“I think we’re going from one extreme to the other extreme,” Wiscasset ordinance review committee member Allen Cohen said Dec. 22 about selectmen’s proposed change to the planning board’s handling of surveys. 

AUGUSTA (December 19, 2025) — According to Maine Listings, Realtors across the state reported a median sales price of $399,000 for single-family existing homes sold in November; 3.64 percent above November 2024 but -6.34 percent below October 2025, Maine’s historic high. The MSP indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less. Sales decreased 11.59 percent; 1,160 homes were sold in November 2025 compared to 1,312 homes during November 2024.

With this season’s harvest, Veggies to Table, a non-profit farm in Newcastle, Maine,  now celebrates seven seasons of impact—growing and donating over 95,000 pounds of produce and 153,400 flowers to local folks in need of food and joy.  We are feeding those in need in our community while bringing beauty and connection to every corner of Lincoln County. 

Wiscasset selectmen agreed Dec. 16 to recommend the planning board proceed as if a potential change involving surveys is already in the site plan review ordinance. 

In a next-day memo to longtime planning board and ordinance review committee chair Karl Olson, Selectboard Chair Sarah Whitfield, on the selectboard’s behalf, explained what it worked out regarding the planning board and ORC.

From the town Dec. 17: The Maine DECD’s Office of Community Development is pleased to announce two major funding opportunities designed to strengthen local businesses and revitalize community spaces: the Community Enterprise Grant (CE)Program and the Economic Development Program (EDP). These programs provide critical support for business improvements, streetscape projects, and job creation initiatives that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

Our thanks to Bob Bond of 40 Federal Studio for these moments from Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest. The festivities ran from Dec. 5 to 7. 

Weeks before a hearing and months ahead of town meeting, Alna Dec. 4 continued work on a second try at a mining ordinance. 

First Selectman Nick Johnston called for residents' patience for their written comments to be posted on the town website. "We've had some people be a little bit, not so kind, because their comments were not posted as soon as they thought they should be ...," Johnston explained. "There is no grand conspiracy to not post certain people's comments," he told meeting goers.  

Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce announced in its Nov. 26 newsletter:

The Chamber Christmas Tree(s) Raffle is happening now at Wiscasset Community Center. Thanks to our generous member donors, this year the Chamber is raffling off two live trees along with decorations and two Prize Packages of gift cards and items worth over $800 each

Raffle tickets are 1 for $2 or 6 for $10 and available at the WCC, the Chamber office, and The First Bank in Wiscasset.

Drawing will be held Dec. 10.

At the urging of selectmen, the town's economic development director and most residents who spoke, Wiscasset's planning board Nov. 24 did not make a policy of defining a recent survey as one from the last six months. Chair Karl Olson said the board has gone by six months for years, has waived it many times, and has to go by some timeframe because the ordinance only calls for the surveys to be "recent."

The more people within walking distance from Wiscasset village, the better for businesses, Code Enforcement Officer and Town Planner George Chase said Nov. 24.

Chase told the town's ordinance review committee, the village “really was designed to accommodate a considerable population. You can see it from the infrastructure and the sidewalks (that) run all over the place. I mean, it really is a great potential for the infill there … So if we can promote growth in the village district, then you know that's going to help support the downtown businesses."

The Edgecomb Planning Board Nov. 20 scheduled a public hearing on Glidden Oyster Farm Company's proposed expansion project. The company has submitted two proposals. One is for an oyster processing barn at 634 River Road. 

The board held a Nov. 15 site visit. On Nov. 20, the board reviewed the application and found it "ready for a public hearing"  without deciding whether the application was complete or incomplete.

The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4 in the Edgecomb conference room.

The next Ocean on Tap is at Footbridge Brewery, 25 Granary Way in Boothbay Harbor on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.  Dr. Kara Gadeken, of the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, will be speaking about her research on marine worms, their bizarre shapes, and the many roles they play in marine ecosystems.

MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital is now accepting applications for its next Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program, which runs Jan. 5 through Feb. 12, 2026. Applications are due by Dec. 5. 

Honing goals to present to selectmen, Wiscasset's ad hoc economic development advisory committee Nov. 13 discussed if the committee or selectboard should decide the priorities among the nine goals. 

Newly picked Committee Chair Fred Quivey suggested finishing the goals, sending them on to the selectboard, "and ask the selectboard, 'Of the nine points, what (do) you see ... is the most important?' And ... what they say will be what we will focus on, and advise on."

Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest has become a destination for shoppers searching the Village shops for unique, well-made gifts. During the first full weekend in December, the small retail stores, galleries and ateliers in the Village are joined by a special marketplace in the historic Nickels-Sortwell barn on Federal Street, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. When visitors enter the barn, they are welcomed to a wonderland of creations by local artisans.

Lincoln Home staff and residents recently gathered to wish Jamie Baribeau well in his retirement and welcome Chef Shana York in her new role as culinary director.

Jamie brought great leadership and vision to the culinary team over the last five years, encouraging creativity in our chefs and bringing his commitment to serving healthy, locally sourced food.

The popular Bremen Library Wreath Sale Fundraiser will be taking place this month, in time for the winter holidays.

Looking for some good deals at great prices for everyone on your holiday list? Get yourself over to the Edgecomb Community Church Thrift Store, which is againoffering its Holiday Sales beginning on Saturday, Nov. 15 and continuing through to Saturday, Nov. 29.

The Wiscasset community is invited to welcome Santa to the Village when a Merry and Bright Light Parade drops the rotund fellow off at his workshop, 7 Lincoln St., on Friday, Dec. 5, around 5:45 p.m.

Mark your calendars and join Cape Newagen Farm on Southport for a special free Holiday Open Farm Day, a festive celebration for the whole family on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.