Guns, gowns, beer and feeding deer

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March 06, 2026

Happy Presidents' Day! I'll keep things short and sweet today because we've got some awesome journalism for you to read through in today's newsletter.

I'll particularly point you to the two great reads I've picked out below — an Emily Duggan feature on Hussey's General Store in Windsor and a Hannah Kaufman classic about the livestream sensation that is deer feeding in Brownville.

Take some time today to read those two, if you haven't already. You won't regret it. (And, hopefully, you have today off of work. If so, no excuses.)

In today's newsletter: A feat of engineering; guns, gowns and beer; and feeding deer.

See y'all next week,

- Ethan Horton

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Kennebec Savings Bank, developer agree to move historic Augusta building

The bank had applied to demolish the 1899 John Calvin Stevens house on Western Avenue, but a last-ditch proposal appears to have saved it — if the move clears several engineering and permitting hurdles.

MORE FROM: AUGUSTA | HALLOWELL | GARDINER

An Augusta doctor worked with this year's Olympic athletes. What did he learn?

Daniel Shubert spent over a week in Switzerland with the U.S. Snowboard Halfpipe team before they left for Italy.

Island basketball showcased, and more Augusta tourney takeaways

North Haven, Vinalhaven and Islesboro get chances to shine on the state's biggest stage.

West Gardiner voters approve hiring clerk

A previous proposal to increase the size of the Select Board from 3 to 5 members was pulled from the special town meeting warrant.

Police identify pedestrian killed in Winthrop crash

Eric O. Stinson, 44, of Pittston, was on U.S. Route 202 Wednesday when he was struck and killed.

Readers' pick: The most-clicked story in last week's newsletter was about Nick Blanchard, who sued the Augusta school board over perceived free speech violations.

FEATURED PHOTO

Toby Leighton, from Leighton Signworks in Oakland, applies a vinyl decal Feb. 9 to the floor of the Hammond Lumber Company auditorium at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta. The Maine Principal's Association annual boys and girls high school basketball tournament started Wednesday with Class S basketball quarterfinals games and will continue with regional championship games through Feb. 21. State championships are planned the following weekend. (Joe Phelan/Staff Photographer)

TWO GREAT READS

Not a redneck store in central Maine with silly-looking dresses

Hussey's General Store delivers on its decades-old promise of guns, wedding gowns and cold beer.

A Brownville family's deer pantry is a YouTube hit, but wildlife experts aren't fans

Thousands watch a Maine family feed the growing group of deer in their yard. Some wonder if the animals actually need the help.

THINGS TO DO

The Consumer Council System of Maine plans to host a Mental Health Peer Advocate Legislative Education Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the State House's Hall of Flags. The free event is open to the public, to those who experience mental health challenges, work or utilize peer supports, professionals and anyone else interested in promoting mental health in Maine. Email Simonne Maline at smaline@maineccsm.org for more information.
TJ's Pizzeria in Winthrop is set to host a trivia benefit for MaineGeneral's cardiology department at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Enter online for $10.
The Vault Monthly Vintage Market is back in downtown Winthrop this weekend. This month's theme is "In Our Vintage Era." Stop in and get some awesome antiques from dozens of vendors.
Cary Memorial Library in Wayne has scheduled a book sale Saturday, with proceeds to go toward scholarships for Maranacook High School seniors. The books will be super cheap: 25 cents to $1.
Go on one of my personal favorite local hikes with the Hallowell Conservation Commission and Kennebec Land Trust at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Effie L. Berry Conservation Area. No registration is required. Dress warm.
Check out our calendar of events, or even add your own.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Transportation has identified several construction projects in the Augusta area for the next three years. Take a look around their interactive map to see roads impacted and potential timelines.

HALLOWELL — The Finance Committee has begun meeting to form the city's fiscal year 2027 budget. Attend the 5:30 p.m. Wednesday meeting at City Hall if you'd like to be a part of the process.

GARDINER — The City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall. See the agenda online.

Town offices and city halls are closed today for the federal holiday.

THE WAY IT WAS

Feb. 15, 1995: Students make igloos at Buker School in Augusta

Click here to read more of this story from 1995. Subscribers enjoy exclusive access to search and browse our digital archives on Newspapers.com.

GUIDES | HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS | GAMES | EVENTS CALENDAR

Ethan Horton is a reporter for the Kennebec Journal and the author of this newsletter. Send feedback and suggestions to Ethan. You can support this newsletter by encouraging friends and family to sign up and explore our other newsletters.

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