NEWS
News from the Maine Elks AssociationDEA Surge Targets Sinaloa Cartel Networks Worldwide
The Drug Enforcement Administration announced the results of a week-long operational surge aimed at dismantling the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the world’s most violent and powerful drug cartels, responsible for flooding the United States with fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.
The Sinaloa Cartel remains one of the most significant threats to public safety, public health and our national security. DEA is committed to breaking their command, control, and distribution networks.
From August 25 through August 29, 2025, DEA agents across 23 domestic field divisions and seven foreign regions carried out coordinated enforcement actions that resulted in:
- Arrests: 617
- Drug Seizures:
- 480 kilograms of fentanyl powder,
- 714,707 counterfeit pills,
- 2,209 kilograms of methamphetamine,
- 7,469 kilograms of cocaine, and
- 55 kilograms of heroin
- Currency Seizures: $11,111,483
- Assets seized: $1,697,313
- Firearms: 420
“These results demonstrate the full weight of DEA’s commitment to protecting the American people,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “Every kilogram of poison seized, every dollar stripped from the cartels, and every arrest we make represents lives saved and communities defended. DEA will not relent until the Sinaloa Cartel is dismantled from top to bottom.”
There are tens of thousands of Sinaloa members, associates, and facilitators operating worldwide, in at least 40 countries who are responsible for the production, manufacturing, distribution, and operations related to trafficking dangerous and deadly synthetic drugs.
This coordinated action was a combination of DEA’s increased focus on enforcement, intelligence, and domestic and international collaboration, utilizing every resource in DEA’s arsenal to degrade the Sinaloa Cartel’s command and control.
This surge reflects DEA’s unwavering commitment to confronting the fentanyl crisis and dismantling the cartels responsible for it. DEA continues to take decisive actions to protect American families and communities.
As part of a larger whole-of-government approach to dismantling the Sinaloa Cartel and protecting U.S. communities, DEA is committed to working with the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) and other federal partners to ensure current and future operations advance broader U.S. efforts to combat designated terrorist organizations and transnational organized crime.
Sincerely,
Frank Burr
Assistant Director –
Elks National Drug Awareness Program
Holiday Fundraiser for ENF & Scholarships
The Augusta Elks Lodge #964 Annual Holiday Craft Fair will be held on 11/15/25 and offers Free Admission and is open to the public from 9am to 2pm.
Over 40+ crafters will be highlighting their handmade creations!
Proceeds from the event benefit the Augusta Elks Scholarship Fund and the Elks National Foundation. There will be a raffle table of items donated by our generous crafters with all proceeds going to the Scholarship Fund.
The Kitchen will be open for Breakfast and Lunch with proceeds supporting the Augusta Elks Veterans Committee. There will be something for everyone on your gift list!
November 15th, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Augusta Elks Lodge #964, 397 Civic Center Dr
Augusta, Maine 04330
Jean Gotreau, 207 623-9623 or jeangotreau@gmail.com
Spotlight on Service: 2025 Bonus Grant Winners
The books were donated to Resurrection BookMobile, a service that provides books and literacy materials to students pre-K to 6th grade across the Kansas City area. With the help of Elks member Virginia DeBoard from Blue Springs, Mo., Lodge No. 2509, the socks were donated to individual veterans transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing, the Kansas City V.A., Fisher House, and roughly 10 Missouri Lodges for them to assist veterans in their own communities.
To ensure that the impact of this drive continues long after the Convention, every Lodge that donated was entered into a drawing to win a bonus $2,000 Community Investments Program grant. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the CIP, 20 bonus grants were given to Lodges.
Brenham, TX #979
Oak Lawn, IL #2254
Lynwood, WA #2171
Yuma, AZ #476
Raton, NM #865
Gateway-Gresham, OR #1805
Fetus-Crystal City, MO #1721
Burlington, VT #916
Hackettstown, NJ #2331
Winchester, KY #2816
Cottage Grove, IL #1904
Morristown, TN #1667
Elk Grove, CA #2577
Waterville, ME #905
Joliet, IL #296
Atchison, KS #647
Rupert, ID #2106
Kaukauna, WI #962
Kenton, OH #157
Sayre, PA #1148
GER’s Visit Schedule Revised
GER & Mrs Klatt’s visit to Maine has been rescheduled for 11th to 13th of November, with the Portland Banquet now on the 12th.
