1+ week, 2+ day ago (240+ words) BRUNSWICK (WGME) -- Thursday morning, Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) launched the Maine Advanced Technology & Engineering Center (MATEC) at its Midcoast Campus in Brunswick. This facility is the first of two advanced manufacturing training centers aimed at addressing the demand for workers in Maine's manufacturing and defense sectors. MATEC is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for hands-on training in robotics, hydraulics, pneumatics and electrical simulation. The center is part of a broader initiative supported by $7 million in federal funding, led by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden and backed by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King. The initiative aims to create a statewide advanced manufacturing network. "It breaks down some of the initial trepidation the student might have about touching a piece of equipment that is very expensive. Here is a simulation you can practice on, you have more confidence when you go and use…...

3+ week, 1+ day ago (267+ words) LEWISTON (WGME) -- The City of Lewiston has unveiled a new initiative aimed at boosting local economic growth through the "New Business Opportunity Grant." This program will provide up to $175,000 in total grants to support start-ups, recently opened businesses or established businesses relocating to Lewiston. Eligible businesses can receive up to $15,000 to cover essential operating expenses such as payroll, rent, utilities and more. "One of our top priorities here at the city is economic growth and revitalization of the city, particularly downtown, and this grant is another effort towards that," Lewiston City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath said. The grant program will run through June 30, 2026, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. To qualify, businesses must be operating in Lewiston and have been open for less than one year. Existing Lewiston businesses can also apply if they are launching a new or different…...

3+ week, 4+ day ago (204+ words) CBS13 has the latest election results. AUGUSTA, Maine (WGME) -- A Maine lawmaker is looking to help the state's emergency broadcast system. Many are familiar with, and especially in rural areas depend on, the dial tone and automated voice on the TV or radio which shares important information on severe weather and other public safety concerns. The bill would provide one-time funding to build necessary broadcast equipment. Encoders would also be installed statewide. This would allow the network to send out alerts and other information tailored to each part of the state. This means if a severe storm was affecting northern Maine, the alert would notify residents there but not other parts of the state. Senate Majority Leader Teresa Pierce, who introduced the bill, says the quicker Mainers are made aware of something, the more prepared they can be. "Storms across the…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (87+ words) Both the House and Senate voted to pass a bill to force the release of the Epstein files. It will now head back to President Trump's desk. PORTLAND (WGME) -- There is a new tool to help people find food assistance in Maine. The state launched a map showing every documented location statewide. The Maine Department of Agriculture says that includes pantries, meal sites, school-based programs, WIC clinics and other free or donation-based food assistance services. Each pinpoint includes addresses, contact info and hours of operation....

3+ week, 3+ day ago (137+ words) In a thrilling boys Class B South soccer championship, long-time rivals Greely and Yarmouth faced off with a spot in the state finals on the line. The first half saw no score as Greely's keeper, ... Yarmouth triumphs over Greely in boys Class B South soccer championship by Dave Eid, WGME In a thrilling boys Class B South soccer championship, long-time rivals Greely and Yarmouth faced off with a spot in the state finals on the line. The first half saw no score as Greely's keeper, Landon Dominski, made impressive saves, including an acrobatic stop off a free kick. However, Yarmouth's Clippers broke through late in the first half when Gideon Aherns delivered a perfect corner kick that Finn Grimnes headed into the net. Yarmouth ultimately secured a 2-1 victory, advancing to the state championship....

5+ day, 23+ hour ago (446+ words) Some Maine communities will be making sure Mainers get to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. Here's where to find free Thanksgiving meals around Maine Some Maine communities will be making sure Mainers get to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. Below is a list of communities that are offering free Thanksgiving meals: - Everyone is welcome to join for Thanksgiving Dinner at Bridgton Alliance Church from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. They will have the full Thanksgiving menu including dessert. Kids are welcome. They will also have to-go containers. - Join ReShine for their second Free Thanksgiving Day meal on Thursday from noon to 2 p.m. at Narraguagus Estates in Cherryfield. Open to the public - eat in or take to go - A free Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday at the Lincoln County Assembly of God in Damariscotta. This free dinner will have dine-in or takeout options. - Dexter…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago (105+ words) President Donald Trump makes an announcement about a deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk on some of their obesity drugs. PORTLAND (WGME) -- Northern Light Health says it has reached a new contract with Anthem that will keep in-network access for Anthem customers in the state. The contract between the largest health care provider in the state and the largest health insurer in the state expired more than a month ago. Details of the contract have not been released, but the two sides had been fighting over reimbursement rates for months. The multi-year contract takes effect retroactively to November 1 of this year....

3+ week, 2+ day ago (143+ words) Kennebunk previously defeated Falmouth in their first meeting of the season. High school football playoffs: Kennebunk vs. Falmouth rematch set for Friday The high school football playoffs continue Friday night with a highly anticipated rematch in Class B South. The Kennebunk Rams will face off against the Falmouth Navigators, a repeat of last year's regional final. The Navigators have overcome a slow start and key injuries, winning three consecutive games as they prepare to challenge the Rams. High school football playoffs: Kennebunk vs. Falmouth rematch set for Friday The high school football playoffs continue Friday night with a highly anticipated rematch in Class B South. The Kennebunk Rams will face off against the Falmouth Navigators, a repeat of last year's regional final. The Navigators have overcome a slow start and key injuries, winning three consecutive games as they prepare to…...

2+ week, 6+ day ago (149+ words) by Wendy Watkins, Bangor Daily News LEWISTON, Maine (BDN) -- Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston will end its status as a trauma center on Dec. 1, according to Maine Emergency Medical Services. Maine EMS said in a bulletin issued Nov. 5 that it was notified the hospital will not seek re-verification as a trauma center. Once the change takes effect, CMMC will be classified as a trauma system hospital instead. After that date, only two hospitals in Maine will hold trauma-center designations: Maine Medical Center in Portland, a Level I regional trauma center, and Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, a Level II regional trauma center. Trauma centers are hospitals equipped to provide a full range of trauma care and support services, according to Maine EMS. Maine Emergency Medical Services and Central Maine Medical Center did not immediately respond to…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (401+ words) Both the House and Senate voted to pass a bill to force the release of the Epstein files. It will now head back to President Trump's desk. President Trump and First Lady Melania participate in a dinner with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabi. OLD ORCHARD BEACH (WGME) - The tourism season may be months away, but state officials say Maine needs more seasonal workers. The Maine Chamber of Commerce, as well as Maine businesses, say they are still waiting to learn how many temporary visas will be issued to foreign workers next year. The H-2B visa is a temporary work visa allowing U.S. workers to bring foreigners to the U.S. to perform non-agricultural labor. These visas are issued for seasonal jobs, but there is an annual cap on how many can be issued nationwide. Last fiscal year,…...