Federal judge denies Maine, DOJ request scaling back child mental health settlement
WMTW reports a U.S. district court judge denied an attempt by Maine and the U.S. Department of Justice to change an agreement after the court found Maine violated the rights of children with disabilities.
WMTW says this was done by unnecessarily segregating children in mental health facilities rather than providing behavioral care locally.
As part of the settlement, Maine agreed to strengthen community-based mental health services, conduct outreach to affected families and report on the number of children who were institutionalized.
However in September Maine and the DOJ filed a joint motion to amend the agreement changing the reporting requirements and remove the need for an independent reviewer.
Man arrested in Ellsworth after trying to buy guns
The Bangor Daily news reports the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents arrested an Iraqi man in Ellsworth on Dec. 4.
Authorities tell the paper the man overstayed his visa and was illegally in the country.
Agents say the man provided false statements on background check paperwork and attempted to purchase firearms from a local business.
The investigation began with the Holden Police Department.
Space heater believed to be cause of Randolph house fire
A home in Randolph was partially damaged after a fire was sparked from a space heater according to WABI news.
The Randolph Fire Department along with mutual aid from Farmingdale, Pittston, and West Gardiner responded to the fire on Lincoln Street around 5:30 a.m. Friday.
Firefighters found smoke coming from a rear window and found a bedroom fire upon entry.
Officials say a working smoke detector alerted the homeowner giving her the time to get out of the home.
Bangor house fire sparked by thawing pipes
Firefighters responded to a house fire Friday night in Bangor according to the Bangor Daily News.
The paper reports nobody was injured.
A Bangor Assistant Fire Chief told the BDN the fire started while the homeowner was thawing frozen pipes in the basement.
The paper reports the fire spread through the first and second floors of the home on Kenduskeag Avenue.
Record-breaking runners line up for Millinocket Marathon
Thousands gathered at the annual Millinocket Marathon Saturday morning to celebrate “Maine’s biggest small town” according to WABI news.
The 10th annual Millinocket Marathon & Half saw a record-breaking 3,100 registrations.
As the number of participants grows with each passing year, the marathon has become an enduring symbol of community for the town of Millinocket.
Millinocket residents say the event also helps to bring lots of business to the town, with hopes of people returning for next year’s marathon and to also return during warmer seasons.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/06/millinocket-marathon-sees-record-breaking-registrations/
Buoy Tree Decorating in Bar Harbor
If you want to decorate a piece of Bar Harbor this holiday season head over to Artwaves on Tuesday, Dec. 9!
The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce will host a ‘Buoy Tree Decorating’ class for free.
From 4-7 p.m. you can drop by and help paint the town for the holidays.
Boothbay Harbor ‘Gingerbread Spectacular’
The Boothbay Harbor Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for their annual ‘Gingerbread Spectacular.’
Starting on Dec. 12, the three days of holiday joy and gingerbread houses, cabins, farms and more await you!
While you enjoy the talents of community members, participants can enjoy live holiday music at the Opera House!
https://www.boothbayharbor.com/event/the-gingerbread-spectacular/2025-12-12/
