A Company of the 6th and Maine

The Maine State Library compiled Maine in the Civil War, a selected bibliography in recognition of the war’s sesquicentennial. This bibliography includes general resources; memoires, diaries and correspondence and regimental histories but is not inclusive of every Civil War-related item in the Maine State Library’s collection. In his introduction, Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr, Maine State Historian says, “To these categories, I would add that the Maine State Library and many other institutions have major holdings in Civil War period newspapers, which are an invaluable source of information about both the home front and the battle front between 1861 and 1865.” Shettleworth concludes with, “On the pages of this bibliography are the books which contain ‘the mystic cords of memory’ that link us to a defining moment in the history of our state and nation.”

Thanks to Emily Schroeder, reference librarian at the State Library, for compiling this list of resources, thanks to Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr. for writing the introduction, and thanks to the Maine State Archives for sharing photos from their collection.

Maine in the Civil War is available online for any library, school or individual. Visit http://www.maine.gov/msl/services/genealogy/index.shtml, look on the right sidebar, below the Drummer Boys photo.

If you would like a print copy, please contact the Reference Department at 287-5613.

Attorney General William J. Schneider

AUGUSTA – Attorney General William J. Schneider and Governor Paul R. LePage have announced that aTask Force has been formed to combat the prescription drug abuse problem in Maine.

Governor LePage signed an executive order Wednesday, February 1 establishing the Maine Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force. The formation of the Task Force follows the Prescription Drug Abuse Summit hosted by Attorney General Schneider in October.

“Decision makers in the fields of prevention and intervention, treatment and recovery, education, enforcement and public policy came together at the Summit to develop an action plan for Maine,” said Attorney General Schneider. “This is a complex problem and the experts at the Summit considered many solutions, finally targeting the measures that are most likely to make a difference. I am encouraged by the level of commitment of people across the state and look forward to the leadership that the Task Force will bring on this issue.”

The executive order describes the alarming public health and safety effects of prescription drug misuse, abuse and diversion and highlights the challenge of balancing prevention, education and enforcement with the need for legitimate access.

“Prescription drug use is the Nation’s fastest-growing drug problem and Maine is experiencing increasing and alarming rates of prescription drug abuse,” said the Governor. “This reality demands action, but any policy response must be approached responsibly. I hope members of this Task Force will be able to address this issue and start to find solutions on how slow down this major drug problem in a meaningful and effective way.”

The 17-member Task Force will address four action items identified by statewide stakeholders at the Summit:

• Develop a long-term controlled substance disposal program
• Implement a statewide Diversion Alert Program that provides prescribers with drug crime information from local law enforcement to assist in determining whether patients are legitimately in need of controlled substance prescriptions
• Develop an evidence-based public education campaign for both community education and prescriber training
• Review the Prescription Monitoring Program and recommend improvements to maximize its use and effectiveness

The members of the Task Force will report every six months to the Governor, the Attorney General, the Commissioner of Public Safety, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and the Legislature.

Members include:

Chair

Joe Bruno R.Ph., M.B.A.
President and CEO
Community Pharmacies, LP

Disposal

Dr. Stevan Gressit
Founding Director
International Institute for Pharmaceutical

William Savage
Assistant Attorney General
Office of the Attorney General

Greg Couture
Assistant to the Commissioner
Maine Department of Public Safety

Pattie Aho, Commissioner
Maine Department of Environmental Protection

Diversion Alert

Darrell Crandell, Commander
Maine Drug Enforcement Agency

Natalie Morse
Prevention Center Director
Maine General Medical Center

Susan Morissette
State Representative

Dr. Denise Theriault
Southern Maine Periodontal Associates

Education

Lauri Sidelko, Director
Alcohol and Drug Education Programs

Jayne Harper
Drug Overdose Prevention Educator
MaineGeneral Prevention Center

Gordon Smith
Executive Vice President
Maine Medical Association

Melissia Petro
Regional Director
State Government & Legislative Affairs
Purdue Pharmacy

Neill Miner
Project Director
Southern Kennebec Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention

Prescription Monitoring Program

Roy McKinney, Director
Maine Drug Enforcement Agency

Brenda Kielty
Special Assistant to the Attorney General
Maine Office of the Attorney General

Patricia Lapera
Project Coordinator
Prescription Monitoring Program
Office of Substance Abuse

“I was presented a plan last Thursday. I told the Appropriations Chairs that I would not sign nor veto that proposal. However, their plan has drastically changed since then. The latest proposal eliminates nearly all of the structural changes that are necessary to make our welfare system affordable and sustainable.

The latest plan is full of gimmicks and built on false savings. It continues to cannibalize state government to support an out-of-control welfare program. If the approach taken by the Committee is allowed to move forward, we will be back here in a few months dealing with another large shortfall in the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Committee is no longer considering eliminating all coverage for childless adults. They are taking a half-measure that doesn’t fix the real problem. The ironic part of their proposal is that they are booking savings that are dependent on federal approval. My plan has been criticized for the exact same thing.

