New laws taking effect in 2026<\/b><\/p>\n
New laws will go into effect as the new year begins including changes to Paid Family and Medical Leave.<\/span><\/p>\n The new law states that employers must begin payroll withholdings from their employees for the program according to WABI news.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Employees will contribute one percent if their employer has 15 or more total employees. If there are fewer than 15, employees will contribute half a percent.<\/span><\/p>\n Also, prohibitions on products containing PFAS, also known as \u2018forever chemicals\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Among the new products being prohibited are some cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, and dental floss.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.wabi.tv\/2025\/12\/31\/new-laws-take-effect-january-1\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Code enforcement officer of Lamoine resigns<\/b><\/p>\n The Lamoine Code Enforcement officer and plumbing inspector tells the Ellsworth American she resigned from her position in December.<\/span><\/p>\n The reasoning is investigations of her work performance from people outside of the office.<\/span><\/p>\n Rebecca Albright tells the publication this all started when she became the focus of a lawsuit filed in 2024 after a Lamoine resident asked the court to revoke her certification alleging errors in issued permits and inspections.<\/span><\/p>\n The Ellsworth American reports an Ellsworth district court judge dismissed the lawsuit in 2024, however Albright says harassment continued against her.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.ellsworthamerican.com\/news\/lamoine-code-enforcement-officer-resigns-citing-harassment\/article_693a6f37-d9b0-4b5c-9c75-8d6d157a9541.html<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Community forum in Ellsworth will focus on the food system<\/b><\/p>\n The City of Ellsworth has partnered with the Union River Center for Innovation to discuss a community forum.<\/span><\/p>\n Rooted: Ellsworth\u2019s Place in the Food System will be held on Jan. 22 starting at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m..<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s an opportunity for residents, food producers and processors as well as distributors and other community leaders to evaluate Ellsworth\u2019s sustainability in the current food system.<\/span><\/p>\n There will be hands-on working sessions and a true understanding of how food moves through the community contributing to the outcome of the economy and environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For more information on that just head to our website.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.ellsworthmaine.gov\/community-forum-rooted-ellsworths-place-in-the-food-system-january-22-2026\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n United Midcoast charities launches community connection hub<\/b><\/p>\n A new online portal to help community members find volunteer opportunities has launched according to the Pen Bay pilot.<\/span><\/p>\n United Midcoast Charities launched the \u2018Community Volunteer Hub\u2019 where volunteers can enter their interests, skills and availability to find the right opportunity to give back to the community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n All you have to do is create a short online questionnaire and nonprofits in the area can find people who would be a good match in their recruitment efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n To sign up just follow the link on our website.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/unitedmidcoastcharities.org\/volunteer\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n United Midcoast Charities launches Community Volunteer Hub to connect people with meaningful opportunities to give back | PenBay Pilot<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Millinocket Marathon and Half raises thousands for charitable organizations<\/b><\/p>\n Organizers of the Millinocket Marathon and Half announced nearly $16,000 in charitable gifts will be given to seventeen local groups and organizations according to WABI news.<\/span><\/p>\n Over $15,000 was raised at this year’s event.<\/span><\/p>\n Unlike traditional races, there is no formal entry fee to run the Millinocket Marathon and Half.<\/span><\/p>\n Instead, participants are encouraged to donate to support bare minimum race expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n The rest gets donated to local charitable groups and organizations.<\/span><\/p>\n