Maine Emergency Heating program delayed due to government shutdown
Maine Housing’s Emergency heating assistance program will not begin November 1 as planned, potentially leaving tens of thousands of Mainers without heating as winter approaches, according to WABI news.
The Energy Crisis Intervention Program, HEAP’s emergency counterpart, was supposed to get $38 million to distribute this winter.
Those funds are frozen due to the government shutdown.
The delay affects seniors and families with young children.
The program typically serves around 7,000 households each year, providing up to $500 in emergency heating aid.
Community action agencies will continue to process HEAP applications but cannot issue payments until funding is secured.
City of Ellsworth partners with local pantry to support residents affected by SNAP EBT pause
The City of Ellsworth announced a partnership with Loaves and Fishes Food pantry to collect donations through November to support people affected by the pause in SNAP benefits.
Community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items or contribute financially to help their neighbors during a difficult time.
Donation Drop-Off Locations
- Ellsworth Public Library
- Union River Center for Innovation
- Ellsworth City Hall
- Friends & Family Market
- Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry
- Healthy Acadia
Most Needed Food Items (Must be unopened and not expired)
- Canned soups, beans, vegetables, and fruit
- Peanut butter, jam/jelly, and applesauce
- Baking supplies (oil, flour, mixes)
- Dry cereal and granola bars
- Infant formula and baby food
Perishable donations—including produce, frozen meats (especially turkeys for Thanksgiving), cheeses, and bread—should be brought directly to the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.Cash & Gift Card Donations
Accepted at Ellsworth City Hall and the Ellsworth Public Library.
Checks may also be mailed to:
Loaves & Fishes
PO Box 1672
Ellsworth, ME 04605
Donations and volunteer information are available at: https://loavesandfishesellsworth.org/
Service Hours – Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry
- Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Wednesday evening: 4:00 – 6:30 pm
Everybody Eats, a free community meal, is also served on Mondays from 1 to 3 pm at St. Dunstan’s Church, 134 State St, Ellsworth.
Blue Hill will hold special town meeting on election day
The Ellsworth American reports Blue Hill residents will have a special town meeting at 7:30 AM at the Town Hall on Election day.
Residents will be asked two warrant questions.
The paper says in addition to the referendums about the dam vote and allowing recreational marijuana establishments, residents will answer questions around a fire truck ordered in 2023, a public works truck and property tax abatements.
Family Futures Downeast receive prestigious award
The Sunrise County Economic council announced Family Futures Downeast has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Family USeal award by Generation Hope.
The three-year certification honors higher education institutions and nonprofits who ensure students, parents and their families are served.
The commitment in empowering Washington County parents and families has helped achieve economic stability and educational success.
Halloween Tips for the pets
Star 97.7 spoke with the co-medical director of Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic out of Holden and she says on this spooky Halloween, make sure your pets are secured during trick or treat hours.
- -Make sure your pets are secured during trick or treat hours, we see a lot of lost pets due to cats getting out or dogs getting out when the front door is opened
- -Having ID tags and collars on all pets, making sure microchip information is up to date
- -Keeping candy away from pets (chocolate, sugar free candy are issues) we have dogs who need surgery to remove all the wrappers too!
- -If your pet is wearing a costume, make sure they are supervised and comfortable. If they are not happy with the costume, take it off. We have some pets who eat their costume and need surgery
- -Stress can lead to an upset stomach in dogs and urinary issues in cats. If your pet has anxiety issues, work on creating a safe quiet place for them. If the door bell triggers anxiety, have a candy bowl outside or sit outside with the candy bowl to remove the stress trigger for your pet
- -Candles cause burns! They can be knocked over by tails or played with by paws and tails DO catch on fire
- -Glow sticks are not technically toxic but when they are chewed on and break open can cause irritation and oral pain. Keep away from animals. String on that can also be eaten by cats and dogs, especially if sticky candy hands were touching them
Post Halloween Tips:
Check the yard and drive way for dropped objects before letting dogs out.
Monitor your pumpkin health, moldy pumpkin ingestion can lead to GI upset but in some cases a tremor inducing toxin can be present and require hospitalization.
Enjoy Halloween with no tricks and all treats
Before all of the fun sets in, do you have your checklist to ensure your family has a fun and safe day?
The Red Cross of Northern New England tells WABI news there are steps you should take before dressing up in your costume or passing out candy.
First, get your property ready for trick-or-treaters if you have them.
You should clear your driveway of any leaves or debris to make sure a trick-or-treater doesn’t trip.
Also, make sure your driveway is well lit providing a clear path for the little ones.
WABI news reports if your family is dressing up for some spooky fun make sure that they can see and be seen.
Also if you’re driving, keep your speed down going through neighborhoods on Halloween as many kids are running across the road.
Lastly, if you’re heading to another neighborhood, make sure you know your route.
With all the excitement, it’s even more important to be aware of your surroundings.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/10/27/red-cross-northern-new-england-shares-preparation-tips-halloween/
