Maine

York first Maine town to ban single-use plastics: Here’s when ordinance goes into effect

Published

2 years ago

May 30, 2024

York first Maine town to ban single-use plastics: Here’s when ordinance goes into effect

YORK, Maine — The students behind a recently approved town-wide single-use plastics ban are celebrating their victory, but they and others believe there is still work to do to combat plastic pollution.

The ban passed at the York town referendum May 18 by a vote of 2,192 in favor and 1,556 against. The York High School Eco Club took two attempts in the last year to get an ordinance banning plastics in town, the first of its kind for a town in Maine.

The Eco Club’s first proposal was not forwarded to the ballot as the Selectboard asked the students to rework the ordinance to make it more palatable for businesses. The students returned this year with another proposal that removed cups and lids from the ban, and the Selectboard voted unanimously to forward the proposal to the May referendum.

“Pleased with its passage,” Selectboard Chair Todd Frederick said. “I’ve heard from many voters who supported it.”

Maxine Adelson, one of the York High School students behind the ordinance, hopes that York can serve as a model for the rest of the state as it was in past years. The town approved bans on plastic bags and polystyrene, which later led to bans at the state level.

“This is definitely going to be a big shift,” Adelson said of the newly approved ban. “It’s feasible. It will change a lot of the habits of our community and tourists by changing our throwaway.”

More: York moves closer to razing ‘dangerous’ Pizza by Paras building

York business owners prepare for change

The new ordinance will take effect in 2025. It will prohibit plastic straws, stir sticks, and utensils at stores, restaurants, coffee/tea shops, cafeterias, caterers, food delivery services, or town-sponsored events.

The ordinance will be enforced by the code enforcement officer with a $100 fine for the first violation. A second offense would result in a $200 fine, and a third offense $500. Exceptions include healthcare facilities as suggested last year by Frederick.

Some business owners said they are supportive of the ordinance. Restaurants like York Harbor Inn had already done away with plastic, while Caitlynn Ramsey of the Sun and Surf Restaurant worked with the Eco Club students to craft the final draft of the ordinance.

Some, however, are concerned about the cost that new non-plastic products will inevitably cause.

Patti Krukoff-Bernier, who runs both Nick’s Beachside Grille and Molly O’s at Short Sands Beach, said a quick search of inventory for sale online shows alternatives to plastic forks run as high as 25 cents an item. Plasticware costs pennies in comparison, she said.

She also said she is concerned about the quality of alternative straws that can melt or bend more easily than a plastic one.

“If it’s going to be altogether more expensive, and the alternative is going to cost the consumer,” Krukoff-Bernier said.

Election results: York voters reject short-term rental ordinance regulating Airbnbs

Students and activists say more bans on the horizon for plastics

Students involved in the project said they understand the cost for businesses will be higher when buying non-plastic items. Aidan Ring, one of those students, believes it is still worth it. He said the hope is that their plastics ban inspires other communities or the state Legislature to follow York’s lead.

“I think people understand it’s a cost,” Ring said. “Honestly, at some point, the whole state will be in this together, you know? And also, plastic pollution is a cost that all of society has to share.”

Victoria Simon, chair of the town recycling committee and a community advisor to the Eco Group, believes the town will eventually benefit from a ban on plastic cups and lids in the future. Simon said the victory at the polls in May was a big step for York but that a change in culture toward individual use of reusable cups at takeout restaurants will take the town even further in its quest to eliminate plastic pollution.

“I’m not saying it’s going to happen in six months,” Simon said, “But I think in the future, we will work on cups.”

A Little Auk: York Beach secret restaurant at the ViewPoint Hotel now open to all

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Maine

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

Published

7 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – If you’ve ever wondered what goes into pitching a good business idea, you might want to stop by a Big Gig event.

The Big Gig Entrepreneurship Pitch Off brings professionals from across the state together to network and pitch their early-stage business ideas for a chance to win $500.

Tuesday’s competition was held at the Salty Brick Market in Bangor, and it drew a lot of spectators.

“The winners of each semifinal event get $500 and the opportunity to compete for $5,000, so that can make a huge impact on a business that’s just getting off the ground,” said Renee Kelly, a Big Gig organizer.

The winner of the competition, Colin McGuire, was also grateful for the opportunity to showcase his idea “Art on Tap,” which would connect local artists with local venues trying to put on events.

“The support tonight is huge, and it’s just giving me more enthusiasm for running with the idea,” he said.

The season finale of the competition will be held May 19th.

The location is yet to be determined.

If you’d like to apply to compete in the contest, you can go to biggig.org.

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Maine

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Published

19 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?

A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.

This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.

Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine

According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.

Wondering what’s in the burrito?

The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”

Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.

The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.

As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.

Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant

First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.

Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.

A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.

READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew

And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.

So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.

You Know You’re From Maine If You’ve Tried All 19 of These Foods

Here’s a number of foods associated with Maine. How many of them have you had?

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

The New York Time’s Best Restaurant Lists Feature These 7 Maine Spots

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

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Maine

How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Monday’s telethon held by WABI in partnership with Penquis and Heart of Maine United Way Monday raised money for the heating of homes, something so basic, yet so significant in a state like Maine.

Danielle Hewes, Penquis contributor and volunteer, says some people might not even know that they qualify for heating assistance.

“I think there’s this misconception that you can’t get that if you’re working. Like that’s just for people on general assistance. The truth of the matter is this is for the people that are maybe not able to work, but also for the people that are working. They’re making ends meet,” she said.

For Danielle, that’s what makes events like the telethon so special: it’s making a real difference in the community with people who need the help the most.

Speaking about Penquis in particular, she said, “You learn about all of the other things they do and how they help the community and you can’t help but want to be a part of that.”

If you weren’t able to donate Monday, donations are still being accepted.

You can go to homeunitedway.org/heat.

You can also call 941-2800.

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