Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Is your favorite Portland skating pond really safe yet?

Be sure to catch The Wood Brothers on the Portland Patch calendar

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
Friday December 12th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

What's up Portland! 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:

  • Is your favorite Portland skating pond really safe yet?
  • How a Westbrook killing led to 22 years behind bars
  • How Portland’s 28-year-old harbor master keeps the working waterfront moving

Also on today's calendar: Caravan Artist Market at Allagash Brewing and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Windy and colder, with a high of 29 and low of 17 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Saturday: Partial sunshine, temps: high: 31, low: 26.
  • Sunday: Mostly cloudy, a bit of snow, with a high of 29 and low of 14 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Officials urge caution as lakes, ponds freeze early in Maine (newscentermaine.com) — Portland officials are warning residents to be careful on early-season ice, even as local ponds begin to freeze and winter activities ramp up. A city ice monitor explains how they measure thickness, and Portland maintains an online ice map; currently Ludlow Pond is open for skating but conditions can change quickly.
   

2. Maine man charged with killing roommate in Westbrook to serve 22 years as part of plea deal (wmtw.com) — A Westbrook man has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the 2024 death of his roommate, who was taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland and later died. The plea deal also includes an animal cruelty conviction and three years of probation once he’s released.
   

3. Hattie Train: Senior Deputy Harbor Master in Portland, Maine (nationalfisherman.com) — Portland’s busy working waterfront comes into sharp focus through Senior Deputy Harbor Master Hattie Train, who patrols Portland Harbor daily to keep traffic safe and orderly. The story traces her deep local roots, evolving responsibilities, and front-row view of gentrification and change along the city’s iconic harbor, from Casco Bay Bridge to Portland Head Light.
   

4. Maine family challenges state over fly fishing regulations (wgme.com) — Filed out of Portland, a Maine fishing family is suing the state to challenge fly-fishing-only rules on certain waters, arguing they unfairly exclude working-class anglers. Backed by a national hunting and fishing group, they want the courts to link fishing access to Maine’s right-to-food law and open all public waters to all methods.
   

5. Mainers dream big as Powerball jackpot continues to climb (wgme.com) — With the Powerball jackpot now expected to top $1 billion for Saturday’s drawing, Mainers — including plenty of Portland ticket buyers — are eyeing a life-changing win despite the long odds. The story also notes Portland just saw its earliest sunset of the year, adding a seasonal backdrop to the jackpot buzz.
   

📸 Around Portland

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 Portland

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 12
  • The Wood Brothers
    State Theatre, 609 Congress St, Portland
    7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Portland 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

  • Thank you to everyone who gave me tips on where to find holiday light displays around town to visit with my group of seniors.
    They really paid off. Various locations in downtown Portland, primarily along Congress St. and in the Old Port were worth seeing. Downtown Westbrook… (Nextdoor Evergreen)
  • Portland city survey: PARTICIPATE, y'all!
    https://community.etc-research.com/index.php/9089/lang/en/switch2/WELCOME_GP/switchExtension/FB/?utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_id… (Nextdoor Rosemont)
  • Maine Medical Center posted a job opening for Environmental Services Team Member II in Portland. Apply here.
  • Dribbler LLC posted a job opening for Private Soccer Coach 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: I couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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