Smelt shacks, mail delivery and a snowy dog

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March 06, 2026

Hey, y'all!

Happy Groundhog Day, if you believe in that kind of thing. I sure don't. Last year, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, signaling six more wintry weeks. We got more like 10 or 12, and I wasn't prepared for that. By early March, I was yearning for some warm sunlight.

I find myself much more prepared this year for that second-half-of-winter drag. Maybe it's the year of experience and the mental distance from the soon-to-bloom dogwoods back home in the Carolinas. Or maybe it's the folks up here in central Maine, who, by golly, will not let the winter stop them. Maybe you all have rubbed off on me.

In today's newsletter: Mail delivery; electric buses; snow dog.

(P.S., since I won't have a chance to say so before the big game Sunday, go Pats — especially my UNC classmate Drake Maye.)

See y'all next week,

- Ethan Horton

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

In central Maine, early ice makes smelt fishing nice

About a half-dozen smelt camps report fishing and business has been good so far this season after multiple rough years.

MORE FROM: AUGUSTA | HALLOWELL | GARDINER

Augusta area frustrated by USPS staffing shortages, spotty mail delivery

The U.S. Postal Service is dealing with massive worker shortages, forcing Mainers to go without mail — including prescriptions, paychecks, bills and other important documents — for days and weeks.

Maine school districts to get relief from faulty electric buses

A provision in the purchasing agreement with the state and the federal program has lifted the payment burden from affected school districts.

What to know about Maine courts going digital in central Maine

Here are 5 takeaways as Maine courts in Augusta, Waterville and Skowhegan transition from paper to electronic filing.

CMP delays Augusta Old Winthrop Road proposal for review

The utility faced pushback from abutters over plans for a proposed new facility for its transmission team to be built in a residential area.

Maranacook boys basketball edges Hall-Dale in back-and-forth C South battle

Jack Fontaine's steal and layup in the final seconds seals another thrilling win for the Black Bears.

Readers' pick: The most-clicked story in last week's newsletter was about Kennebec Savings Bank's proposed new building near Memorial Circle in Augusta.

FEATURED PHOTO

Billow, a 9-month-old golden retriever, plays outside in the snow while her owner shovels the driveway Monday in Gardiner. (Anna Chadwick/Staff Photographer)

Read our comprehensive coverage of ICE in Maine

While "Operation Catch of the Day" has ended, we've continued covering its fallout. Read our stories — paywall-free — on our website.

THINGS TO DO

Visit Viles Arboretum from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday for a day of free winter exploration. The center will offer free snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals. Register in advance online to help them plan.
Support Maine Arts Academy performers at the first student talent show at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Admission will cost $5 at the door.
The Friends of the Hubbard Free Library plan to host its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Second Street building. Newcomers are welcome to help with fundraisers, programming and more.
Newcomers are also welcome at tonight's Hall-Dale Music Boosters meeting at the high school on Maple Street. Join at 6 p.m. to support the school's robust music and performing arts programs.
Johnson Hall Opera House is looking for single men age 25 or older to sign up for its first speed dating event, which is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 13.
Check out our full calendar of events — or add your organization's gatherings.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

AUGUSTA — If you missed the city's information meeting on the upcoming tax revaluation, check out the video online.

GARDINER — The City Council meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall. See the agenda online.

WEST GARDINER — For your calendar: That special town meeting was originally scheduled last month but postponed because of signature mistakes has been rescheduled for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12. The article to consider adding two members to the Select Board has been removed from the warrant and will be considered at the regular annual town meeting in June.

SIDNEY — For your calendar: Town officials are looking for resident input at 7. p.m. next Monday for improving stormwater systems, developing programs to lower barriers for consumers to access local foods and protecting drinking water.

THE WAY IT WAS

Feb. 2, 1900: Ice harvesting season begins on the Kennebec and Hudson rivers — and 'the Kennebec crop is of course of the usual splendid quality'

Click here to read more of this story from 1900. 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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