Quite frankly, I believe this represents an abdication of their responsibility to the Maine people. This is the exact same approach the Legislature has taken for the past 40 years and it hasn’t worked yet. They are kicking the can down the road and Maine people deserve better.”

Each year thousands of Mainers are affected by it. You could be a victim yourself or a friend, neighbor or co-worker could be.

The question is, will you stand up and speak out against it?

I’m talking about domestic violence. Not only is this type of abuse devastating to the victim, but it is traumatic for families and entire communities.

My Administration will join the Chief Justice Saufley, Attorney General Schneider, members of The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, Democrats and Republicans, and many others to introduce a variety of domestic violence related bills.

These are bills that will close loopholes and improve our justice system.

I look forward to unveiling this legislation in mid-February with everyone involved.

Every day, I carry with me a fifty-cent piece. I received it from my father when I was 11.

Not for any good reason like doing my chores or homework, instead, that coin was given to me to stay silent about the abuse that was occurring in my family.

I knew it was wrong then. And it’s still wrong today. That is why I made a choice. I could have stayed and lived with the assaults or I could leave. I took that fifty-cent piece, chose the latter and haven’t looked back.

If there is a way to help someone who is in a similar situation that I was in I’ll do it. There is support within our communities. As neighbors, colleagues and friends and family we must be willing to become a voice for victims.

I believe it is through the power of a voice we can make a difference. Not just mine – YOURS TOO.

Domestic violence is a crime that can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, economic and sexual abuse. It does not discriminate based on race, age or gender.

But the fact is more than 80 percent of domestic violence related homicides are committed by men.

It’s why I will continue to speak out and say we must shift this issue from a women’s issue to a men’s issue.

Men are major part of the problem and men must be a major part of the solution.

This week, my Administration unveiled a public service announcement highlighting domestic violence awareness and the need for men to speak up in a united effort to end the abuse.

My staff, commissioners, state employees, advocates and families and friends of domestic violence victims participated in this announcement.

I would like to thank all the families that allowed us to feature their loved ones in this announcement.

I would like to thank Maine Video on Demand for their in kind services to see this project get off the ground.

I would also like to thank one young man, in particular, for standing with me in the announcement. His name is Jarod Gay. Jarod was a classmate and good friend of Cody Lake of Dexter, Maine.

Through a horrific act of domestic violence Cody, his sister Monica and their mother Amy were murdered last year.

To honor Cody and his friendship, Jarod had the courage to stand with me and send a message – a powerful one.

I hope you will have the chance to view this important message.

It will be given to every television station across our State and it is available to view on Mainevod.com. Again, that’s Mainevod.com.

If you are a victim or know someone who is, please do not remain silent. There are services across out State that can provide you with the help needed to leave an abusive relationship.

The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence is a strong state-wide advocacy group that is dedicated to supporting people affected by domestic abuse and that batterers are held accountable.

The state-wide Domestic Violence Helpline is 1-866-834-HELP. That number again is 1-866-834-HELP.

Please, use your voice to stop the violence.

CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE

WEEKLY MEMORANDUM

TO:     Mayor MacLean, Members of the City Council, and Department Heads

FROM:    Scott Morelli, City Manager

DATE:    February 3, 2012

RE:      Weekly Memo

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Next week’s meeting agenda

Next Week’s City Meetings are available on our Calendar

Below please find an update on recent City activities:

• The pellet boiler for City Hall was delivered today and installation has commenced (see photos below).  As you know, this is our second pellet boiler; the first was installed at the public works garage in winter, 2010.  Half of the cost of the City Hall pellet boiler was paid for by a $61,000 grant through the Wood to Energy grant from Maine Forest Service (ARRA funded).  A study conducted in 2009 concluded that based on the purchase price, maintenance cost, and average heating oil comparative cost of $1.98/gallon, the City Hall pellet boiler would pay for itself in 16.8 years.  Given that we received half of the cost via a grant, the City’s return on investment (ROI) is reduced to 8.4 years.  In addition, the cost of oil is much higher than the $1.98/gallon used in the 2009 study, thus reducing the ROI by a few more years.  In all, the City is expected to save $195,896 over the 25 year life cycle of the pellet boiler. We will also save approximately 90 tons of carbon dioxide from entering our air.  The additional benefit of this pellet boiler is that most of the money we spend stays in Maine.  The boiler was manufactured in Bethel and the pellets we use are manufactured and distributed in our state, as well.  Once the boiler is up and running later this month or early next, we will plan to have an official ribbon cutting ceremony.  My thanks to Chuck Applebee for coordinating this process and helping to ensure the City got the most bang for its buck, and to the Council for having the vision and commitment to proceeding with this alternative heating system
• The City received over 30 applications for the part-time Assistant Planner position and will begin screening the applications shortly for a first round interview
• A group of area municipalities met yesterday to further discuss joint negotiations with Time Warner Cable on a franchise agreement renewal.  This consortium of communities helps to make the process more efficient and less costly as all split the costs for the specialized attorney who will help in crafting the contract language.  The group will meet again next month to finalize a strategy before meeting with TWC representatives.  I will be addressing the Council at some point in the coming month in executive session to talk about our goals for the contract renewal
• The City will be conducting a mandatory harassment prevention training program on February 17^th.  The training will be split into different sessions for supervisory and non-supervisory personnel

