AUGUSTA, Maine – It’s not often residents get to design a new state flag, but the people of Maine will have their say in November.

However, a proposed design must come together first. 

The state is accepting design proposals as long as it’s based on the state’s original flag, which featured a simple pine tree and blue star against an off-white background. 

The deadline is July 19.

15 million bees contained after bee-laden truck crashes in Maine

A modern version of that flag used from 1901 to 1909 took the state by storm during the Maine’s bicentennial in 2020, and has appeared on hats, sweatshirts and soon license plates. This popularity played a role in lawmakers’ approval of a bill last year to let Mainers vote on replacing the current flag, which features the state’s official seal, a lumberjack, a sailor and the state’s motto, Dirigo. That’s Latin for “I lead,” a reference to the north star.

The design process was without controversy until news reports of a similar-looking flag flown at the vacation home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. The flag featuring a pine tree and the words “AN APPEAL TO HEAVEN” dates to the Revolutionary War, but has recently been associated with the Christian nationalist movement and the false claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.

Bellows brushed aside a reporter’s question about the flags’ similarities at a news conference. “This is a debate delightfully free of partisan politics, and one that every Maine voter can weigh in on at the ballot box this fall,” she said in a statement.

The law requires Bellows to present the final design. “This duty bestowed upon me by the Legislature is not a job I can do alone. That’s why today I invite every Mainer to consider submitting a design for consideration,” she said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. This story was reported from Los Angeles. 

Five events, all of which will start at 11 a.m., will be held

PUBLISHED ON June 16, 2024

ORONO, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension welcomes local farmers, service providers, and Ag stakeholders to participate in the 2024 Maine Pasture Walk Series.

Five events, all of which will start at 11 a.m., will be held on the following days and farms:

• The Milkhouse, 445 South Monmouth Road in Monmouth, on Jul 10.
• Springside Farm, 577 Anson Valley Road in New Vineyard, on Jul 23.
• Faithful Venture Farm, 17 Borough Road in Searsmont, on Aug 06.
• The Wolfe’s Neck Center, 184 Burnett Road in Freeport, on Aug 13.
• Grace Pond Farm, 530 Main Street in Thomaston, on  Aug 20.

Attendees will learn about dairy production systems, pasture management, forage species identification, climate-smart practices, regenerative grazing, and more from forage producers and Assistant Extension Professor Jaime Garzon.

The 2024 Maine Pasture Walk Series is open and free for all participants. Visit the event webpage for more information and registration. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Melissa Babcock at 207.581.2788 or melissa.libby1@maine.edu.

About University of Maine Cooperative Extension: As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.

About the University of Maine: As Maine’s only public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, the University of Maine advances learning and discovery through excellence and innovation. Founded in 1865 in Orono, UMaine is the state’s land, sea and space grant university with a regional campus at the University of Maine at Machias. Our students come from all over the world and work with faculty conducting fieldwork around the globe — from the North Atlantic to the Antarctic. Located on Marsh Island in the homeland of the Penobscot Nation with UMaine Machias located in the homeland of the Passamaquoddy Nation, UMaine’s statewide mission is to foster an environment that creates tomorrow’s leaders. As the state’s flagship institution, UMaine offers nearly 200 degree programs through which students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, professional master’s and doctoral degrees as well as graduate certificates. For more information about UMaine and UMaine Machias, visit umaine.edu/about/quick-facts/ and machias.edu/about-umm/umm-facts/.

–University of Maine Cooperative Extension

South Carolina’s Hootie & The Blowfish took a, we’ll call it a break, in 2008. They kicked off a reunion in 2019 and ever since, us fans have let them know that WE. LOVE. HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH! Maine Savings Amphitheater and Waterfront Concerts were well aware of that and once again put on an epic show for us Mainers.

Maine Fans Showed Up Early to See Hootie Openers Edwin McCain and Collective Soul

Mainers of all ages took advantage of another amazing show put on by Waterfront Concerts and packed the Maine Savings Amphitheater for three perfect acts, and if you were raised on 90’s music, this show was especially nostalgic.

The venue was packed early to enjoy the two openers Edwin McCain and Collective Soul. There truly isn’t a bad seat in Maine Savings Amphitheater. Each section offers a unique concert viewing perspective and the sound is top-notch which assists in creating summer memories that you will cherish forever. Such memories were born Friday night while hearing McCain sing his monster hit, “I’ll Be,” while Collective Soul had everyone dancing to “Shine.”

Hootie & The Blowfish Never Sounded Better Than on the Waterfront in Maine

Lots of work has been put into the Maine Savings Amphitheater and Hootie & The Blowfish took advantage. Maine Savings Amphitheater has been designed and perfected by Bangor-based Ervin Architecture and the minds at Waterfront Concerts. All attendees Friday night were spoiled hearing hits like “Hold My Hand,” “Time,” and “Let Her Cry” through the best sound any venue in the world can offer.

Our next show that we will review will be Lainey Wilson on June 29th, and after watching Hootie & The Blowfish, it is clear that we are in for one wild and fun summer thanks to Waterfront Concerts!