With Election Day fast approaching and the last day of school just around the corner, the Town of Wells is looking ahead and gearing up for a busy summer. From continued Multi-Use Beach Parking Permit sales, Absentee Ballot requests, upcoming summer events, tennis and pickleball memberships, and carrying out ongoing municipal projects, there is a lot happening across town!

Read on for the latest updates, department news, and staffing announcements from the Town of Wells, as well as how you can get involved in the community this season.

Important Dates:

• June 4: Deadline for Absentee Ballot Requests
• June 9: Annual Town Meeting & State Primary Election- Polls open from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
• June 19: Town Hall Offices and Wells Transfer Station to close in observance of Juneteenth
• June 27: Summer Concert Series Begins at Wells Harbor Gazebo
• July 25: HarborFest, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm at Wells Harbor Park

We encourage you to take a look at the job opportunities currently available with the Town of Wells on our Employment Opportunities page. There is so much important work that goes in to keeping the town running, often behind the scenes and we invite you to be a part of it!

Police Chief Jo-Ann Putnam recently announced her decision to retire as Wells Police Chief, with her resignation from the department becoming effective June 1, 2026. Chief Putnam has served in this role since 2008.

Chief Putnam grew up in the Wells-Ogunquit community and was a graduate of Wells High School Class of 1980. She began her law enforcement career in 1982 with the Town of Ogunquit as a part-time dispatcher, reserve officer, and court officer. In April of 1985, she joined the Wells Police Department as a full-time dispatcher and reserve officer, transitioning to a full-time patrol officer in May of 1986.

Over the course of her career, Chief Putnam rose through the ranks, serving as Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Acting Police Chief before being appointed Chief of Police on May 20, 2008. The appointment came after a distinguished 23-year career with the department. Throughout her tenure, Chief Putnam has played a critical role in guiding the department through the evolving complexities of modern policing and she worked to maintain a strong relationship between the Wells Police Department and the community it serves. She also served as acting Town Manager numerous times throughout her career in Wells.

Chief Putnam’s career includes work as an Accident Reconstructionist, as well as training in marine enforcement through the U.S. Coast Guard, which reflect her commitment to developing expertise across multiple areas of public safety. She was also recognized with a Commendation for Heroism for her work in a case conducted in collaboration with the FBI. Beyond her work in Wells, Chief Putnam has been actively involved in law enforcement organizations at the county, state, and regional levels. She served as Chair of District #1-York County within the Maine Chiefs of Police Association and has contributed to several committees focused on highway safety, detention facilities, and law enforcement policy. She was involved in the New England and International Associations of Chiefs of Police, as well as local initiatives including the York County Budget Committee and the development of the York County consolidated courthouse.



Chief Putnam made a lasting impact on both the Wells Police Department and the greater Wells community throughout her decades of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to public safety. The Town of Wells extends its sincere gratitude for her many years of service and wishes her happiness and fulfillment in retirement.

The Annual Town Meeting and State Primary Election for Wells will take place on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026. 

Primary elections are held to decide which candidates will appear on the November 2026 General Election ballot. Candidates included in this Primary are for the offices of U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative to Congress, Governor of Maine, Maine State Senator and Maine State Representative. 

The Town Meeting election will determine seats for the Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk, WOCSD Committee Trustee, Wells Sanitary District Trustee, and Library Board of Trustee. It will also include several ordinance changes, the FY 27 Municipal Budget and the WOCSD Budget Validation Referendum.

Warrants, Ballots and Election Materials

Town Meeting Information

Sample Town Ballot:

• June 9, 2026 Sample Town Ballot

Town Meeting Warrant:

• June 9, 2026 Annual Town Meeting Warrant

State Primary Election Information

District 145 State Ballot:

• June 9, 2026 Sample State Ballot District 145, REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC BALLOTS

District 146 State Ballot:

• June 9, 2026 Sample State Ballot District 146, REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC BALLOTS

Political Parties and Unenrolled Voter Information



Maine currently has four qualified political parties that participate in primary elections:

• Democratic
• Green Independent
• Libertarian
• Republican

Unenrolled Voters

Please note that there is no official “Independent” party in Maine. Voters who are not enrolled in a political party are considered “unenrolled.” Unenrolled voters may choose one party’s primary ballot on Election Day without enrolling in that party.

Voters who are enrolled in a political party may only vote in their own party’s primary, provided there is a candidate on the ballot for that race. As always, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 207-646-2882 or stop into the office if you have any questions or would like to check your voting status.

Voting Districts

Wells Voting Districts 145 and 146

Wells has two districts in the Maine House of Representatives: District 145 and District 146. 

