Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why Augusta’s free library payphone suddenly stopped making normal calls
Also, don't miss Campaign Kickoff Breakfast on the Augusta Patch calendar
Hey hey Augusta! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Augusta's free library payphone suddenly stopped making normal calls
- How a cement goose became Farrington Elementary's first-day greeter
- What did Maine really spend on June's ranked choice recounts?
Also on today's calendar: United Way Campaign Kickoff Breakfast and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Turning out cloudy, with a high of 70 and low of 52 degrees.
- Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 76, low: 58.
- Thursday: A passing afternoon shower, with a high of 72 and low of 57 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Billing dispute disrupts Maine public-interest payphones (pressherald.com) — A state-funded public-interest payphone at Augusta's Lithgow Public Library recently had dial tone but couldn't complete ordinary calls because of a billing dispute between its operator and Consolidated Communications. While 911 still worked, callers were diverted to a commercial pitch instead of an operator, highlighting how quietly such disruptions can affect free local calling at key public locations. 
2. First-day-of-school traditions bring family memories to life (yourohionews.com) — Families in Augusta can spot a familiar back-to-school tradition at Farrington Elementary, where the dressed-up cement goose "Georgie Girl" now greets students inside the front doors. A longtime family custom of plaid first-day outfits and a whimsical school-bus cake has grown into a beloved school mascot, even featured on the school's Facebook page for local parents and kids to enjoy.
3. Ranked choice tabulation in Maine's primary cost more than $245,000 (wabi.tv) — State officials in Augusta report that June's ranked choice vote counting for three Maine primaries cost about $246,000, including overtime, security and staff salaries. The breakdown shows how much extra the ranked choice process added, while also detailing who ultimately secured the Democratic and Republican nominations in key gubernatorial and congressional races.
4. Obituary: Donald Edward Morgan (centralmaine.com) — Family and friends are invited to honor Donald Edward Morgan, who died August 26 at Togus Spring in Augusta, with a graveside service at the veterans cemetery in Augusta on October 2 at 1 p.m. The longtime Navy veteran and truck driver is remembered for his love of gardening, hunting, fishing, and his close-knit family.
📸 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 ★
- Campaign Kickoff Breakfast →
Augusta Civic Center, 15 Enterprise Dr., Augusta
7:30 am
Wednesday September 16
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- United Way Campaign Kickoff Breakfast →
Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive, Augusta
7:30 am - Club Week →
Student Lounge, Randall Student Center, 46 University Drive, Augusta
8:00 am - 35th Annual Deaf Tea →
State House, 210 State Street, Augusta - Club Week →
Student Lounge, Randall Student Center, 46 University Drive, Augusta
8:00 am - 35th Annual Tea – Deaf Culture Week →
Maine State House, 210 State Street, Augusta
2:00 pm - KVYMCA Open House →
KVYMCA, 31 Union Street, Augusta
3:00 pm - Crafter's Corner →
Katz Library, 46 University Drive, Augusta
4:00 pm - Deaf Rights Group Meeting →
Maine Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr, Augusta
5:00 pm - Deaf Rights Group →
Maine Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta
5:00 pm - Club Week →
Student Lounge, Randall Student Center, 46 University Drive, Augusta
8:00 am - Convocation →
Farber Forum, Jewett Hall, 46 University Drive, Augusta
3:00 pm
Wednesday September 16
Thursday September 17
Friday September 18
📣 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.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- TRC Companies, Inc. posted a job opening for Construction Coordinator I in Augusta. Apply here.
- TIBCO Software, Inc. posted a job opening for Manager - Clean Transportation Strategy & Planning 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: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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