Maine moose hunters had less success than normal in 2021
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine moose hunters had less success than usual during last year’s hunt despite an increase in hunting permits.
The Bangor Daily News reports the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife said 68% of hunters harvested a moose during the fall hunt.
It was the third-lowest success rate in the four-decade history of the modern moose hunt.
Moose hunters had a better year in 2020, when more than 76% successfully bagged a moose.
That was the highest percentage in eight years at the time.
Maine state senator resigns to take job in federal SBA
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A Democratic state senator in Maine says he will resign to take a post within the federal government. Sen. Louis Luchini of Ellsworth said Tuesday his new job is as an advocate within the U.S. Small Business Administration. His role will be to work with small business owners, government agencies, trade associations and others in the six New England states. Luchini has served in the Maine Legislature since his election to the Maine House of Representatives in 2010.
GAS PRICES
Gas prices up in Vermont, down in Maine and New Hampshire
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Gas prices are again a mixed bag in northern New England. GasBuddy says the average price in Maine fell a little more than a penny over the last week to $3.38 per gallon. The service said Monday that prices in the state remain about 3 cents lower than a month ago. The price in Vermont rose a little less than a cent to $3.35 and the price in New Hampshire fell 2.1 cents to $3.24.
LAND PRESERVATION-MAINE
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 WEATHER
Winter storm whipping northeast US with snow, thunderstorms
NEW YORK (AP) — A dangerous winter storm is whipping the East Coast with significant snowfall, strong thunderstorms and blustery winds. Meteorologists said a foot or more of snow fell in parts of New York state, Ohio and Pennsylvania through Monday. New York City was spared most of the snowfall. Sleet and rain are the main threats for much of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Plow truck drivers were scattered along roads and highways in the region in the early morning hours. Power outages affected tens of thousands of customers, and hundreds of flights were canceled.
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.