Maine Lobster Festival & Union Fair Kicked Off Today, July 30th

Rockland/Union, Maine - The Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, Maine and Union Fair in Union Fair in Union, Maine kicked off today July 30th, 2025.

On Wednesday opening day of Maine Lobster Festival  King Neptune and his court, along with Caitlyn Lamb, the 2024 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate, arrived on the main dock from the briny deep courtesy of the USCG to raise the flag and officially open the 78th Maine Lobster Festival. Flag raising ceremony took place at the flagpole by the Harbor Master’s building.

Also on opening day, The Maine Lobster Festival Delegate will be chosen along with a

Oola Bowls® Expands to Maine with New Westbrook Store Opening Early August

We’re incredibly excited to expand our New England footprint into Maine, with Westbrook Crossing—right near Rock Row—becoming our first home in the state.”

— Rick McIsaac, General Manager of Oola Bowls Westbrook

WESTBROOK, ME, UNITED STATES, July 28, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Oola Bowls, the vibrant better-for-you brand known for its signature, high-pulp açaí bowls and commitment to “what happiness tastes like,” is thrilled to announce the debut of its first-ever Maine location — opening this August in Westbrook.

​​​“Oola Bowls is all about serving up

EarthWise Pet Celebrates Loyal Biscuit Co.’s Commitment to Animal Welfare Through 2025 Fenway Fund Grants

Fueling Hope and Healing for Shelter Pets Across Maine, Led by Loyal Biscuit Co., Their Stores, and the Passionate Leadership of PJ Walter

ROCKLAND, ME, UNITED STATES, July 22, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- EarthWise Pet is proud to celebrate one of our standout brands—Loyal Biscuit Co., a member of the EarthWise Pet family—for their unwavering dedication to pets, people, and community wellness. Over

MaineDOT Announces New Director of the Maine State Ferry Service

Augusta, ME (July 21, 2025) - The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Edward J. "EJ" Dupont as the new Director of the Maine State Ferry Service.

EJ joins MaineDOT with extensive leadership experience in complex, high-pressure environments across the globe. A retired U.S. Army Intelligence and Foreign Area Officer, EJ held senior operational and management roles within the U.S. Department of State,

Experience Maine’s Agricultural Heritage at 2025 Open Farm Day, July 26 & 27

Augusta, Maine — Real Maine and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry invite the public to experience the diversity of Maine agriculture during the annual Open Farm Day, taking place Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Nearly 90 farms and agricultural businesses across the state will open their doors to visitors,

Roadwork on Main Street in Warren Starts July 28th

WARREN - The Maine Department of Transportation will be conducting work on Main Street in Warren starting Monday, July 28. The project area begins 0.05 miles from the intersection of Western Road and Main Street and extends northeast 0.3 miles. Work is scheduled to be completed by October 17. Drivers may encounter a single lane of alternating traffic through the project area and should expect delays of up to 10 minutes between 6 A.M. to 6 P.M.. This project will improve subsurface and surface drainage issues on Main Street. The contractor on this project is Ranger Construction Corporation of Fairfield, Maine. The contract amount is approximately $1 million.

Governor Mills Announces Maine to Welcome Canadian Premier League Soccer Team from Nova Scotia for International Match

"Friendly" match between the Halifax Wanderers and the Portland Hearts of Pine is a direct result of Governor Mills' recent goodwill mission to Atlantic Canada

Portland, MAINE -- Governor Janet Mills today announced that Maine will welcome the Halifax Wanderers of the Canadian Premier League for an international "friendly" match with Maine's new professional soccer team, the Portland Hearts of Pine, next month at Portland's Fitzpatrick Stadium. 

The historic match is a direct result of Governor Mills mission to Atlantic Canada in June,

Somerset Ave Bridge Deck Replacement Project in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD - The Maine Department of Transportation will be conducting work on I-95 southbound and northbound over Webb Road and Somerset Ave starting Monday, August 4. Somerset Ave work begins on August 4. Work lower the interstate between Somerset Ave and Webb Road begins after Labor Day. The project area begins at Webb Road I-95 northbound and southbound mile marker 148 and extends to mile marker 151 near Somerset Ave I-95 northbound and southbound. The work is approximately scheduled to be completed by June 2028.

This project will replace bridge decks on northbound and southbound bridges over Webb Road and Somerset Ave as staged construction with barriers and lower Somerset Ave and Webb Road. Drivers may encounter a single lane of alternating traffic through the project area. The contractor on this project is NorthEast Paving of Eurovia Atlantic Coast, LLC of Bangor, Maine. The contract amount is $ 10,545,989.00.