August Winning Calendars
Aug 2025 Calendar Winners
| August | Ticket # | Amount | Name | Lodge | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1482 | $25.00 | Mary Pushaw | 1008 | ||
| 2 | 1306 | $50.00 | Jim Margetts | 905 | ||
| 3 | 239 | $50.00 | Patrick Dalton | 244 | ||
| 4 | 1304 | $25.00 | Jim Auclair | 905 | ||
| 5 | 1432 | $25.00 | Tyke McKay | 244 | ||
| 6 | 247 | $25.00 | Renee' Hawthorne | 244 | ||
| 7 | 543 | $25.00 | Renee O'Rourke | 2430 | ||
| 8 | 505 | $25.00 | Ellen Grunblatt | 2430 | ||
| 9 | 330 | $50.00 | Craig Johnson | 934 | ||
| 10 | 667 | $50.00 | Nicola Culmo | 1521 | ||
| 11 | 845 | $25.00 | Rojer Goudey | 188 | ||
| 12 | 129 | $25.00 | Myra Drisko | 964 | ||
| 13 | 596 | $25.00 | Joan Chatfield | 1293 | ||
| 14 | 167 | $25.00 | Deny Hurd | 244 | ||
| 15 | 861 | $25.00 | Victoria Doughty | 188 | ||
| 16 | 987 | $50.00 | Lester Delano | 1470 | ||
| 17 | 632 | $50.00 | Bob Loren | 835 | ||
| 18 | 123 | $25.00 | Brandon Farrin | 964 | ||
| 19 | 119 | $25.00 | Lauren Pease | 964 | ||
| 20 | 287 | $25.00 | Janice Creighton | 244 | ||
| 21 | 907 | $25.00 | Belinda Anderson | 1008 | ||
| 22 | 1399 | $25.00 | Tom Lane | 244 | ||
| 23 | 650 | $50.00 | Reece Ivey | 835 | ||
| 24 | 948 | $50.00 | Elois Vinoel | 1008 | ||
| 25 | 1186 | $25.00 | Dick Vigue | 905 | ||
| 26 | 729 | $25.00 | Jill Parrett | 1521 | ||
| 27 | 23 | $25.00 | Tammy Dow | 2743 | ||
| 28 | 355 | $25.00 | Jane Caron | 1597 | ||
| 29 | 1498 | $25.00 | Kent Stanley | 2743 | ||
| 30 | 1326 | $50.00 | Tom Welch | 905 | ||
| 31 | 250 | $50.00 | Dee Francis | 244 | ||
| 0 | ||||||
Lodge Event for the Portland Community
Portland Elks Harvest Craft & Bake Sale 9am to 3pm Saturday, October 18th
Thirty-five local vendors will fill the Alden Ballroom with their crafts; lunch served in the Member’s Lounge; Bake Sale with lots of cakes, candies, cookies in the Foyer; Homemade Chicken Pot Pies while they last!! Portland Elks #188, 1945 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04102
Contact Kim Toppi at (207) 329-0845 or ktoppi@maine.rr.com for more information
Elks contribute to Maine Veterans’ Home in Caribou, Maine.
On Thursday, July 31, 2025, Laurence Shorette, Maine Elks Association’s representative at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Caribou, Maine, presented to Melissa Graham, administrator of the nursing home, a check for $1,000.00 to assist in paying for entertainment activities for residents of that facility.
Shown above with Laurence is James Gehring, Maine Elks National Veterans Service Commission Assistant for the Northern District, and Tina Dougherty, Exalted Ruler of Presque Isle Lodge #1954.
Bangor Elks Delivers Donation to Veterans Home
Just recently, Bangor Elks lodge #244 received a $1000 check from the Maine Elks’ Association Veterans committee. The check was taken to the Maine Veterans home in Bangor.