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to serve the people of Gardiner as City Manager.

Pellet boiler is hoisted over City Hall by a crane

Pellet boiler is set in place behind City Hall

Gardiner City Hall – 6 Church Street, Gardiner, ME 04345
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm   (207) 582-4200

"There are reports from Maine church officials who have received phone calls from individuals requesting help to pay rent," said Attorney General Schneider. "One particular caller was very believable and stated that she needed $170 to rent a home in Winthrop. As it turns out, this particular property is a home which was recently listed for sale and the owner was still living there."

It is believed the scammer obtained the information on any number of websites where properties are listed for sale.

The caller requests the payment be mailed to the "land lady" whose address is a post office box in Washington, D.C.

If you think you have experienced a rental assistance scam, call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at(207) 626-8849.

Maine Labor Commissioner Robert Winglass discusses Governor LePage's job training plan

Augusta – In an effort to improve employment outcomes and financial accountability for approximately $20 million in state and federal job training dollars spent each year in Maine, members of Governor LePage’s State Workforce Investment Board are considering a number of significant reforms to the state workforce system. At a meeting of chamber of commerce executives from around the state this week, the Governor shared his plan to restructure how training funds are distributed in the state and realign training priorities so that workers have skills for careers in demand by Maine employers. The Governor outlined his vision for engaging business and industry in workforce development.

“We need to bring job creators into the conversation,” he said. “Through industry partnership, they will have a say in identifying skill gaps in the workforce, prioritizing training initiatives and developing defined career ladders where workers can build on prior skills and new learning to advance in their jobs.” Eight local workforce areas are defined in the new plan, up from the four workforce areas currently in place now.

The new model will be aligned closer with regional chamber of commerce areas allowing the workforce system to be more responsive to the unique challenges and opportunities in different local economies around the state. Administration of training funds, currently split between four Local Workforce Investment Boards, will be centralized to a single State Workforce Investment Board under the proposal.

“My plan puts more funding directly into training that helps workers get better jobs and careers,” Governor LePage said. The proposal also calls for additional performance based standards to evaluate performance of workforce programs. The measures will look at return on investment for taxpayers and participants, employer market share, and repeat business customers. Fred Webber, State Workforce Investment Board chair said the proposal comes at a critical time for Maine workers and employers. “There are thousands of jobs going unfilled in Maine because of a skills mismatch in our workforce,” he said.

“Governor LePage’s plan targets our training resources so that Maine people get the skills they need to be successful in the job market and Maine businesses have a talented workforce that can help them be competitive in a global economy.” For more information on the State Workforce Investment Board and Governor LePage’s proposed workforce training reforms, call (207) 621-5087 or email swib@maine.gov.

Republican Caucus

February 4th, 9:00 A.M.
Farrington Elementary School
249 Eastern Avenue, Augusta
Caucus Contact Person: Kim Pettengill
Phone #: 907-8205    E-Mail: kimepettengill@gmail.comt.

Democratic Caucus

February 26, 12:30 p.m.  (time may change)
Greater Gardiner Boy’s and Girl’s Club
14 Pray Street, Gardiner
Contact Information:   Diane Potter
For voters who are currently unenrolled in a party or new registrants, a Registrar will be available 1 hour before the actual caucus begins. 

§Coastal Community Center in Damariscotta 563-1363

§Cohen Community Center in Hallowell 626-7777

§Knox Community Center in Rockland 596-0339

§Muskie Community Center in Waterville 873-4745

§Somerset Community Center in Skowhegan 474-8552

§Southern Mid Coast Community Center in Topsham 729-0475

Spectrum Generations has promoted life-long learning, health, wellness, nutrition, community engagement and the social well-being of all older and disabled adults for 40 years as the Central Maine Area Agency on Aging.   For more information about Spectrum Generations programs, services, and center activities, call 1-800-639-1553 or visit www.spectrumgenerations.org.  For more information regarding AARP, visit their website at www.aarp.org.

