Maine News Thursday July 30

Maine Morning Star  - The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine is seeking a total of more than $5 million from the federal government on behalf of three Maine residents it says were wrongfully detained.  The five administrative claims filed by the local affiliate Wednesday are among 54 others filed in 17 states and Washington, D.C., under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which allows people to seek financial compensation for harm caused by federal employees. The claims were filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Maine claims stem from the large-scale immigration enforcement operation in January known as Operation Catch of the Day, during which roughly 200 people — the vast majority of whom were lawfully present in the U.S. — were detained. 

FREEPORT

Maine Craft Weekend 2026 (mainepublic.org) — Freeport will be one of two featured hubs for Maine Craft Weekend on October 3–4, 2026, with a concentrated mix of studios, galleries, and special events. Residents can plan self-guided tours, meet makers, watch demonstrations, and shop handmade work as part of this statewide celebration of Maine's craft community.

Heather Seasonwein - My son found this beautiful pup at Sandy Beach in Freeport last night running around. He definitely has an owner!

POWNAL

The Town of Pownal is currently hiring for two full-time Equipment Operator / Laborer positions to join our Public Works crew.  This is a great opportunity to be part of a dedicated team that helps keep our community running smoothly year-round.  View Job Openings  

Pownal continues to offer a Senior Property Tax Assistance Program to help eligible residents offset the cost of property taxes.  The program is available to qualifying seniors who receive Maine's Property Tax Fairness-related tax relief benefits and meet the Town's eligibility requirements. Eligible applicants may receive a supplemental refund or credit from the Town to help reduce their property tax burden.

This local assistance program reflects the Town's commitment to helping seniors remain in their homes while managing rising property tax costs. Interested in applying? Applications and eligibility information are available on the Town website or by contacting the Town Office.   Town Office: 207-688-4611 x2

JOBS

• Vineyard Vines, LLC posted a job opening for Crew Lead (Part Time Manager) - 58 Main St, Freeport, ME in Freeport. Apply here.
• Benchmark Senior Living Nashua Crossings posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Yarmouth. Apply here. 
• You can search for other jobs near Freeport here.

UPCOMING

Wolfe’s Neck Center calendar

Saturdays now 'til October

Through October 8:30am – 12:30pm at the BTLT Saturday Farmers Market at Crystal Spring Farm. 277 Pleasant Hill Road, Brunswick. The Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust Farmers Market was established in 1999 to advance the Land Trust’s mission of supporting local agriculture. With over forty vendors, many of whom have been with the Market since its inception, the Saturday morning market offers a variety of local, fresh produce.

AUG 6

Winslow Park, 50 Winslow Park Way, Freeport: The Delta Knights, 6-7:30, park has $3 entry fee
Bandstand By The Sea, 1410 Harpswell Neck Rd., Harpswell: The Resonauts, 6-7:30

JULY 30 — THE DELTA KNIGHTS BAND: Led by frontman Rob Babson, The Delta Knights Band has spent 30 years as a Southern Maine staple, delivering a tight, expert blend of blues, R&B, and classic rock.

AUGUST 6 — VINYL FOSSILS…Don't miss this six-piece band performing classic rock and roll music.

AUGUST 13

 — CAROLE WISE | MARK ABRAHAM | DENNY BREAU | APRIL REED-COX: Four gifted Maine musicians unite to perform a harmonious, authentic blend of original songs celebrating friendship and collaboration.

AUGUST 20 — CORMAC MCCARTHY: Don't miss Cormac McCarthy's enthralling Americana set, showcasing his expertise as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and storyteller.

AUGUST 27 — BESS JACQUES & THE STRAYS: Bess Jacques & The Strays deliver a vibrant, nostalgic blend of jazz and pop, featuring lush vocal ballads and hard-swinging originals from their debut album.

