Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Augusta’s new Riverlands project could reshape housing for vulnerable neighbors

Coming up: Learn to Hunt: Introduction to Waterfowl Hunting - Augusta on the Augusta Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Saturday October 3rd Patch AM
Saturday October 3rd Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hey there, Augusta! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Augusta's new Riverlands project could reshape housing for vulnerable neighbors
  • What deal did the ex-Capitol Police chief just get in court?
  • Where to find the best foliage views near Augusta this weekend

Also on today's calendar: Maine Brass Collective Concert at UMA and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a cap but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and cooler, with a high of 66 and low of 40 degrees.
  • Sunday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 64, low: 49.
  • Monday: Mostly cloudy with a shower, with a high of 63 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Augusta breaks ground on permanent housing project for those in need (wgme.com) — A new permanent housing complex called The Riverlands is now under construction in Augusta, bringing much-needed stable apartments and on-site services for vulnerable residents under Maine's Home for Good initiative. Local leaders, including the mayor, say the project will provide a safe, long-term place to live and strengthen the wider Augusta community as similar developments roll out in other Maine cities.
   

2. Former Maine Capitol Police chief agrees to deal over Hallowell bar scuffle (centralmaine.com) — A former Maine Capitol Police chief who oversaw security at Augusta's state government buildings has struck a deal that could leave him with only a $300 fine over a bar scuffle in Hallowell. The agreement requires months of sobriety conditions and substance abuse treatment, with more serious charges dismissed if he complies through 2027.
   

3. The best places to enjoy foliage in central Maine (centralmaine.com) — If you're looking to soak in peak foliage close to home, the Kennebec River Rail Trail offers an easy 6.5‑mile walk between Gardiner and Augusta with river views and a Hallowell stop for food or drinks. The guide also suggests nearby drives, hikes, and lakes around central Maine, giving Augusta residents plenty of options for colorful day trips this fall.
   

4. Federal officials warn Maine of faulty sprinkler heads that may fail during a fire (wmtw.com) — State officials in Augusta are being urged by federal safety regulators to help track down millions of recalled fire sprinkler heads that may still be installed in Maine homes and businesses. The faulty devices, subject to a 2001 recall, have been linked to a deadly 2025 assisted-living facility fire, and property owners are encouraged to check whether their buildings still use the affected models.
   

5. Some low-income Mainers to see automatic discount on their CMP, Versant bills (wabi.tv) — Announced in Augusta, a new "support-link" initiative will automatically enroll eligible low-income Mainers in electric bill discounts using existing data from programs like SNAP and MaineCare. The plan will direct about $40 million through the state's Low-income Assistance Program to CMP and Versant customers, while those not already in state aid programs can still apply through local community action agencies.
   

📸 Around Augusta

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Augusta

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Augusta Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Located right in Augusta!
    Tails is looking for his very own spot to cozy up with the right person! He is a pedigreed harlequin white ear vienna carrier Holland Lop. Either… (Nextdoor Riverview)
  • Burlington Stores posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time in Augusta. Apply here.
  • Premium Retail Services posted a job opening for Merchandising Specialist in Augusta. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Augusta here.

Ok Augusta! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What has a cap but no head?" — A bottle (Thank you Glo M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Augusta