“Our unemployment rate dropped during 2011 and jobless claims for benefits were lower in 11 of the last 12 months as compared to the same time the year before,” said Maine Labor Commissioner Robert Winglass. “Although seasonal factors will continue to play a role in the job market from month to month, overall workforce conditions are improving.”

The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Maine was 7.0 percent in December – down from 7.5 percent one year ago, and significantly lower than the U.S. unemployment rate of 8.5 percent. Nearly 3,000 more Mainers were employed in December compared with the same period in 2010 and the number of unemployed dropped by 3,800.

Federal EB benefits are available to workers in high unemployment states, but only after they have exhausted all regular unemployment insurance benefits and the up to 47 weeks of federally-funded unemployment benefits provided under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program.

For the approximately 1,850 Maine workers who may be eligible for unemployment under the EB program, the last payable week for benefits will be the week ending February 18, 2012.

“EB represents the final weeks of benefits for the longest-term unemployed,” said Laura Boyett, director of the Maine Department of Labor Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. “Generally, the workers who are receiving unemployment under EB have already collected up to 73 weeks of benefits under other state and federal unemployment programs.”

Maine CareerCenters have ramped up outreach to workers who are expected to lose benefits as the result of the end of EB unemployment in Maine. Workers are being encouraged to visit CareerCenters to attend employment workshops or meet one-on-one with a career counselor.

“CareerCenters are an important resource for people looking for a new job, their first job, or a different career,” said Commissioner Winglass. “Over 3,300 available Maine jobs are posted now on Maine’s Job Bank and our staff are committed to helping connect job seekers to those employment opportunities in all corners of the state.”

State labor officials are also closely monitoring the status of federal legislation concerning the federal EUC benefits. Approximately 8,500 Maine workers are currently receiving benefits under the program today. EUC is paid in three tiers in Maine. Tier One EUC is the first 20 weeks of benefits, Tier Two provides 14 weeks of benefits, and Tier Three represents the final 13 weeks of EUC unemployment. Not all workers qualify for the full 47 weeks of EUC benefits.

Legislation signed into law in December provided a temporary extension of the EUC program through March 6, 2012. Without congressional action to keep the program in place, the program will begin to phase out over the spring and summer.

Additional information about Maine unemployment programs can be found on the Maine Unemployment website at www.file4ui.com.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative Announcement
Location: Hall of Flags, State House

Background

Governor Paul LePage will make an announcement regarding a domestic violence awareness initiative. Among those who will join the Governor for the announcement: Chief Justice Leigh Saufley, Attorney General William Schneider, Julia Colpitts of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, Donna Strickler of the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center and many others.

In a recent report by The Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, it was discovered that between 2003 and 2010 the state paid nearly $235 million to organizations that were run by state officials or their spouses.

“It is reasonable to ask our elected leaders to disclose who is paying them. It is good for the health of our democracy and the people of Maine,” said Governor LePage. “This will increase trust in the system and ensure that people have the opportunity to take appropriate action and make decisions accordingly.”

The bill would require legislators, executive branch officials and constitutional officers to identify if they or family members who hold executive or management-level employees were paid more than $1000 by the state. Additionally, the executive employee must identify the source of the compensation, the type of economic activity and the title of the position held by the immediate family member.

Lead sponsors of the bill are Senate President Kevin Raye, R-Perry and House Speaker Robert Nutting, R-Sidney. “This bill will close a loophole and help establish a greater level of transparency in state government. I appreciate the opportunity to work with Governor LePage in bringing this bill forward and giving the Legislature an opportunity to improve the law and correct this situation,” said Raye.

Speaker Nutting added, “Republicans in the Legislature have promised to bring transparency to Augusta, and this is one way of achieving that. Maine taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent.”

The bill also requires an executive employee whose employment has ended to file a statement of finances and a statement of positions within 45 days after the termination of employment relating to the final calendar year of the employment. Current law creates a loophole in that if an executive employee leaves office or state employment before the financial disclosure deadline they are not required to file their finances. This measure ensures that loophole is closed.

The bill will now have a public hearing and work session. An affirmative vote by the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs is needed before going to the entire Legislature.

Legacy Publishing Company expands and creates 125 new jobs

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul LePage congratulated Legacy Publishing Company today at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Westbrook as the business announced the expansion of a new customer engagement center. The new center is located a few minutes from their Westbrook Headquarters and employs 125 Mainers.

The Governor joined Legacy’s Executive Team including Legacy Publishing founder and CEO Steve Anderson and Executive Vice President of Sales Jim DeWolfe to highlight the expansion of the 10,000 square foot facility and the services Legacy has to offer. Westbrook Mayor Colleen Hilton also joined the ceremony.

Legacy Publishing Company is the world’s premier producer and publisher of personal development products and services for families. Executive Vice President of Sales Jim DeWolfe says Legacy puts the knowledge of America’s most respected psychologists and therapists in the hands of parents and couples, to give them practical tools they can learn and apply quickly in their families and relationships.