Winslow Park Concerts are a community collaboration between Meetinghouse Arts and the Town of Freeport  View it on website

JULY 31

AUG 1 
South Freeport Congregational Church – Wild Blueberry Festival  Arts and crafts, kids' activities, and food, all set on the grounds of a 19th-century New England church in the seaside village of South Freeport, Info

AUG 2
Music in the Parks – Memorial Park, 19 Bow Street, 2 pm 
Poetry on the Porch Sun, Aug 2, 3PM - 5PM, 3 Cranberry Drive, Brunswick   We meet monthly as a group to enjoy the beauty and authenticity of the written word. We invite you to read original work (completed or in progress), share your favorite poem, or just relax and listen. When weather permits, we love our covered porch with a roaring fire and lap blankets, but, if you hate the cold, never fear! 

AUG 3
Coffee with Town Council → 30 Main Street, Freeport  8:00 am

AUG 4 
Appointments Committee Meeting →Freeport, ME 7:45 am
Town Council Meeting → Freeport, ME Calendar Freeport, ME 6:00 pm
A private piano concert to benefit Friends of Casco Bay in collaboration with Concerts for Climate.   Friends of Casco Bay will share a special update about our work. A reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres will conclude the event.  First concert: 3-4 p.m. Second concert: 5-6 p.m.  Location: Sydney and Bill Patten are welcoming us into their Falmouth home for this performance. Details will be shared after registration. A donation is suggested for this event. Suggested levels are $100-$1,000 per attendee. To register, please contact Sarah Lyman: (207) 370-7553

AUG 5
Planning Board →   30 Main Street, Freeport  6:00 pm
Wolfe’s Neck Center – Kids Hour: Nature Explorers  Wed, Aug 5, 10AM - 11AM  184 Burnett Road, Freeport, ME www.visitfreeport.com  Learn about Maine's habitats right here at the farm! We'll tromp through the trees, look for tracks, turn over rocks, and more on this exploratory adventure. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Town Mall Green, 207 Maine St., Brunswick: Bonnie Edwards & The Practical Cats, 6-7:30

AUG 8
Memorial Park, 5 Park St., Freeport: Choro Louco, 2-4

Maine News Wednesday July 29

Maine Morning Star -  As President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement tactics face renewed scrutiny after the fatal shooting of a man in Biddeford, new Maine laws take effect Wednesday that prevent local resources and agencies from being used to support mass deportation efforts.

Local police and jails are restricted in how they can work with federal immigration agents, while those agents are now banned from entering non-public places within public schools, state libraries and certain hospitals without a judicial warrant. Tenants also have new protections against the disclosure of their personal information.

Maine legislators passed these measures last session in order to counter the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda. Some plans had to be walked back from more ambitious proposals, given that state law cannot dictate the actions of federal authorities when they are performing their lawful duties under the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.

How Maine farmers are weathering climate change (pressherald.com)

JOBS

• Old Navy, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Sales Associate - Freeport Vlg Station in Freeport. Apply here.
• Banana Republic, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate - Main St - Freeport in Freeport. Apply here. 
• You can search for other jobs near Freeport here.

Maine News Tuesday July 28

How Maine farmers are weathering climate change (pressherald.com) 

Brunswick named No. 4 on list of nation's charming Main Streets  The Travel + Leisure Magazine article praised Brunswick's small-town vibe and great local businesses.

Maine News Monday July 27

 WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 44 key measures of healthcare cost, accessibility and outcomes. The data set ranges from the average monthly insurance premium to physicians per capita to the share of the population with health insurance.

Healthcare in Maine (1=Best; 25=Avg.):

• Overall Rank: 7^th
• 9^th – Physicians per Capita
• 19^th – % of Insured Adults
• 20^th – % of Insured Children
• 3^rd – % of At-Risk Adults with No Routine Doctor Visit in Past Two Years
• 27^th – % of Adults with No Dental Visit in Past Year
• 13^th – % of Medical Residents Retained

 For the full report

Maine News Sunday July 26

JOBS 

• Under Armour, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Stock Associate in Freeport. Apply here.
• Circle K Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Customer Service Representative in Freeport. Apply here. 
• You can search for other jobs near Freeport here.

