Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How new ambulance rules change where Augusta veterans go for emergencies

Make time for Antique Show and Sale on the Augusta Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 31st Patch AM
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What's up Augusta! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new ambulance rules change where Augusta veterans go for emergencies
  • How Augusta-based New Ventures Maine could help fund your 2026–27 college
  • How Augusta once nearly plunged Maine into a political civil war

Also on today's calendar: Antique Show and Sale.

Find out what's happening in Augustafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I think I’ll wear only one boot today. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Augustafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: Clouds and sun, with a high of 24 and low of 20 degrees.
  • Thursday: Partial sunshine, temps: high: 26, low: 2. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high of 19 and low of 8 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Togus VA Medical Center to begin accepting veterans by ambulance Jan. 1 (newscentermaine.com) — Starting Jan. 1, eligible veterans in the Augusta area can now be transported by ambulance to the Togus VA Medical Center, which will keep its full emergency and inpatient capabilities under new federal rules. Maine EMS is directing crews on which patients should still go to MaineGeneral in Augusta, especially for cardiac, trauma, OB/GYN, and dialysis emergencies, while Togus focuses on stabilization and many medical and behavioral health needs.
   

2. New Ventures Maine opens applications for Gilda E. Nardone Scholarship (observer-me.com) — A statewide education and economic development program based at the University of Maine at Augusta is now accepting applications for the Gilda E. Nardone Scholarship, offering up to $1,000 for 2026–27 college costs. Adult learners who’ve completed New Ventures Maine programs can apply online by Feb. 20, and donations to the endowed fund help more Mainers afford degrees at in-state colleges.
   

3. Chamberlain's legendary recall to duty during Maine's chaotic 1880 power shift (pressherald.com) — A dramatic slice of Augusta history recounts how armed crowds once surrounded the Maine Statehouse during a disputed 1879 election, threatening to seize control of the Capitol. Bowdoin College president and Civil War hero Joshua Chamberlain was summoned to Augusta, where he used local police and deputies, not militia force, to keep order and avert bloodshed during the tense 12‑day standoff.
   

4. Maine Republicans demand answers about Gateway Community Services (wmtw.com) — State lawmakers in Augusta are clashing over alleged overpayments and possible fraud involving Gateway Community Services, a nonprofit serving immigrants in Maine. Republicans are demanding deeper investigations and calling out Democratic leaders, while Democrats stress due process and warn against inflamed rhetoric as DHHS halts payments and authorities review the case.
   

5. Maine candidates can start gathering signatures this week for 2026 elections (foxbangor.com) — From Augusta, state officials are reminding would-be 2026 candidates that they can start collecting signatures on Jan. 1 to get on the ballot. Forms and a detailed candidate guide are available online or from the Secretary of State’s Elections Division, with primary candidates facing a March 16 petition deadline.
   

📸 Around Augusta

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • PetSmart, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate Part Time in Augusta. Apply here.
  • Perry County School District posted a job opening for Science Teacher 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: I heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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