Press
Heald - A citizens’ petition calling
for the launch of an 80-ton ship that’s been landlocked in a Freeport
neighborhood for decades has enough valid signatures to appear on town ballots
in November. The question asks residents if they would approve a temporary boat
launch in the zoning district containing 0 Shore Drive, the planned site to
launch the Island Rover. In the process, it would exempt temporary boat
launches from certain town environmental and zoning requirements.
….Some neighbors have opposed the
launch off Lower Flying Point Road, worried about coastal erosion, the
well-being of wildlife and that the ship could get stuck in the mud.
Last year, the Freeport Coastal
Waters Commission denied a temporary boat launch for the roughly 90-foot
schooner in the residential area — where the water in Raspberry Cove’s mudflat
only reaches a depth of about 6 feet at the highest astronomical tide — for
environmental reasons, including possible impacts to the cove’s coastal
species.
This is the second time a
citizens’ group has circulated a petition aimed at launching the Rover. In
June, they failed to gain enough valid signatures to get the issue on the
ballot.
44 miles of the I-295 between Portland and Topsham will be repaved and get
drainage upgrades due to $27.8 million from a federal grant program.
Thousands of eligible Mainers will automatically get discounts on their bills
through the state’s Low Income Assistance Program, Gov. Janet Mills said.
30 condo units coming to Gorham
News
Center Maine - Harpswell
officials are monitoring a new wave of an algae bloom that has killed thousands
of shellfish in Casco Bay after testing confirmed brown water spotted offshore
Wednesday was part of the bloom. Fishermen reported seeing brown water about 1
to 2 miles offshore Wednesday morning, according to Harpswell Harbormaster
Darcie Couture.
…Testing confirmed the presence
of Karenia mikimotoi, the species of algae responsible for the bloom. The
sample had a concentration of about 20 million cells per liter, according
to Couture.
In a social media post, Couture said strong northeast winds
over the past several days could have transported material from an offshore
bloom toward the Maine coast. She said the movement of particles in the ocean
does not necessarily follow the direction the wind is blowing.
The development comes as
officials continue to monitor the effects of a Karenia mikimotoi bloom that has
caused widespread marine life mortality in parts of Casco Bay.
WMTW - A pilot from Windham, New Hampshire, walked away with only minor injuries after crashing a plane while landing at the Brunswick Executive Airport in Brunswick on Thursday.
The Brunswick Police Department
says the 82-year-old pilot was flying a 1930s Kinner Sportwing airplane when
the plane flipped over after landing.
The pilot was the only person on
board and was treated at the scene for what police said were minor injuries.
The plane was headed to Owls Head
from Lawrence, Massachusetts. Owls Head is home to the Owls Head Transportation
Museum.
The museum released a statement
on Thursday afternoon saying they were still assessing the situation and
gathering information.
"We have been told the pilot
is safe, and the incident occurred during taxi rather than while landing. We
remain optimistic that the vintage Kinner aircraft will be properly assessed
and operable soon," the museum said.
Things to do at the Wolfe’s
Neck Ctr for Agriculture & the Environment
9am – 10am: Visit
the animals. The first thing you’ll likely hear at Wolfe’s Neck Farm are
the “baaaaa” of our sheep. Who could ask for a better welcome? Head on
into the big red Wishcamper Livestock Education Barn to see our flock of sheep,
goats, chickens and rabbits up close.
10am – 12pm: Bike
around and get acquainted. From the Little River Farmstead, turn left
and head up the road to our campground office. Here you’ll find L.L. Bean bicycles
for rent, ready to take you out on an adventure around the farm.
Bike the dirt roads around the farmstead and campground, or for a longer ride,
head back out to Wolfe Neck Road or Lower Flying Point Road for scenic views of
our neighborhood.
12pm – 1pm: Enjoy
lunch at the seasonal Farm Café. By now, you are sure to have worked
up an appetite. Return your bike at the campground office and pop over to
the Farm Café (open
May-October) next door for a delicious hot sandwich, salad or pastry all made
with Wolfe’s Neck Center meats and produce.
1pm – 2pm: Walk
off your lunch on the nature trails. Walk back up Burnett Road to the
Little River Farmstead, and head down the road to the left of the buildings.
Here you’ll find the trailhead
for beautiful paths that meander through lush woodlands, along the
marsh and past our outdoor classrooms. Stop by Heron’s Hideaway to see if you
can get a glimpse of the birds wading in the marsh!
2pm – 3pm: Cool off by the
shoreline. Take a walk up to West Bay, through the campground, and follow the path
towards Hayload Point. This lovely little trail leads you right down to the
rocky shore, with a bench that’s perfect for some reading, reflecting…or an
afternoon nap! West Bay also boasts a staircase to the shoreline, and at high
tide you can take a kayak, canoe or stand up paddle board out to explore on the
water. Rentals are
available at the campground store and online
to pre-book.