I-95 and I-295 Project to Install Traffic Cameras

CUMBERLAND, KENNEBEC, & SOMERSET COUNTIES - The Maine Department of Transportation will be installing traffic cameras on I-295 and I-95. Work on I-295 will take place at Exit 10 in Falmouth, Exit 15 in Cumberland, and Exit 20 in Freeport. Work on I-95 will occur in Augusta at Exit 109 and Exit 112, Exit 120 in Sidney, Exits 127 and 130 in Waterville, and Exit 133 in Fairfield.

Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 28 and be finished by October 30. Motorists traveling along the interstate should expect closure of shoulders in project areas. Night work will be conducted as well. The project will improve Interstate Highway safety conditions. The contractor on this project is Electric Light, Inc. of Cape Neddick, Maine. The contract amount is $969,000.00

The Maine Lobster Festival Announces 2025 Delegate Candidates

Rockland, Maine - The Maine Lobster Festival announced the five candidates for the 2025 Delegate, who will represent the festival and the lobster industry at fairs, parades and other events.

 

Running for the position of 2025 Delegate are Kayla Baines of South Thomaston, Nataleigh Corbett of Cushing, Rebecca Spearing of Owls Head, Riley Whitman of Rockland and Trishelle Ames of Warren.

 

Kayla Baines is an Oceanside High School graduate of the class of 2025. Her high school

Jocelyn Runnebaum, Ph.D. to Lead Department of Marine Resources Maine Coastal Program

The Maine Coastal Program's new Director Joceyln Runnebaum, Ph.D.

Augusta – Jocelyn Runnebaum, Ph.D., who has worked with The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Oceans and Coast program since 2019 and most recently as TNC’s Marine Program Manager, has joined the Maine Department of Marine Resources as Director of the Maine Coastal Program (MCP).

Dr. Runnebaum replaces Kathleen Leyden, who retired from state service in March, and will

More Than $52 Million for UMaine System Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bills

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $52,350,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the University of Maine (UMaine) System in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) and Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bills. The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee this month, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.

 

This funding advanced through the Committee’s markup of the FY 2026 CJS and

Work by artist Susan Hanson on display at UNE Campus Center through August 29

Susan Hanson, "Fortunes Rocks Beach, Fall." Oil and acrylic on canvas. 18'' by 24''.

Biddeford, Maine - The University of New England is hosting the art exhibition “Maine Moments” by artist Susan Hanson at the UNE Campus Center in Biddeford from July 29 to August 29.  

Hanson, who works in several mediums, says Maine’s unique, varied, and inspiring landscape is the subject of her work, which has been shown in a dozen exhibits around Maine since 2011. 

“The landscape is what captivates me. Being in nature gives me a sense of calm and engages

Protecting Veterans from “Claim Sharks,” Senator King and Colleagues Introduce Bill to Fight Unaccredited Claims Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), has introduced legislation to protect veterans from unaccredited claims representatives seeking to defraud them of their benefits. The VA Claim Sharks Effective Warnings Act would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to warn veterans more effectively about unaccredited VA claims representatives, or “claim sharks.”

Claim sharks are unaccredited agents or companies that charge veterans fees, usually

MaineHealth Waldo Hospital and Eastern Maine Community College Offer Local Pathway to Nursing Career

BELFAST, ME — MaineHealth Waldo Hospital (MHWH) is proud to continue its three-year partnership with Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) to offer a local distance learning program designed to prepare students for careers as registered nurses (RNs).

This two-year program, hosted at the MHWH campus, allows students to attend virtual

Aaron Mitschke, NP, Joins MaineHealth Primary Care Family Medicine Liberty

Aaron E Mitschke, FNP

LIBERTY, ME – MaineHealth Waldo Hospital is pleased to welcome Aaron Mitschke, FNP, to its Primary Care Family Medicine Liberty practice.

Mitschke comes to MHWH from Jircik Medical Group in Burleson, Texas, where he worked as a nurse practitioner for the past nine years providing

Maine DOE, Educate Maine Announce 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year Semifinalists

Eight of the 2025 Maine County Teachers of the Year continue to be in the running for 2026 Maine State Teacher of the Year. 

Augusta, MAINE — Eight exceptional Maine educators are state semifinalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. As members of the 2025 Maine County Teacher of the Year cohort, they embody the dedication, innovation, and leadership in the classroom synonymous with this recognition. These educators serve as ambassadors for their students, colleagues, and school communities, celebrating and elevating the entire teaching profession.  

