Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Portland’s drought didn’t ease, even after that big nor’easter

Happening soon: Dr. Steve Taubman's Mind Magic: A Night of Laughter and Astonishment on the Portland Patch calendar

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Morning Portland! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Portland's drought didn't ease, even after that big nor'easter
  • Portland police shooting victim dies; what we know about the case
  • How Maine Marathon runners are boosting a South Portland foster nonprofit

Also on today's calendar: Dr. Steve Taubman's Mind Magic: A Night of Laughter and Astonishment and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why was the scarecrow given an award? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 60 and low of 52 degrees.
  • Monday: A shower; breezy in the p.m., temps: high: 69, low: 42.
  • Tuesday: Breezy in the morning; sunny, with a high of 60 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Southern Coastal Maine Still Under Extreme Drought (wgan.com) — Portland remains in an area of extreme drought despite days of late-September rain, with conditions stretching along the southern Maine coast to Bar Harbor. State officials warn that reduced river flows, warmer water temperatures, and drying wells are affecting more than 1.3 million Mainers, echoing past droughts that caused thousands of wells to fail and major crop losses.
   

2. Man dies following officer-involved shooting in Portland (newportdispatch.com) — Portland police say 41-year-old Brian Oliver of Portland has died at Maine Medical Center after being shot by officers during a Sept. 21 incident on Colonial Road in which 69-year-old Mark Tschamler was killed. Oliver, who allegedly assaulted Tschamler and refused to drop a weapon, was expected to face a murder charge, but no formal charges were filed before his death.
   

3. Nanna's House to benefit from 2026 Maine Marathon (wmtw.com) — A South Portland nonprofit serving foster families, Nanna's House, will receive $5,700 from this weekend's Maine Marathon, helping stock its free shed of new clothes, diapers, toys, and other essentials. Founder Beth Fournier says the group has grown from helping 10 children in its first year to 250 this year, and relies on both donated items and monetary support.
   

4. Motorcyclist crashes in New Gloucester, charged with reckless driving (wgme.com) — A 31-year-old Portland man suffered serious injuries after deputies say he fled a traffic stop, then lost control of his motorcycle on Intervale Road in New Gloucester and crashed on the shoulder. Cumberland County officials report he faces multiple charges, including driving to endanger, operating after suspension, and failing to stop for law enforcement, and was allegedly riding without a license.
   

5. Hearts of Pine overcome 3-goal deficit to earn draw (pressherald.com) — Portland's Hearts of Pine kept their faint playoff hopes alive with a stoppage-time penalty that sealed a 3–3 road draw against Spokane Velocity FC. Now sitting eight points out of the final postseason spot, they'll return home to host fourth-ranked Athletic Club Boise at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland on Saturday at 5 p.m.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Spinnaker Trust Celebrates 25 Years of Growth and Community Impact —Linda Varrell Read on Patch
  • Children's Workshop!!!
    We have a winner!!!Congratulations to Mary Anderson who bought the winning ticket for Pete the Cat this summer. Thank you to everyone who supports… (Nextdoor Peaks Island)
  • Looking for this bright yellow parakeet budgie.
    It was captured by a house cat yesterday but escaped. We are trying to get this animal to some vet care in case it has been injured. Seen most… (Nextdoor Oakdale / USM)
  • Michaels posted a job opening for Early Morning Stocking in Portland. Apply here.
  • Teamwork Online posted a job opening for Guest Services Event Staff | Part-Time | Cross Insurance Arena 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: "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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