Lawmakers push for modern sprinklers in old buildings
BANGOR, Maine (AP) — A bipartisan group of legislators wants to make sure older high-rise residential buildings are outfitted with more sprinklers. Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado and Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell of New Jersey are leading the effort. The lawmakers said Thursday their proposal would amend tax code to create a new incentive for building owners to install the sprinklers in buildings that were built before fire codes required them.
BIRD COUNT
Maine conducting survey of winter birds for first time
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine is undertaking a statewide survey of wintering birds for the first time. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife said Wednesday the state is updating its Maine Bird Atlas project. The atlas is a statewide citizen science project that tracks bird species in the state. The department said Maine is home to more than 190 wintering bird species. The department said it’s looking for residents to share information about bird sightings by reporting them online.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CAMPAIGN-GOVERNOR
Maine governor, an abuse survivor, to play role in campaign
CAMDEN, Maine (AP) — Maine’s governor is going to be featured as part of a campaign against domestic abuse in the state. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills is taking part in the Finding Our Voices campaign, which uses bookmarks and banners to tell the stories of domestic violence survivors. Mills escaped an abusive relationship in which her life was threatened when she was younger. The president and founder of the Camden-based nonprofit organization that runs Finding Our Voices says Mills is the 40th survivor to participate in the campaign. The banners featuring Mills arrived on Thursday.
ODD-PAPER MILL NEEDS CARDBOARD
Wanted: just a pizza cardboard. Mill squares box shortage
OLD TOWN, Maine (AP) — A Maine paper mill is asking local residents for cardboard to turn into packaging because of the rising cost of the raw materials it typically uses. ND Paper in Old Town uses cardboard and corrugated containers to create pulp that is later used to make packaging. A representative for the company told the Bangor Daily News it’s becoming more difficult and expensive to obtain those materials. The Daily News reports the company is asking residents of Old Town and surrounding communities to drop off cardboard, cereal boxes and pizza boxes.
YOUTH PRISON PROBLEMS
Report: Boredom, staffing shortages problems at youth prison
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — An outside report has concluded that boredom, severe staffing shortages and group punishments were among the main factors that led to seven “critical incidents” in two months at Maine’s only youth prison. The state Department of Corrections commissioned the report from the Center for Children’s Law and Policy. The Portland Press Herald obtained a copy of the report Wednesday. The department has not released complete information on the incidents, but the newspaper reported they involved groups of teenagers held at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland destroying $160,000 worth of property in August and September.
HEALTH MARKETPLACE
Nearly 60K sign up for insurance via new state marketplace
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Almost 60,000 people have signed up for coverage via Maine’s new health insurance marketplace. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services said Thursday the residents have selected health coverage plans for 2022 through the CoverME.gov website. The signups happened during the first month of open enrollment on the website. The signups represent an increase from last year. A little less than 60,000 people selected plans during the 2021 open enrollment period. Maine was still using the federal HealthCare.gov platform at that time.