The semifinalists for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year are: 

Fall Climbers Discover Maine’s Hidden Cliffs and Coastal Crags

As popular climbing areas across the country grapple with overcrowding and heat, a quieter, cooler, and far more scenic is rising in the Northeast: Maine.

Topping out on a cliff above the ocean during peak foliage season — there’s nothing like it”

— Noah Kleiner

CAMDEN, ME, UNITED STATES, July 17, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As outdoor recreation continues to surge across the U.S., climbers are turning their attention to less-traveled areas offering scenic beauty, cooler conditions, and technical terrain. This fall, the Midcoast region of Maine is gaining recognition as a standout destination for rock climbing.

Known for its rugged coastline and

Jurassic Jo's at Rockland Public Library July 29th

Tuesday, July 29th

from 3:00 - 4:00 PM

Jurassic Jo's

Sign-Up is Required. To sign up: stop by the library, call 594-0310, or email refdesk@rocklandmaine.gov.

Rockland Public Library is going to be overrun with dinosaurs!

Jurassic Jo’s is training two new interns, who will need your help to take care of our Dinos! Meet Clawdio, the Raptor, and Shelly, the pachycephalosaurus, for some Cretaceous chaos! Stay after the show to meet our triceratops, Munchkin, touch real fossils, and dig for your very own fossils in our paleontology pop up box!

The Rockland Public Library is located at 80 Union St.

Watts Hall Band at Rockland Public Library July 28th

Monday, July 28 at 6:00 PM
Lawn Concert: Watts Hall Band

A 12-piece ensemble, the Watts Hall Band delivers a powerful, vocally driven sound with a full horn section, electric keys, sax solos, and standout guitar work. Their dynamic blend of rock, blues, and R&B classics is designed to keep folks dancing all night long.

This event is free and open to all and will take place outside the Union St entrance of the library. For more information, please email elewis@rocklandmaine.gov. The Rockland Public Library is located at 80 Union St.

Rockland Public Library - History Talk by Carol Gardner July 31st

Thursday, July 31 at 6:30 PM
Black and White Families in the Age of Slavery: A Maine History Talk by Carol Gardner

The Rockland Public Library presents Carol Gardner, Thursday, July 31, at 6:30 PM. This event is free and open to all.

Carol Gardner will offer a talk based on her latest history book, The Divided North: Black and White Families in the Age of Slavery, which contrasts two families in Portland, Maine in the turbulent 1800s. This dual-family biography demonstrates that the North was a critical proving ground for American ideals of freedom and equality, as telling as any town, plantation, or battlefield in the South. The experiences of these families help reveal what it meant to live in a free state during the age of slavery, with all the promise, disappointment, irony, and hope that the notion entailed.

Carol Gardner is author of The Involuntary American: A Scottish Prisoner’s Journey to the New World. She has written pieces for The Washington Post, Portland Press Herald, Time-Life Books, and The Women’s Review of Books, among others. She collaborated on content development, writing, and editing for Blue Planet Quarterly, a magazine on ocean issues.

For more information or for Zoom links, please email elewis@rocklandmaine.gov. The Rockland Public Library is located at 80 Union St.

Maine Turnpike Overnight Construction Projects Impacting Falmouth

Falmouth, Maine - Maine Turnpike Authority will be conducting several overnight construction projects that may impact Falmouth residents. Improvements to the Middle Road/Route 9 and Gray Road bridges will include single lane closures and alternating one-way traffic during nighttime hours. The work will last approximately 2 weeks.

In addition, Maine Turnpike will close Exit 52 and Exit 53 on/off ramps overnight from 9:00 pm until 5:00 am, and have provided the following schedule:

• Tue. 7/22/25: Exit 53 Southbound OFF Ramp, Closing 9PM-5AM
• Wed. 7/23/25: Exit 53 Southbound ON Ramp, Closing 9PM-5AM
• Thur. 7/24/25: Exit 52 Southbound OFF Ramp, Closing 9PM-5AM
• Sun. 7/27/25: Exit 52 Southbound ON Ramp, Closing 9PM-5AM
• Tue. 8/5/25: Exit 52 Northbound OFF Ramp, Closing 9PM-5AM
• Wed. 8/6/25: Exit 52 Northbound ON Ramp, Closing 9PM-5AM
• Thur. 8/7/25: Exit 53 Northbound OFF Ramp, Closing 9PM-5AM
• Sun. 8/10/25: Exit 53 Northbound ON Ramp, Closing 9PM-5AM

As always, work is weather dependent.  Highway message boards will provide updates to motorists.

