Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Arrest Made in Case of Threats Made Against UNE
(Biddeford) Authorities on Tuesday arrested a man at a restaurant in Cornish in connection with threats made Monday against the University of New England. Public Information Officer Shannon Moss reports to Star 97.7, Maine State and Biddeford Police took 24 yo Blake Tibbetts of Cornish into custody for comments he made, referencing potential threats against UNE. During an investigation, authorities found bomb-making materials at Tibbetts’ residence on Old Limington Road. Tibbetts is charged with Terrorizing, Criminal Use of Explosives, and Criminal Attempt to Cause a Catastrophe. He’s being held in the York County Jail on $500K cash bail.
Generator Safety
(Undated) When natural disasters, winter weather, or other issues cut the electrical supply, millions rely on portable generators as sources of secondary power. Experts say some are under the mistaken impression backfeeding will enable them to power their entire home with a generator or power certain appliances without running extension cords from the appliance to the generator. The Portable Generators Manufacturers’ Association says backfeeding is a dangerous safety issue that threatens utility company employees when trying to restore power. In addition, they say it bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices. The PGMA says make sure you’re up to date on how to use such devices safely. Find more by visiting their website.
Firearms Safety Course for Hunters
(Augusta) Hunting seasons are here. Now is the perfect time to take a firearms hunter safety course, a first step toward becoming part of Maine’s community of conservation-minded hunters. Representative Russell White reminds us hunters play a vital role in wildlife management by helping maintain healthy populations and providing essential data to biologists. With over 17 million acres of forests, fields, and waterways, the opportunities to explore and connect with the outdoors are second to none. All new hunters must complete a firearms hunter safety course, available online or through in-person traditional classes. For details, visit the Official Maine Hunter Safety Course Online.
Local Politics
Democratic Lawmaker May Challenge Chellie Pingree
(South Berwick) Democratic state lawmaker Tiffany Roberts has reportedly formed an exploratory committee to consider whether to run in next year’s Democratic Primary. Roberts, of South Berwick, is considering a challenge to Representative Chellie Pingree. Roberts says she’ll make a determination based on the will of the voters and whether or not they want change. She says she is more of a centrist who is willing to work across the aisle.
US DOJ Sues Maine, Oregon Over Refusal to Turn Over Sensitive Voter Information
(Augusta) The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the state of Maine for its refusal to turn over sensitive voter information. Oregon and that state’s Secretary of State face a similar lawsuit, although more than two dozen states have refused such requests by the DOJ. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows called the lawsuit absurd, saying Maine has some of the best elections in the nation and that Secretaries of State across the country are fighting back against what she calls “this federal abuse of power”.
States to Losing Funding Critical for Students with Vision and Hearing Loss
(Washington, DC) Eight states, including Maine, are losing funding aimed at supporting some of the country’s most vulnerable students – those with both hearing and vision loss. The programs affected are considered vital, but represent just a little over a million dollars a year in federal money. Nonetheless, the Bangor Daily News and ProPublica report they’re caught in the Trump administration’s attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion, with an Education Department spokesperson citing concerns about “divisive concepts” and “fairness” in acknowledging the decision to withhold the funding. Schools and other resources expected the funding to continue through September 2028, but the Administration has now earmarked it to stop at the end of the month. The government gave the programs seven days to ask officials to reconsider the decision.
Mills Criticizes CMP Request to Hike Utility Rates
(Augusta) Governor Janet Mills on Tuesday came out strongly against a request by Central Maine Power for a rate increase to rate payers of roughly $1.4B over five years. Mills said she recognizes the need to invest in the grid, but that the request ignores the economic reality faced by Mainers, especially those on fixed incomes, small business owners, and those in rural areas, who are struggling with high electricity costs, groceries, housing, and healthcare. CMP is required by state statute to file a grid plan with the Public Utilities Commission by January 12, 2026.
Economy
Ellsworth Planning Board to Review Major Developments
(Ellsworth) Ellsworth Planning Board members will be doing some heavy lifting at their October 1st meeting. First on the agenda is a preliminary plan review of the Hancock Judicial Center. The proposed 28K square foot Hancock County Courthouse is a project of the State of Maine, but will be developed at the Merrill Lane extension off Route 1, High Street; so the City will be working closely with the state to develop the area. A preliminary plan review of a site development for Ellsworth Tractor and Equipment at 500 High Street and revisions of two other projects are also up for review.
Towns Look at Cost of Taking Over Dams
(Surry) Surry residents have learned it would be less expensive to acquire the Toddy Pond Dam than not. The Ellsworth American reports that’s due to the likelihood of losing waterfront property value from the tax rolls if the dam was to be abandoned. At a meeting last week, residents learned the potential property tax increase to cover maintenance costs would be minimal. The Surry meeting followed similar information sessions in Penobscot, Orland, and Blue Hill. The sessions were in preparation for a November 4th vote on whether to create a watershed management district for Toddy and another Alamoosook Lake and to appropriate taxpayer funds for the districts’ first fiscal year.