• Most of Wells is covered by District 145. 
• A small portion of the town is in District 146: the southern/coastal portion of Wells, areas adjacent to Ogunquit and bordering on the Atlantic Ocean. 
• The candidates on your ballot will only be the ones representing your district.

Because each district will be receiving a different ballot for these candidates, there will be a separate check-in table for District 146 at the polls. The setup will include the usual 3 tables, with the alphabet split up for District 145 voters, and just 1 table for all District 146 voters. Volunteers will be available to help if you are not sure which district you live in. 

Election Day

All in-person voting will take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at the Wells Junior High School Gymnasium, located at 1470 Post Road, Wells, ME. Polls are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Contact:

Please contact the staff in the Town Clerk’s Office at 207-646-2882 with any additional questions or visit our Election Information Webpage. 

Ordinance Changes to Appear on the June Ballot

Ordinance Changes for June 2026: 

Following a joint public hearing on March 24, 2026 with the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen, the following ordinance changes were placed on the June Town Meeting Ballot.

• Chapter 116: Floodplain Management change to the definition of Substantial Improvement
• Chapter 145-30 and 202-4: Minor Subdivision Clarifications
• Chapter 201-10: Street Standard changes and establish an approval process
• Chapter 145-35.N: Boundary certification requirement for certain building permits
• Chapters 145-24, 26 and 35: Architectural requirements for commercial and residential structures adjacent to Route One in certain areas.
• Chapters 145-10 and 36: Timbering requirements to comply with State requirements.
• Chapter 145-39: Parking requirement reduction to comply with State law
• Chapter 145-6: Format of Land Use Ordinance Ballot questions

The ordinance changes can be viewed on the Town website.

Summer is almost upon us, and Wells Public Works spent April and May cleaning up from a long winter and preparing for the busy summer months ahead.

Our team has completed the installation of beach mats and access stairs and has been preparing parking lots to ensure our beaches are accessible for all visitors ahead of the summer season. Crews have also been inspecting beach access points, installing lifeguard stands, and completing seasonal maintenance at several public facilities.

Road Maintenance and Paving

Street sweeping is underway as part of our annual sweeping program. This work removes sand, gravel, and debris left behind from winter operations and helps improve drainage and roadway safety. Sweeping operations will continue over the next few weeks throughout Town.

In preparation for this year’s paving season, Public Works has been completing drainage improvements, ditching, and shoulder repairs on roads scheduled for paving. This summer, North Village Road, Captain Thomas Road, and the second section of Perry Oliver Road will be reclaimed and repaved. In addition to the Town’s paving program, MaineDOT will also be paving sections of Route 1, Port Road, and Sanford Road. Residents should expect occasional lane closures and minor traffic delays associated with this work during the summer construction season.

Veteran Cemetery Maintenance

Ahead of Memorial Day, Public Works hired two part-time seasonal staff members to assist with cemetery cleanup and maintenance efforts throughout Town. Wells has more than 120 cemeteries where veterans are buried, many of which are small, historic cemeteries located in wooded areas away from roadways that require significant handwork and ongoing maintenance.

Over the past several weeks, they have worked to mow, trim, rake, remove debris, clean around grave markers, and improve the overall appearance of these cemeteries in preparation for Memorial Day weekend. They also helped coordinate the placement of flags and veteran markers to help recognize and honor those who served our country.

Transfer Station Update

Beginning at the end of June, the Wells Transfer Station will no longer accept any brush, leaves or grass clippings. Residents can bring brush to several area businesses that are equipped to dispose of it at significantly lower cost than the Town. This change is intended to reduce expenses and offer a more cost-effective option for residents.

The Finance and Tax Collection Department continued to manage a high volume of public-facing activity, including processing tax payments, issuing transfer station and multi-use permits, and processing vehicle registrations.

With the State of Maine’s year-long license plate conversion nearing completion, department staff helped to process over 7,000 registrations during the conversion. Residents that are still displaying a Chickadee license plate on their vehicle are encouraged to check with department staff about the process to convert to the new license plate.

The department has issued more than 5,600 multi-use permits and 3,900 transfer station permits since late December. Over 12,600 tax payments were posted by lockbox payments and town staff contribution for a strong 91% collection rate for the 2026 tax commitment. 

Work Anniversary Acknowledgements

During the month of May, four staff members celebrated work anniversaries. We would like to congratulate Stephanie Correia for her two-year anniversary, Christine DeAngelis for her nine-year anniversary, Lesley Nawfel for her three-year anniversary and Jodie Sanborn for her twenty-four years.

