Happy November! Don’t forget to set your clocks back this weekend!
Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Skowhegan House Fire
(Skowhegan) The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a house fire in Skowhegan. The Skowhegan Fire Department was called to a home on Waterville Road shortly after 3 yesterday afternoon. They say one person was able to make it out of the house but was taken to a hospital with severe burns and was listed in critical condition. Altogether ten units responded to the blaze. No word yet this morning on the victim’s condition.
(Skowhegan) A Skowhegan homeowner was able to escape a Thursday afternoon blaze but suffered severe burns and was listed in critical condition last night at Reddington-Fairview General Hospital. The Skowhegan Fire Department was called to the blaze about 3 p.m. yesterday – nine other units ultimately responded to the fire at 706 Waterville Road. No word yet this morning on the name of the victim or that person’s condition.
Multistate Litigation Against Drug Manufacturers Moves Forward
(Connecticut) A more than $49M multistate lawsuit against two generic drug manufacturers moved forward Thursday. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey reports millions of documents and phone records lay out a series of complaints against two corporations – Heritage Pharmaceuticals and an as-yet-unnamed drug company – claiming executives conspired together to unlawfully discourage competition, raise prices, and enforce a culture of collusion. Documentation shows the competitors met with each other during industry dinners, “girls’ nights out”, golf outings, and via phone calls in order to sow the seeds of the illegal agreements. Consumers who purchased certain generic prescription drugs between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018 could be eligible for money once the suit is settled.
(Connecticut) Consumers who purchased certain generic prescription drugs between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018 could be eligible for money under a $49M multistate lawsuit. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey Thursday reports two significant cooperation agreements and settlements with Heritage Pharmaceuticals and a second, as-yet-unnamed corporation allege widespread, long-running conspiracies to artificially inflate and manipulate prices, reduce competition, and restrain trade of numerous generic prescription drugs. The $10M settlement with Heritage was filed Thursday. A settlement with the second corporation for $39.1M will be finalized in the near future and that corporation named at that time. The suit was filed by Maine, 45 other U.S. States, the District of Columbia and two US territories.
Economy
Acadia Visits Peak in Autumn
(ANP) Acadia National Park saw record-breaking attendance on Indigenous People’s Weekend. While mid summer has historically been the busiest time at the Park, visits seem to be transitioning to the beautiful Fall days, especially with the state’s milder autumn temperatures. The Mount Desert Islander reports more than 3600 vehicles entered the Sand Beach entrance station on October 13th, with ridership on the Island Explorer bus system the third highest since the busses started running past Labor Day in 2003.
Economic Outlook Promising
(Undated) GDP growth numbers are out this week, showing a healthy 2.8% growth in the nation’s economy for the third quarter. That’s great news for small business owners in Ellsworth and the surrounding communities. Mark Bennett with Bank of America tells Star 97.7, 78% of business owners surveyed expect revenue to increase, 63% plan to expand, and 52% plan to hire within the next year. (((Econ 1 “…to be able to achieve that level of growth.” :17))) Speaking of the economy, head to Downtown Ellsworth tomorrow for the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce’s Early Bird Sales – lots of deals to be had all over Ellsworth.
(Undated) There’s a lot of gloom and doom about the economy these days. There’s no doubt costs have soared since the pandemic. But the economy seems to have turned a corner. The latest report from the federal government released this week shows a healthy 2.8% growth in the economy, and Business Banking expert Mark Bennett tells Star 97.7, overall, the outlook among business owners is positive. (((Econ 2 “…about 57% believe it will improve.” :20)))
(Undated) Bakeries, florists, gift shops, jewelers – Ellsworth and the surrounding communities boast a plethora of women-owned businesses. Bank of America Business Banking Expert Mark Bennett tells Star 97.7, as a whole, those female entrepreneurs have a positive outlook about the future of our economy. (((Econ 3 “…coming out of the pandemic on an annual basis.” :18))) Bennett says nearly 90% of those female entrepreneurs plan to obtain business funding in the coming year for expansion and other growth needs.
(Undated) The latest economic figures from the US Government this week are finally showing a turnaround and healthy growth in the economy. Still, one of the biggest challenges for business owners remains a lack of staffing. Business Banking Expert Mark Bennett tells Star 97.7, some business owners are putting in more hours, raising wages, and making use of AI. (((Econ 4 “…operations for their existing employees.” :14))) Speaking of the economy, tomorrow is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of pre-holiday sales – It’s the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce’s Early Bird Sales Saturday. Check out the Chamber’s FB page to learn where you can get in on all the deals!
Ellsworth Library Annual Appeal
(Ellsworth) Before we all get caught up in the holidays, think about the last time you frequented the Ellsworth Public Library – to check out a book, for a special children’s event, to rent a movie, to access free wifi, peruse the New York Times, view an art display, pick up a Farm Drop Order, take a class, or hear an author or other special speaker. November is Annual Appeal Month at the library. We’ve depended on them – and now, they’re depending on us. Make your generous gift today at ellsworth library dot net forward slash donate.
(Ellsworth) Programs at the Ellsworth Public Library continue to bring more visitors – from author talks, to art exhibits, to children’s events, classes for adults, and more. That increase also highlights structural limitations that affect positive experiences at the library, so the Library is addressing those needs with a renovation that requires substantial funds. Renovation goals include ADA accessibility, improved safety, noise reduction, and diverse spaces. November is Annual Appeal Month at the library – while you’re thinking about it, why not add your generous gift? You can do that today at ellsworth library dot net forward slash donate.