3pm – 4pm: Learn about our
vegetable production. Walk backup to the road and follow the loop back
around to our Education Garden. Walk along the mulch paths and admire the many
different organic fruits and vegetables that our team members have been growing
all summer long for our Farm
Stand. Like what you see? Check out the Farm Stand on our
Little River Farmstead to see what’s for sale and in season!
4pm – 5pm: An afternoon at the
Dairy. Walk over to the Organic Dairy to pay a visit to our cows and
calves. If they are in the barn they are typically found munching on hay
between grazing or getting ready to be milked. The Milking Parlor is open to
the public so be sure to step inside. While you’re there, Meet some of our
dairy apprentices and learn more about the Organic Dairy Farmer Training
Program.
Insider Tip! If the cows are
not in their barn it means they are grazing in one of our pastures. Learn more
about managed grazing.
5pm – 7pm: Get out
on the water at sunset. Paddling around Casco Bay is an unforgettable
experience. Circle around Googins Island, a protected osprey habitat, and you
may be lucky enough to see the resident osprey couple catch fish for their
young. Paddle out along the peninsula, or “neck”, and take in beautifully
colored rocky ledges framed by forest of oak and pine, and you may glimpse
the area’s resident harbor seals or a majestic bald eagle. Kayak
and canoes are available to rent at our campground office.
OCT 3-4
Patch - Freeport residents can look forward to the 27th Freeport Fall Festival Oct. 3-4, with five music stages, local food vendors, kids' activities, and a free shuttle linking downtown and L.L.Bean's redesigned flagship store. The piece also spotlights spooky nights and family Halloween fun at the Desert of Maine, plus fall-themed events in nearby Bath and Brunswick.
OCT 3
Freeport Fall Festival — Backyard Garlic → Memorial Park, 19 Bow St, Freeport 10:00 am
Nature’s Palette: Art Inspired by the Season → Meetinghouse Arts, 40 Main St, Freeport 10:00 amFreeport Fall Festival →Memorial Park, 19 Bow Street, Freeport 10:00 amChocolate Factory Tours → Wilbur’s of Maine Factory, 174 Lower Main St, Freeport 11:00 am
People Plus is hosting an afternoon of beer tasting on Oct. 3 at Wild Duck Pub in Topsham. Proceeds will go toward providing rides for homebound seniors.
8:30am Farmers Market at Crystal Spring Farm 277 Pleasant Hill Road, Brunswick
Local Buzz Reading: 2:45PM - 4PM 118 East Elm Street, Yarmouth, ME
OCT 4
Freeport Fall Festival → Memorial Park, 19 Bow Street, Freeport 10:00 am
Nature’s Palette: Art Inspired by the Season → Meetinghouse Arts, 40 Main St, Freeport 12:00 pm
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | 50th Annual Pettengill Family Farm Day - 2026 is the 50th Anniversary of this beloved event! It is going to be an extra-special Farm Day. Live music, delicious food, vintage arts, crafts, and games, farmhouse and trail tours 31 Pettengill Farm Rd, Freeport
OCT 5
Maine Association of Psychiatric Physicians 2026 Fall Meeting → Harraseeket Inn, 162 Main Street, Freeport
8AM - Coffee with Town Council | Council Chambers
6:30PM - Board of Appeals | Council Chamber
Weekly Ukulele Jam 3PM - 4PM 53 Depot St
OCT 6
6:00 PM | Invasive Species Workshop Learn how to identify and manage invasive plants with experts from Maine Coast Heritage Trust. Bradley Room, Freeport Community Center
6PM - Town Council Meeting | Council Chambers
6PM - Planning Board | Council Chambers
OCT 8
The Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce invites you to join it on Thursday, October 8, from 5–7 PM for Business After Hours at Brickyard Hollow. Connect with fellow Chamber members and local business owners for an evening of networking, conversation, and community connection at one of Freeport’s local favorites.
6:30PM - Shellfish Commission Meeting | Council Chambers
OCT 9
Join us October 9th, at 4 pm at Sparhawk Mill, 41 Bridge Street, Yarmouth, to celebrate the removal of the Bridge Street Dam. No need to RSVP. Limited parking is available at Sparhawk Mill, and Main Street in Yarmouth is only a few minutes away on foot
OCT 13
Freeport Trail Challenge Click Here to Learn About the Trail Challenge
OCT 17
OCT 18
Meet the Marsh - Cousins River Fields & Marsh Preserve in Yarmouth, Maine. A family-friendly fall festival celebrating the ongoing restoration of the preserve with activities, trail exploration, fall-themed ambience, and tasty treats amid a beautiful seasonal landscape. Free to attend. More info. .
OCT 24
ANNUAL WOLFE'S NECK CENTER FALL FESTIVAL - Join us for hayrides, family activities, yoga, local food and more! One ticket secures a wagon ride around campus.