 UPCOMING

Wolfe’s Neck Center calendar

Saturdays now 'til October

Through October 8:30am – 12:30pm at the BTLT Saturday Farmers Market at Crystal Spring Farm. 277 Pleasant Hill Road, Brunswick. The Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust Farmers Market was established in 1999 to advance the Land Trust’s mission of supporting local agriculture. With over forty vendors, many of whom have been with the Market since its inception, the Saturday morning market offers a variety of local, fresh products including vegetables, fruits, seedlings, dairy, meat, seafood, cut flowers, mushrooms, baked goods, and artisanal and prepared foods.

JULY 26

Memorial Park, 5 Park St., Freeport: Jacob R. Miller & The Bandoliers, 2-4
Auditions for “SÉANCE”:   6 pm at FHS Music Room, 30 Holbrook St, Freeport.   Use back door.  
The 34th annual Harpswell Lobster Boat Races, a Maine summer tradition featuring lobster boat races, food trucks, raffles, and more, all supporting the Harpswell Santa Fund. Check the event website for the most up-to-date info. 
Tonic, 7 Dunlap St., Brunswick: Open mic with Rexy Dinosaur, 6-8

JULY 27
Town Manager Office Drop In 30 Main Street 4 pm

JULY 28
Auditions for “SÉANCE”:  -- 6 pm at FHS Music Room, 30 Holbrook St, Freeport.   Use back door. 
Town Manager's Office Drop-In → Freeport, ME 30 Main Street, Freeport 4:00 pm  

JULY 30
Winslow Park, 50 Winslow Park Way, Freeport: The Delta Knights, 6-7:30, park has $3 entry fee
Bandstand By The Sea, 1410 Harpswell Neck Rd., Harpswell: The Resonauts, 6-7:30

JULY 30 — THE DELTA KNIGHTS BAND: Led by frontman Rob Babson, The Delta Knights Band has spent 30 years as a Southern Maine staple, delivering a tight, expert blend of blues, R&B, and classic rock.

AUGUST 6 — VINYL FOSSILS…Don't miss this six-piece band performing classic rock and roll music.

AUGUST 13 — CAROLE WISE | MARK ABRAHAM | DENNY BREAU | APRIL REED-COX: Four gifted Maine musicians unite to perform a harmonious, authentic blend of original songs celebrating friendship and collaboration.

AUGUST 20 — CORMAC MCCARTHY: Don't miss Cormac McCarthy's enthralling Americana set, showcasing his expertise as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and storyteller.

AUGUST 27 — BESS JACQUES & THE STRAYS: Bess Jacques & The Strays deliver a vibrant, nostalgic blend of jazz and pop, featuring lush vocal ballads and hard-swinging originals from their debut album.

Winslow Park Concerts are a community collaboration between Meetinghouse Arts and the Town of Freeport  View it on website

AUG 2
Music in the Parks – Memorial Park, 19 Bow Street, 2 pm 

AUG 4 
A private piano concert to benefit Friends of Casco Bay in collaboration with Concerts for Climate.   Friends of Casco Bay will share a special update about our work. A reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres will conclude the event.  First concert: 3-4 p.m. Second concert: 5-6 p.m.  Location: Sydney and Bill Patten are welcoming us into their Falmouth home for this performance. Details will be shared after registration. A donation is suggested for this event. Suggested levels are $100-$1,000 per attendee. To register, please contact Sarah Lyman: (207) 370-7553

AUG 9
Music in the Parks – Memorial Park, 19 Bow Street, 2 pm 

AUG 20

As global tensions escalate in the Middle East, you have a rare opportunity to hear direct analysis and ask questions of three world-renowned experts in our intimate Freeport Speech venue.  Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (music starts at 6:30 PM) Freeport Performing Arts Center, 30 Holbrook St.  Get Ticket 

Maine News Saturday July 25

Press Herald -  Families considering homeschooling in Maine must first choose one of two legal options. Both allow parents to educate their children at home while offering broad flexibility in curriculum, teaching methods and daily schedules.  The primary difference is who assumes responsibility for legal filings, annual requirements and student records.  