Delivering remarks, Governor LePage commended the company for their good work within the community. “Even in a tough economy we have bright spots and it’s important we recognize there are companies that are doing well and making a difference in the lives of Maine families. Legacy Publishing is a shining example of the positive contributions a company can have on its employees and its community. Our Administration will work with them to see that they continue to succeed,” said Governor LePage.

“This is a great day in the lives of 214 Legacy employees, the City of Westbrook and the State of Maine,” said DeWolfe. “Legacy’s programs have helped coach and inspire hundreds of thousands of parents. They have instilled hope back into families everywhere and a healthy dynamic back into their homes. As a company, we’re improving the lives of an entire generation of families, one family at a time.”

Legacy’s flagship product, The Total Transformation Program-created by renowned Maine child behavioral therapist James Lehman, MSW-has sold more than a quarter of a million units to date. To schedule an interview, please contact Mary Crowley at 856-5600 x 3005 or mcc@legacypublishingcompany.com . For more information about joining Legacy Publishing Company’s team, visit <>www.goodnewsgoodjobs.com .

Concerned that the insect is spreading Down East, the Maine Forest Service (MFS) staff will look for evidence of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) on roadside hemlock trees particularly in the villages of Pretty Marsh and Seal Harbor, in the town of Mount Desert, according to MFS officials.

The crew also will work with national park and U.S. Forest Service staff to survey in Acadia National Park before moving on to other areas of the island and coastal Waldo, Hancock and Washington counties, said Allison Kanoti, MFS forest entomologist.

The invasive insect was reported last year at two sites on the island, as well as at a new site in January in Alfred, suggesting that the insect population is moving both inland and up Maine’s coast, Kanoti said.

“It’s another significant jump in the spread of this insect,” Kanoti said about the discovery on Mount Desert Island. “It brings it closer to another hemlock-rich area of Maine, the whole Down East area. There is a high concentration of hemlocks there.”

Hemlock woolly adelgid is a small, aphid-like insect that is covered with white, waxy wool-like material. This wool-like covering makes the insect resemble miniature cotton balls. It is most visible from late-October through July, with woolly masses located on the undersides of the twigs at the bases of the needles. The insect begins its egg-laying in March.

The insect, which came from Japan in the 1950s, causes infested trees to have off-color needles, often with a grayish cast, premature needle drop and twig dieback, and eventually, mortality.

Hemlock trees are a significant Maine tree species, Kanoti said. Often found near water bodies, hemlocks contribute to the state’s forest ecosystem by protecting water bodies, as well as the forest floor from erosion. Hemlocks buffer stream temperatures which can affect such species as brook trout. The trees, which are a favored landscape tree, also are important in deer wintering areas and contribute to the state’s forest products sector.

HWA has been found in at least 16 states. In Maine, it was first discovered in the forest in Kittery in 2003 and now has spread up the coast. The invasive insect has been found at three state parks, Ferry Beach State Park in 2008, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park in Freeport in 2010, and Vaughan Woods State Park in South Berwick, also in 2010.

HWA populations can be reduced by clipping infested branches or hosing them off with water periodically from April through July; through biological control using predator beetles, as has been done in Maine state parks; and through chemical control with the application of pesticide consistent with label directions. Chemical control is generally necessary to maintain the appearance and health of infested ornamental hemlocks.

The Mount Desert detections of HWA were found by tree care professionals who discovered the insect on landscape stock that has been planted for more than 10 years, Kanoti said. It is unknown how the insect may have infested the trees.

“The question is whether they were infested when they were planted — it’s hard to know,” Kanoti said. “Or is there something in the forest around them? That’s what we’re trying to find out. That will determine our course of action.”

At the same time of the Mount Desert Island survey, MFS staff will conduct an annual survey of towns bordering known, infested communities, Kanoti said. Infested hemlocks in forested settings already have been found in 31 towns in York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc and Lincoln counties.

The Alfred infestation is a “light infestation” found around a vernal pool in the southern part of town, the MFS forest entomologist said. It is the furthest inland natural-forest infestation in the state, she noted. Because the area has a high concentration of hemlocks and is near a lake, “it is conceivable that more will be found,” Kanoti said.

Following the Mount Desert Island survey, the MFS crew will begin examination of hemlock in the three eastern coastal counties.

“We have not surveyed these areas in several years,” Kanoti said, “and they are vulnerable because their somewhat more mild winter temperatures, exposure to migrating birds and also late winter-early spring storms that can carry the adelgid along the coast.”

The MFS entomologist said that this time of year is a good time for landowners to check their hemlock trees. The HWA masses are easy to see, and upper tree-canopy samples clipped by squirrels and porcupines may be found on the snow.

