Maine
Officials say not to eat fish from these Maine bodies of water
![Officials say not to eat fish from these Maine bodies of water Officials say not to eat fish from these Maine bodies of water](https://gray-wabi-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/266ZLLUYBFDTZIWLRGFSYUJHTU.jpg?auth=7e6be7b27c7629c67bb7c2a535d8c0c5e21b80d294c89737a5478d76b44d1cb1&width=1200&height=600&smart=true)
BRUNSWICK, Maine (WMTW) – The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is advising people not to eat freshwater fish caught near the former naval air base in Brunswick because of elevated PFAS levels.
The U.S. Navy has been monitoring environmental contamination from the historic use of a fire-fighting foam there. They collected data in 2023 and shared the findings with the Maine CDC this spring, where officials later determined that the PFAS levels were too high for recommended consumption.
The announcement comes shortly after the accidental release of PFAS-containing fire-fighting foam on Aug. 19, but this recommendation is based on prior findings. Officials don’t expect the recent spill to impact the advisory.
The Maine CDC says to avoid eating any fish from Picnic Pond, Site 8 Stream, or Merriconeag Stream. They say not to eat any fish from the section of Mere Brook on the Eastern side of the runway and to limit fish from the Western side of Mere Brook to no more than six meals per year.
Since there is still foam floating in some areas, they say to avoid swimming or boating until they finish assessing the contamination.
Copyright 2024 WABI. All rights reserved.
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Maine
Opinion: Embrace conversations that shape the future of education in Maine
![Opinion: Embrace conversations that shape the future of education in Maine Opinion: Embrace conversations that shape the future of education in Maine](https://www.pressherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/37997078_20240206_BlackHistory_01-1724418307.jpg?w=1024)
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a Measure What Matters session hosted by the Maine Department of Education at York County Community College. These community meetings, held across the state, bring together educators, community members and business leaders to discuss a shared vision for Maine schools.
The goal is to develop relevant ways to recognize and acknowledge what schools are doing to prepare students for success – in their lives, in a rapidly changing global economy, in their careers, and as engaged and productive citizens of Maine.
It’s rare to find events where participants genuinely lead the conversation and engage in discussions free from a predetermined agenda. The Measure What Matters session did both, and it did them masterfully. The authenticity of these discussions was particularly impactful. Educators, business leaders and community members came together, actively engaging in meaningful dialogue. The diversity of views and opinions, along with the richness of perspectives, led to conversations that were not only insightful but conducted with the utmost respect. This respectful exchange of ideas allowed for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
As president of York County Community College, I often hear frustrations from business leaders about the slow pace of change in education and concerns over the shortage of a skilled and educated labor force. However, it’s rare to see these discussions take place collaboratively across the K-16 spectrum, let alone as a whole community – something the Measure What Matters session uniquely facilitated.
Educators, business leaders and community members discussed the evolving science of learning, highlighting how today’s students – and future generations – learn differently from those in the past. This evolving understanding compels us to rethink our educational approaches to better meet the needs of modern learners.
One particularly striking moment in the session was a meaningful discussion about how the rapid pace of change in industry demands workers who are adaptable and equipped with strong problem-solving skills. This sentiment resonated deeply with me, as I believe education’s role is not to tell people what to think but to teach them how to think critically.
The conversation underscored the importance of equipping students with critical thinking and adaptability – skills essential in a world that is constantly evolving. It became evident that aligning our educational practices across the K-16 continuum with the demands of the workforce and broader community is crucial, not just for student success, but for the economic and workforce development of our state.
These discussions were more than just inspiring; they represented a collective commitment to addressing these challenges together. For someone like me, who is deeply committed to the idea that higher education’s role is to develop a skilled and educated workforce that drives socioeconomic mobility for our students and fosters economic and civic prosperity for our communities, this collective effort is crucial.
Looking ahead, I am eager to see how our state collectively defines what truly matters in education and what makes Maine’s schools great. Until then, what I do know is that the willingness of our leaders and community members to engage in these conversations is what truly makes Maine great. I encourage all stakeholders to continue participating in these dialogues to ensure that our educational system, communities and state reflect our shared values and are well prepared for the future.
Through open dialogues like these, we can build a stronger educational system, stronger communities and a stronger state – one that prepares our students for success and ensures prosperity for our businesses and communities alike.
Maine
Dump truck leaves hole in covered bridge when it crashes into river in Maine
GORHAM, Maine (AP) — The driver of a dump truck learned the hard way that it’s best not to tempt fate on a covered bridge originally built before the Civil War.
The loaded vehicle crashed into the Presumpscot River on Friday afternoon, leaving a hole in the planks in the shape of the truck.
