Northern Light Health, Anthem still at odds on new deal
With just one week to go before the contract between Northern Light Health and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield expires, it appears the two sides are not close to a deal.
In a statement from Anthem, the company claims Northern Light Health walked away from the mediation process.
Anthem said it has more than doubled its initial offer for commercial business, now up to a five percent increase, while Northern Light has reduced its demand only slightly.
They claim Northern Light’s demands would increase payments for patients and employers by more than $200-million over the next three years.
However Northern Light Health tells Star 97-7 they are disappointed to hear Anthem misrepresenting their mediation discussions.
Northern lights senior vice president says they have made no indications that they are walking away from the mediation process citing Anthem’s statements are not constructive.
About 30,000 people in Maine have health insurance through Anthem.
Ellsworth school board to discuss guidelines for AI in classrooms
AI is used in many ways in classrooms across the country including here in Maine.
The Ellsworth American reports educators in Ellsworth presented an overview of AI and its use in schools at the school board’s workshop Tuesday night.
Now the school board is set to vote at an October meeting on administrative guidelines for staff and students use of generative AI in Ellsworth schools.
The paper says the district will need to discuss if there will be age or grade limits to using AI in the classroom.
Downeast Wind Farm construction complete in Columbia
Construction is complete on a wind farm that recently became operational in Downeast Maine, according to WABI news.
A ribbon cutting was held Wednesday at a new operations facility in Columbia as Apex Clean Energy’s Downeast Wind project recently went online.
We’re told the power from the turbines goes into the regional grid.
The company has committed funding to a variety of organizations in Washington County benefitting everything from first responders to salmon passage which is in addition to tax revenue.
Commissioners hope the project’s success will encourage further investments in Washington County.
Construction on 50-unit senior housing facility officially begins
The Bangor Housing authority celebrates the beginning of a new chapter to assist low-income seniors in the area.
The Sunridge Senior Housing apartments will be on Union Street in Bangor.
The 50-unit building will have 44-one-bedroom apartments and six-two bedroom units according to WABI news.
With Maine having the oldest population in the country, officials say it’s important to house thousands of seniors so they will be able to find affordable, comfortable housing.
Blue Hill collaborative seeking public’s support
An organization seeking to break the trend of poverty for Blue Hill and surrounding towns needs the public’s help.
Community Compass is a combination of community members and partner organizations and they tell the Ellsworth American that the need for living assistance has increased dramatically.
Demands for food insecurity, heating assistance and emergency shelters have surged however operational funding has declined.
The executive director tells the paper any donation or new volunteer will make a difference as they look to continue uplifting their community.
To donate follow the link to their website.
Art of Ellsworth: Maine Craft Weekend set to return in October
More exciting fall events are lining up in Ellsworth!
From October 2-5, Ellsworth will shine with art, music and community for the Art of Ellsworth: Maine Craft Weekend.
The four-day event will highlight the power of crafting and the wide range of creativity across the Pine Tree State.
Heart of Ellsworth, Ellsworth Public Library and the Heart of Ellsworth Makerspace will host a lineup of events like stone-cutting, glass blowing and more!
You won’t want to miss the highlight of the event, the official launch of the River Walk North Sculpture Trail on the library lawn.
For a full schedule of events follow the link.
Ellsworth Public Library offering costume closet
It’s officially Fall and that means more people are gearing up for Halloween.
What’s the biggest debate on the holiday besides candy? Your costume!
Ellsworth Public Library wants to help with that.
Starting October 1st, the library will offer people the option to check out costumes for the spooky season.
Community members are encouraged to donate gently used and clean costumes size 0-3 months to a child’s large to fill the costume closet.
For more information you can visit the library or call at 667-6363.