Maine News Saturday

Maine Morning Star -   Maine’s court system expects to complete its long transition from paper to digital records by next February, according to a press release Thursday from the judicial branch. The new system is run with Tyler Technologies’ Enterprise Justice software, and allows for the storage of digital case files, eFiling and online payments. The transition began in 2018, with the statewide Violations Bureau.

 7 'Tourist Traps' in Maine That People Can't Wait to Visit 

Press Herald -  Gov. Janet Mills says a probe from Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, is politically motivated. Oz had attempted to link Maine to ongoing fraud investigations in Minnesota, where the Trump administration has paused nearly $260 million in Medicaid payments. It is also targeting other Democratic-led states such as New York with similar probes.

At least 5 from Maine are in an Arizona ICE facility where a man died this week

Amid war on Iran, heating oil prices ticked up this week

Maine judges won’t recuse themselves from DOJ trans athlete lawsuit

Events

Saturday March 7

Freeport Chocolate Festival 2026 Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce, Downstairs (below LOFT Outlet, Freeport 10:00 am

• Almost Olive - Cadenza, 5 Depot St.  7 pm Show will also be livestreamed on Cadenza's Facebook page

• Join us Saturday March 7 to stand in solidarity with Iran and the many other countries that the U.S. is bombing. At 1:30pm we'll be at the corner of Route 1 and Pleasant St. in Brunswick. Bring your own signs, or use one of ours!

Sunday Mar 8

• Growing Literacy: 10 Tips and Tricks for making the most of local foods during mud season In-Person  Curtis Memorial Library Morrell Meeting Room 2:00 pm
  
  
• Boat America: A Course on Responsible Boating (Day 2 of 4) | Maine Maritime Museum Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St, Bath 4:00 pm

Monday, Mar 9

• Staff Review Board - Freeport, ME Calendar, 30 Main Street, Freeport 1:00 pm

• History Happy Hour: Monday, March 9, 5:30 p.m. The Marquis De Lafayette,
  150 Park St. Portland  Learn More 

Trivia Night: Freeport Sustainability Advisory Board at Maine Beer Company
Freeport, ME Calendar, 525 US Route 1, Freeport 6:30 pm



Tuesday March 10

• Complete Streets Committee: Freeport, ME Calendar, 30 Main Street, Freeport 7:30 am
• Appointments Committee Meeting 30 Main Street, Freeport 4:30 pm
• Conservation Commission -5 Depot Street, Freeport
  

Saturday Mar 14 

THE GAWLER FAMILY | 7PM Talent overflows from the Gawler Family—Don’t miss this vibrant performance interweaving family harmonies and timeless folk traditions!  Reserve ticket

Saturday Mar 14 & Sunday Mar 15

Chainsaw Safety Course

8:30 am to 4:00 pm Skyline Farm, 95 The Ln, North Yarmouth RRCT is offering a FREE, 2-day, beginner-friendly Chainsaw Safety Course at Skyline Farm in North Yarmouth. Registration is limited to 10 spots. The course will be taught by RRCT's Administrative Coordinator, tish carr, who also happens to be a licensed forester and arborist passionate about chainsaw safety. Mike Maines will also be teaching the course, another licensed arborist and forester. Most participants will have little to no experience with a chainsaw, though this course is also an effective refresher for more experienced individuals who have developed some bad habits. Participants will have the opportunity to operate a chainsaw in a safe, comfortable, and supervised setting. We will practice starting a saw, making straight up-and-down cuts, and bore cuts, and all will witness a directional felling demonstration, and those who are interested will practice it. If you have any questions, please email tish carr, tish@rrct.org.

REGISTER HERE

MARCH 16

Weekly Ukulele Jam

Monday, March 16 & 23 • 3 PM
@ Bradley Room at Freeport Community Services

MARCH 21

FLOR CUADRO FLAMENCO|  7:00 PM

Celebrating both the deep-rooted traditions and the evolving contemporary expressions Flamenco. Tickets

MARCH 23

Weekly Ukulele Jam

 3 PM
@ Bradley Room at Freeport Community Services

MARCH 26

The Untold Stories of Portland's Irish Domestic Servants Thursday, March 26, 1:00 p.m. Online on Zoom Learn More | Register

Chinese in Maine: From Struggle to Success, Book Talk with Gary Libby Tuesday, March 31, 1:00 p.m. Online on Zoom Learn More | Register

April 11 | Open Mic Poetry with Betsy Sholl

Free tickets can be reserved here now for our next Freeport Folio Open Mic Poetry featuring Betsy Sholl, Poet Laureate of Maine 2006-2011. We have also invited the to be crowned 2025-2026 Maine State Poetry Out Loud Champion. The event is on April 11th, 1pm at the Freeport Community Center. Tickets are free but seats are limited

More Freeport Folio events

 April 25 Poetry Workshop with Joseph Coleman at Freeport Community Library

April 25 Community Poetry Reading at the Freeport Community Library

April 30 National Poetry Month Statewide Grand Finale: Maine Poet Laureates Public Reading. A first-time, historic gathering of all Maine State Poet Laureates

July 30, Open Mic Poetry with Featured Poet Richard Blanco

October 1 Open Mic Poetry with Featured Poet Samaa Abdurraqib

October 31 Dead Poets Poetry Death Match

APR 11
LADIES OF FLAME  7:00 PM A beloved all-women musical ensemble that performs a lively selection of heartfelt songs and popular hits. Reserve tickets

APR 24
ERICA BROWN & THE BLUEGRASS CONNECTION: Friday, April 24 at 7:30 PM A fun and energetic five-piece band featuring some of the finest musicians in New England.

MAY 1

Thanks to Patch for some of the above

Thanks also to Bob Green for his music contributions to this list, He notes, "It is strongly recommended that you call ahead to confirm any performances and the conditions for entry. "