Upcoming Office Closure

The Finance Office will be closed for mandatory staff training on July 7 and 8, from 8 AM to 1:30 PM. On July 7, the Finance Office will be open from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm. On July 8, the office will be open from 1:30 pm to 4 pm. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

2026 Multi-Use and Transfer Station permits available

Multi-Use Beach Parking Permits are available online, in person and by-mail. A $50 Resident and Taxpayer Multi-Use Permit combines beach parking and transfer station access into one sticker. A standalone $5 Transfer Station Permit is also available for purchase. 

• 2026 Beach Parking Permit Policy
• 2026 Transfer Station Permit Policy

Multi-Use Permit

The Multi-Use Beach Parking Permit allows access to all Town of Wells pay-and-display parking lots from the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend through the Monday of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The permit also provides year-round access to the Wells Transfer Station. The permit is available to residents and taxpaying property owners that are current with property tax payments. 

• FEE: $50.00 PER PERMIT

Residency Requirements, Permit Limits and Permit Location

• Residents must have a tax bill in their name or, if renting, provide a vehicle registration showing excise tax paid to Wells. Please note that ALL transactions (in-person, by mail and online) require a valid vehicle registration. 
• Each resident/taxpayer may purchase up to 2 permits per tax parcel for eligible vehicles. 
• Sticker must be affixed to the inside of the driver's side windshield, no more than four inches from the bottom of the windshield.

Transfer Station Permit

A stand-alone Transfer Station permit is also available for purchase. A Wells Transfer Station permit is required for any use of the Transfer Station. All residents must display a valid permit on their vehicle to enter and dispose of waste. Please have your vehicle registration available when purchasing your permit.

• FEE: $5.00 PER PERMIT

Please Note:

• Taxpayer permits are issued with the vehicle registration printed on them.
• Permit must be affixed to the inside of the driver's side windshield no more than four inches from the bottom of the windshield.
• All Transfer Station permits are valid for the calendar year in which they are purchased.

How to purchase your 2026 Multi-Use or Transfer Station permit

ONLINE

Access the Permit Portal: Online Multi-Use Permit Portal

View an online permit purchase tutorial: Watch the Online Permit Purchase Tutorial

Online Purchase Instructions

Be sure to have:

1. Parcel ID as shown on tax bill
2. Last name as shown on tax bill
3. Vehicle registration for the vehicle receiving the permit
4. Registered owner information and relationship to driver
5. Credit card for payment

Please Note:

• If you are a new owner and have not yet received a tax bill in your name, contact the Assessor’s Office at (207) 646-6081. 
• There are no refunds for permits. Please review eligibility carefully and enter all information accurately.

IN-PERSON AT WELLS TOWN HALL

All in-person Transfer Station and Multi-Use Permit sales take place in the Finance Office during regular Town Hall hours. For residents and taxpayers that will be purchasing their passes in person, for faster processing please make sure to bring:

• All vehicle registrations you want stickers for
• Proof of veteran/service member status (if applicable for Multi-Use Pass)

BY-MAIL

The By-Mail Request Form can be used to purchase either a standalone Transfer Station sticker or a Multi-Use Pass. Requests are processed by the Finance Office and will be mailed once processed. 

• The By-Mail Request Form can be found here.

Home safety devices play an important role in protecting residents and families, but many people do not realize that smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and gas detectors each serve a different purpose. While these devices may look similar, they are designed to detect different hazards and are not interchangeable. Understanding the difference can help ensure your home is properly protected and compliant with Maine safety requirements.

In Maine, these detectors are defined separately under state fire safety laws:

Smoke Detector

A smoke detector is a device that senses the presence of smoke and sounds an alarm to warn occupants in the dwelling unit. It must be approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

A carbon monoxide (CO) detector is a device with a sensor and alarm system that detects dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas and sounds a warning alarm. It also must be approved or listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

Gas Detector (Fuel Gas Detector)

A gas detector, often called a fuel gas detector in Maine, is a separate device designed to detect leaks of combustible gases such as natural gas or propane. Maine specifically states that fuel gas detectors are not the same as carbon monoxide detectors and do not replace them.

Key distinction:

• Smoke detector → detects smoke/fire
• Carbon monoxide detector → detects poisonous CO gas
• Gas detector → detects fuel gas leaks (natural gas/propane)

Official Maine statutes:

• Maine Smoke Detector Law
• Maine Carbon Monoxide Detector Law
• Maine Fuel Gas Detector Notice

When installing or replacing detectors in your home, it is important to confirm that you have the correct devices in the proper locations. Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fuel gas detectors each provide protection against different dangers and together help create a safer living environment. Residents are encouraged to review Maine’s requirements and test all detectors regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.

Important Info for Property Owners: Records, Ownership Updates & Beach Permits

Assessing Office

The unofficial start of summer is kicking off! We are happy to see both new and familiar faces as the weather brings more people to our lovely town. 

