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October continues to whiz past — just a few colorful leaves, frost on the windshield in the morning, and that low, bright autumn sun — and we’ve left behind that sticky, late summer that hangs around through September these days. 

Folks are taking their cues from the squirrels and looking ahead to winter. They are felling trees, putting their gardens to bed and getting the last of their home projects finished – things that are easier to do while there are leaves, rather than snow, falling past our windows.

In the links, western Maine is getting ready as well. Trails are being set up. Emergency heating funds are being finalized. And school districts are staffing up. 

Some Maine doctors are treating kids’ dental decay themselves as the ranks of dentists fall

More pediatricians have begun using a topical solution made of silver and fluoride to treat their patients’ cavities.

Read this story by Rose Lundy of The Maine Monitor

While The Maine Monitor does not place its content behind paywalls, some newsrooms we link to in this newsletter may. 

A Bangor company has acquired state approval to open a waste collection business at the site of the former Androscoggin Mill’s landfill. | Sun Journal

Gov. Mills will challenge Sen. Collins in key 2026 Senate contest, AP sources say. | Associated Press

Bernie Sanders scolds Democrats for encouraging Gov. Mills to enter Senate race. | NOTUS & The Maine Monitor

The federal shutdown may impact drought relief. | Maine Public

Residents of Hanover will set the town’s budget at the annual meeting this week, including deciding on setting aside funds for a reevaluation. | Bethel Citizen

Maine is suing a protester for allegedly disrupting services at Planned Parenthood. He’s part of a small group pushing to criminalize abortion. | The Maine Monitor

Bemis Track has reopened in Rangeley Plantation, two years after widespread floods closed the popular trail to recreation and forestry access. | Daily Bulldog

RSU 9 administrators are progressing on hiring for open positions but keeping an eye on national developments that may impact funding. | Franklin Journal

Here’s what you need to know about Maine’s two ballot questions this November. | The Maine Monitor

Opponents of a proposed rate increase by CMP are asking people to attend PUC meetings on the subject later this month. | WMTW

Maine state auditor defies national Democrats, launches primary against moderate Jared Golden. | NOTUS

Mexico’s fire department received more than $150,000 in federal funding to replace aging air packs. | Rumford Falls Times

The availability of one-time emergency fuel assistance for Mainers has been decreased from $800 to $500. | WMTW

Have feedback, a correction or know of something we should look into? Send it to our newsroom. If you have feedback or a tip that you want to send to Ben Hanstein directly email him at: benjamin@themainemonitor.org.

The Maine Monitor is a publication of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, an independent and nonpartisan nonprofit news organization that produces investigative journalism. We believe news is a public good and keep our news free to access. We have no paywall and do not charge for our newsletters. If you value the reporting we do for Maine, please consider making a donation! We cannot do this reporting without your support.

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