We know that we’re not a satire paper. We take our roles as journalists representing Maine very seriously.
But that doesn’t mean there doesn’t come a time when there’s an occasional odd headline, something that makes editors and readers alike chuckle. Here’s 10 of the most offbeat headlines from the past year;
Mainers report ‘frostquakes’ during deep freeze
First, when Mainers awoke to “frostquakes” in February because of a deep freeze. That’s not a term you come across every day, and we had to look up the specific conditions that can create them.
Purple vapor continues to billow out of Portland waste management facility
In other odd observations, this story captured the intrigue of seeing purplish-pink smoke over a Portland waste facility. Was it a gender reveal party? A clever marketing ploy for the summer blockbuster “Barbie”? It turns out, iodine in trash incinerators can burn pink.
It’s about to start raining rabies vaccines over the Maine woods
There were also some expected, but still novel, events this year, including a period where it rained rabies vaccines over the Maine woods. The tradition helps to inoculate wild animals against the disease, which can be deadly to humans.
Attempt at pedicure for raccoon may have exposed some Mainers to rabies
Speaking of rabies, this story caught us by surprise. A woman who brought what was apparently a pet raccoon into a Petco for a “pedicure” had to surrender the animal because of the rabies risk.
Lamoine girl seeks unicorn permit
In another attempt at keeping unconventional pets, this sweet story strummed some heartstrings.
Many Americans don’t think Maine is actually a state
Now, come on folks. Maine, Vacationland, the Pine Tree State? Are we not memorable enough that people can’t even remember if we’re part of the 50 states?
Yes, out-of-state bar bouncers, Maine IDs are real
In the same vein, people can’t really think Maine is that made up, right? Well, apparently our state issued ID isn’t quite believable.
Often-struck Auburn Walmart pole has become a local sensation
If you need a reason to remember that Maine is, in fact, a state, here’s one for you. Our famous Auburn Walmart bollard has attracted enough attention to garner a fanpage on Facebook, where people often post their pilgrimages to see the post.
Susan Collins protests dress code change, saying she will ‘wear a bikini’
Mainer loses television job
Here’s some honorable mentions from this year:
Chris Sununu vows to save Amtrak riders from sober trip through NH
Bangor man accused of leading police on moped chase at 35 mph
Woman finds claymore and 2 grenades among her late father’s possessions
Owner of BMW found in river won’t answer calls from Lewiston police
Coast Guard searching for fake distressed child boater ‘stuck in the middle of Maine’
Suspect identified after truck carrying stolen port-a-potties crashes in Oakland
86-year-old Mainer found guilty of using dead brother’s identity for nearly 6 decades
Red Sox star David Ortiz is breaking into Maine’s marijuana market
Are Mainers prudes when it comes to sex — or have we lightened up?
