Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How safe are Portland Jetport’s runways if a plane overshoots?

Happening soon: Cobble to Cobble on the Portland Patch calendar

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Wednesday September 9th Patch AM
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Hi Portland! 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 safe are Portland Jetport's runways if a plane overshoots?
  • What this Casco Bay algae bloom means for Portland's waterfront
  • What new air quality risks did Portland's long-term monitoring uncover?

Also on today's calendar: Cobble to Cobble and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the burglar wear blue gloves? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Cloudy and not as warm, with a high of 67 and low of 65 degrees.
  • Thursday: Warmer; a morning shower, temps: high: 82, low: 57.
  • Friday: Sunshine and not as warm, with a high of 72 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. What safety measures does the Portland Jetport have in place to prevent runway crashes? (wgme.com) — If you're flying out of Portland International Jetport, the FAA requires long, obstruction-free buffer zones at each runway end to help prevent serious overruns. Jetport officials describe how these safety areas, plus alternatives like soft concrete beds at other airports, have limited local incidents mostly to minor runway excursions in snow or strong winds.
   

2. Maine officials monitoring algae bloom in Casco Bay that can harm marine life (pressherald.com) — If you spend time on Portland's waterfront or Casco Bay, state marine officials are tracking an algae bloom from Portland Harbor to Middle Bay that can harm fish and shellfish, though not people. They're urging local industry and boaters to watch for brown water, odors, or signs of low oxygen as testing continues.
   

3. New report finds little short-term health risk from air pollutants in South Portland, Portland (newscentermaine.com) — Air monitoring in Portland and South Portland over six years found no short-term health risks from volatile organic compounds, though two chemicals still raise long-term concerns. Researchers flagged elevated acrolein levels statewide and higher benzene risk near Pearl Street's petroleum facility, and state agencies will present the findings at a City Council meeting on October 27.
   

4. High schools Tuesday: Noble field hockey wins opener against Bonny Eagle (pressherald.com) — Portland sports fans can note that Deering's girls soccer team dominated Biddeford 9–0 in a home game in the city, powered by six goals from Matalida Freeman. The roundup also highlights strong season openers for Noble field hockey, York, Freeport, Westbrook, and Pine Tree Academy teams across southern Maine.
   

5. Can a restaurant charge you a bag fee if they don't actually provide the bag? (wgme.com) — If you're eating out around Portland or South Portland, state officials say restaurants shouldn't charge you a bag fee if they don't actually give you a bag. The report explains Maine's bag law, how restaurants may opt into fees, and how to report improper charges to the Department of Environmental Protection.
   

📸 Around Portland

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Portland

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Broadreach Public Relations Expands Support for USM Promise Scholars —Linda Varrell Read on Patch
  • I am posting for a friend who found this Siamese Kitty.
    He is very young, still a kitten, male Siamese - shown up in our yard in North Deering. He is skittish, thin but otherwise seems healthy. He allowed… (Nextdoor West End)
  • Bike and helmet left in middle of the path in Baxter Woods.
    Helmet says "Wallace." Anyone know who this belongs to? A little worrisome that it was just left here at 6p on 9/7. Waited 20 minutes, but don't see… (Nextdoor Deering Center)
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Dock Worker Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$36/Hr in Portland. Apply here.
  • Blake Thermal posted a job opening for Inventory/Shipping & Receiving Associate in Portland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Portland here.

Ok Portland! 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: So he wouldn't get caught red handed. (Thank you Vicki B. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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