State, National and World News - Fiddlehead Focus

State, National and World News

Rise in U.S. COVID cases could keep border closed indefinitely

Until the U.S. can stem its rise in COVID-19 cases, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the plan is to keep the border between the two countries closed.

Canada to allow border crossing for students, couples

Canada announced a further relaxation of limits allowing Americans to cross the border, though it continues to remain closed for non-essential travel.

USDA offers more aid to County farmers as drought enters week 12

Farmers in Aroostook and Penobscot counties can now benefit from multiple USDA Farm Service Agency programs to help bring some relief from the prolonged drought.

USDA and Maine CDC team up to distribute rabies vaccines in the wild

Oral rabies vaccine baits will be distributed in northeastern Maine beginning on or about Aug. 3 through Aug. 7 as part of ongoing, cooperative rabies control efforts aimed at reducing the spread of raccoon rabies in Maine.

Moving untreated firewood can spread pests, say forestry officials

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is reminding the public about the risk of spreading tree-killing invasive species while moving firewood. New infestations of invasive pests or diseases pose a serious threat to Maine’s landscapes, trees, agriculture, forests, wildlife and the environment.

Don’t plant mystery seeds, state warns

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is urging residents not to plant any unsolicited packages they may receive containing seeds, purportedly sent from China.

ATV registrations now required for 2020-2021

An amended executive order by Gov. Janet Mills has lifted the interim suspension for ATV registrations, and ATV owners must now register or renew registrations for 2020-2021

Department of Health and Human Services reopens local offices

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has resumed normal business hours at its 16 regional offices, including those in Caribou, Fort Kent and Houlton, in line with Stage 2 of Gov. Janet Mills’ reopening plan.

Campaign urges Mainers to keep healthy habits

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services announced June 2 it has launched a new statewide campaign to emphasize the continued importance of public health measures that limit the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing, wearing of cloth face coverings, and hand hygiene.

Agency on Aging warns senior citizens of COVID-19-related phone, internet scams

With fears of COVID-19 on the rise, there has also been an increase in medical-related scams targeting senior citizens, who are among the people most vulnerable to infection.

State opens waters to free inland fishing

Governor Janet Mills on Friday, March 20, directed Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso to open all inland waters for fishing and to waive the requirement that anglers need a recreational fishing license to fish the inland waters of Maine.

Portalatin takes first in 30-mile race

Spectators gathered at the finish line at Lonesome Pine Trails in Fort Kent to cheer on mushers as they arrived at the end of their 30-mile trek through Fort Kent at the Can-Am Sled Dog Races on Feb. 29. Race winner was racer No. 25 Rico Portalatin with a time of 2:24:11.

New U.S. stamp celebrates Maine

The U.S. Postal Service will celebrate Maine’s bicentennial with the issuance of a new Forever stamp and a dedication ceremony on the actual anniversary of Maine’s statehood, March 15.

State agencies urge awareness of invasive plants, pests

Maine's natural resources agencies invite everyone who cares for the environment to get involved in National Invasive Species Awareness Week Feb. 24-28.

Senator plans town hall in Fort Kent

Sen. Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, will host a town hall forum from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 at the University of Maine Fort Kent’s Nowland Hall, as part of the weekend activity surrounding the Can-Am Crown International sled dog race.

Representative sets local hours

Rep. Jared Golden’s staff will hold mobile office hours in Van Buren and St. Agatha on Thursday, Feb. 27.

Bureau offers tips for staying safe on ice

With the fluctuating temperatures making it tricky to know if it is safe to enjoy recreational activities on the ice, the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands recently issued a reminder to use extreme caution on winter ice.

Madawaska, other schools go into soft lockdown after threat involving Sen. Collins

The Madawaska Middle High School was on “soft lockdown” Friday morning until they were released at 12:30 p.m. due to a threat made Friday against several schools from Aroostook County to Bangor and Machias.

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