Press Herald - In the late 1940s, the population of Maine's native oyster had all but disappeared. Known as the American oyster, and also as the eastern or Virginia oyster, its scientific name is Crassostrea virginica. Then, as now, the soft-shell clam population was in decline, probably because of predation by green crabs. Federal and state biologists decided to introduce European oysters to Maine.

Federal biologists figured the species "must have had to fend off green crabs" in its native habitat, said Brian Beal, professor of marine ecology at the University of Maine at Machias. In Maine, they thought, it would either become an alternate food source for the crabs or, if the crabs "wiped out" soft-shell clams, an alternate for harvesters to make money.

The scientific name for the European oyster is Ostrea edulis, which means "edible oyster." In Europe, it has been a prized food for centuries. European oysters are also known as Belon oysters, after the Belon River in Brittany, France, where they have long been cultivated. In France, only oysters that come from that river may be called Belons. 

The Hill -  Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson formally clinched the Democratic nod to take on Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) in November, giving the party just 100 days to quickly turn the tides in the must-win race.  Jackson handily won on Saturday with 566 votes during the Democratic nomination convention in Bangor, Maine. His only challenger, biopharmaceutical executive Saundra Pelletier, nabbed the remaining five votes.

….Democrats in the state largely consolidated around the former state senator ahead of the convention to replace scandal-ridden Graham Platner, who exited the race earlier this month. The contest, which Decision Desk HQ and Cook Political Report rate as a toss-up, could prove decisive in the party’s chances of clinching the upper chamber this fall

North Yarmouth officials vote to take down pride flag from community center (fox23maine.com)

JOBS

• Circle K Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Customer Service Representative in Freeport. Apply here. 
• You can search for other jobs near Freeport here.

Maine News Friday July 24

Press Herald - More Mainers are seeking Canadian citizenship, some to connect with heritage, some as an escape. Canada passed a law late last year that makes it easier for U.S. residents to pursue citizenship.

Growing up in northern Maine, Tommy Pinette said he didn’t consider himself a Mainer, or even an American.  “I really saw myself as something else,” the 25-year-old said. “I didn’t identify with, you know, the lobster roll, clam chowder kind of Maine.”

Pinette is among an estimated one-third of Maine residents — nearly 90% living in the St. John Valley — who can trace their heritage through Canada. A century or more ago, Maine’s vast northern border was more like a town line where people moved freely, trading and following work. A Canadian law that passed last December makes it easier for people like Pinette to obtain Canadian citizenship, which could in turn bring back a less strict border.

Previously, U.S. residents had to prove that a parent was born in Canada. Now, as long as they can provide documentation, they can go back as far into their family tree as they like. Canada sees this process as allowing “Lost Canadians” to return home. 

YARMOUTH

Friends of Casco Bay -  The residents of Yarmouth, Maine have begun imagining what it might be like to stand beside a Royal River abundant with blueback herring, alewives, sea-run trout, eels—and maybe even salmon. To see the river flowing naturally over ledge rocks. The water clear, cold, and in rhythm with the landscape once again, after being dammed and impounded for more than 250 years to power mills and industry.

This vision of a healthy river is the goal behind the Bridge Street Dam removal in Yarmouth, where preparatory work began this week. Friends of Casco Bay has a particular interest in how the dam removal will impact the health of the water in the river, and thus also Casco Bay….

HARPSWELL

Press Herald -   The owner of the Mackerel Cove wharf Glen’s Lobsters has bought the Angie’s Lobster wharf next door, a move that brings a piece of Bailey Island’s working waterfront back under local ownership.  Shawn Baumgartner said he plans to do some repairs to the Angie’s dock and buildings and keep that wharf operating for the foreseeable future.

The lobstermen who had been selling to Angie’s will continue to use the wharf’s bait shed and workshop, and will still access their boats from the Angie’s dock, according to Bernie Johnson, the manager at Glen’s. But they will now sell their catch at Glen’s.

