Good morning. Temperatures will be in the 50s throughout the state, but a nasty rain storm is coming with the warmer weather.
Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
The coach who led UMaine football to its most successful season is leaving
Joe Harasymiak accepted a position as the defensive backs coach at the University of Minnesota. Harasymiak, who was the lowest-paid coach in the league, is expected to make at least $50,000 more a year in his new job.
Only hours after the announcement, news broke that another member of the coaching staff was leaving. Corey Hetherman, who spent the past three seasons as UMaine’s defensive coordinator, accepted the same position at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Bruce Poliquin faces a bill of nearly $15K for the 2nd District recount
Secretary of State Matt Dunlap said Thursday that Poliquin will have to pay a total of $14,560.52 for the time and resources his office spent pursuing a recount in the 2nd District U.S. House race. Poliquin has already paid $5,000 of that in the form of a deposit at the beginning of the process.
Nipper was meant to be a farm animal. Now she’s a diaper-wearing indoor duck
Originally in a flock of eight, Nipper the duck was raised by the Fishers this past spring to produce eggs — outside. But in late November, life came to an abrupt end for seven of the eight birds when they were attacked by a wild predator during the night. Only Nipper survived.
So the Fishers took her in. And since then, Nipper’s proved to be a charming house guest.
Ellsworth is one step closer to dealing with an effort to save a derelict firehouse
The city has granted a permit allowing the owner of the old Ticonic 4 firehouse to demolish the derelict building that dates back to the 1800s. But a group of residents want to save the building, and one of them has filed an appeal with the city. At first, the city’s appeals board said it couldn’t act on Judy Blood’s appeal. Then the city council said it couldn’t. After getting a second legal opinion, the city council has returned the appeal to the appeals board, which will consider Blood’s request that the city rescind the permit.
Why a Camden couple decided to open a restaurant in the middle of winter
For 15 years, Francine Bistro was a staple in Camden. But last year, owner James Beard-nominated chef Brian Hill closed the business. This month, Jack and Jennifer Neal reopened the restaurant as Franny’s — and they’re confident in their December opening.
“If we start up during the summer, the message we’re sending out is we’re here for the summer trade and not the local clientele,” Jack Neal said. “We want the locals to know that we’re here for them. It gets busy during the summer, yes, but we’re really a local restaurant.”
Do this: Your Maine weekend guide
It’s the last weekend before Christmas, and the Winter Solstice Cello Fest is at the Bangor Arts Exchange Friday night and the annual Stevie Wonder tribute night is at the State Theatre on Saturday, among many other events.
But more importantly, “Aquaman” hits theaters this weekend. Why is that important, you ask? Because Aquaman is a Mainer, of course!
In other news…
Maine
Technically, Aquaman is a Mainer
Maine hospital sues US health department over Medicare payment cuts
Mainers are finding creative ways to keep homes warm
Bangor
Woman charged with stealing $7,000 from Bangor church collection plates
Mills’ commissioner pick led some of Maine’s highest-profile transportation projects
Bangor was once dominated by family-owned businesses. Only a few from the old guard remain.
Business
Auditors find CMP’s high bills related to weather, not billing system
Bucksport mill site demo continues for salmon farm, Maine Maritime center
Developer plans new hotel at former Route 1 motel site
Politics
Dunlap sends election certification to House naming Golden 2nd District winner
Trump says Defense Secretary Mattis will retire in February
Mueller seeks Roger Stone’s testimony to House intelligence panel
Opinion
UMaine System has right priorities, needs to speed up progress
Speaker Gideon should focus on Maine problems, not 2020
Mills made right choice for fisheries and wildlife commissioner
Sports
NFL suspends Patriots’ Gordon for another substance abuse violation
Husson linebacker dedicates season to friend who was fatally shot
Defensive coordinator leaves UMaine to take similar post at James Madison
