Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Hermon House Fire
(Hermon) A firefighter was injured and two dogs died in a house fire in Hermon Wednesday. Crews responded to the home at the end of George Road around 11:30 yesterday morning. They say the fire was mostly contained to a kitchen. The firefighter who was injured was treated at a nearby hospital. The cause of that fire is under investigation.
(Hermon) A house fire in Hermon Wednesday left a home uninhabitable. Crews were called to the home at the end of George Road about 11:30 yesterday morning. One firefighter suffered a minor injury and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Two dogs died in the fire, which was largely contained to a kitchen. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.
More on Maine Marine Patro’s Latest Vessel
(Jonesport) On Tuesday, we told you about the Maine Marine Patrol’s newest vessel, the P/V Sentinel II. The craft will be stationed in Jonesport and will patrol the waters between Harrington and the Canadian border. The boat is the second Calvin Beal vessel the patrol has built in recent years to replace older vessels. MaineBiz reports the Beal design has proven to be a safe and stable platform for officers while hauling and inspecting lobster gear. The new vessel will be part of the oldest law enforcement organization in the state. The Maine Marine Patrol was founded in 1869.
(Jonesport) A little more now on the Maine Marine Patrol’s newest vessel that we told you about on Tuesday. MaineBiz reports the P/V Sentinel II is the second Calvin Beal vessel the patrol has built in recent years to replace older vessels. The Beal design is a proven safe and stable platform for officers while hauling and inspecting lobster gear in near– and offshore locations. The P/V Sentinel II will be stationed in Jonesport and will patrol the waters between Harrington and Canada.
Local Politics
Latest Election Results
(Washington, DC) Independent Angus King has now officially won the race to keep his seat in the U.S. Senate. At age 80, he’s Maine’s oldest ever Senator. This will be his third term in the Senate. Of the five ballot initiatives, all but the flag initiative passed. The flag will remain the current detailed version on a blue background. Democrat Jared Golden calling it a win over Republican and Trump-backed challenger Austin Theriault by a narrow margin – 50.5% to 49.6%. Theriault not yet conceding, saying the race is too close to call.
(Ellsworth) Yesterday, we shared with you Incumbent Steve O’Halloran and newcomer Tabatha White were elected to serve on the Ellsworth City Council – those results unofficial until certified by City Council, but both won by wide margins over the other three candidates. In the race for Hancock County Commissioner, Republican William Clark retained his seat over Democrat Rebecca Wentworth. And with all districts reporting, Republican Russell White beat Democrat J. Mark Worth for District 13 State Representative, and Incumbent Democrat Nicole Grohoski will keep her seat serving District 7 in the State Senate. She beat Republican Sherman Hutchins.
Post-Election Information
(Augusta) Some post election information from the Secretary of State’s office, in case you’re wondering. Recount of races not determined by ranked choice voting must be made by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the 13th … there are no automatic recounts. If there’s ever a ranked choice voting possibility, once official results are in from all municipalities, the Secretary of State’s office would announce whether or not any tabulations would be required. If there are, dates and times would be made public so citizens could attend in person and the tabulation would also be livestreamed.
(Augusta) Some post election information from the Secretary of State’s office, there is a methodical process of checking all the voter participation numbers and tabulations. Municipalities have two business days to report their official results, which are then thoroughly reviewed by the Secretary of State’s office. They then have 20 days to send certified results to the Governor, although they say they’re sometimes able to complete that earlier. Turnout numbers will be available once those results are communicated to Governor Mills.
(Augusta) Some post election information that may be of interest. The Secretary of State’s office says municipal clerks have 45 business days to complete the voter participation histories in the central voter registration system. It is only after that point the Secretary of State’s office will post updated Enrolled and Registered reports with current party enrollment totals. That being said, a huge thank you to all our town and city clerks who work overtime during elections in incredibly stressful situations – kudos to you and to all the poll workers who gave their time Tuesday to make sure the election ran smoothly.
Economy
Post-Pandemic Staffing Issues
(Undated) Only 22% of employees rate their companies as excellent – that’s according to a recent Arbinger Institute and Gallup poll. The pandemic changed how we work, many now working remotely, and that has often meant more stress and less communication between employers and employees. MaineBiz reports several factors contribute to employee dissatisfaction – burnout, management communication (only 43% of organizations hold regular conversations with their workforce), constant change in the workplace, and workers feeling a lack of belonging. ACE (the Association for Consulting Expertise) recommends addressing these concerns as follows. They say leaders should focus on flexibility in meeting workers’ needs; fostering collaboration, creativity and connection among employees during on-site time; and facilitating team-building activities, fostering meaningful conversations, and supporting employees’ personal challenges.
Christmas Happenings
(Ellsworth) After a bruising election season, we certainly all could use a little Christmas, and that’s just what the City of Ellsworth has planned!. The Annual Tree Lighting will be November 30th from 3 to 5 p.m. in the City Hall Parking lot. Vendors, including nonprofits, are welcome to join! Call community organizer Kim Fitch at 812-0172 to sign up. And while you have Kim on the phone, you can also sign up for this year’s Christmas Parade! That’s set for Saturday, December 7th, lining up at 3 and kicking off at 4 p.m., so be sure to light up the darkness with your “Christmas in Toyland” themed float. This year’s Grand Marshal is Brenda “Momo” Ledezma, founder of Momo’s Cheesecakes. It’s gonna be a sweet event.