Cancellation of NIDA’s free cannabis program at the University of Mississippi threatens termination of clinical trials

Maridose Center of Excellence

Researchers will have to find alternative sources of cGMP cannabis from other DEA Manufacturers

BRUNSWICK, ME, UNITED STATES, July 16, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Cancellation of the University of Mississippi’s “Production of Cannabis and Related Materials for Research” contract with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to supply free cannabis products to researchers nationwide has created uncertainty regarding the future of cannabis research. NIDA has informed the University they will not be placing future orders.

While existing inventory produced under this program is currently sufficient to support

Passing the Torch: Windham Fire Department Empowers the Next Generation at Foster Career and Technical Education Center

On Friday, April 18, 2025, excitement filled the air at the Foster Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center in Farmington, as a bright red fire truck pulled into the parking lot—not in response to an emergency but as a heartfelt gift. The Windham Fire Department donated this 2004 E-ONE fire

Suncovia’s Reaction to Net Metering Vote

Suncovia Logo

Suncovia Solar Installation

Maine Residential Solar

A step backwards for clean energy progress in Maine

If the goal is to create a more sustainable and equitable energy future. Maine should be building on what works—like community solar—not cutting it off at the knees.”

— Craig Mattson, CEO of Suncovia

BANGOR, ME, UNITED STATES, July 14, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Suncovia, a leading advocate for equitable clean energy solutions, has expressed deep concern over the advancement of Maine’s proposed legislation LD 1777, which aims to significantly alter the state’s net-energy billing (NEB) program and restrict future eligibility for front-of-the-meter projects such as community solar.

LD 1777, which recently passed the Energy,

$400,000 for Holden Police Department Garage Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $400,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the Holden Police Department in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bill.  The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.

“Ensuring that Maine’s finest and bravest have modern facilities is essential to the

Bill to Fund Key Agricultural Programs in Maine Clears Appropriations Committee

Bill passes Committee by a vote of 27-0

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured significant funding and provisions for projects in Maine in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. 

The measure, which was advanced by a unanimous vote of 27-0, provides $27.1 billion

More Than $12 Million for Maine Fire Stations and Emergency Services Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bills

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $12,265,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for fire stations and emergency services throughout Maine in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bill.  The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House. 

“Every day, first responders selflessly put their lives on the line to serve communities

Nearly $9 Million for Community Centers and Municipal Buildings Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $8,694,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for community centers and municipal buildings throughout Maine in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bill. The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.

“Community centers and municipal facilities house important services for residents

More Than $1.5 Million for Owls Head Transportation Museum Advanced by Senator Collins in Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced $1,533,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s (OHTM) STEM Community Center in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bill. The legislation, which was officially approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, now awaits consideration by the full Senate and House.

“STEM programs are fundamental for students to explore their interests, ignite

Free Professional Learning Opportunity: Build a More Compassionate Classroom with Narrative 4

Maine - Educators across Maine are invited to join Narrative 4’s National Schools Network (N4NSN), a transformative professional learning opportunity designed to foster empathy, connection, and student engagement through the power of storytelling.

This free program empowers K–12 educators with the training, tools, and resources needed

Cushing Community School Students Make a ‘Pawsitive’ Impact at Pope Memorial Humane Society

Cushing, Maine - Students at Cushing Community School ended their 2024-2025 school year not just with completed assignments and cleaned-out desks but with a meaningful act of kindness, bringing together learning and community service in a powerful way.

On June 12, 2025, a handful of

Bucksport High School Robotics Team Inspires Young Engineers with Cardboard Robot Program

Bucksport, Maine - In May, the Bucksport High School Robotics Team—or FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 6329—and their incredible robot, Tide, once again proved they’re among the best in the world.

The Bucksport High School Robotics Team had a phenomenal season, racking up an impressive 55-11 record. The team clinched victories at both the Pine Tree and Southern Maine events, earned a runner-up title at the prestigious New England Championships, and finished eighth in the highly competitive Curie Division at the World Championships—solidifying a place among the global elite.

Fresh off of an outstanding season, the students of FRC Team 6329 were eager to give back

Apply to the 2025 Antlerless Deer Permit Lottery today!

