Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Ellsworth Police Department Partners with AMHC
(Ellsworth) Members of the Ellsworth Police Department have formed an innovative partnership with Aroostook Mental Health Center. The partnership is aimed at addressing mental health and social service needs within the community. The collaboration will bring social workers directly into the field to assist people during critical incidents, with timely and specialized care to help those in crisis. AHMC was chosen as the program’s partner because of its resources and availability to partner with the Ellsworth Police Department and the City. The organization has established successful partnerships with other police agencies throughout Maine. The first social worker will begin in January.
(Ellsworth) Police officers often encounter people in crisis. Now the Ellsworth Police Department has partnered with Aroostook Mental Health Center to address mental health and social service needs within the community. The partnership reflects the City of Ellsworth’s commitment to proactive solutions in response to the nationwide rise in mental health related calls, which have overwhelmed police departments. The collaboration will bring social workers directly into the field to assist people during critical incidents, with timely and specialized care to help those in crisis. The first social worker will begin in January.
Turnpike Crash Involving Cows
(Lewiston) An improperly secured door led to a crash on the Turnpike in Lewiston yesterday involving a pickup truck hauling a cattle trailer. Maine State Police say about 11:30 Tuesday morning, the driver of the truck, 39 yo Dustin Bubar of Stetson, was southbound, when the rear door became unlatched, causing three cows to fall from the vehicle and a fourth to escape when the truck stopped. Troopers and the driver were able to secure all the cattle, although two were expected to be euthanized due to the severity of their injuries.
(Lewiston) The casualties were cows yesterday in a crash on the Turnpike in Lewiston. Maine State Police say 39 yo Dustin Bubar of Stetson was southbound about 11:30 Tuesday morning when the rear door of the cattle trailer he was hauling became unlatched, causing three cows to fall from the vehicle. A fourth cow escaped when the truck stopped. Troopers assisted Bubar in rounding up all the cattle, two of which were expected to be euthanized due to the severity of their injuries.
Crime Rate Drops for Second Straight Year
(Maine) For the second year in a row, Maine’s crime rate dropped in 2023. Last year, the crime rate was 29.65 incidents per one thousand people, a decrease from 32.16 the year before. The Bangor Daily News reports all 129 police agencies in Maine contributed data to the report released this week. The report shows the vast majority of homicides, 40, were committed with a gun. Twenty-six more people reported domestic violence assault in 2023 compared to 2022, with a total of 12,065 such assaults reported.
(Maine) The state’s crime rate dropped for the second year in a row in 2023. The Bangor Daily News reports a report released this week showed the crime rate was 29.65 incidents per 1,000 people – a decrease from 32.16 the year before. Overall,, the state’s violent crime rate saw a nominal decrease, even through the year’s homicide total was more than double that of 2022 because of the October 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston which claimed 18 lives. The report shows the vast majority of homicides – 40 – were committed with a gun. There were 12,065 domestic violence assaults reported in 2023 – 26 more than in 2022.
Local Politics
New Rules Being Written for Bringing Dogs Into US
(Washington, DC) The US CDC will revisit a previous final rule related to transporting dogs across the US-Canada border. The move comes after continued pushback from U.S. Senator Susan Collins and other northern border state senators and stakeholders. Collins’ office reports the CDC Director acknowledges his agency erred earlier this year in not balancing the concerns of dog owners and those in border communities when crafting rules designed to limit the spread of canine rabies, especially since both countries are considered low risk for canine rabies.
(Washington, DC) US CDC rules crafted earlier this year regarding transporting dogs across the US-Canada border have proven troublesome for dog owners. The rule mandates dogs be at least six months old, have a microchip, and provide a cumbersome import form signed by a licensed veterinarian Following pushback from Senator Susan Collins and other northern border state senators and stakeholders, the CDC has agreed to revisit the current final rule. Collins’ office reports the CDC Director acknowledges his agency erred in not balancing the concerns of dog owners and those in border communities when crafting rules designed to limit the spread of canine rabies.
Ellsworth City Council Wrestles with Public Comments Issue
(Ellsworth) John Linnehan has run for a seat on the Ellsworth City Council and other political positions numerous times. Each time, the voters have said, “No”. Now, largely because of Linnehan’s actions at Council meetings, members are considering saying “no” to citizen comments. The Bangor Daily News reports Linnehan continuously shows up at Council meetings, criticizing elected members by name and advocating to replace them at the ballot boxes. Linnehan calls it his “free speech” right. Council members call it politicking, and say that runs afoul of the law, and that his comments have nothing to do with official business. While no firm decision has been made, Council members say they might consider banning the citizen comments section of the meeting and will explore the option with the City’s attorney.
(Ellsworth) Voters have yet to give a nod to John Linnehan, although he has run for Ellsworth City Council and numerous other political positions multiple times. The Bangor Daily News reports Linnehan appears to be countering those losses by showing up at City Council meetings and criticizing elected members by name, advocating to replace them at the ballot box. Such actions have led City Council to consider banning the citizen comments section of the meeting, because, they say, such actions amount to politicking, which runs afoul of the law. They say not only that, but Linnehan’s actions are disruptive and prevent them from working on official business to which they must attend. No firm decision on a ban has been made, but Council may explore the option with the City’s attorney.
