Rep. Arata's News from the Legislature

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Town of New Gloucester

385 Intervale Road, New Gloucester, ME 04260

(207) 926-4126 (phone) / (207) 926-4136 (fax)

Town of Poland

1231 Maine Street, Poland, ME 04274

(207) 998-4601 (phone) / (207) 998-2002 (fax)

Poland

Maine Agricultural Trade Show Online

Continuing the tradition of camaraderie, education, and innovation in a virtual format

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry's (DACF) 80th annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show (ATS) is scheduled for Tuesday to Saturday, January 19-23, 2021.  The five-day, all-online ATS features a mixture of agricultural and forestry presentations, discussion, and networking opportunities.  Registration is encouraged, but not required.  All ATS events are free and open to the public.  All programming will be live-streamed on the Whova Event App and the DACF's YouTube channel and Facebook page.  Attendees who register can easily view the full program and the exhibitions, plus gain exclusive access to offers from ATS exhibitors, including producer associations, membership groups, boards, and commissions.  After the event, all programming will be viewable on the Whova App, and the Department's YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Click here for Maine ATS 2021 Agenda

About the Maine Agricultural Trades Show

A tradition since 1941, the DACF's Maine Agricultural Trades Show is where the State's agricultural community convenes to celebrate farming, to network, and plan for the coming season.  Organized and hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, the show provides access to resources that empower farmers and rural communities.  Dozens of exhibitors and conference sessions are part of this show, attracting agricultural producers, educators, exhibitors, businesses, and others to celebrate farming, exchange best practices, and explore farming products, equipment, and services.  The Show is free and open to the public, and is an excellent opportunity for all ages to experience Maine's dynamic agriculture industry.  The 2021 Show will be held virtually.  The DACF anticipates returning to an in-person format in 2022.

 

Economic Impact Payments

If you did not get the full Economic Impact Payment, also known as a stimulus payment, you may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.

If you did not get any payments or got less than the full amounts, you may qualify for the credit, even if you do not normally file taxes.  Those who did not qualify based on 2019 tax returns, such as students who were dependents, may qualify based on 2020 tax returns.  See Recovery Rebate Credit for more information.

Issues with bank information?

If your bank account has closed, changed, or you do not recognize the bank account number, see the IRS Statement — Update on Economic Impact Payments.  

Questions about Get My Payment?

Visit Get My Payment Frequently Asked Questions page to answer your questions about using the application.

Please do not call the IRS about the second stimulus payment; IRS phone assistors do not have additional information beyond what is available on IRS.gov and in the Get My Payment application.

Get more information about Economic Impact Payments

For answers to your questions about payment eligibility, amounts, what to expect, when to expect it and more, see:

or

IRS partners can visit Economic Impact Payment Partner and Promotional Materials for the latest information.

 

A Beginner’s Guide to Ice Fishing in Maine

Starting a new hobby can be both exciting and intimidating, luckily ice fishing is a winter hobby that can be enjoyed with a few pieces of equipment, and there are endless opportunities throughout the State.

For many outdoor enthusiasts, ice fishing is one of the most revered times of the year.  Not only can you fish for many different species, but you can create memories with friends and family, spend time outside, enjoy some beautiful scenery, and be provided with some delicious table fare.

To view the guide, click here.

 

Fishing Report

The December/January report lists several small bodies of water that typically freeze first, but it is up to you, the angler, to test for ice safety.

Remember to always use extreme caution when venturing onto Maine's waterways.  Accessing lakes and ponds should be avoided unless you can be certain of ice conditions by checking ice thickness.  Before stepping out, use a chisel or auger to test ice thickness in several places.  Remember that ice seldom freezes uniformly, and conditions are always changing and can vary from one location to the next.  Ice that forms over flowing water and currents, especially near streams, bridges, and culverts, can be particularly dangerous.

Click here for the latest fishing report.