Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Staff Members Call on Governor Mills to Replace Child Welfare Director
(Augusta) Office of Child and Family Services Director Bobbi Johnson is feeling anything but the love from more than a hundred caseworkers, aides, and community care workers. The Bangor Daily News reports dozens of workers say they have no confidence in Johnson, and they want Governor Janet Mills to replace her immediately. Staff reportedly cited failure to tackle safety issues related to kids the state holds in hotels and a “blatant failure to listen” to staff concerns.
(Augusta) Maine’s Child Welfare Agency continues to be an embattled organization, with the latest issue surrounding the agency’s director. The Bangor Daily News reports more than a hundred caseworkers, aides, and community care workers say they have no confidence in Bobbi Johnson, who is just 11 months into the job. Staff reportedly cited failures to tackle safety issues related to kids the state holds in hotels and a “blatant failure to listen” to staff concerns. They’ve called on Governor Janet Mills to immediately replace Johnson.
Tremont Couple Fined Over Land Use Violation
(Tremont) A District Court Judge has fined a Tremont couple more than $230,000 after ruling they’ve been operating an unpermitted junkyard at their Harbor Drive property for more than six years. The Mount Desert Islander reports the penalty comes after the courts say Robert and Judy Cousins refused to comply with a town order to remove materials from their property that the town says amounts to a junkyard. The couple had reportedly accumulated “stacks of used bricks, piles of old and discolored lumber, old lawn furniture, scrap metal, garbage cans and other items”. The Cousins say the materials are to be used in the reconstruction of a restaurant that burned in a 2013 fire. The town’s code enforcement officer levied a notice of violation in 2019, but turned to the courts after the parties were unable to come to a resolution.
(Tremont) A Tremont couple is facing a fine of nearly a quarter million dollars for allegedly using their property as a junkyard. The Mount Desert Islander reports Robert and Judy Cousins refused to comply with a town order to remove materials, including, according to the courts, “stacks of used bricks, piles of old and discolored lumber, old lawn furniture, scrap metal, garbage cans and other items”. The town’s code enforcement officer levied a notice of violation in 2019, but turned to the courts after the parties were unable to come to a resolution. A District Court Judge levied a fine of $231,000 against the couple. The Cousins say the materials are to be used to reconstruct a restaurant that burned in 2013.
Power Tool Institute Issues Holiday Advisory
(Undated) Less than a week and counting. Holiday shoppers are decking the malls – and power tools are sure to appear on some shopping lists, along with an extra rechargeable battery or two. The Power Tool Institute is the leading resource for power tool safety, and they have some tips to help keep you and your loved ones merry and bright… without any fright. They say buy a battery made by the original equipment manufacturer, buy from a reputable dealer, and avoid those seemingly “too-good-to-be-true” online deals, because they probably ARE. Also, they say watch out for counterfeits; and remember, improper disposal can expose batteries to extreme heat, crushing, and other concerns, which could cause potential fire hazards at waste facilities and landfills. For more information, visit power tool institute dot com.
(Undated) If power tools are on your list for yourself or a loved one this holiday, be sure to practice safety when it comes to those rechargeable batteries under the tree. The Power Tool Institute, the leading resource for power tool safety, offers these tips to prevent holiday hazards. They say buy a battery made by the original equipment manufacturer, buy from a reputable dealer, and avoid those seemingly ‘too-good-to-be-true” online deals, because they probably ARE. Also, they say watch out for counterfeits, and remember improper disposal can expose batteries to extreme heat, crushing, and other concerns, which could cause potential fire hazards at waste facilities and landfills or contaminate water supplies. For more information, visit power tool institute dot com.
Local Politics
Public Comment at City Council Meetings Not “A Given”
(Ellsworth) Earlier this week, we told you about an issue faced by members of the Ellsworth City Council regarding a resident who has been showing up during the Public Comment period and allegedly engages in “politicking”. That, say councilors, is not only unlawful, but the individual’s comments have nothing to do with the agenda. You likely won’t be surprised to learn such disruption is a common issue But you MAY be surprised to learn a public comment period is not a requirement during municipal select board and council meetings. According to the Maine Municipal Association, “except at a public hearing, members of the public have no legal right to speak at a public board meeting, whether attending in person or remote.” Of course, stakeholders say they WANT to hear the public’s concerns, and it’s unfortunate when the opportunity is allegedly abused.
(Ellsworth) You may be surprised to learn, as we were, that City Councils and municipal select boards are not required to allow a public comment period at official meetings. According to the Maine Municipal Association, “except at a public hearing, members of the public have no legal right to speak at a public board meeting, whether attending in person or remote.” Of course, public officials want to know what’s on the mind of residents; but that privilege can be abused. Councilors say that’s the case with a resident who regularly shows up at Ellsworth City Council meetings and reportedly engages in politicking, which runs afoul of the law. The issue has become so disruptive, Council members say they plan to take the matter up with the City Attorney.
Ellsworth Council Approves 10-Year Plan
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth City Councilors this week approved the city’s new 10-Year Comprehensive Plan. Council members, city staff, and residents had the opportunity to weigh in on the plan during the process of crafting it, which took place over the past year and eight months. The end result is a nearly 300 page document that details visions for the future, addresses potential concerns, and includes ideas on how the City will move forward while maintaining its heritage and character. The plan now goes to the state for review and certification.
