hampshire had already experienced snow in the mountains. Sunday’s flurries melted quickly, but left behind the promise – or threat – of what was to come. The first trace of snow last year was exactly one year ago on October 29th. But don’t worry, some little witches have worked their magic and are promising temps near 70 later this week on Halloween.
(Gray) We’ve all seen the pictures – a snowy Mount Washington, a white-capped Mount Katahdin as a backdrop against still colorful fall leaves. But the National Weather Service reports the first snowfall along the coast was sighted just this past Sunday evening. WMTW reports the flakes consisted of the frozen stuff mixed with light rain, that melted quickly … but left behind a warning that it won’t be long. The first trace of snow last year was exactly a year ago on October 29th. Steve McKay says no need to get spooked just yet – we could see temps close to 70 on Halloween.
Maine CDC Sees Uptick in Tick-borne Diseases
(Augusta) The Maine CDC says it’s seeing an uptick in tick-borne diseases, with the number of cases this month higher that at the same time last year for anaplasmosis, babeiosis, and other diseases. As of mid-October, the CDC was reporting more than 2500 cases of Lyme alone. A recent FB post by a pet owner asked if others were seeing more ticks than usual, with 100 percent of those responding echoing alarm at regularly finding the pests on their pets and themselves, especially after being out for walks in wooded and other areas. Experts recommend that you at the very least inspect yourself daily and after outdoor activities, use an EPA-approved repellant, and shower when you get home to help remove any creepy crawlers.
(Augusta) Lots of people and pets getting ticked off this fall – yep, the Maine CDC reporting an increase in tick borne diseases over this time last year. As of mid October, there have been more than 2500 cases of Lyme disease reported alone. The Pen Bay Pilot writes good advice anytime you go outdoors is to remember the acronym TICKS – Take and use an EPA approved repellent, Inspect your whole body daily, Cover up with long sleeved shirts and pants, and tuck those pants into socks, Know when you’re in tick habitat and take precautions, and Shower to help remove any crawling ticks. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab offers tick identification for free and tick testing to Maine residents for a $20 fee. For more information, visit ticks dot umaine dot e d u.
Health
Alzheimer’s Legislation Authored by Senator Collins Becomes Law
(Washington, DC) Alzheimer’s – it’s a devastating diagnosis. This month, Senator Susan Collins announced two bipartisan bills she authored have been signed into law. Collins said the National Alzheimer’s Project Act Reauthorization and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act will maintain momentum in the battle against the disease and make sure researchers “don’t take their foot off the pedal” just as investments in basic research are beginning to translate into potential new treatments. Medical providers say the two bills are incredibly important to the progress being made to help end the scourge of Alzheimer’s.
(Washington, DC) It can begin with memory loss and progress to loved ones not even recognizing their surroundings and families. Alzheimer’s and dementia are horrific diseases being faced by far too many. Two bipartisan bills authored by Senator Susan Collins to help in the battle against these debilitating diseases were signed into law this month – the National Alzheimer’s Project Act Reauthorization and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act. Researchers say the legislation is a critical step in battling the condition that affects more than six million Americans and costs the nation an astonishing $360B a year, not counting the cost to families and friends of those who must witness the suffering of loved ones.
Infrastructure
Bangor Area Bridge Funding
(Bangor) A dozen infrastructure projects in Penobscot and Kennebec Counties received a major funding boost Monday. Senator Susan Collins said the funding will make roadways safer and more resilient and will ensure that vital travel corridors remain accessible for residents, businesses, and commercial transport. In Penobscot County federal funds totaling more than $63M will be used toward the I-395 Bridge Bundle Project, rehabilitating or replacing six deteriorating bridges along the interstate to improve driving conditions for those traveling between Bangor and Brewer.
(Bangor) Bridge construction in the Bangor-Brewer area got a major boost Monday with the allocation of more than $63M in federal funds to facilitate the I-395 Bridge Bundle Project. Senator Susan Collins said the funding will be used to rehabilitate or replace six deteriorating bridges along the interstate in order to improve driving conditions for those traveling between Bangor and Brewer. Collins said the funding will make roadways safer and more resilient and will ensure vital travel corridors remain accessible for residents, businesses, and commercial transport.
Penobscot Narrows Observatory to Close for Season
(Prospect) One last look – that’s about all you’ll have time for if you want to catch the last glimpse of fall from the observatory at the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. The observatory, the tallest of its kind in the world at 420 feet, will remain open for the season just until Thursday. The Fort Knox Historic Site will also close that day. Both will reopen May 1st.
(Prospect) You have just a couple more days if you want to catch the view from the observatory at the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. The observatory, the tallest of its kind in the world at 420 feet, will close October 31st, along with the Fort Knox Historic Site. Both will remain closed for the next six months, reopening on May 1st.
Cadillac Summit Reservations End
(ANP) A couple of seasonal changes to tell you about at Acadia National Park. You can now access Cadillac Mountain for those chilly sunrises or sunsets without a reservation – the last day for the reservation system this year was Sunday. The Hulls Cove Visitors Center closes for the season on October 31st. Don’t forget, there’s ongoing construction on parts of the Park Loop Road through November 16th, with alternating one way traffic and full closure to all uses November 17th to the 27th. The Park Loop Road generally closes to vehicle traffic on or around December 1st.
(ANP) As of this week, you no longer need to make a reservation to catch the sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park. However, a reminder there’s ongoing construction on parts of the Park Loop Road through November 16th, with alternating one-way traffic and full closure to all uses November 17th through the 27th. The Hulls Cove Visitors Center closes for the season this Thursday. And the Park Loop Road generally closes to vehicle traffic on December 1st. Visit n p s dot gov for updates.
Sports
Celtics over the Milwaukee Bucks 119-108 last night at TD Garden. The Celtics off tonight – they’ll be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Wednesday to take on the Indiana Pacers.
Bruins at TD Garden to take on the Philadelphia Flyers.