It appears Governor Janet Mills will be challenging current Maine Senator Susan Collins for her seat in the midterm elections.
Multiple media reports say Mills is tentatively expected to announce her candidacy on Tuesday, and was the top pick of national democrats to challenge Collins, who has held her seat since 1997.
Mills would be throwing her hat in the ring amidst other democrats, including oyster farmer Graham Platner, who has been drawing significant crowds at recent events.
Democrats are hoping to retake the majority in the U.S. Senate, but would need to gain 4 seats to do so.
Meet the Candidates Night:
With the November elections just weeks away, voters looking to learn more about those running for the Ellsworth City Council can do so on Tuesday October 14th at a Meet the Candidates Night at the Grand Theatre in Ellsworth.
All seven candidates who are vying for one of the three positions on the Ellsworth City Council are invited to attend in order to share more about themselves, where they stand on the issues and to answer voters questions.
The event gets underway at 6:30pm on Tuesday. Voters who can’t make it in person are invited to watch it online on the Heart of Ellsworth’s Youtube channel.
https://www.heartofellsworth.org/meet-the-candidates
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month:
October is domestic violence awareness month. The partners for peace organization has been around for more than 50 years. Casey faulkingham, the director of development and engagement for the organization says it’s important that domestic violence victims know there are services available to help them get out of their dangerous situations.
Faulkingham says partners for peace can provide a 24-hour help line, transitional housing, child advocacy, pet-friendly emergency shelters, legal advocacy, and more to anyone in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties experiencing domestic violence.
Partners for peace has several events planned throughout the month. On October 17th, the University of Maine will hold a march in remembrance of domestic violence homicide victims.On October 23rd, a survivor story and dinner will be held in Dover-Foxcroft at the Congregational Church.
New Interim Principal in Southwest Harbor:
There is a new interim principal in town in Southwest Harbor.
According to the MDI Islander, The Southwest Harbor School Committee voted unanimously last week to appoint Carolyn Todd as the interim principal of Pemetic Elementary School for the remainder of the school year.
Todd, had previously served as the guidance counselor at Pemetic. She takes over for Dr. Christine Gray who resigned as Principal last month for personal reasons.
Milo Standoff
State police were called to a standoff in Milo Saturday.
According to ABC7 News, 45-year-old William Rodney Mason brandished a weapon at an rv repairman during an altercation at around 11:30 a.m.
He then barricaded himself inside his residence at 26 Albert Street, creating a standoff with police.
Mason surrendered at around 4:30 p.m. Authorities say nobody was injured and no shots were fired in the incident.
Mason is being held at the Piscataquis County Jail on multiple charges including threatening with a deadly weapon.
Men charged in Tremont Overdose Death
Two men face charges in connection with drug overdoses that left one man dead.
60-year-old David Baker of Franklin and 55-year-old Nicholas Parlatore of Tremont are both facing charges of aggravated trafficking in drugs resulting in death and serious bodily injury.
WABI reports back in January of 2024, two men were found unresponsive inside a residence in Tremont, according to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. Police say one of the victims died as a result. Baker and Parlatore appeared in court last week, where bail was set at 15-thousand dollars each.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/10/10/two-men-facing-charges-following-overdose-death-tremont/
As the government shutdown continues, funding for Maine airports could continue to be affected.
According to the Bangor Daily News, passenger flights at Presque Isle International Airport, Augusta State Airport, Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport and Knox County Regional Airport in Owls Head are supported by the federal Essential Air Service program, which provides federal subsidies to air carriers to serve smaller areas.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced last week that it had secured $41 million to keep the program running through early November,
The BDN reports that no airport in the country benefits from more EAS funding than Presque Isle International, according to U.S. DOT data.
Nearly 75 Maine veterans spent the weekend in Washington, D.C. thanks to Honor Flight Maine.
According to WABI, Honor Flight Maine took Korean and Vietnam War veterans to Washington, D.C. to tour the memorials and monuments built in their honor. And Honor Flight pays for all the expenses.
The veterans returned to Bangor International Airport on Sunday, however the ceremony was closed to the public due to the space limitations caused by the ongoing government shutdown. Honor Flight Maine says even though they could not open to the doors to the public, they made sure the veterans still got the ‘Welcome Home’ they deserve.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/10/12/maine-veterans-visit-memorial-wall-washington-dc-during-honor-flight/
Rockland’s Lobster Roll Ride Returns
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) is bringing back “one of its most beloved cycling traditions” with the return of the Lobster Roll, a scenic coastal ride and community celebration in Rockland.
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s executive director Andrew Zarro says, quote ” The Lobster Roll isn’t just a ride, it’s a homecoming. By riding together, we’re investing in safer streets, stronger communities, and the joy of exploring Maine by bike.”
The 13 mile long ride will take place on Saturday October 18 at 10 a.m. It will start and end at Snow Marine Park in Rockland. To register for the ride go to bikemaine.org
https://www.penbaypilot.com/article/lobster-roll-ride-returns-rockland-oct-18/263336
