Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How Augusta’s new Riverlands project could reshape housing for vulnerable neighbors
And check out Maine Brass Collective Concert at UMA on the Augusta Patch calendar
Hi Augusta! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️
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 secure in court?
- What a $1.3 billion shortfall could mean for Maine services
Also on today's calendar: 14th Annual Celebrity Chef Challenge and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why was the scarecrow given an award? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Sunday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 63 and low of 50 degrees.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy with a shower, temps: high: 65, low: 40.
- Tuesday: Cooler; breezy in the morning, with a high of 55 and low of 37 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Augusta breaks ground on permanent housing project for those in need (wgme.com) — Augusta has just broken ground on The Riverlands, a new permanent housing complex designed to give vulnerable residents private apartments and on-site support under Maine's Home for Good initiative. Local leaders say it will provide safe, stable housing while similar projects roll out in Portland, Auburn, Bangor, Sanford, and South Portland. 
2. Former Maine Capitol Police chief agrees to deal over Hallowell bar scuffle (centralmaine.com) — A former Maine Capitol Police chief has reached a deal that could reduce his charges from assault to a $300 disorderly conduct fine, after an alleged scuffle outside a Hallowell bar. The case involves conduct tied to his role overseeing security at Augusta's state government buildings and earlier discipline related to alcohol use, with court supervision and counseling continuing into 2027.
3. Maine's next governor and legislature to inherit $1.3 billion budget shortfall (wmtw.com) — From Augusta, state officials are warning that Maine's next governor and legislature will face a $1.3 billion budget shortfall, including major gaps in the General Fund and highway fund. Core commitments like school funding and MaineCare must still be met, so leaders will soon have to decide where to cut or find new revenue.
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 across Maine. Residents, landlords, and businesses are encouraged to check their systems, since the faulty sprinklers could fail during a fire and have already been linked to a deadly blaze in Massachusetts.
📸 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 ★
- Maine Brass Collective Concert at UMA →
Farber Forum, Jewett Hall, 46 University Drive, Augusta
5:00 pm
Sunday October 4
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- 14th Annual Celebrity Chef Challenge →
Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive, Augusta
5:00 pm - Invasive Plant Workshop →
Viles Arboretum, 153 Hospital St, Augusta
10:15 am - Augusta Farmers' Market at Mill Park →
1 Water St, Augusta
2:00 pm - The 5 Checkpoints of Retirement →
Otto's on the River, 287 Water Street, Augusta
6:00 pm - Fall 2026 UMA Job & Resource Fair →
Randall Student Center, 46 University Drive, Augusta
10:00 am - MSEA Pre-Annual Meeting Board Meeting - In Person & ZOOM →
MSEA Headquarters, 5 Community Drive, 3rd Floor, Augusta
9:00 am - Gallery Conversation between Artist Michel Droge and Dr. Beth Orcutt →
The Danforth Gallery, Jewett Hall, 46 University Drive, Augusta
12:00 pm - Chancellor's Town Hall →
Fireside Lounge, Randall Student Center, 46 University Drive, Augusta
12:30 pm - Magic: The Gathering Night →
Student Lounge, Randall Student Center, 46 University Drive, Augusta
4:00 pm - Crafter's Corner →
Katz Library, 46 University Drive, Augusta
4:00 pm - The 5 Checkpoints of Retirement →
Otto's on the River, 287 Water Street, Augusta
6:00 pm
Monday October 5
Tuesday October 6
Wednesday October 7
Thursday October 8
📣 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
- Burlington Stores posted a job opening for Cashier Associate - Part-Time in Augusta. Apply here.
- Ulta Beauty posted a job opening for Beauty Advisor 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: "Why was the scarecrow given an award?" — Because he was outstanding in his field! (Thank you Teresa M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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