State of Maine offices set to close early Dec. 2
Gov. Janet Mills has directed that all State of Maine offices close at noon on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 due to the winter storm according to WABI news.
“This is Maine’s first major winter storm of the season, and we want to ensure that people stay safe,” said Mills.
“Please use caution if you must travel, make sure your emergency supplies at home and in the car are stocked for the winter, and check in on your neighbors — especially older folks — who may need a hand.”
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/01/state-maine-offices-close-early-tuesday-dec-2/
First responder provide safety tips ahead of storm
Ahead of the first major storm of the season, preparations in affected counties are underway according to WABI news.
First responders in Ellsworth are preparing to prevent accidents on the road.
Responders advise drivers to stay on primary roads, avoiding secondary roads for longer commutes, and to be mindful of public parking bans in order for sidewalks to get plowed.
They also stress the important fundamental rules when driving in snowy conditions which are to slow down and maintain distance between cars, always keep your headlights on, and to maintain half a tank of gas in the event you get stuck.
Homeowners who have a fire hydrant near or on their property are also urged to clear it out if it’s safe to do so, in order for firefighters to have easy access in case of an emergency.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/01/first-responders-advise-safety-precautions-upcoming-storm/
Gov. Mills speaks at Maine Climate Council annual meeting
WABI news reports the Maine Climate Council meets on Dec. 1 every year to discuss climate action from the past year and what else can be done in the future.
A lot of the discussion in Augusta on Monday had to do with the state’s four-year climate plan titled Maine Won’t Wait.
Along with panels about building resilient communities and opportunities for 2026, there were networking and collaborative sessions to work as a group.
Among the speakers at the meeting was Gov. Mills who highlighted clean air and water, affordable energy, and decreasing the reliance on fossil fuels.
Mills says climate action should not be seen as a partisan issue.
Interesting yet frightening discovery made in Castine Monday
The Maine State Police Bomb Squad was called to Castine Monday after the discovery of potentially explosive cannonballs.
The Castine Historical Society says they discovered two black powder cannonballs in their collection that had not exploded.
The historical society says the cannonballs were from the War of 1812 and the bomb squad found yet another cannonball that could be explosive.
Meanwhile, the museum reached out to the nearby Wilson Museum knowing they had cannonballs in their collection.
Two dozen unexploded cannonballs were discovered there.
According to CHS, the cannonballs had not been tested for explosive contents.
Officials were able to safely dispose of all of the cannonballs.
Red Cross seeking donations on ‘Giving Tuesday’
Giving Tuesday, a now annual tradition of giving back after the Thanksgiving holiday has arrived.
There are many organizations you can help including the Red Cross.
The Red Cross helps millions of people nationwide who are facing hardship after a devastating situation.
Executive Director of the Northern and Eastern Maine chapter, Caroline King, says the need is great here in the pine tree state, especially this time of season.
To give back just follow the link on our website.
Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine received donation to reduce energy costs
Long time supporters of Good Shepherd Food Bank have officially donated a way to help reduce energy costs for the organization according to WABI news.
Fritz and Susan Onion donated two solar arrays that have powered the Auburn and Hampden distribution centers since 2020.
The donation will help sustain operational savings and access to affordable clean energy.
Leaders at the food bank say since the solar arrays have been installed, it has reduced approximately 65 percent of the energy used at both facilities resulting in roughly $200,000 in savings.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative set for Winter Holiday Season
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety as well as the U.S. Department of Transportation’s national highway traffic safety administration and law enforcement agencies in Maine will ramp up efforts to stop impaired driving.
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over effort will take place from Dec. 10 through Jan. 1 2026 to protect Maine drivers.
While the holidays are fun and festive time of year, it’s also when alcohol-impaired crashes and fatalities increase.
Law enforcement reminds people to plan ahead if they intend to consume impairing food or drink to ensure everyone has a happy and safe holiday season.
