Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What changes now for public comment at Augusta school board meetings?

Also check out Java with Jen on the Augusta Patch calendar

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Sunday September 20th Patch AM
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Good morning Augusta! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What changes now for public comment at Augusta school board meetings?
  • Why Maine's newly printed constitution matters to people in Augusta
  • How Augusta students are leading Maine's surge in biliteracy awards

Also on today's calendar: Tech Hub Pop-Up Table and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do an island and the letter "t" have in common? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 60 and low of 48 degrees.
  • Monday: Intervals of clouds and sun, temps: high: 66, low: 45.
  • Tuesday: More clouds than sun, with a high of 65 and low of 44 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Judge confirms 'Corn Pop' free speech settlement with Augusta School Department (pressherald.com) — A federal judge has finalized a free speech settlement between Nicholas "Corn Pop" Blanchard and the Augusta School Department, requiring the board to stop enforcing parts of its public comment policy that restricted certain speech. Augusta's school board must follow an earlier injunction, pay symbolic damages and legal fees, and continue allowing robust criticism of elected officials at local meetings.
   

2. Maine's new constitution printing restores Native American treaty obligations, adds 'right to food' (wagmtv.com) — State leaders gathered in Augusta as Maine unveiled a newly printed state constitution that restores long-hidden Native American treaty obligations and adds a voter-approved "right to food." For Augusta residents, the ceremony at the State House underscores the city's central role in state government and highlights evolving commitments to Wabanaki nations and local food sovereignty.
   

3. Maine Seal of Biliteracy Program Celebrates Strongest Year Yet (mainedoenews.net) — Students in Augusta schools are among a record number of Maine graduates earning the Seal of Biliteracy, a statewide recognition for proficiency in English and another language. With more high schools offering the program and new resources from the state, local students can better showcase bilingual skills that support college, careers, and community involvement after graduation.
   

4. Pelletier Paces Monks as Saint Joseph's Competes at Maine States (gomonks.com) — Augusta native and graduate student Jacob Pelletier led Saint Joseph's College at the Maine State cross country championships, finishing 32nd and helping the team improve three spots over last year. With several first-year runners contributing and times dropping significantly, the Monks see this performance as a sign of continued progress heading into their next meet.
   

5. Meet Theodore Marshall, Hallowell's new fire chief (centralmaine.com) — Hallowell's new part-time fire chief, Theodore Marshall, is balancing his leadership role there with ongoing shifts at the Augusta Fire Department, where he's served for 11 years. He plans to expand Hallowell's department, emphasize fire prevention in local schools, and recruit more volunteers, drawing on experience from Augusta, Topsham, and the VA fire service to strengthen protection along the Kennebec corridor.
   

📸 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 ★

    Monday September 21
  • Java with Jen →
    Student Lounge, Randall Student Center, 46 University Drive, Augusta
    11:15 am

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

  • Dunkin' posted a job opening for Team Member in Augusta. Apply here.
  • American Logistics Authority posted a job opening for Entry-Level Freight Dispatcher $1,200$2,500 Weekly 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: They are both in the middle of water. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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