Gov. Mills signs proclamation certifying 2025 state election
Governor Mills signed proclamations on Tuesday certifying the results of the November 4 election, according to WABI news.
The Secretary of State’s Office says Mainers cast 492,008 ballots this year.
That’s approximately 47.4% of registered voters in the state.
The Secretary of State’s Office says as of Tuesday, Maine has 1,037,786 registered voters.
Complete Referendum Election results are posted on the Secretary of State’s website.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/11/18/gov-mills-signs-proclamation-certifying-2025-state-election/
Hancock County Chief Deputy appointed to Substance Use Disorder Commission
According to the Ellsworth American, the Hancock County Sheriff Chief Deputy William Birch has been appointed to the Maine Substance Use Disorder Services Commission by Governor Janet Mills.
The paper said earlier this month, the sheriff’s office stated this honor recognizes Birch’s dedication to public service.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services describes the commission to the Ellsworth American as a bridge between behavioral Health, the public, and elected officials on substance use disorder and misuse, prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.
Maine PUC dismisses CMP’s latest rate hike proposal
A rate hike that would’ve ultimately added about $35 a month to some Mainers’ electric bills isn’t going forward at this time according to WABI news.
The Maine Public Utilities Commission Tuesday morning dismissed a five-year rate increase proposal from Central Maine Power.
CMP filed the plan in September. According to the PUC, it was met with a wave of backlash, including more than 800 written comments and packed public meetings.
Commissioners say while they will consider future rate increases and system investments are necessary, this proposal raised many concerns including affordability.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/11/18/maine-puc-dismisses-cmps-latest-rate-increase-proposal/
Maine infant hospitalized with suspected botulism according to Maine CDC
The Maine CDC is reporting that a Maine child is in the hospital after consuming now-recalled baby formula products made by ByHeart.
On November 14, the FDA announced there have been 23 reported cases of suspected or confirmed botulism in babies who consumed the formula since August.
The company recalled two lots of their ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula before expanding the recall to their entire line of products.
Those reported cases span 13 states.
All cases have led to hospitalizations.
The suspected case in Maine was reported on November 17, according to the Maine CDC.
The child had consumed ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula in the weeks prior to their illness and remains hospitalized.
ByHeart sells 200,000 cans of infant formula a month online and in stores such as Target and Walmart.
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry launches food access map
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has launched a statewide food map to help families locate nearby food pantries, meal sites, school programs, WIC clinics and other food assistance services.
The map will continually be updated as they work with local programs and organizations.
The map was created by people a part of the ‘Ending Hunger Corps’ as they work to strengthen communities and increase food security.
To find the map and learn more, just follow the link on our website.
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ag/endinghungercorps/food-access-map.shtml
‘Free the Z’ Turkey Drive underway
The annual TownSquare Media “Free the Z” Turkey Drive kicked off Tuesday morning in the Hannaford parking lot in Brewer.
Both monetary and turkey donations will be accepted to help families have a meal on their Thanksgiving table.
Penquis is hoping to help at least 5,500 families this year.
WABI will host their annual Turkey Telethon on Thursday during evening newscasts from 4PM, to 6:30PM.
If you aren’t able to call on Thursday night, you can make a donation right now by texting “Turkey” to 44321 or by clicking here.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/11/14/free-z-turkey-drive-kicks-off-tuesday/
Mötley Crüe returning to Bangor
Bangor’s concert summer continues to take shape.
Mötley Crüe is making a return to the Queen City!
Making it feel like “Home Sweet Home” they’ll be playing at the waterfront on Saturday, July 25.
The Return of the Carnival of Sins tour includes Tesla and Extreme.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday.
For more information, click here.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/11/18/mtley-cre-returning-bangor/
Get jolly for Christmas in Ellsworth celebrations
The Annual Holiday celebration, parade and tree lighting in Ellsworth is December 6 and you are invited!
Join the festivities at 1 City Hall Plaza!
Organizations, artists and crafters are welcomed to set up tables or activity stations for participants at 3PM.
The Christmas Parade will start at 4PM and the tree lighting along with other activities will start up at around 5:30PM.
There will also be activities in the Ellsworth Library like book giveaways, holiday crafts and you can even write a letter to Santa!