Maine - A licensed hunter with an antlerless deer permit can harvest an antlerless deer in the designated district and an antlered deer statewide. Antlerless deer permits may be acquired through the lottery, and any remaining permits will be available for purchase on the MDIFW website. Lottery applications must be

Step Back in Time to the 17th Century at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site

New Harbor, ME—The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands invites the public to step into 17th-century Maine during “17th Century Days” at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site. This family-friendly event, organized by Site Manager Neill De Paoli, takes place Saturday, July 12, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, July 13, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 28 Colonial Pemaquid Dr., New Harbor, ME 04554 (off Route 130, 13 miles south of Damariscotta).

Highlights of the weekend include reconstructions of the Virginia, Maine’s First Ship; the

Exploring the Scarborough Marsh WMA

Date/Time: Saturday, August 9, 2025; 8am - 10am

Location: Scarborough Wildlife Management Area, Eastern Trail - Scarborough, ME

Join MDIFW Biologist John Veal at the Scarborough Marsh Management Area (WMA) to learn how MDIFW manages early successional habitat in southern Maine for various bird and mammal species, including the state endangered New England cottontail rabbit. Biologists will lead this two-mile outing along the mostly flat, well maintained Eastern Trail to share landscape features and improvements made to help marsh and shrubland species survive. We will dive into the historical land use and management of salt marshes and the surrounding land along with threats these regions face today. Be sure to bring binoculars if you have them as we may see many types of birds or other wildlife if we are lucky.

If you have questions or require accommodation to participate in this program, please email education.IFW@maine.gov or call 207-592-0750.

Register

Tips for watching Maine's majestic moose

Photo by Tori Lee Jackson

With a population of 40-60,000 moose, Maine is home to the largest population in the lower 48 states and is an excellent place to see your first moose… if you’re willing to put the work in!

Standing up to seven feet tall and weighing 800-1,100 pounds on average, males being larger, they are a sight to be seen.  Wading through the water, peaking through spruce, or against vibrant fall foliage. But just what should you consider when exploring Maine, in hopes of spotting this majestic mammal?

Location, time of day, and season are three major considerations. Find tips on where to look (and what to look for) in our latest moose watching blog.

 

Read More

At Opioid Response Summit, Governor Mills Urges Maine People to Recommit to Fighting Substance Use Epidemic

While data show continued decline in overdose deaths in Maine, Governor warns 'we can't get complacent'

Augusta, Maine - During remarks today at the seventh annual Governor's Opioid Response Summit, Governor Janet Mills welcomed data showing that overdose deaths continue to decline in Maine but urged attendees to maintain the fight against the opioid epidemic.

The Governor reported that fatal overdoses have fallen by more than 20 percent to 213 from

Raise Your Glass at the Annual Steins & Vines Tasting Event

Celebrate Maine’s craft beverage scene at the 78th Maine Lobster Festival.

Rockland, Maine -The beloved Steins & Vines Tasting Event is back this summer, showcasing an exceptional lineup of Maine-made and Maine-distributed brews, wines and spirits. This popular tasting experience is set to take place on the Festival grounds on Wednesday, July 30, and

Come celebrate a bald eagle birthday with us!

20th Birthday Bash - Saturday, July 12 from 10am-2pm

Marilyn, the bald eagle here at Maine Wildlife Park, turns 20 this year! It's an extra special milestone because this year is also the 50th anniversary of Maine's Endangered Species Act!

The act changed the course of bald eagle conservation in Maine and led to the success story that Marilyn represents to thousands of Park visitors each year. Through intensive conservation efforts, Maine’s bald eagle population has increased from just 21 pairs in 1967 to an estimated 800+ pairs today, making it by far the largest bald eagle population in New England.

Come celebrate the recovery of Maine's bald eagles and Marilyn's milestone birthday with us this Saturday, July 12. While Marilyn enjoys some extra birthday enrichment, you'll get to sign her birthday card, learn more about eagles at our Keeper Talks, and take part in a raffle for some fun items from the nature store!

Birthday activities will take place from 10am to 2pm and are included in the regular cost of admission. Keeper talks begin at 11am and 1pm. See you there!

Get Ready for “The Dog Days of Summer” at The Maine Lobster Festival’s Big Parade!

Get Ready for “The Dog Days of Summer”

at The Maine Lobster Festival’s Big Parade!  

ROCKLAND, MAINE — Wonder what the most popular event at the Maine Lobster Festival is? Look no further than The Big Parade! Drawing the largest crowds of the week, this fan-favorite event kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, on Main Street, right in the heart of downtown Rockland, Maine.