Ellsworth Christmas for Kids Auction
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth City Hall is back open for business today! While you’re there, take a look at the items up for auction, with proceeds benefiting the City’s Christmas for Kids Fund. No child should go without Christmas, and your bids make sure those less fortunate receive what’s on their wish lists. The City budgets $60 per child; the auction runs through November 30th. And if you’re one of our wonderful area businesses, there’s still time to donate an item or items!
Health
UMaine Augusta Celebrates Opening of Dental Center
(Augusta) Open wide and say, “Wow!” Last week, the University of Maine Augusta officially opened an expanded Delta Education Clinic in its Lewiston Center. Opening of the facility was part of the University’s efforts to improve access to oral care by doubling its capacity to educate in-demand dental healthcare professionals and provide community care there. The space was dedicated as the Delta Dental Oral Health Center in honor of a generous grant from Northeast Delta Dental that helped fund the project.
(Augusta) UMaine Augusta celebrated a milestone in providing improved access to dental care last week. The University officially opened an expanded Delta Education Clinic in its Lewiston Center. The space, which added three new dental chairs and a state-of-the-art 3-D digital X-ray machine, was dedicated as the Delta Dental Oral Health Center, in honor of a generous grant from Northeast Delta Dental that helped fund the project. Opening of the center will improve access to care, double the capacity to educate in-demand dental healthcare professionals, and provide community care.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Maine Seacoast Mission Opens Santa’s Workshop for 2024 Holiday
(Cherryfield) It’s Holiday Season! At Santa’s Workshop in Cherryfield, the “elves”, aka volunteers, are hard at work at Maine Seacoast Mission’s Christmas Help-shop. The Mission’s Christmas program has helped generations of children and families in Downeast Maine have a Merry Christmas. Families can sign up to shop or receive gifts from the Christmas Program at seacoast mission dot org, forward slash Downeast. The program serves residents of Addison, Beals Island, Cherryfield, Columbia, Steuben and other towns and islands served by the MSM vessel, the Sunbeam.
(Cherryfield) Santa’s Workshop is now open at the Maine Seacoast Mission campus in Cherryfield. Since 1905, MSM has helped generations of children and families have a Merry Christmas through their Christmas Program, which serves residents of Columbia Falls, Deblois, Harrington, Jonesboro, Jonesport, Machias, Milbridge, Mount Desert Island towns, and islands served by the Sunbeam. Based on age and preference, families receive several gifts for each child; and gifts can be wrapped or left unwrapped. Eligible families can sign up to shop or receive gifts from the Christmas Program at seacoast mission dot org, forward slash Downeast.
Mano e Mano Sponsors Harvest Resources Fair
(Milbridge) If you’re here for the harvest or temporary work, Mano e Mano in Milbridge is sponsoring a Harvest of Resources Fair on November 22nd. Stop by 4 Maple Street that Friday between 1 and 3 and grab some fresh produce, learn about programs designed to support you and your family, and connect with valuable local resources. Learn more by contacting Dodie Emerson at 271-2132.
Mainely Audio Celebrates 25 Years
(Ellsworth) And a re-SOUND-ing congratulations to our neighbor, Mainely Audio. The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce tells us they’re celebrating 25 years of proudly serving the Hancock County area and surrounding communities. Thanks for making us all “sound” good!
Bar Harbor Pajama Sale and Bed Races
(Bar Harbor) Get ready to shop til you drop – and you can drop right into bed! Well, almost. This Saturday, Bar Harbor hosts the 29th Annual Early Bird Pajama Sale. Crawl right out of bed in your jammies, because beginning at 6 a.m., the deals will be warm and cozy, with special deals if you’re in your pjs. Then, starting at 10 a.m, it’s the 15th Annual Bed Races, starting in front of the Criterion Theatre. Teams will race down Cottage Street in timed heats, with awards given right after the races! Get a jump on your holiday shopping, then jump into the fun by cheering on your favorite teams.
Lost on a Mountain … Final Showing at The Grand
(Ellsworth) Tonight’s your final chance to see Lost on a Mountain in Maine at the Grand Theatre in Ellsworth! The movie, produced by Sylvester Stallone, is the gripping tale of 12 yo Donn Fendler, who in 1939 became separated from his family while climbing Mount Katahdin and spent nearly nine harrowing days in the northern Maine wilderness. Last Friday’s and Saturday’s shows sold out, and with good reason. Don’t miss your chance to see it! Tickets at grand online dot org.
Sports
In the Class C boys’ high school soccer finals, No. 4 WA beats No. 2 GSA 4-0.
Bruins on the home ice to take on the Calgary Flames
Celtics with a rare loss – last night’s game went to the Golden State Warriors, 118-112.