Good morning. Temperatures will be in the 40s throughout the state.
Here’s what we’re talking about in Maine today.
Maine now spends less than ever in the fight against Big Tobacco
–Maine was once lauded for its anti-tobacco efforts. It ranked first in the nation for spending on tobacco prevention between 2002 and 2007, dedicating nearly $17 million a year at the end of that period. Now, Maine ranks 16th in the country for the amount of money it dedicates to tobacco prevention.
Some are optimistic that with Democrats now in control of the Blaine House and the Legislature, Maine will return to its position as a leader in anti-tobacco efforts. But Maine’s newly elected Gov. Janet Mills is eyeing a bonus payment of the tobacco settlement money to fund expansion of MaineCare.
A judge has banned a Maine farmer from raising livestock for life
–The judge found the farmer hadn’t cleaned up filthy living conditions for the dozens of chickens, rabbits, ducks and pigs living on his Sorrento farm. They were living in mud and feces that the state’s Animal Welfare Program had previously called inhumane.
Maine’s still not making full use of its child welfare services watchdog amid ‘a bit of a crisis’
–In the more than 10 months since 10-year-old Marissa Kennedy was abused to death allegedly at the hands of her mother and stepfather, the number of assessments state-contracted caseworkers conducted into potentially at-risk families nearly doubled. It’s too early to gauge whether there’s been observable progress, but the Maine Child Welfare Ombudsman said, “Child welfare services is still in a bit of a crisis right now.”
A smoked seafood business was ready to reopen after a three-year closure…
–…then the federal government shut down. Five weeks later, Leslie Harlow is in a holding pattern, waiting to find out when she can call her five employees in to work at the business, Sullivan Harbor Farm. Harlow says her business has been through inspections and is simply waiting for a Food and Drug Administration permit — that she says is just sitting on the inspector’s desk, waiting to be put in the mail.
Thanks to the togue derby, Moosehead’s fishery is finally back in balance
–In the 2000s, Moosehead Lake had a problem: It simply had too many lake trout. So Maine DIF&W introduced the Moosehead Lake Togue Derby with Ricky Craven to help bring the population under control. And with the 12th annual derby approaching this weekend, it’s working.
A nonprofit that collects recycling for five Hancock County towns will close down
–It’s the latest casualty of changes to the international recycling market that have depressed demand for recycled household goods and increased the cost of recycling for towns.
Do this: Eat a tasty snack on the trails
–“Over the years, I’ve unearthed enough soggy, smashed sandwiches from my backpack to rethink what makes for good trailside food, and what’s better left at home,” writes BDN Outdoors reporter Aislinn Sarnacki. Here, she provides examples of her favorite snacks and meals while adventuring outdoors — including some tips from her readers.
In other news…
Maine
The rare hawk rescued during a Maine snowstorm may lose a toe
Cornville man dies after being pinned under the mobile home he was tearing down
Man charged with OUI on snowmobile after allegedly hitting teen on Dexter lake
Bangor
Bangor woman charged after baby allegedly ingested meth, lost consciousness
Chris Stapleton and Margo Price to perform at July concert in Bangor
7 perfect pairings at Bangor-area restaurants
Business
Emera Maine eyes rate hike that could add $6 per month to average bill
Waterville man settles suit claiming Betty Crocker made him sick
Shutdown preventing pizza company from setting up shop in Lewiston
Politics
Susan Collins will vote for Trump wall funding and rival Democratic plan to end shutdown
How the political fight over abortion is likely to play out in Maine this year
Pelosi tells Trump: No State of the Union address in the House until government is opened
Opinion
Leaders in Washington should not wall off compromise
In Congress, what is old is new again
Mills right to reject failed GOP policy on health care
Sports
Maine basketball could face significant changes as high school enrollments continue to decline
Defending state champion Southern Aroostook girls feel the pressure as they look to repeat
Snocross event planner says ‘rain won’t bother us’ ahead of weekend event