The driver suffered minor injuries, police said, but the same couldn’t be said for Babb’s Bridge, which was originally built in 1840 and rebuilt in 1976 after a fire. The best-case scenario is the bridge will be closed for a few months, officials said.
The weight limit on the bridge was 3 tons (2,700 kilograms), and the dump truck carrying crushed stone was “multiple times that,” said Paul Merrill, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Transportation.
The truck was crossing from Gorham into Windham when it plummeted into the water. The Gorham Police Department said the mishap remains under investigation. The driver didn’t respond to messages from The Associated Press.
Maine
Leaf through these – fall’s most anticipated Maine books
![Leaf through these – fall’s most anticipated Maine books Leaf through these – fall’s most anticipated Maine books](https://w2pcms.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Books-Outermark.jpg?w=259)
Publishers often clear their schedules of fall releases during an election year, but in 2024 we’re lucky to still be getting lots of great new books from Maine authors. This autumn is something of a homecoming, with new titles from a number of beloved Maine writers … and a local history over 40 years in the making.
“Drafted” by Rick Parker. Abrams ComicArts, hardcover, $24.99. On sale 9/2
If you’re a child of the ’80s, you’re likely familiar with Rick Parker’s work — he’s been a comic book artist for nearly half a century, most famously on Marvel’s Beavis and Butt-Head comics. You’re probably less familiar with the story of Parker’s time as a draftee in the Vietnam War, unless you saw the short film “Rick Parker, I’m Afraid.” In “Drafted,” the first graphic novel both written and illustrated by the Falmouth resident, he deftly balances dark themes and topics with a sense of humor, offering a unique perspective on war, soldiers, service and art as a means of survival. Parker has built a dedicated fan base in comics over 50 years, and “Drafted” is sure to draw in a new generation of admirers.
“The Islanders” by Lewis Robinson. Islandport Press, paperback, $18.95. On sale 10/1
It’s been way too long since we’ve had the treat of a new book from Lewis Robinson. Lucky for us, the decade-plus dry spell is broken with “The Islanders,” a captivating new novel published by Maine’s Islandport Press. Following a group of high school oddballs shunted to a Maine island for a “leadership” program, the novel is an inventive and consistently surprising update to “Lord of the Flies” for the United States. And it’s a credit to Robinson that the teenagers at the center of the novel sound and feel like real teens — it’s a voice most adult authors struggle to capture, but he has knocked it out of the park. You won’t soon forget Walt, Aubrey or Tess, and they all make the book tough to put down until you’re through.
“Outermark” by Jason Brown. Paul Dry Books, paperback, $17.95. On sale 10/15
In his fourth book, Maine Literary Award winner Jason Brown takes readers to Outermark, a fictional island some 30 miles off Maine’s eastern shore. The story of Outermark is one familiar to many working Mainers — a town defined by its industry (in this case, lobstering) and subject to its booms and busts. The chapters that make up Outermark are expansive, telling stories from the early 18th century through the modern day. Brown is an astounding talent – winner of a Pushcart Prize, and published in “Best American Short Stories” and “Best American Essays,” as well as The New Yorker, The Atlantic and Harper’s — and his newest captures small-town life in a way that will appeal to readers of both historical and contemporary fiction.
“A Town Built by Ski Bums” by Virginia M. Wright. Down East Books, hardcover, $29.95. On sale 11/5
“Welcome to Carrabassett Valley. From here on your life will never be the same.” Sugarloafers are familiar with the sign on Route 27 heralding your entrance to the small town of Carrabassett Valley (population 673), founded in the early ’70s by a few dozen skiers. In “A Town Built by Ski Bums,” veteran journalist Virginia M. Wright worked with the Carrabassett Valley History Committee to tell the story of the town through good times and bad. It’s a fascinating story, and an interesting model for Vacationland, where a town succeeds through creative investment in an economy built around outdoor recreation. Sen. Angus King, a sometimes-Sugarloafer himself, has written the foreword.
“Warm Your Bones” by Vanessa Seder. Union Square and Co., hardcover, $30. On sale 11/5
One of my favorite cookbooks from a few summers ago was “Eat Cool,” Vanessa Seder’s collection of low- and no-heat recipes to cook during the hot summer months. In “Warm Your Bones,” the longtime culinary instructor at Stonewall Kitchen flips the script, with loads of recipes to warm you up during the coldest months of the year. The 75 recipes in the book run the gamut from hot toddies, to slow braises, to homemade caramels and even an entire section dedicated to hot chocolate. Despite the darkness of winter, the book is a bright beauty, full of gorgeous and inviting images of food and drink. In addition to the recipes, “Warm Your Bones” includes ideas and inspirations for winter gatherings.
Josh Christie is a freelance writer who covers books, beer, and the Maine outdoors, and is co-owner of Print: A Bookstore in Portland.
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