Environment
Time Change
(Maine) Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday at 2 a.m. local time, marking a return to standard time and giving us an extra hour of sleep. The purpose of the time change is supposedly to take advantage of daylight to save energy, improve road and railway safety, and reduce crime. But experts say some studies have found the impact on energy conservation is negligible. Others have found the transition to Daylight Savings Time can lead to sleep loss and an increased risk of heart attacks in some groups. Sorry for the “dark” thoughts … We switch back to Daylight Savings Time on March 9th, 2025.
Health
Healthy Hibernation Fair
(Blue Hill) How amazing was our weather yesterday for the Trick or Treaters? Alas, we knew it wouldn’t last. Winter will soon be upon us – the most difficult time of the year for us to stay healthy, both in mind and body. Not to worry, tomorrow from 10 to 1 you’ll find more than 40 vendors with ideas to help you stay at your best during the next six months! It’s the Healthy Hibernation Fair at the YMCA in Blue Hill, sponsored by Healthy Peninsula. You’ll find vendors sporting everything from asana yoga to zealous advocates for art. Even area libraries will be there to help you keep your mind sharp during the long, dark winter. The Blue Hill Y is opening their pool, walking track, and exercise and weight room to anyone on the day of the event. Check out the Healthy Hibernation Fair FB page to learn more.
(Blue Hill) There’s no time like winter … to get down and dumpy, that is! Just in time, Healthy Peninsula is hosting the Healthy Hibernation Fair – tomorrow from 10 to 1 at the Blue Hill YMCA. The event is for all ages, with a vaccine clinic for adults (bring your insurance card). More than 40 vendors – from exercise, to vitamins, to art, to libraries – will share ideas on how to stay fit in mind, body, and attitude. There’s no charge to attend – The Blue Hill Y is even opening their pool, walking track, and exercise and weight room to everyone on the day of the event. Check out the Healthy Hibernation Fair FB page to learn more.
Human Interest/Entertainment
BHB&T Honor a Veteran Contest
(Bar Harbor) With Veteran’s Day coming up a week from Monday, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust announces an Honor a Veteran Contest that will gift a thousand dollars to a local veteran and an additional thousand dollars to a nonprofit that serves veterans. Beginning today through November 15th, the bank is accepting nominations at refer dot bar harbor dot bank forward slash veteran. Nominees must have served or be currently serving in a branch of the U.S. military, must be 18 years of age or older and reside in Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont. Only one entry per person. Contest winner will be announced in late November.
(Bar Harbor) We can’t think of anyone more deserving of our honor and respect than our nation’s veterans. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust agrees, and they’re putting their money where their appreciation is – literally. Beginning today through November 15th, the bank invites you to nominate a local veteran, one of whom will win a thousand dollars. In addition, a nonprofit that serves veterans will also be gifted a thousand dollars. Nominees must have served or be currently serving in a branch of the U.S. military, must be 18 years of age or older and reside in Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont. Only one entry per person. Contest winner will be announced in late November.
Fogtown Brewing Offers Fresh Pressed Cider Event
(Ellsworth) Press your own cider and take it home in a swivel top bottle to drink fresh or ferment at home. Tomorrow from 2 to 4 at Fogtown Brewing, you can make and take home 500 ml of freshly pressed cider. Plus, get two general admission tickets to the Cider & Cheese Bazaar on Saturday November 9th as part of Heart of Ellsworth’s Cider + Cheese Festival! Register and learn more at heartofellsworth dot org.
(Ellsworth) You’d be hard-pressed to give up this opportunity! Tomorrow from 2 to 4 at Fogtown Brewing in Ellsworth, you can press your own cider and take it home to drink fresh or ferment at home. For $60, make and take home 500 ml of freshly pressed cider in a swivel top bottle. Plus, get two general admission tickets to the Cider & Cheese Bazaar on Saturday November 9th as part of Heart of Ellsworth’s Cider + Cheese Festival! Register and learn more at heartofellsworth dot org.
Lost on a Mountain … Tix at Grand Going Fast!
(Ellsworth) Got your tickets yet for the special premiere showing of Lost on A Mountain in Maine at The Grand in Ellsworth?! Better get them soon! The Grand tells us they have fewer than 40 tickets left for tonight, and Saturday sales are brisk as well. Three school screenings have sold out. There are screenings next Wednesday and Thursday, as well, so don’t miss out on seeing the first run of the riveting true story of 12 yo Donn Fendler who was lost for eight days in the wilderness of northern Maine before being rescued. Produced by Sylvester Stallone, it’s the movie everyone is talking about – make sure you’re in on the conversation. Tickets at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) Through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail know it as the 100-mile wilderness. Mt. Katahdin rises ominously into the clouds. Remarkably, in 1939, 12 yo Donn Fendler survived eight days lost in that wilderness before he was found safe. Now a major motion picture produced by Sylvester Stallone, the story, Lost on a Mountain in Maine, premieres this week at The Grand in Ellsworth. The Grand Operations Manager Kim Fitch tells Star 97.7, there are fewer than 40 tickets left for tonight’s showing, and they’re going fast for Saturday, as well. Three school screenings have already sold out. Final showings next Wednesday and Thursday – get your tickets soon if you want to see this movie that is quintessential Maine spirit – grand online dot org.
Sports
The Hurricanes all over the Bruins last night – Carolina wins it 8-2. The Bruins are back in Philly tomorrow – they’ll try to get the win this time against the Flyers.
The Patriots in Tennessee Sunday to take on the Titans.
The Celtics in Charlotte tonight to hit the hardwood against the Hornets.