The Angie’s wharf last changed hands just four years ago in 2022, when an Arizona-based fast food restaurant bought it after the 2020 death of longtime Bailey Island Lobster Co. owner Doug Pilon.

FREEPORT

A Yale research team is piloting a new method to clean PFAS-contaminated soil on a two-acre trial farm in Freeport, potentially turning polluted fields back into productive land. Their process uses crops, rock dust, and biochar to remove ‘forever chemicals’ while also capturing carbon, and they’re now seeking more partner farms to expand testing. (carbonherald.com)

Press Herald - The city of Portland has terminated its contract with Freeport-based Doten’s Construction, which was hired to complete repairs to the Riverton pool at Talbot Community School. The decision comes after several months of stalled work. City staff will now look for a new contractor to finish the job, which could add more delays. 

JOBS

• L.L.Bean, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Assistant Merchant in Freeport. Apply here.
• Dunkin' posted a job opening for Team Member in Freeport. Apply here. 
• You can search for other jobs near Freeport here.

UPCOMING

Wolfe’s Neck Center calendar

Saturdays now 'til October

Through October 8:30am – 12:30pm at the BTLT Saturday Farmers Market at Crystal Spring Farm. 277 Pleasant Hill Road, Brunswick. The Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust Farmers Market was established in 1999 to advance the Land Trust’s mission of supporting local agriculture. With over forty vendors, many of whom have been with the Market since its inception, the Saturday morning market offers a variety of local, fresh products including vegetables, fruits, seedlings, dairy, meat, seafood, cut flowers, mushrooms, baked goods, and artisanal and prepared foods.

JULY 24

Yarmouth Clam Festival kicks off Friday, marking 61 years (wgme.com)

JULY 25

Sat, Jul 25, 4:30PM - 8:30PM

30 East Coxon Road, Brunswick, ME

917 Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell, ME

Winslow Park, 50 Winslow Park Way, Freeport: The Flukes, 6-7:30, park has $3 entry fee

JULY 26
Memorial Park, 5 Park St., Freeport: Jacob R. Miller & The Bandoliers, 2-4
Auditions for “SÉANCE”:   6 pm at FHS Music Room, 30 Holbrook St, Freeport.   Use back door.  
The 34th annual Harpswell Lobster Boat Races, a Maine summer tradition featuring lobster boat races, food trucks, raffles, and more, all supporting the Harpswell Santa Fund. Check the event website for the most up-to-date info. 

JULY 27
Town Manager Office Drop In 30 Main Street 4 pm

JULY 28
Auditions for “SÉANCE”:  -- 6 pm at FHS Music Room, 30 Holbrook St, Freeport.   Use back door. 
Town Manager's Office Drop-In → Freeport, ME 30 Main Street, Freeport 4:00 pm  

JULY 30
Thursday Night Concert Series at Winslow Park

For more info on the artists and to see the Memorial Park summer concert schedule, visit the Meetinghouse Arts website

JULY 30 — THE DELTA KNIGHTS BAND: Led by frontman Rob Babson, The Delta Knights Band has spent 30 years as a Southern Maine staple, delivering a tight, expert blend of blues, R&B, and classic rock.

AUGUST 6 — VINYL FOSSILS…Don't miss this six-piece band performing classic rock and roll music.

AUGUST 13 — CAROLE WISE | MARK ABRAHAM | DENNY BREAU | APRIL REED-COX: Four gifted Maine musicians unite to perform a harmonious, authentic blend of original songs celebrating friendship and collaboration.

AUGUST 20 — CORMAC MCCARTHY: Don't miss Cormac McCarthy's enthralling Americana set, showcasing his expertise as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and storyteller.

AUGUST 27 — BESS JACQUES & THE STRAYS: Bess Jacques & The Strays deliver a vibrant, nostalgic blend of jazz and pop, featuring lush vocal ballads and hard-swinging originals from their debut album.