While there we got to meet some of the Veteran residents and received a tour of their activities department. At the end of the tour PDDGER Brooke Green presented the $1000 check to Editha Young, activities director at the Veterans home. Editha was very appreciative of what Bangor Elks lodge #244 do for our Veterans. Pictured are (L to R) Exalted Ruler of Bangor lodge #244, Randy Bates, PDDGER and current state trustee Brooke Green and Bangor Veterans Home Activities Director Editha Young.
Bangor Elks Donate $1,000 to Maine Veterans Home
The Bangor Elks Lodge #244 recently presented a check for $1,000 to the Maine Veterans Home in Bangor, Maine, as part of their ongoing commitment to supporting local veterans. Lodge members, including Exalted Ruler Randy Bates and Past Exalted Ruler Brooke Green, visited the facility to personally deliver the donation and spend time with the residents.
During their visit, they toured the Home’s vibrant activities department, guided by Activities Director Editha Young. The department plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for veterans through recreational programming, community outings, and therapeutic engagement. From bingo nights and gardening projects to musical performances and cultural events, the activities team fosters a sense of joy and connection among residents.
Pictured at left are (L-R): ER Randy Bates, PER Brooke Green, and Bangor Veterans Home Activities Director Editha Young.
The Elks’ support of our veterans reflects their deep respect for those who served. In addition to financial contributions, the Lodge has also sponsored events that help relate meaningful experiences for the veterans and their families.
This donation will help fund future activities and provide resources for personal needs and therapeutic programs, continuing the Elks’ mission to honor and uplift those who have given so much.
MEA Winning Calendars for July 2025
| July | Ticket # | Amount | Name | Lodge | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 880 | $25.00 | Gary Murphy | 188 | ||
| 2 | 1632 | $25.00 | Karen Bloom | 244 | ||
| 3 | 80 | $25.00 | Elizabeth Gordon | 2743 | ||
| 4 | 1142 | $100.00 | Deb Labrie | 905 | ||
| 5 | 531 | $50.00 | Louann Harris | 2430 | ||
| 6 | 1478 | $50.00 | Linda Ward | 244 | ||
| 7 | 237 | $25.00 | Bob Grant | 244 | ||
| 8 | 1565 | $25.00 | Bruce St Amand | 1470 | ||
| 9 | 36 | $25.00 | Mel Benn | 2743 | ||
| 10 | 364 | $25.00 | Pauline Roy | 1597 | ||
| 11 | 295 | $25.00 | Heidi Gilman | 244 | ||
| 12 | 811 | $50.00 | Todd Hitchcock | 1954 | ||
| 13 | 344 | $50.00 | Cheri Swenson | 1597 | ||
| 14 | 1454 | $25.00 | Emilien Bouchard | 244 | ||
| 15 | 662 | $25.00 | Susan Harvest | 1521 | ||
| 16 | 354 | $25.00 | Debbie Walter | 1597 | ||
| 17 | 497 | $25.00 | Muriel Neil | 2430 | ||
| 18 | 549 | $25.00 | Claris Ranger | 2430 | ||
| 19 | 861 | $50.00 | Victoria Doughty | 188 | ||
| 20 | 1368 | $50.00 | Roger Morrison | 1470 | ||
| 21 | 1581 | $25.00 | Sheri Frechette | 1470 | ||
| 22 | 894 | $25.00 | Joseph Scoler | 188 | ||
| 23 | 1479 | $25.00 | Barbra Currie | 244 | ||
| 24 | 959 | $25.00 | Richard Walker | 1008 | ||
| 25 | 580 | $25.00 | Halely Christie | 1293 | ||
| 26 | 1166 | $50.00 | Kelly Spaulding | 905 | ||
| 27 | 381 | $50.00 | Donna Dusseault | 1597 | ||
| 28 | 229 | $25.00 | Becca Barrera | 244 | ||
| 29 | 1267 | $25.00 | Jacob Grant | 2743 | ||
| 30 | 1572 | $25.00 | Heather Legere | 1470 | ||
| 31 | 794 | $25.00 | Alan Harding | 1954 | ||