This year’s parade theme is “The Dog Days of Summer” — and participants are encouraged

Maine Educational Leaders Honored for Advancing Academics, Career Pathways, and Public Education

Pictured: Craig Larrabee, President, Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG), speaking to the audience after receiving the 2025 Distinguished Service to Education Award.

The Maine School Superintendents Association (MSSA) recently recognized five outstanding educational leaders during the Maine Department of Education’s annual Commissioner’s Conference, held June 23 and 24 in Bar Harbor.

Presented annually, the Outstanding Leadership Awards and the Distinguished Service to Education Award celebrate superintendents and educational leaders who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership in supporting Maine’s students and schools.

“These awards highlight the truly transformative work of educational leaders across Maine,”

Community Comes Alive in Mural Created by LearningWorks Students at Waterboro Elementary School

Maine - A once-plain hallway at Waterboro Elementary School has been transformed into a vibrant mural, thanks to the creativity and teamwork of LearningWorks students. What began as a request from school administration to “add some color” quickly evolved into a full-scale art project that reflects the spirit of the entire school community.

From the start, students approached the project with purpose. After learning about the power

Do You Like Moxie?, Head To The Moxie Festival July 11-13th in Lisbon

Lisbon, Maine - Do you like Moxie? If so, head to the annual Moxie Festival between Friday, July 11th and Sunday, 13th, 2025 in Lisbon, Maine.

The Moxie Festival has been held on the second weekend in July in Lisbon, Maine for more than forty years.

Join Moxie lovers from Maine, the

Ossipee Valley Fair Begins July 10th-13th

Hiram, Maine - The Ossipee Valley Fair is set to begin tomorrow, July 10th and ending on July 13th, 2025 in Hiram, Maine.

The Ossipee Valley Fair seeks to foster an appreciation for rural living in our community. We achieve this by hosting public fairs, events, demonstrations and exhibits which celebrate the industry, agriculture, food, art and craft of rural New England according to their official website.

Mission of the Ossipee Valley Agricultural Fair is to instruct the people of the Ossipee River Valley in the state of Maine on agricultural matters and other concerns of rural living by holding public fairs, demonstrations, and exhibitions of livestock, poultry, farm produce, rural arts and crafts and rural industry. 

Above you will see the full schedule of events during this year's fair as there are a lot of events scheduled.

Weather:

Thursday will a chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night sees 30 percent chance of showers before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Calm wind.

Friday will be partly sunny, with a high near 79. Calm winds.

Friday Night, mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.

Saturday, mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Saturday Night, Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Sunday, Partly sunny, with a high near 83.

Sunday Night, Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.

New England's Treats and Sweets: A History Talk by Susan Bregman July 24th

Thursday, July 24 at 6:00 PM

New England's Treats and Sweets: A History Talk by Susan Bregman

Rockland, Maine - Susan Bregman will share the stories behind familiar New England treats from Fluffernutters to Necco Wafers. And whoopie pies, of course.

A chocolate mill opened in Boston

Rockland Public Library - Touch a Truck July 23rd

Touch-a-Truck: Rockland Helpers

July 23rd

2:00 - 4:00 PM

Rockland, Maine - Rockland's Public Services, EMS & Fire Department, and Police Department will be treating us to a meet and greet with their cars, trucks, and machines. Join Public Services Head Todd Philbrook, Deputy Chief Alex Gaylor, Lieutenant Carl Anderson from the Fire Department, and Miss Katie for an afternoon of stories, crafts, learning about local service vehicles, and even getting to climb inside some!

This program is free. No sign up necessary. The Rockland Public Library is located at 80 Union St.

North Atlantic Blues Festival Takes Over Harbor Park in Rockland July 12th-13th

Rockland, Maine - It is that time of year again when the North Atlantic Blues Festival takes over Harbor Park this weekend from July 12th-13th, 2025 in Rockland, Maine.

From the Blues Festivals site: The North Atlantic

UNE launches five new academic programs to address critical workforce needs

Biddeford/Portland, Maine - The University of New England has announced five new academic programs aimed at meeting student demand and bolstering Maine’s and the nation’s workforce in areas of pressing need.

The new programs include two undergraduate business majors in supply chain management

King, Collins, Golden Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Our Troops and Strengthen Domestic Manufacturing

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure our troops are wearing high quality, safe and reliable footwear as part of their uniforms. The Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act would expand current uniform regulations to ensure the combat boots worn by our servicemembers are entirely manufactured in America and made with U.S.-sourced materials thus strengthening our national security and creating good-paying jobs. 

U.S. Representative Jared Golden (D-ME-02), a Marine Corps. combat veteran and member