Economy
Last Minute Shopping in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) You thought you were done with that holiday shopping, but then realized you needed one more last-minute gift – or maybe you’ve yet to get started. Not to fear; there are several opportunities in Ellsworth this week to “wrap it all up”. Tomorrow night, our wonderful local businesses are offering Late Night Downtown Shopping, with many shops having extended hours to 8 p.m. Then on Saturday, visit the Barn at Woodlawn for the Winter Craft and Farmer’s Market. From 10 to 1 on the 21st, find unique, handmade gifts and more. Come out, shop local for the holidays, and support area artists and businesses.
(Ellsworth) You work so many hours, you just haven’t been able to “wrap up” that holiday shopping. No need to panic – here’s something that will have you singing the Hallelujah Chorus! Tomorrow night, local businesses in Ellsworth are offering Late Night Downtown Shopping, with many shops having extended hours to 8 p.m. Then on Saturday, visit the Barn at Woodlawn for the Winter Craft and Farmer’s Market. From 10 to 1 on the 21st, find unique, handmade gifts and more. Joy to the World! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – in Downtown Ellsworth and at the Barn at Woodlawn.
Paid Family and Medical Leave Portal to Launch January 6th
(Augusta) Maine’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave Portal will launch January 6th. The portal is the online system for employers to register their business information, designate a payroll processor, file quarterly wage reports, and remit quarterly premium contributions. Beginning January 1st, any employer with at least one Maine-based employee must begin payroll withholdings. All employers must register on the portal to begin wage reporting in April 2025. The portal will also allow self-employed persons and tribal governments to elect coverage. Questions can be addressed to the Maine Department of Labor.
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Labor has announced the launch of the state’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave Portal on January 6th. Beginning January 1st, employers must begin payroll withholdings, and all employers must register on the portal to begin wage reporting in April 2025. The portal is the online system for employers to register their business information, designate a payroll processor, file quarterly wage reports, and remit quarterly premium contributions. It will also allow self-employed persons and tribal governments to elect coverage.
Education
Dirigo Reads Partners with Governor’s Restaurants for Read A New Book Month
(Bangor) Breakfast and books – what could be better? Dirigo Reads, a program that aims to put a book in the hands of every Maine first grader each month during the school year, has partnered with Governor’s Restaurant and Bakery for “Read A New Book Month”. To celebrate the month, Dirigo Reads was at all six Governor’s Restaurant locations last Saturday, handing out free books for ages 4-7. In addition, Governor’s donated 10% of their proceeds from the morning’s breakfast orders to Dirigo Reads. Dirigo Reads estimates at Saturday’s event, they gave out more than a thousand books, with Governor’s making a $2,500 donation based on Saturday’s proceeds.
Environment
UMaine Students Rehab Trail Signs
(Orono) A group of students at the University of Maine recently partnered with the City of Bangor to rehabilitate signs on the Kenduskeag Stream Heritage Trail, a 2.2 mile urban and wilderness footpath that intersects downtown. Eight history students created interpretive signs to replace damaged ones at points of interest along the trail. The new signs tell stories about the history of Bangor, including the drowning of Charlie Howard, the Great Fire of Bangor in 1911, and the ongoing importance of Wabanaki people in their homeland.
(Orono) Walkers on the 2.2 mile Kenduskeag Stream Heritage Trail will soon enjoy a new set of interpretive signs, thanks to a group of UMaine history students. The students partnered with the City of Bangor to create the signs that tell stories about the history of Bangor, including the drowning of Charlie Howard, the Great Fire of Bangor in 1911, and the ongoing importance of Wabanaki people in their homeland. The new signs are designed to replace damaged ones that line the urban and wilderness footpath that intersects downtown Bangor.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Chris Greeley’s 25 Days of Kindness Touches Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Star 97.7 on Tuesday got to play Santa Claus, along with the Holden Police Department, on behalf of Chris Greeley’s 25 Days of Kindness. Holden Police Chief Eddie Benjamin and Tressa Smith accompanied the crew as they stopped by the Ellsworth Public Library, the Grand, the SPCA of Hancock County, and Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, dropping off $500 to each non-profit, some of the monies raised by Mike Dow’s 96 hour marathon on the Thanksgiving holiday. While serving as Chief of Police in Holden, Greeley founded the 25 Days of Kindness, which became a hallmark fundraiser, providing thousands of dollars for nonprofits and those in need. Greeley died unexpectedly in 2023, but his legacy lives on in the program he so generously began.
Sports
Bruins beat the Flames in Calgary last night, 4-3. Bruins and Celtics both have the night off tonight.
High School Basketball results for Tuesday:
Girls Boys
Jonesport-Beals 50 Woodland 55 Ellsworth 59 Old Town 61
GSA 58 Narraguagus 32 Sumner 66 Searsport 29
WA 45 MDI 69
Sumner 58 Searsport 16
Just a couple of boys’ games on tap this evening: The Calais Blue Devils face off against the Machias Bulldogs, and the Narraguagus Knights take on the Woodland Dragons.