(Ellsworth) It was a nearly two-year-long process, but the Ellsworth City Council this week approved its newest 10-Year Comprehensive Plan. City officials and residents had the opportunity to weigh in as the plan took shape. The end result is a nearly 300 page document that includes visions for the future, addresses potential concerns, and details how the City will move forward while maintaining its heritage and character. The plan now goes to the state for review and certification.
Bill to Improve Access to KWW Gets Unanimous Senate Approval
(KWW) Visitors to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument could soon find improved access, thanks to legislation led by Senator Angus King. King and his colleagues this week unanimously passed The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act, which gives the National Park Service permission to acquire land from willing donors or sellers, either in fee or as an easement. Land acquired could then be used to better connect the Monument to the Millinocket region and major roadways. The additional access would only occur with willing landowners, and the bill expressly forbids the use of eminent domain.
(KWW) When Katahdin Woods and Waters was first declared a National Monument, then-Governor Paul LePage refused to let state workers install signs directing people to the monument in protest. Contrast that with a move by the Senate this week as they unanimously approved a bill that would improve access to the monument. The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act, led by Senator Angus King, gives the National Park Service permission to acquire land from willing donors or sellers, either in fee or as an easement. Land acquired could then be used to better connect the Monument to the Millinocket region and major roadways. The additional access would only occur with willing landowners, and the bill expressly forbids the use of eminent domain.
Economy
MDOL Reports on Jobs
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Labor this week published its monthly net change in jobs information. Among findings published in the report, Labor Market Dynamics in Maine: Nearly eight percent of wage and salary job holders have more than one job. Rates of multiple jobholding are highest among workers whose primary job is in healthcare and social assistance, education, leisure and hospitality, or retail trade. And earnings of workers with more than one job are close to, but slightly lower than for those with a single job.
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Labor each month publishes a periodical entitled Labor Market Dynamics in Maine. Among this month’s findings of interest, nearly eight percent of wage and salary jobholders have more than one job – that rate especially high among those whose primary jobs are in the fields of healthcare and social assistance, education, retail, and leisure and hospitality. And most sectors have some seasonal employment, although leisure and hospitality account for most job starts related to summer tourism, which also drives seasonal patterns in the number of people holding multiple jobs.
AIO Plans 5th Annual Fill the Strand Event
(Rockland) AIO Food and Energy Assistance will host its fifth Fill the Strand food and funds drive to benefit the organization’s food and energy assistance, weekend Meal, and Diaper Assistance Programs on January 20th. The event challenges Rockland and surrounding communities to fill every seat in the historic theater with bags of food and/or funds for AIO’s programs. AIO has raised more than $125,000 in the first four Fill the Strand events. And since AIO’s 35th anniversary is in 2025, this year they’re challenging folks to fill the theater seats three times and to raise $35,000.
(Rockland) Following the holidays, charity generally drops off, but the need certainly doesn’t. The Area Interfaith Outreach, or AIO, this week announced their 5th Annual Fill the Strand event in Rockland. On January 20th, they hope you’ll help them fill every seat in the historic Strand Theater with bags of non-perishable food items and/or funds to help meet the needs of Knox County residents. And because 2025 is AIO’s 35th Anniversary, they’ve set a goal of filling every seat three times and raising $35,000. In the past year, AIO saw more than 14,000 visits to the food pantry – a 29% increase over the year before. Fill the Strand was the model for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth’s Fill the Grand event each year.
Health
Step Away Depression
(CNN) Feeling blue during the holidays? Experts say we should take steps to better our mood – literally. A study published this week and reported in the journal JAMA Network Open found a higher daily step count is associated with fewer depressive symptoms – and you don’t have to go out and walk for miles. The typical recommendation is 10,000 steps a day; but the study found even 7,000 steps seems to translate to better mental health. Especially encouraging is that even a little increase – as few as a thousand steps a day – can potentially reduce the risk of future depression by 9%. CNN reports the research was a meta-analysis that reviewed 33 studies involving more than 96,000 adults.
Drop in Teen Drinking, Smoking – With One Exception
(AP) Good news – The Associated Press reports teen drug use has stayed steady, not risen, after its drop during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s according to results from a large annual national survey released earlier this week. About two-thirds of 12th graders this year said they hadn’t used alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes or e-cigarettes in the previous 30 days. That’s the largest proportion abstaining since the annual survey started measuring abstinence in 2017. The only significant increase occurred in nicotine pouches. About 6% of 12th graders said they’d used those in the previous year, up from about 3% in 2023.
Sports
Thursday Local High School basketball results:
Girls Boys
Searsport 04 Bucksport 55 John Bapst 38 Orono 54
GSA 20 Dexter 36
Narraguagus 48 Jonesport-Beals 57
Shead 55 Woodland 53
WA 34 Old Town 40
Friday Local High School basketball:
Girls: Searsport/Central
Boys: Jonesport-Beals/Calais, GSA/Mattanawcook, Sumner/Narraguagus
Girls and Boys: Ellsworth/Caribou, MDI/Presque Isle, Deer Isle-Stonington/Machias
The Celtics lost to the Bulls last night 117-108. The teams face off again Saturday in Chicago.
The Oilers beat the Bruins in Edmonton 3-2. The Bruins host the Buffalo Sabres Saturday.
Patriots in Buffalo Sunday to tackle the Bulls