Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What’s at stake for Augusta if Handley Hall loses its program?

Spotted on the Augusta calendar: MSEA Board Meeting - In Person & ZOOM

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Thursday September 24th Patch AM
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What's up Augusta! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • What's at stake for Augusta if Handley Hall loses its program?
  • Why prosecutors dropped serious charges against an Augusta man
  • When Augusta's foliage will really start to pop this fall

Also on today's calendar: Sip & Shop with Soothe! and 8 more events.

Today's riddle: Do you know what the two sides of a circle are? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Pleasant with plenty of sun, with a high of 70 and low of 48 degrees.
  • Friday: Breezy with increasing clouds, temps: high: 70, low: 54.
  • Saturday: Rain and drizzle possible, with a high of 65 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Historic tombs, giant blueberry attraction are among Maine's most endangered historic places of 2026 (pressherald.com) — Handley Hall in downtown Augusta, home to the University of Maine at Augusta's architecture program, has been named one of Maine's most endangered historic places because of a possible program relocation. Preservationists warn that moving the program could threaten the building's future and weaken Augusta's role in training architects who will shape housing, civic buildings, and historic sites statewide.
   

2. Charges dropped in Hallowell kidnapping case (centralmaine.com) — An Augusta man who was accused of kidnapping, assault, and criminal restraint after a June incident in Hallowell will not face prosecution, after the Kennebec County District Attorney's Office cited insufficient evidence. The case involved a woman who told police she was driven around the Hallowell area against her will and feared for her life while the man was on probation for a prior conviction.
   

3. Northern Maine approaching peak foliage season, rest of state beginning to pop (pressherald.com) — Fall color around Augusta is just starting, with foliage only 10% to 30% toward peak while northern Maine nears its brightest stretch. State foresters say drought may shorten the season and a possible nor'easter could affect weekend plans, so residents are urged to plan drives carefully and download maps before exploring back roads.
   

4. Surgeon with checkered history negotiating to join Houlton hospital (bangordailynews.com) — A former MaineGeneral Medical Center surgeon once based in Augusta, previously investigated over allegations of bullying and sexual harassment, is now in talks to join Houlton Regional Hospital. Regulators ultimately cleared him on most counts but imposed a year of probation for unethical conduct, and Houlton officials say they are rigorously reviewing his credentials and ongoing performance.
   

📸 Around Augusta

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Augusta

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Tuesday September 29
  • Proposed Universal Start Time Community Forum
    Cony High School, 60 Pierce Dr, Augusta
    6:00 pm

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

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Dani is wonderful!
    She is kind and professional. She did a deep clean for our home. We were so thrilled, we have signed on as clients. We can't recommend her highly… (Nextdoor West Side Augusta)
  • Let's get organized!
    As a professional organizer I can help you every step of the way. Contact me for a free consultation! (Nextdoor Riverview)
  • VIVE Collision posted a job opening for Auto Body Collision Repair Technician in Augusta. Apply here.
  • Panera posted a job opening for Food Service Associate - pay: $17 - $19/hr weekends a plus - Augusta 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: The inside and the outside ! (Thank you James M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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