Maine News Wednesday

Photo courtesy Maurine Miller.

Freeport Community Services - For his 5th birthday party, Arthur asked his friends to bring donations for the food pantry instead of gifts. His generous request resulted in a wagon load of food and other staples. For Arthur, the most exciting part was seeing his donations weighed on the scale - an impressive 60 lbs. of food! According to his mom, Maurine, he is already excited to do the same next year.

WindowDressers is a Rockland, Maine-based, nonprofit organization that trains, supplies and supports community volunteers to create insulating window inserts for local residents. They are currently looking for volunteers to join the Freeport Community Build Team 10/24-10/29. The build will take place indoors at passivhausMAINE, 35 Main Street, Freeport. Snacks and drinks will be provided. No experience is necessary.  If you're interested in measuring, fundraising, becoming a shift leader, or offering general support during Build week, please email Dori Lam at passivhausMaine

 Times Record

Bath is launching a Fit Up Grant Program geared toward helping business owners revamp their storefronts or complete renovations in order to open or change their businesses. It's similar to a program Freeport rolled out in recent years. “This program is about investing in Bath’s future,” said Bath Development Corporation Chairperson Mandy Reynolds. “It creates opportunities for entrepreneurs, adds dining and retail choices for residents, and helps our downtown stay vibrant and welcoming.”

In Harpswell, the Maine Fire Marshal's Office is investigating a house fire that left a 78-year-old man dead Tuesday morning. The fire caused significant damage to the home, particularly to the second floor. Several fire departments from Harpswell, West Bath, the Harpswell islands and Brunswick, and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, also responded to the blaze.

Press Herald

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Maine Wabanaki artists join Yo-Yo Ma to explore the musical power of water

Mainers turn out at PUC hearing to condemn CMP’s 5-year plan to raise rates 

Gov. Janet Mills’ entrance into the U.S. Senate race on Tuesday immediately shook up the Democratic primary. Maine Beer Co. co-founder Dan Kleban suspended his campaign and endorsed Mills. A spokesperson for Sen. Susan Collins’ campaign, meanwhile, projected confidence in its response to Mills’ announcement and said the five-term Republican would be ready to take on whoever emerges as the Democratic candidate.

A proposal to relocate Portland’s Amtrak station has sparked a dispute between city officials, the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority and the owner of Maine Medical Center over where — or whether — a new station should be built. The rail authority favors a St. John Street site near Northern Light Mercy Hospital, while city leaders prefer a location farther north, closer to Maine Medical Center employee parking.