Maine

Oxford opposes Maine DOT plan for Oxford Street traffic light

Published

1 year ago

January 22, 2025

Oxford opposes Maine DOT plan for Oxford Street traffic light

OXFORD — Selectperson Sharon Jackson did not mince words when Maine Department of Transportation Regional Planner Matt Drost addressed the board about plans to install a traffic light at the intersection of Main and Oxford streets.

“I think it’s a terrible idea,” Jackson said. “I don’t know why this board was not made aware of it … Shouldn’t there have been a public hearing held on this?”

Drost explained the project originated in the agency’s Safety Office which does not trigger the same kind of communication as a traffic planning study.

“I’m not aware that MDOT is required to notify the town,” Drost said. “It was an identified safety need … It will allow traffic to turn safely out of Oxford Street onto Route 26.

“We would not necessarily have a public hearing in person. I’ll have to check when and if, and I’d assume that there was one, for a virtual public opportunity hosted by MDOT.”

Jackson countered that she was not aware of any hearing being advertised or held.

In September MDOT Project Manager Brian Keezer attended a Paris Select Board meeting about the pending project and indicated there would be a virtual public hearing about the project.
At that meeting, Keezer also stated that if MDOT sees “unanimous opposition to it, it’s likely we’ll go away and spend the money somewhere else.”

MDOT’s Safety Office has designated the intersection of Route 26 and Oxford Street in Oxford as a high crash location and plans to install a traffic light next year. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat

“It’s a town road,” Vice-Chairman Dana Dillingham pointed out to Drost Thursday night. “Does the town of Paris not have the ability to post (on the other end) that it is not a through-way? That’s where a lot of the traffic is coming from – GPS leading from Sunday River.”

Drost answered that Paris would have that ability, adding that the road was not originally constructed to handle the high volume of vehicles it handles. But he added there is currently enough traffic to warrant safety measures on the part of MDOT.

Dillingham persisted, asking whether installing such a sign would trigger GPS apps to instead direct southbound traffic to continue along Route 26 instead of through neighborhood streets.

Drost said that in that scenario it would take time for new mapping to update, even if Paris has taken the step, and would not involve MDOT to make happen.

Jackson then asked what the Safety Office had determined about traffic backing up due to a traffic light, one of the complaints Paris selectmen had addressed with Keezer last fall. Drost was not able to speak to what the impact would be.

“While there may be some backups, any that occur during peak times, there would not be situations where people wait minutes upon minutes,” Drost replied. “I think it would outlet all of Oxford Street and then allow 26 to continue for some time without backup on Oxford Street.”

The project is slated to be done in 2026 and will take about two months to complete. It is not part of the ongoing larger Route 26 project that will continue next year further south in the corridor where Routes 26 and 121 converge and overlap.

The board also used its discussion time with Drost to take issue over the recently redesigned intersection at Route 26 and Skeetfield Road. The new lanes require traffic turning from Skeetfield on Route 26 to drive into the lane for drivers to turn right onto the road, which has created new hazards, especially during poor visibility. Jackson requested that the right turn be made more gradual and that a street light be added. Drost said he would take her suggestions back to MDOT engineers for consideration.

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Maine

Rage Room in Portland, Maine, Developing ‘Scream Room’ Addition

Published

5 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Rage Room in Portland, Maine, Developing ‘Scream Room’ Addition

For a lot of people throughout Maine, there’s some built up frustration that they’ve just been keeping inside.

That frustration can come in a lot of different forms. From finances to relationships to the world around you.

So it makes plenty of sense that a rage room opened in Portland, Maine, where people can let some of that frustration out.

It’s called Mayhem and people have been piling in to smash, crush and do dastardly things to inanimate objects that had no idea what was coming.

But Mayhem has realized not everyone is down with swinging a sledgehammer. So they’ve decided to cook up something new.

Mayhem Creating ‘Scream Room’ at Their Space in Portland, Maine

Perhaps the thought of swinging a baseball bat and destroying a glass vase brings you joy. The thought of how sore your body will be after that moment makes you less excited.

Mayhem Portland has heard you loud and clear and is developing a new way to get the rage out. By just screaming.

Mayhem is working on opening their very first scream room. It’s exactly what you think it is, a safe place to spend some time just screaming all of the frustration out.

There isn’t an official opening date set yet but it’s coming soon along with pricing.

Mayhem in Portland, Maine, Will Still Offer Rage Rooms and Paint Splatter

While a scream room is on the way, you can still experience a good time at Mayhem with one of their rage rooms or a paint splatter room.

Both can be experienced in either 20-minute or 30-minute sessions.

All the details including some age and attire requirements can be found here.

TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Things to do in Portland, Maine

Looking for fun things to do in Portland, ME? Here is what the reviewers on TripAdvisor say are the 10 best attractions.

This list was updated in March of 2026

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

Top 15 of The Most Powerful People in Maine

Ever wonder who the most powerful players are in Maine? I’ve got a list!

Gallery Credit: Getty Images

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Maine

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

Published

17 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – If you’ve ever wondered what goes into pitching a good business idea, you might want to stop by a Big Gig event.

The Big Gig Entrepreneurship Pitch Off brings professionals from across the state together to network and pitch their early-stage business ideas for a chance to win $500.

Tuesday’s competition was held at the Salty Brick Market in Bangor, and it drew a lot of spectators.

“The winners of each semifinal event get $500 and the opportunity to compete for $5,000, so that can make a huge impact on a business that’s just getting off the ground,” said Renee Kelly, a Big Gig organizer.

The winner of the competition, Colin McGuire, was also grateful for the opportunity to showcase his idea “Art on Tap,” which would connect local artists with local venues trying to put on events.

“The support tonight is huge, and it’s just giving me more enthusiasm for running with the idea,” he said.

The season finale of the competition will be held May 19th.

The location is yet to be determined.

If you’d like to apply to compete in the contest, you can go to biggig.org.

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Maine

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

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This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?

A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.

This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.

Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine

According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.

Wondering what’s in the burrito?

The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”

Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.

The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.

As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.

Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant

First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.

Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.

A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.

READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew

And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.

So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.