Crime, Public Safety, Drugs
April is Safe Digging Month
(Maine) Can you dig it? Whether planting a tree, building a fence, or taking on a landscaping project, Summit Natural Gas of Maine says be sure you dig safely. April is National Safe Digging Month, and folks are urged to notify 8-1-1 before starting any digging project. In fact, in Maine, it’s the law. When you call 8-1-1, utility operators come out and mark their underground facilities to allow homeowners to dig safely without risking serious injury or service interruptions. They say even small projects and projects using just a shovel can pose big risks.
(Maine) Whether using a shovel or a backhoe, digging projects can pose big risks. April is National Safe Digging Month, and Summit Natural Gas reminds folks to call before you dig. In fact, it’s the law that you must call 8-1-1 before digging to plant a tree, build a fence, or take on a major landscaping project. When you call 8-1-1, utility operators come out and mark their underground facilities to allow homeowners to dig safely without risking serious injury or service interruptions. Summit says when using a shovel, work within 18 inches of utility marks … and avoid using mechanized equipment when working within a foot and a half of those areas.
Local Politics
U.S. Department of Justice Sues Maine
(Washington, DC) The U.S. Department of Justice Wednesday announced it was suing the state of Maine. The lawsuit, filed by US Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleges the state is violating Title IX by allowing transgender athletes – just two have been identified in the entire state – to participate in women’s sports. Bondi in a Wednesday morning press conference said the 31-page suit was an effort to force states to comply with their rulings. Maine Republican Representative Laurel Libby, who sparked the Administration’s confrontation with Maine by posting an unfiltered picture of a young transgender athlete on her FB page, appeared with Bondi and others at the Press Conference.
(Washington, DC) U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced in a press conference Wednesday morning the Department of Justice is suing the state of Maine over what it claims are Title IX violations. Title IX does not specifically address transgender athletes, but the Administration is attempting to force the state to disallow them – two have been identified in the state – from participating in women’s sports. Maine has been a target since the President called out Governor Janet Mills, who said the state is following the Maine Human Rights Act and that she would see him in court. It appears that’s where the issue will now play out.
Mills/Frey Respond to DOJ Lawsuit
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills issued a statement in response to the lawsuit, calling it the “latest expected salvo in an unprecedented campaign to pressure the State of Maine to ignore the Constitution and abandon the rule of law.” Mills further said the issue has never been about school sports or the protection of women and girls, but about states rights and defending the rule of law against a federal government bent on imposing its will. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey echoed a similar response, saying anyone with the most basic understanding of American civics understands the President does not create law nor interpret law.
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills responded to the lawsuit, saying Maine has for nearly two months endured recriminations from the federal government that have targeted hungry school children, hard working fishermen, senior citizens, new parents, and countless other Maine people. She further stated the threats and punishments are not just about who can compete on the athletic field, but about whether a President can force compliance with his will, without regard for the rule of law which governs our nation. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey issued a similar response saying he looks forward to representing the state and defending the rule of law.
National Group Funds Voter ID Referendum
(Maine) A national group dedicated to helping Republicans get elected to state legislatures has funnelled a half million dollars into a referendum attempt to require photo ID and other restrictions when voters go to the polls. Ballotpedia says the initiative would make it more difficult to vote absentee, as, among other concerns, it would repeal a provision allowing immediate family members to return absentee ballots to a secure dropbox. It would also remove a provision allowing cities and towns to request additional drop boxes within a municipality.
(Maine) A national group whose focus is to help Republicans get elected to state legislatures has funnelled a half million dollars of outside money into Maine, hoping to influence a referendum attempt to require photo ID and other restrictive measures for voters. Republican Representative Laurel Libby, who supports the measure, says it’s common sense, while Democratic Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who opposes the measure, calls it a wolf in sheep’s clothing that is shocking in the changes it seeks to make to absentee voting. You can read the text of the measure for yourself at ballotpedia dot org.
DOGE Terminates Grant for Maine Film Archive
(Bucksport) A Hancock County nonprofit says the Trump Administration this month abruptly terminated a six-figure federal grant. WABI reports Northeast Historic Film in Bucksport has been preserving Maine history for four decades. Executive Director David Weiss told WABI he received word at 1 a.m. on April 2nd a $341K grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities was cancelled. Weiss noted the only good is that he’s not alone in being hit with the devastating cuts. He said while an appeal is of no use, there is potential to be involved in a lawsuit to possibly recoup some of the funding.
(Bucksport) Northeast Historic Film in Bucksport has been cataloguing and preserving Maine history for four decades. Earlier this month, they received word a $341,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities had been canceled. The money was funding a project to digitize and publish material NHF has collected from Maine television stations for the last 35 years. Executive Director David Weiss told WABI they’re now looking at a $104,000 budget deficit and that the paychecks of all seven archives staff members are taking a hit. NHF hopes to participate in a lawsuit to recoup some of the funds. In the meantime, they’ve launched a fundraiser. If you’d like to contribute, you can do so at old film dot org.
