Absentee Voting
In-person absentee voting got underway in the state of Maine on Monday. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows took the opportunity to address reports of alleged ballot tampering that happened in Newburgh last week. Bellows told ABC7 that the city of Ellsworth received two boxes of absentee ballots last Tuesday as planned. One of those boxes was missing five packets of ballots, totaling 250 ballots. On that same day, a woman in Newburgh allegedly received five packets of Maine absentee ballots in an Amazon box. Bellows confirmed the number of ballots found in Newburgh matched the number missing from the shipment to Ellsworth. State and federal authorities are involved in the ongoing investigation.
Candidate withdraws from Belfast School Committee race
One of the three candidates vying for two seats on the RSU 71 school board in Belfast withdrew her candidacy on Monday.
According to the Bangor Daily News, Rachel Philbrook, a Belfast resident for 25 years and mother of two school-aged children, exited the race for “unforeseen personal reasons.” She has 14 years of experience working in a pediatric office and has volunteered with Hospice of Waldo County. Philbrook notified Belfast City Hall of her withdrawal. Philbrook’s name will still appear on the ballot for now. The remaining candidates include incumbent Martha Proulx of Belfast and newcomer candidate Alva Philbrook.
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/10/06/midcoast/midcoast-education/rsu-71-candidate-withdraws/
Electronic Deer Tagging Law
A new law now in effect directs the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to establish a pilot program for the electronic tagging of harvest deer. WMTW reports the system will allow a hunter to enter their harvest information online without stopping at a designated registration station. A similar system already exists for tagging turkey. Maine is the only New England state without one for deer.
https://www.wmtw.com/article/new-state-law-establishes-electronic-deer-tagging-program/68816561
Dexter vying in T-Mobile’s Friday Night Lights
(Dexter) Students at Dexter Regional High School have the chance to win a prize that would revolutionize the school’s athletics program. The town is seeking community support to make it happen. Dexter is one of 25 schools competing in the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights challenge. The scool is competing to win a grand prize of $1 million dollars to revamp their football field and finally get their Friday Night Lights, in addition to a new fitness center and weight room from Gronk Fitness. Anyone with an email address can vote for the Dexter Tigers once a day until October 24. To support the school, simply log onto vote dexter dot com.
Congressman Jared Golden, D-Maine, will face a primary challenge next year from a well-known Democrat in Maine.
WABI reports State Auditor Matt Dunlap announced Monday he will run against Golden for the Democratic nomination in Maine’s Second Congressional District. Dunlap has served as state auditor since 2022.
Absentee Voting
In-person absentee voting got underway in the state of Maine on Monday. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows took the opportunity to address reports of alleged ballot tampering that happened in Newburgh last week. Bellows told ABC7 that the city of Ellsworth received two boxes of absentee ballots last Tuesday as planned. One of those boxes was missing five packets of ballots, totaling 250 ballots. On that same day, a woman in Newburgh allegedly received five packets of Maine absentee ballots in an Amazon box. Bellows confirmed the number of ballots found in newburgh matched the number missing from the shipment to Ellsworth. State and federal authorities are involved in the ongoing investigation.
Economy
Sending stuff in the mail now costs a bit more. Starting last Sunday, the U.S. Postal Service boosted its prices for the holiday season. Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Ground Advance and Parcel Select will all be affected. The holiday price hike will stay in effect until January 18th of next year. More information can be found on the USPS website.
Healthcare
Penobscot Community Health Center is looking to expand accessibility across the region. That’s why the health center officially launched the P-C-H-C Foundation. Danny Williams was named as president of the foundation. He previously served as Executive Director of the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine. Williams told WABI he and his team are ready to get to work. They’re currently analyzing the priorities and needs in the region.
https://www.wabi.tv/video/2025/10/03/health-center-launches-pchc-foundation/
Holbrook School unveils new playground
There are some very happy students in the town of Holden after the Holbrook school held a ceremony to open the school’s new playground on Monday. It was a two year process, spearheaded by RSU 63 School Board member Heather Lander. Lander says the estimated $50,000 dollar playground was built with community donations, one of which came from Holden 25 days of kindness campaign. Organizers decided to dedicate the playground as the Chris Greeley Champion of Kindness Playground, a decision Lander says makes sense given the former police chief’s impact on the community.
