UMaine Projects $19M Deficit, Layoffs Ahead for FY28
The University of Maine is projecting a 19-million-dollar budget deficit for fiscal year 2028 across its Orono and Machias campuses.
Leadership points to inflation, declining research funding, and rising operational costs as key drivers of the widening gap.
Officials plan to present a draft budget in January targeting 10 million dollars in cuts, warning that academic program adjustments and staff layoffs will be necessary.
Material Shortages Delay Ellsworth High School Track Project
Reconstruction of Ellsworth’s school track and athletic field is underway but running into unexpected setbacks.
Project delays stem from equipment breakdowns and challenges securing specialized, non-recycled asphalt required for the running surface.
The Ellsworth American reports soccer games have been relocated to the high school fields this fall, district officials remain hopeful the 750-thousand-dollar facility will open in time for spring track meets.
Woman Arrested for Using Fake ID at Ellsworth Hospital
A Thomaston woman is behind bars after allegedly using a stolen identity to receive hospital care.
Ellsworth Police arrested 37-year-old Kayla Gushee following an investigation into unpaid medical bills at Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital.
The Ellsworth American reports authorities say Gushee gave staff a fake name, address, and Social Security number, and she now faces felony theft of services and forgery charges.
Waldo County Towns Awarded $800K for Storm Resilience
Nine communities across Waldo County are set to receive more than 800-thousand dollars in state grant funding to prepare for severe weather.
The awards, distributed through the Community Resilience Partnership, target critical coastal and infrastructure improvements across the region according to WABI news.
Belfast will receive the largest share at 160-thousand dollars to redesign its harbor breakwater and restore shoreline areas at Heritage Park.
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/09/17/waldo-county-communities-receive-800k-community-action-grants/
Historic 1776 Declaration Copy on Display at Bangor Library
Bangor residents have a rare opportunity this week to view one of the original printings of the Declaration of Independence up close. WABI news reports the Bangor Public Library is hosting the Maine Historical Society’s 1776 Dunlap Broadside, one of only 26 known surviving copies in the world.
The historic document is on a 16-county statewide tour, with free timed-entry tickets available through Saturday.
Their next stop is in Skowhegan.
Happenings at Versant Power Astronomy Center for September
The Versant Power Astronomy Center at the University of Maine is featuring a mix of science, family, and music programs throughout September.
Regular weekend shows include the earth-science program Living Worlds on Friday evenings, the family-friendly Magic Globe: Story of the Seasons on Sunday afternoons, and an immersive Radiohead: Black Star fulldome music experience on Sunday late afternoons.
The center is also hosting a special live multimedia performance, Meditations on Perihelion by composer Tom Luther, which blends live music and 3D dome visuals exploring Earth’s orbital cycles.