Real ID
(Augusta) Less than a month from now, travelers will need a Real ID, passport, or passport card in order to fly commercially. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles has added measures to ease wait times for Real ID applicants, including increased lobby support, updated online appointment scheduling, and cutting off appointment tickets at 4 p.m. – 4:30 in Ellsworth and Calais, in order to ensure all applicants can be served by the end of the day. The federal government will begin enforcing Real ID on May 7th. If you still need to apply, they say be sure you have the correct documentation. That includes something that establishes identity, date of birth, and lawful permanent residence/lawful status in the U.S. You’ll also need your Social Security number, though not necessarily your card, and two documents showing residency in Maine.
(Augusta) Beginning May 7th, a Real ID, passport card, or passport will be needed in order to fly commercially. Because the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is expecting a rush of people who may have put off getting their documentation, Maine has taken measures to ease wait times for applicants. Those include increased lobby support, updated online appointment scheduling, and cutting off appointment tickets at 4 p.m. – 4:30 in Calais and Ellsworth – in order to ensure all applicants can be served by the end of the day and to limit overtime costs.
Environment
ANP Cadillac Mountain Car Reservations Available
(ANP) Acadia National Park car reservations are now available for Cadillac Mountain. Reservations are required from May 21st to October 26th for anyone wanting to drive up Cadillac. The release of tickets was delayed twice because of the firing and rehiring of workers, according to the National Park Service, which says it remains committed to serving the public and preserving the natural and cultural resources of America’s national parks. The page Acadia National Park on My Mind reports that in 2024, more than 200,000 vehicle reservations were sold, allowing visitors to access the peak from sunrise to sunset. You can reserve passes at recreation dot gov.
Economy
Maine Lobster Museum to Open
(Belfast) What would Maine be without a lobster museum? But not everyone can make it to Maine, so Sebastian and Coral Crissey of Belfast self-funded a digital museum that offers visitors a virtual tour of all things lobster, from biology to culinary traditions and Lady Gaga’s famous bejeweled headpiece. MaineBiz says the venture will open its digital doors on May 8th. The museum will offer interactive technology to share curated exhibits with 3-D models, games, audio, video, and even a virtual museum docent named Laurence the Lobster who will guide patrons through the space. A one day pass will be $10, and low income visitors can enjoy free admission. You’ll be able to access the museum when it opens at maine lobster museum dot org.
Kirtland Purchases Penobscot Valley Country Club
(Orono) The Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono is under new ownership. WABI reports Matt Kirtland bought the Lucerne Golf Course three years ago and decided to expand the greens to a “tee”. The sale, just under $3M, closed Tuesday, and staff was at the course yesterday getting ready for the season. If weather allows and the course can dry out, they could open next week.
Health
CDC Recommends Tips for Safe and Healthy Travel
(Augusta) The common cold, aches, the flu – being sick is no fun anytime. It’s especially disheartening when on vacation. If you’re traveling next week, the Maine CDC has some recommendations for staying healthy. They say pack the essentials, like hand sanitizer and sunscreen. With the threat of measles, make sure you’re up to date on vaccines. As of April 3rd, there were more than 600 confirmed cases across 22 states. Make contingency plans, and prevent bites from mosquitoes and ticks by wearing long sleeves and pants and using EPA approved repellents. And, they say call a healthcare provider if you feel sick during or after your travels.
(Augusta) Many folks have travel plans during April break next week. If you’re headed out, the Maine CDC has some tips for staying healthy. First, they say make sure you’re up to date on vaccines, especially that MMR. As of April 3rd, there were more than 600 confirmed measles cases across 22 states and jurisdictions. They say talk to your healthcare provider about destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Be prepared with hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and other essentials. And make contingency plans, just in case. Wishing you safe and healthy travels.
Infrastructure
Ellsworth Area Road Closure
(Ellsworth) A reminder from the City of Ellsworth. The Hancock side of Washington Junction Road will be closed next week from April 22nd to the 25th. The Maine Department of Transportation will be replacing cross culverts for later paving work. The closure will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Local traffic only will be allowed. A detour will be down High Street, then back to Route One.
(Ellsworth) A quick heads up reminder from the City of Ellsworth, especially for those who regularly travel the Washington Junction Road. The Hancock side of that road will be closed next week from the 22nd to the 25th. The Maine Department of Transportation will be replacing cross culverts for later paving work. Local traffic only will be allowed, with others detouring down High Street, then back to Route One. The closure will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the affected days.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Machias Celebrates 250th Anniversary of American Revolution
(Machias) If you happen to be in Machias this Friday around 6 p.m., you’ll hear church bells ring out. In fact, steeple bells across the country will peel to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. It’s all part of the Let Freedom Ring! celebration. Information from the Let Freedom Ring! webpage shares that on April 18, 1775, Boston’s Old North Church hung two lanterns from its steeple to warn patriots that the British were coming, setting Paul Revere off on his famous ride for freedom. The next morning, other area churches rang their bells in alarm as the troops approached. The Old North Church in Boston will be ringing its bell at 6 p.m. Friday as well.