Winslow Park Concerts are a community collaboration between Meetinghouse Arts and the Town of Freeport  View it on website

AUG 2
Music in the Parks – Memorial Park, 19 Bow Street, 2 pm 

AUG 9
Music in the Parks – Memorial Park, 19 Bow Street, 2 pm 

AUG 20

As global tensions escalate in the Middle East, you have a rare opportunity to hear direct analysis and ask questions of three world-renowned experts in our intimate Freeport Speech venue.  Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (music starts at 6:30 PM) Freeport Performing Arts Center, 30 Holbrook St.  Get Ticket 

Maine News Thursday July 23

News Center Maine -  Faith leaders from Maine are holding a news conference Thursday morning to call out Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over what they've called a "pattern" of violence.

In the U.S., 22 people detained by ICE have died since the start of 2026, according to advocates. The violence faith leaders are speaking on also includes "the ways ICE tears families apart and terrorizes community members," a news release for the news conference said. …

"Together, Maine’s faith leaders express great sorrow over a society that has grown too accustomed to this pattern of cruelty and violence. As faith leaders with the moral responsibility to speak out against such atrocities, they demand an end to the killing," a release for the event said.

Maine Morning Star  - Presumptive Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Troy Jackson announced he’s raised more than  $1 million since he entered the race earlier this month. However, it is still a far cry from the $11 million cash on hand incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins reported as of the last filing deadline.

Press Herald -- Maine has been given about two months to fix “deficiencies” in its anti-Medicaid fraud unit or risk losing its federal certification, President Donald Trump’s administration said. The federal notice is the latest development between Republicans and Democratic Gov. Janet Mills’ administration over whether MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program, is operating properly.

Maine News Wednesday July 22

 Press Herald - The deadline for schools to adopt cellphone bans is fast approaching and while some have been eager to do so, others have been reluctant. Riley Board offers a glimpse into how Maine’s 261 school districts feel about the new statewide requirement.

Maine Morning Star -   Although Troy Jackson is the expected Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, two other candidates who remain in the race qualified for the nominating convention on Saturday.

Candidates had to submit 500 signatures from registered Democratic voters in Maine by 11:59 p.m. on Monday. Along with Jackson, David Costello, Saundra Pelletier and Dan Kleban submitted the signatures necessary to qualify, the party announced Tuesday. 

However, Kleban, co-founder of Maine Beer Company, and several other candidates already publicly announced they were dropping out over the weekend. 

Hannah Pingree has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood. 

Yarmouth, Maine, home catches fire after propane torch was used to burn weeds (wmtw.com)

JOBS

• Vineyard Vines, LLC posted a job opening for Crew Lead (Part Time Manager) - 58 Main St, Freeport, ME in Freeport. Apply here.
• Dunkin' posted a job opening for Team Member in Brunswick. Apply here. 
• You can search for other jobs near Freeport here.

FREEPORT

A note to Community Library patrons:  Public Works will be performing tree maintenance starting the morning of Thursday, July 23rd and likely continuing throughout the day.  Work will focus on a number of birches near the front of the building, some needing to be fully taken down and some needing limbs removed. This will enable a clean-up and re-planting of the garden area between the main entrance and the meeting room entrance. Dead trees will also be removed elsewhere on the property. 

2026 U.S. Amateur Final Qualifying (massgolf.org) — Freeport’s own Eli Spaulding shot a 3-under 68 at Boston Golf Club to qualify for the 2026 U.S. Amateur Championship at Merion Golf Club in August. The story details how six players, including Spaulding, navigated the demanding Hingham course to earn their spots and explains what’s at stake at this prestigious national amateur event.

Nomination papers are now available at Town Hall and are due back to the Town Clerk by September 9th.

OPEN SEATS:

Councilor-At-Large (3-year term) 1 seat
Councilor District 2 (3-year term) 1 seat
Councilor District 3 (3-year term) 1 seat

Sewer District (3-year terms) 2 seats
Water District (3-year term) 1 seat
RSU5 (3-year terms) 2 seats