Maine residents who think they have found evidence of hemlock woolly adelgid can call or email the Maine Forest Service at: (207) 287-3147 or forestinfo@maine.gov

A new report on hemlock woolly adelgid management in northern New England is available at:

http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/documents/HWA_S-T-S_FinalReport.pdf

Maine residents also can take the challenge on the Gulf of Maine Research Institutes Vital Signs Website:http://vitalsignsme.org/mission-hemlock-woolly-adelgid

For more information about the Maine Forest Service and hemlock woolly adelgid, go to:

http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/index.shtml

and

http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/HemlockWoollyAdelgid.htm

Dear Friend,

On behalf of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, I am sending you this email today to inform you of an exciting new endeavor the Department has undertaken with the Wildlife Research Foundation.

We urge you to visit the Foundation’s new website by clicking here. A camera has been placed in a bear den in northern Maine, providing 24/7 streaming of one of our radio collared bears, “Lugnut” who birthed two cubs on January 16. This is the first time a live streaming video has been placed in a wild Maine Black Bear den.

The website provides us with an opportunity to share Lugnut’s world and watch her as she raises her cubs. You will also see videos of our bears “Spunky” and “Nell” and as the project develops, we will follow those bears and others.

There are videos that tell the story of the north Maine woods, its habitat, including how the camera was installed in the den. Fascinating stuff.

The video in Lugnut’s den provides not only a unique visual, but audio as well; the two cubs (yet un-named) often squeal and protest quite loudly as they adjust to life in the den.

The Foundation’s mission statement states their goal is to provide funds and support to the scientific community and wildlife managers to enhance wildlife and habitat research and inform and educate the general public concerning the value and necessity of wildlife research.

The bear cam allows us to do that in a fun and exciting way!

The Foundation approached the Department with this unique opportunity and we are pleased to work with them to educate the public on Maine’s Black Bear population and urge donations to the Department’s wildlife research projects. Maine is fortunate to have two of the most well respected bear biologists in the nation, Randy Cross and Jen Vashon, and I know the website will be an effective and exciting tool to educate people around the world about Maine’s Black Bears.

The website has become popular right out of the gate. It has been live for just two weeks, and has had over 15,000 visitors.

We encourage you to share this email and the link to the website with your family, friends and colleagues, urging them to follow the story of Lugnut and her cubs and to also support the work of the Foundation and Maine’s wildlife research projects.

Thank you very much and I hope you will follow Lugnut’s journey as I will on a daily basis!

Sincerely,

Chandler E. Woodcock
Commissioner
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Maine state government’s credit rating is an important tool to attract jobs.  Our credit score is a visible measurement of Maine’s fiscal and economic health.  Businesses choose to invest their money in states where government can pay its bills, and taxes and regulations are fair and predictable.  Otherwise, employers rightly fear that their companies and workers will likely pay higher taxes to fund unaffordable programs, or their public services will be cut.

The credit rating agencies are watching Maine state government to see how it deals with our unaffordable Medicaid program.   The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) calculates a $221 million shortfall in the program through June 30, 2013, the end of the two-year budget cycle.  Governor LePage has submitted a supplemental budget to the Legislature that includes adjustments to the program to make it solvent and affordable.  Without adopting these reforms, DHHS reports that our Medicaid program will run out of money in April.

The proposed changes to our Medicaid program (called Mainecare) will bring the benefits and costs more in line with those of other states.   In 1998, approximately 154,000 of our most disadvantaged fellow Mainers were enrolled in this taxpayer-funded health care safety net. During the last 13 years, this number has increased by 134% while our population has grown by roughly 4%.  Today, there are 361,000 individuals in the program, the 3rd highest enrollment rate of any state in the country.

Maine state government has an opportunity to demonstrate to the people of Maine, and to the credit rating agencies, that it will live within its means.  That it will no longer spend more than it takes in.  That it will address our long-term liabilities without budgetary gimmicks. That it will make the difficult but necessary decisions to redesign our unaffordable Medicaid program for the benefit of the most vulnerable, and for fairness to the taxpayers alike.

Let’s work together to demonstrate to job creators that Maine is a promising place in which to invest.   Fiscal discipline, economic growth, and jobs are all connected.

Below is my testimony on December 16 before the Appropriations Committee of the Legislature:

“Thank you Senator Rosen, Representative Flood, Senator McCormick, Representative Strang Burgess, and distinguished members of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs, and the Health and Human Services Committees. I’m Bruce Poliquin, State Treasurer.

I appreciate the opportunity to bring to your attention an important factor as you deliberate the Governor’s proposed Medicaid reforms included in his 2012-13 Supplemental Budget. This important factor is the State’s credit rating.

Standard & Poor’s currently rates our General Obligation bonds “AA with a Negative Outlook,” and Moody’s rates them “AA2 Stable.” These credit ratings are in the bottom 40% among the other states.

