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🌱 How Colby’s new innovation hub could reshape Waterville’s economic future

Spotted on the Waterville calendar: Primary Enrichment

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What's up Waterville! 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 Colby’s new innovation hub could reshape Waterville’s economic future
  • What solutions is Waterville weighing as homelessness numbers climb this winter?
  • How a NASA-backed grant is bringing school robotics to Waterville’s doorstep

Also on today's calendar: Christmas Light Tour Waterville ME and 5 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: An afternoon snow shower, with a high of 35 and low of 12 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Partly sunny; breezy, colder, temps: high: 24, low: 11.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and chilly, with a high of 31 and low of 10 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Colby College plans campus hub touted as ‘leap forward' for innovation (mainebiz.biz) — Colby College is converting its Runnals Building on the Waterville campus into a 40,000-square-foot innovation hub that will open in fall 2027 and host students from Colby, Thomas College in Waterville, and KVCC. Backed by a major gift from the Alfond family, the Levine’s Discovery Headquarters will house AI and entrepreneurship programs and is billed as a major boost for Waterville’s innovation economy.
   

2. Waterville Impact Task Force working on strategy to address growing homelessness (newscentermaine.com) — Waterville’s Impact Task Force is intensifying work on a strategy to address rising homelessness, including a potential Housing First project on Highwood Street and backup plans when the warming center fills. City officials are debating how General Assistance fits into that effort, while exploring regional partnerships, transportation options, and landlord outreach as winter conditions make shelter and funding decisions more urgent.
   

3. Thomas College announces robotics program for Central Maine schools (wabi.tv) — Thomas College in Waterville has secured a NASA-supported grant to launch robotics-focused First Lego League Challenge teams at three central Maine schools for students in grades 4–8. Thomas education majors will mentor the kids, helping them build and program robots while also developing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that could shape local students’ futures.
   

4. Meet 4 central Maine boys indoor track teams to watch in 2025-26 (centralmaine.com) — Waterville High’s boys indoor track team is highlighted as one of central Maine’s squads to watch, led by distance runner Charley Flees and thrower Dan Joler. The piece also spotlights strong programs at Cony/Winthrop/Hall-Dale, Nokomis, and Winslow, outlining key athletes and events where they’re expected to shine this winter season.
   

📸 Around Waterville

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Domino's Pizza posted a job opening for Opening Shift Manager (03021) - 42 Elm St in Waterville. Apply here.
  • Old Navy, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Sales Associate - JFK Plaza in Waterville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waterville here.

Ok Waterville! 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 could get canned for this!
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