Pandemic hasn’t slowed China’s love for US lobster
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — China is showing no signs of slowing its demand for American lobster this year despite disruption to the supply chain and international trade caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese demand for the crustaceans grew dramatically during the 2010s in part because of the expansion of the country’s middle class. The lobsters are especially sought after in winter because they are a popular delicacy on Chinese New Year, which is Feb. 1 this year. American exporters sent about 6% more lobster to China in the first 11 months of 2021 than during the same time period the previous year.
Over 50K Maine acres to be protected by conservation push
FAYETTE, Maine (AP) — A Maine charitable foundation says more than 50,000 acres of land around the state will be conserved as part of a land protection drive. The Maine Community Foundation said funding for the 15 conservation projects involved in the effort totals $619,000. The group said it awarded $145,000 while the rest of the money is from donors. Officials say the projects will ensure that more people have access to Maine’s special places.
Winter storm whipping East Coast with snow, thunderstorms
A dangerous winter storm is whipping the East Coast with significant snowfall, strong thunderstorms and blustery winds Monday. Forecasters estimate a foot of snow will fall in parts of New England, New York state, Ohio and Pennsylvania through Tuesday morning. New York City is expected to be spared most of the snowfall. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the major city early Monday, which included Brooklyn and Queens. Sleet and rain are the main threats for much of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Road conditions were also a concern. Plow truck drivers were scattered along roads and highways in the region in the early morning hours.
SCHOOL MEAL GRANTS
Grants to support free after school meals coming to Maine
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Maine group that works to combat child hunger says it is awarding more than $80,000 to school districts and nonprofit organizations around the state. Full Plates Full Potential works with dairy brand Oakhurst on the Oakhurst After School Meal Program. Full Plates Full Potential said the program is giving almost $83,000 to five school systems and eight nonprofit groups. The grants are designed to create free after school meal programs for children who need them. Recipients of the grants include Bath Area YMCA, Westbrook Public Schools and Alfond Youth Center.
BC-WINTER WEATHER-NEW ENGLAND
Temperatures plunge as Arctic air blasts New England
BOSTON (AP) — Officials across New England are cautioning residents to stay indoors as a blast of Arctic air drives windchills as low as 35 degrees below zero. The National Weather Service issued windchill warnings Saturday across stretches of Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Vermont is feeling some of the deepest cold. Transportation officials there are encouraging residents to take blankets and emergency kits if they venture outside. Health officials in New Hampshire have closed four outdoor COVID-19 testing clinics because of the cold. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has declared a cold emergency and says warming centers would be available.
AP-BKH-BASKETBALL-ANNOUNCERS-FIRED
Announcers fired for mocking weight of high school athletes
HOULTON, Maine (AP) — Two radio announcers calling a Maine high school girl’s basketball game have been fired after they mocked players for being overweight. The Portland Press Herald reported that the comments were made by two broadcasters on Houlton radio station WHOU-FM on Thursday during a game between teams from Central Aroostook and Easton. One commenter called two players on the court “extremely overweight,” among other comments. The radio station owner said he fired announcers Jim Carter and Steve Shaw after the broadcast. Carter says he has apologized to the players. Shaw could not be reached for comment.
WILDLAND FIRE FIGHTING
Maine to help fire departments fight fires on wild lands
OLD TOWN, Maine (AP) — Maine is awarding money to rural fire departments in the state to help with wildland fire fighting. The Maine Forest Service says it will award about $190,000 to the fire departments. The service said the money will pay for reimbursements of items such as personal protective equipment, portable pumps, wildland fire hoses and hand tools. The average amount of reimbursement is about $1,800. The service says it will award the grants this winter.
AQUACULTURE APPRENTICESHIPS
Aquaculture apprenticeship program taking shape in Maine
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Maine science institute is working with the state’s labor department to create an aquaculture apprenticeship program. There is an active aquaculture industry in Maine, where farmers grow oysters, mussels, seaweed and other seafood items. The Maine Department of Labor said Jan. 10 it would work with Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland to establish the apprenticeship program. The effort is part of the results of a $500,000 federal grant to GMRI.