State News Update

I apologize for being out of touch for awhile. It's been high harvest at the farm and I've focused most of my time and attention on putting up food for winter.

A comprehensive update is forthcoming here, in your inbox, and in your mailbox. Please send an email to me at craighickman@rocketmail.com if you want to receive future updates via email as well.

For now, I'll share this:

Governor LePage and First Lady LePage welcome Mainers, donations at Third Annual Blaine House Food Drive

Maine’s First Family is inviting Mainers to visit the Blaine House once again this year in an effort to help fellow citizens who are less fortunate. In October, Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage will open their doors for the annual Blaine House Food Drive. The Governor and First Lady started the food drive three years ago and have collected thousands of pounds of food for pantries and homeless shelters across Maine.

The food drives will take place on three consecutive Saturdays during the month of October: Oct. 12, Oct. 19 and Oct. 26. Mainers will have an opportunity to bring a food donation, receive a tour of the Blaine House led by Governor LePage and enjoy light refreshments.

All donations collected at the Blaine House will be given to Good Shepherd Food Bank. Good Shepherd Food Bank will determine the communities that need the food most and distribute the donations.

Doors will be open at the Blaine House for the food drive between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Oct.12, Oct. 19 and Oct. 26.

Secretary of State Warns Consumers About Online Driver’s License Scams

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap would like to warn consumers about websites claiming to provide new driver’s licenses and driver’s license renewals. These websites charge customers, but do not actually issue credentials. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has received complaints recently about a company called Drivers-Licenses.org.

The company implies that a credential can be ordered through the website for a fee; however, once payment is made the customer is simply directed to the BMV website.

A new Maine driver’s license can only be obtained through the BMV at its various offices and mobile units or through AAA New England locations. A complete listing of BMV locations can be found at http://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/locations .

“It’s very important that people know the only valid website for renewing a Maine driver’s license is http://www.maine.gov/online/bmv/dlr and the service is only available to customers who have already established proof of residency and legal presence.” Said Secretary Dunlap, “Some of these sites may look like they are affiliated with state government; however, they usually have a disclaimer somewhere on the page noting that they are privately owned and are not operated by any government agency.”

If you believe you have been a victim of a driver license scam, please contact the BMV Investigations Unit at 624-9000, extension 52144 or visit the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection website at http://www.maine.gov/ag/consumer/ .