But applications remain at slightly elevated though not troubling levels.
business
South Portland surfing startup cuts back on waste by turning fishing nets into boards
Blueprint Surf Co. is engineering 3D-printed surfboards meant to last longer than traditional foam and fiberglass ones.
Bath pastry maker clears obstacles for recent immigrants seeking jobs
Gagné Foods provides free transportation and makes adjustments to support the new Mainers who keep gourmet pastries rolling off the production line.
UMaine to build $10.3 million aquaculture research, workforce training center
Set to open in 2025, the Sustainable Aquaculture Workforce Innovation Center in Orono will prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing aquaculture industry.
Lewiston, Auburn Citylink bus drivers rally for better wages
A spokesperson for Western Maine Transportation Services, which operates Citylink, said the company “is continuing to bargain in good faith with the union.”
Waterville Planning Board OKs plans for new food truck court on Kennedy Memorial Drive
Thomas College graduate Zhanpo ‘PoPo’ Lu aims to open a lot with space for up to six food trucks by September.
EPA awards $4.3 billion to fund projects in 30 states to reduce climate pollution
Maine will get a portion of $450 million to accelerate adoption of cold-climate heat pumps and water heaters.
Local chamber officials ramp up coordination as thousands flock to Augusta-Waterville area for upcoming events
The cities of Waterville and Augusta are prepared, with help from their chambers of commerce, to receive influxes of people for such large events that are increasingly being held in central Maine.
Waterville couple look to open food truck court on Kennedy Memorial Drive
Zhanpo “PoPo” Lu of Waterville plans to develop PoPo’s Food Truck Court at 121 Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville, where she and her husband, Linjie Gu, would have their own truck and lease space for another 10 food vendors.
JCPenney to close Waterville store; Renys to move in next year
JCPenney plans to close its store at 60 Elm Plaza in Waterville on Sept. 22, and R.H. Reny Inc. owner John Reny confirmed Monday his company’s 19th store will open there next year.