During exhaustive discussions with the rating agencies this past spring and fall, Maine state government’s commitment to rebuild our financial reserves, and to pay down our accumulated obligations to hospitals were viewed favorably. As you know, these amounts owed to hospitals were primarily due to Medicaid services provided over a number of years. In its May, 2011 credit report, Standard & Poor’s stated that our negative outlook “…could be revised back to stable if Maine’s financial, liquidity, and liability positions improve…” That means, in part, spending only what we take in, and paying down our debt.

Maine’s bond rating is a tangible and visible measurement of our state government’s fiscal health and discipline. A high rating keeps our interest payments low, and helps to attract business investment and jobs.

One needs to look no further than Washington to see the results of fiscal imprudence, and a credit downgrade. Washington’s fiscal recklessness has created deep uncertainly within the business community, which is discouraging capital investment and job creation.

Maine state government is highly dependent on funds flowing from Washington. 43% of federal government spending is for Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. One can reasonable expect less federal tax revenues flowing to the states in order for Washington to put its own fiscal house in order. The largest sum of money flowing to Maine from Washington is for our Medicaid program.

The rating agencies are closely watching all states to see how they deal with their structural Medicaid problems. They know that Maine’s Medicaid enrollment has grown from 154,000 in 1998 to 361,000 today. They know that 27% of our citizens are enrolled in Medicaid, the 3^rd highest enrollment rate in the country. They know that federal stimulus money is gone.

The credit rating agencies will look favorably upon those states that embrace fiscal discipline. Those that spend only what they can afford; pay off their debts; and balance their budgets without gimmicks. Let’s keep Maine state government continuing down our path of long-term fiscal health.

Thank you. I’d be pleased to answer any questions that you might have.”

Bruce Poliquin
Maine State Treasurer

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Legacy Publishng Company Expansion
Location: 100 Larrabee Street, Suite 130, Westbrook

Background

Governor Paul LePage will congratulate and deliver remarks to Legacy Publishing Company at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Westbrook. The business will announce the expansion of a new customer engagement center. The new center is located a few minutes from their Westbrook Headquarters and employs 125 Mainers.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
The Hinckley Company
Location: 130 Shore Road, Southwest Harbor

Background

The Hinckley Company is planning to launch the very first yacht of Hinckley’s Talaria T48 series in Southwest Harbor at The Hinckley Company Boat Yard. The official launch is planned in Southwest Harbor at Hinckley’s docks.

Governor has been invited to join the company in the pilot house of this launch and participate first-hand in the activities.

For over 79 years The Hinckley Company has been producing Maine-made luxury boats and this one represents another significant achievement. Being the first of the series to be launched will be a historical event for both their company and Maine boat building.

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The Governor’s Task Force on Expanding Early Post-Secondary Access for High School Students in Maine issued an interim report that offers 10 preliminary recommendations for expanding high school students’ access to early post-secondary opportunities.

In the report, the 19-member task force Gov. LePage established last year by executive order also pledges to continue its work to:

1. Develop detailed policy recommendations;
2. Identify funding sources for early college programs;
3. Explore the viability of various “five-year high school” models that let students earn associate’s degrees within a year of completing high school; and
4. Plan a comprehensive information-gathering and outreach effort that will ultimately allow educators and students access to a centralized source of information on available early college offerings.

A growing number of Maine’s jobs will require that the people who fill them have some form of post-secondary training under their belt,” said LePage. “We don’t want Maine to miss out on these jobs of the future because our workforce isn’t prepared for them.”

“I’m glad that the task force has volunteered to continue working to give this critical issue the attention it deserves,” the Governor added.

Among the preliminary recommendations in its report, the task force encouraged school districts to better coordinate class and transportation schedules at a regional level to eliminate some of the most common obstacles to students accessing college-level classes. The panel also urged school and college officials to begin using career and technical education centers as hubs for delivering college classes to high school students and transporting students to nearby campuses.

In addition, the task force report calls on colleges to schedule courses at times that are more convenient for high school students. And it challenges schools to expand dual enrollment offerings that allow students to take courses for college credit at their home schools, and support students in accessing online college-level courses.

“Early college classes are a promising strategy for preparing more of our students for the rigors of post-secondary work,” said Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen, who noted that the work of the task force is among a series of action steps outlined in the Maine Department of Education’s recently released strategic plan. “Our department is focused on creating an education system that puts the needs of our learners first and supports the seamless transition from one level to the next, including from high school to post-secondary education and careers. More of our students should have the chance to challenge themselves by pursuing college-level work in a supportive environment.”

Research in Maine shows that students who take courses for college credit during high school are more likely than their counterparts to enroll in two- and four-year degree programs following graduation. In fact, research highlighted in the task force report shows that after participating in early post-secondary training, students without previous intentions of enrolling in two- or four-year degree programs are more likely to pursue degrees.

The report by the task force – which has representatives from K-12 education, Maine’s colleges and universities, adult education programs and the Maine Legislature – recognizes that early college participation is already common among Maine’s high school students.

But the group found that barriers in five areas could stand in the way of greater participation: transportation and scheduling; funding and sustainability of programs; school district capacity to facilitate participation in early college classes; access to information about early post-secondary opportunities; and the potential for school, college and state policies to limit student access to early college classes.

Much of the task force’s upcoming work will focus on overcoming those barriers.

The report can be viewed online at www.maine.gov/education/earlycollege/.”>http://www.maine.gov/education/earlycollege/“>www.maine.gov/education/earlycollege/.

Gardiner Where History and Progress Meet. Photo Credit: jimbaumer.posterous.com

Gardiner is a small Maine city with a historic waterfront downtown surrounded by a large rural community.  Gardiner also boasts several walking trails, historic neighborhoods, and a new waterfront recreational park and marina situated on the Kennebec River.  Gardiner is located within Augusta, Maine’s Capital business region and is home to 5,800 residents, countless small businesses and non-profit organizations, and the Libby Hill Business Park.

The City of Gardiner, Maine is hiring a part-time Assistant Community Planner to assist the Department of Economic and Community Development in community planning; grant writing, administration and stewardship; and committee staffing to support the City’s planning and development efforts, including an Orton Family Foundation Heart & Soul Community Planning grant.  The position offers thirty hours per week until January, 2014 at a salary range of $18.00-21.00/hour based on experience and qualifications.  Funding from the Heart & Soul grant will end in January, 2014 at which time the hours for the position will be reduced to approximately two (2) days per week.  Additional hours may be available pending successful future grant applications, for which the Assistant Community Planner will play a key role.  The successful applicant must be available for evening and weekend meetings and engagements in support of project goals.  The successful applicant must also be available to fly to Chicago to attend a paid training meeting February 23-26, 2012.

The ideal candidate will have professional experience with municipal planning, grant writing and stewardship, strong communication skills, and the technical knowledge and ability to capably perform a diverse range of tasks.  The Assistant Community Planner will have proven grant stewardship ability with demonstrated past success.  The Assistant Community Planner will work as needed with all City staff and elected officials, as well as with partner community leadership organizations and a private foundation.

Work involves land use planning; professional writing and grant stewardship; staffing and providing technical assistance to pertinent City committees; researching, analyzing data, and administering land use and planning related projects; maintaining accurate records; and public contact. Work will be supervised by the Director with considerable independence of action.  The Director will review work with the Assistant Planner via review of obtained results, submitted reports, and efficiency of methods. A qualified applicant will have a Bachelor’s degree in municipal planning, engineering, or an allied field.

A detailed job description is attached.
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three references via e-mail to:
dbrown@gardinermaine.com or by mail to this address:

Assistant Community Planner Position
c/o City of Gardiner Human Resources Department
6 Church Street
Gardiner, ME 04345

Deadline for Applications:  12:00 PM on Thursday, February 2, 2012

The City reserves the right to accept or reject applications.  Gardiner is an equal opportunity employer. Review of applications will begin on February 2, 2012 and will continue until the position has been filled. For more information, including a complete job description, please visit: www.gardinermaine.com

State Archivist David Cheever - Photo Credit: Bangor Daily News

AUGUSTA, Maine – As part of Maine’s commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the beginning of America’s Civil War, the Office of the Secretary of State has created the Sesquicentennial for Schools Program, presented by State Archivist, David Cheever.

“It was on April 15, 1861 that President Abraham Lincoln asked states such as Maine to raise 75,000 volunteer soldiers to defend the Union against southern states that were seceding, primarily over the issue of slavery,” said David Cheever. “Maine answered Lincoln’s call with vigor and this event is representative of Maine’s key role in the Civil War.”

The intent of the Sesquicentennial for Schools Program is to help Maine students get a better understanding of the important part their state played in one of our Nation’s most prominent historic events. Mr. Cheever will be visiting schools statewide to talk with students about the impact that Maine had on the Civil War and the impact that the Civil War had on Maine.

“I am very excited about this program.” said Secretary of State, Charlie Summers, “David Cheever is a charismatic speaker and his presentation will bring this topic to a local level for students by offering accounts of people in their town or neighboring towns, who contributed to or participated in the war efforts.”

The Maine State Archives holds the most extensive collection of Civil War documents in the nation, including photographs of thousands of Maine soldiers, muster rolls, battlefield reports, official papers, and correspondence.

The Sesquicentennial for Schools Program is free and recommended for grades 5-12. Visits are currently being scheduling on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in scheduling a visit for your school or would like more information, please contact Melissa Couture email at or (207) 626-8400.

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