Dunkin’ Most Popular Fast Food Chain in Maine
(Ellsworth) What’s the most popular fast food in Maine? Dunkin’ Donuts, of course. Ultimate Maine reports the popular site All Recipes, looked at which chains dominate in different parts of the country. With three Dunkins right here in Ellsworth, the chain is certainly convenient. Dunkin’ was also the most popular fast food in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, while Vermont opted for homegrown Ben & Jerry’s, and Connecticut went with Five Guys. Check out the full list at all recipes dot com.
Mano en Mano Celebrates 20 Years
(Milbridge) Mano en Mano in Milbridge is dedicated to working with farm workers statewide, especially here in Downeast Maine … providing access to essential services, education and housing, along with social justice and equity. The organization began in the late 1990s, as migrant workers from the blueberry industry moved to Milbridge year-round. Mano en Mano was then officially founded in 2005 by and for the community to welcome, support, and celebrate the people who do this work and who make our communities whole, according to their website. Mano en mano turned 20 years old this month. They say they don’t see their work as charity, but as filling a gap for the often underserved, in order to ensure they enjoy a living wage, healthcare, and equitable educational opportunity. You can support them at mano maine dot org.
Education
Maine DOE Takes “Civics on the Road”
(Augusta) With all the turmoil in politics these days, the Maine Department of Education decided it’s time to launch “Civics on the Road”. In partnership with the Secretary of State and the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission, the Department this morning is kicking off an inaugural event at Main Street Middle School in Madison. Throughout the morning, 5th and 6th graders will rotate through interactive stations such as “Game Show Government”, “Meet the Declaration”, and “Debate and Advocacy” and then gather for a culminating Town Hall to debate and vote on a central question – “Should all people living in the United States have the right to participate in decisions about government?” The event is part of Constitution Day, promoted by the late West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd, who was known for always carrying a copy of the US Constitution. The program is designed to provide students across the state with an opportunity to participate in the debates, decisions, and responsibilities that shape Democracy in the United States.
Health
New Evidence Indicates Time Change Could Harm Health
(Maine) It won’t be long before we face, once again, the dreaded time change – you know, when it gets dark before 4 p.m. A study by researchers at Stanford Medicine found changing to permanent standard time would be a little healthier than switching to permanent daylight saving time. According to the Washington Post, the researchers found we’d all be a tad less prone to obesity and strokes if we “ditched the switch”. The study, published Monday, says a body of evidence has suggested the twice-yearly change is linked to a rise in heart attacks and car accidents and a decrease in sleep and work engagement. They say if we ever do decide to stop the switch, permanent standard time best aligns our internal clock with the world around us. Only Arizona and Hawaii currently stay on the same time year round. This year, Maine makes the switch to daylight savings time at 2 a.m. on November 2nd.
Human Interest
Woodlawn Fishing Forum
(Ellsworth) Over the past decade, fishing families here in Maine have faced hard times. Fear of losing the industry itself, the grief of losing family and friends at sea, and daunting federal regulations have all played a role. Fortunately, the fishing community is incredibly resilient and has always been able to lean on the strength of Mainers, who are known for their generosity and care. If your life is touched in any way by the fishing community – and whose isn’t here along the coast? – you’ll want to register for the First Annual Fishing Family Forum, a gathering to connect, share, and talk about what matters most – safety on the water, harvester health and well-being, family stability and more. The Forum will be held Thursday, October 16th, from 10 to 2 at the Woodlawn Event Center (aka the Barn) in Ellsworth. Admission is free and includes refreshments, a light brunch and catered lunch. Register at sunrise county dot org.
U.S. Navy Celebrates 250th Birth in Maine
(Machias) Next month, Maine will celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Navy. It’s especially fitting that the state hosts this celebration, because the first naval battle of the American Revolution, the Battle of Machias, was fought off the coast of Maine in 1775, marking the beginning of the Navy’s storied legacy with the capture of the British ship, the Margaretta. The celebration will be marked with the 2025 Navy Ball on Saturday, October 4th, at Saint John’s Community Center in Brunswick. Ticket information can be found at events at navy league maine dot org.
Shaw Institute Celebrates National Lobster Day
(Blue Hill) September 25th is National Lobster Day, and the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill invites you to join them in celebrating Maine’s most iconic marine creature with a fun and educational day for the entire family! The day starts at 11 a.m. when you’ll dive into the ecology of lobsters, fishing practices here in Maine and more with a Lobster Lecture. At 12:30, watch the Institute’s beloved Arnold Clawmer enjoy his special lunch – a salmon feast. There will be Make-A-Lobster crafts for kids throughout the day, as well as lobster-themed cupcakes, courtesy of Hannaford Supermarket. Plus, their delightful touch tank will be open for all. It’s a free and family friendly day, National Lobster Day, September 25th at the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill!