Sen. Collins responds to vote on proposed funding package to end shutdown
WABI spoke with Senator Susan Collins Monday about the funding package proposed to end the government shutdown.
In an interview, Collins says she supports an extension of the Obamacare subsidies with reform.
This after Senator Angus King was among the handful of senators voting to advance a spending bill that could eventually reopen the federal government, making it the longest federal government shutdown in history.
Knox County Jail announces new partnership with Two Bridges Regional Jail
The Knox County Jail may no longer hold inmates long term starting in 2026, according to WABI news.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office says the jail is likely to partner with Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset.
This would mean long-term inmates would be transferred from Knox County to Two Bridges.
The Knox County Jail would be repurposed as a holding facility.
Officials with Knox County say with the budget process in flux, jail operations are expected to cost the county around seven million dollars in 2026 due to rising costs.
The new partnership is expected to mean layoffs of correctional staff.
Houlton Regional Hospital nurses announce strike
Nurses at Houlton Regional Hospital have announced they are going on strike.
According to the Maine State Nurses Association, registered nurses will hold a two day strike starting on November 18.
WABI news reports It comes as they continue to negotiate a deal after the previous contract expired in November of last year.
Nurses say they are concerned over the hospital’s management when it comes to both staffing and patient care.
Nurses with the hospital say patients are being held in beds throughout the hallways of the hospital.
They also say nurses in the emergency department have needed to deliver babies in the emergency room and elsewhere following the closure of the maternity ward in July.
Free meals for Veterans in Ellsworth
The Ellsworth Elks Lodge No. 2743 will offer free meals to veterans on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11 according to the Ellsworth American.
Breakfast will be served from 7-10AM.
Lunch from 12-1:30PM and dinner from 4-6PM.
The paper says Veterans’ families are welcome to join them for a small donation.
For more information, call 667-7987.
12th Annual Veterans’ Remembrance 4 Miler
Veterans Day activities will continue into the weekend.
On Saturday, Nov. 15, the Down East Family YMCA will host their 12 Annual Veterans’ Remembrance 4 Miler where attendees will race or walk to honor past and present Veterans.
Those who want to attend can enter for free if you’ve served in the past or present.
Registration starts at 8AM and the walk and run begins at 9AM.
https://www.defymca.org/event/veterans-4-miler/
More trees on Washington Street
Washington Street will be getting more trees.
On Thursday and Friday, Nov. 12 and 13, the city of Ellsworth announced volunteers will be planting trees along the street.
They want to thank all of the volunteers involved in the project.
Christmas Decorating Contest deadline approaching
The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce announced the Christmas Decorating Contest for businesses will be the perfect way to shine bright this holiday season.
The theme this year is Whoville and they ask businesses to register by Nov. 17.
Participants must send a completed display picture by Dec. 1 as voting will happen that week.
For more information follow the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1256707719817024&set=a.552909960196807
