Fire Marshal’s office investigating fire that destroyed two buildings in Van Buren
WABI has new details about a fire that sent two people to the hospital and destroyed two buildings in Van Buren.
According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, officials were called to a home on Main Street just before 11:30 Saturday night.
Officials say the owner of the home discovered a fire involving their pellet stove.
Authorities say the fire destroyed the home as well as a building right next to the house.
Officials say the homeowner was taken to the hospital because of smoke inhalation.
They also say a firefighter was also taken to the hospital after slipping on ice during the response.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation but officials say the cause likely involves the pellet stove.
Affordable housing will soon be available in Vinalhaven
New, affordable housing will soon be available off the coast of Maine according to WABI news.
The Vinalhaven Housing Initiative says it is putting the finishing touches on four units of affordable rental housing that will soon be available to eligible year-round residents.
Vinalhaven Housing Initiative or V-H-I, was formed in 2023 with a stated mission to establish year-round, affordable and sustainable housing for residents of the island 15 miles from the mainland.
Thanks to funding from supporters and a $840,000 grant from MaineHousing, V-H-I was able to move forward with its first major project this year.
The four homes will provide housing for up to ten people.
The expectation is that the homes will be ready in the new year.
Gov. Mills announces student loan debt relief program returns millions to Mainers
More than $140 million has been returned to Mainers thanks in part to Governor Mills student debt relief program.
In 2022, Mills proposed the program to make the student loan tax credit for Maine students easier to use.
Mills says the model helped retain and attract young workers to the state and encouraged those already here to stay.
Eligible Maine residents can be reimbursed through their state tax return for up to 25-hundred dollars of student loan payments from the previous year.
Under the program, there was $32 million in tax relief in 2022, $45 million in 2023, and $62 million last year.
DEA launches Fentanyl Free America initiative
According to the Pen Bay Pilot, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is ramping up the fight against synthetic opioids with the ‘Fentanyl Free America’ initiative.
The paper reports through intensified enforcement, the DEA will pressure the global fentanyl supply chain to change their business practices.
The campaign also shines a light on the importance of public engagement and how it can raise awareness through education.
DEA launches Fentanyl Free America initiative to combat synthetic drug crisis | PenBay Pilot
Blood pressure medication recalled for possible cross-contamination
Blood pressure medicine has been recalled because it may be cross-contaminated with another medication, according to reports.
USA TODAY reported Glenmark Pharmaceuticals recalled more than 11,100 bottles of bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets under the brand name Ziac.
Testing of reserve samples found traces of ezetimibe, a cholesterol medicine also made by the company.
The FDA said the medicine is “not likely to cause adverse health consequences,” but the agency has not said what patients should do if their medication is affected by the recall.
Wreaths Across America ceremony in Augusta
A national tradition that was created right here in Maine is happening this Saturday, but ceremonies have already begun according to WABI news.
Wreaths Across America began over 30 years ago in Harrington, Maine with the goal of laying a wreath on every veteran’s gravesite during the holiday season.
Last year, they produced over three million wreaths.
The Monday before Wreaths Across America Day, which is on Saturday, an American Legion Post is tasked with bringing a wreath to each state capital.
Monday, a wreath was brought to the State House in Augusta for a ceremony that stressed we must remember, honor, and teach.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/08/wreaths-across-america-ceremony-held-state-house/
Toto heading to Bangor for the Summer
Bless the rains down in Bangor this summer because Toto is coming to the Waterfront according to WABI news.
The iconic rock band will be playing at the Maine Savings Amphitheater on Thursday, July 23.
Christopher Cross will also be “Sailing” into Bangor that night, and The Romantics will also be there to tell the audience “What I Like About You!”
Tickets for the show go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m.
For more information, click here.
https://www.wabi.tv/2025/12/08/toto-playing-bangor-this-summer/
Ellsworth PD Stuff the Cruiser
Join the Ellsworth Police Department this Friday, Dec. 12 from 1-8 p.m. for their ‘Stuff the Cruiser’ event.
They’re accepting donations of toys, clothes, gifts or cash for their annual event.
It’ll take place at Walmart in Ellsworth and they are teaming up with Special Children’s Friends in Ellsworth to fulfill the Christmas wish lists of 106 local children.
The tags with specific wishes are currently located at the Police Station in the lobby, so if you’d like to shop earlier, come grab one or more.