We are still out in the field doing our yearly pickup and inventory of properties. With the ongoing changes we are making to various properties throughout the spring and summer, it is always a great idea to check online for your property information and make sure that what we have is the most accurate accounting of your property. You can do this by going to the town website and into the GIS tab to search for your property. From there, you can see a copy of the Vision Tax Card that has all the information listed. It is always a great idea to also ensure your mailing address is current and let us know if it needs to be updated.



We have also been busy making transfers of property and doing owner updates. If you have purchased a unit in a campground, please make sure to give us your bill of sale so that we can transfer that ownership. You will need to do so to verify your eligibility to purchase Multi-Use Beach Parking permits. A copy of your bill of sale can be emailed to assessor@wellstown.org, mailed to us at 208 Sanford Road, Wells ME, or can be brought to our office on the second floor of the Wells Town Hall. The bill of sale should include the seller and owner’s full names, addresses, description of the unit being sold, sale price, sale date, and signatures.

If you have any questions regarding this, please call us at 207-646-6081. 

Pickleball & Tennis Court Memberships Available

Memberships for the 2026 season are now available, and we’ve already surpassed last year’s numbers! The courts have been busy, and it’s shaping up to be a great season. Choose from seasonal, monthly, or daily memberships and enjoy access to well-maintained courts, friendly competition, and a vibrant, welcoming community of players. With participation on the rise, now is the perfect time to secure your spot and make the most of the 2026 season. We look forward to seeing you on the courts! 

• Pickleball & Tennis Membership Information

Tennis Lessons This Summer 

Youth and adult tennis lessons are back for the summer! Join us Wednesdays from July 8 through August 12 (Rain Date: 8/19). Designed for brand new, beginner, or returning novice players, this program is all about FUN while learning the basics. Led by a USTA approved coach, participants will get great exercise while building skills to serve, rally, and play with confidence. Sign up and swing into summer! 

• Youth & Adult Tennis Lesson Information

Summer Camp Update 

Summer Camp registration is nearly full, and our staff team is officially in place! Field trips and activities are being planned, and we’re getting excited for another fantastic season. Also coming up: Warriors Basketball Camp, with more sports camps to be announced soon-stay tuned! 

• Warrior Basketball Summer Camp Information

Spring Programs Update 

Our spring programs are in full swing! Lacrosse season is underway, with over 100 players hitting the field, and our Track & Field team, now with more than 30 participants, successfully completed their first meet at Hollis Recreation. Archery and kickball programs are also off to a great start. It’s been a busy and exciting season for all! 

Upcoming Field Renovation 

A renovation project is scheduled to begin August 10th on the multipurpose field located between the courts and the pavilion at the Walter Marsh Recreation Area on 9A. The work will address drainage issues to improve field safety and long-term usability. We will share updates as the project gets underway. 

Welcome Back, Jen E! 

We’re excited to share that Jennifer Ellison is returning to the Rec Department! After relocating with her husband and taking a six-month hiatus, Jen realized just how much she missed our team, and especially the kids in our programs. Please join us in welcoming her back to the Rec family! 

Wells Parks & Recreation Youth Sports by the Numbers

From July 2025 through June 2026, Wells Parks & Recreation offered a wide variety of youth sports opportunities that kept participants active, learning, and having fun throughout the year.

During the 2025-2026 program year, Parks & Recreation organized 76 teams across soccer, field hockey, basketball, indoor soccer, and lacrosse. Alongside each team was a dedicated group of coaches, assistants, and volunteers who helped make these programs possible.

The Volunteers Behind the Teams

More than 170 volunteers donated their time throughout the year to coach, mentor, organize, and support participants. Their commitment helps create positive experiences for hundreds of children and families in our community.

In addition to team sports, Parks & Recreation offered programs including tennis, swimming, wrestling, track and field, archery, kickball, camps, and open gym opportunities, providing year-round recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. These programs continue to be made possible through the dedication of staff, volunteers, participants, and families who support recreation in Wells.

A reminder that summer leash rules go into effect starting June 16th. Below is a refresher on the the year round leash rules for all public beaches, to include Wells Beach, Crescent Beach and Drakes Island Beach.

• Between April 1 and June 15, dogs are allowed on the beach at all times but MUST be on a leash and under the charge of a responsible person. In charge of a responsible person means that the leash MUST be held at all times by an individual capable of controlling the dog (not a child).

• Between June 16 and September 15, dogs are NOT permitted on the beach from 8am to 6pm. Before 8am and after 6pm, dogs are allowed on the beaches but MUST be on a leash and under the charge of a responsible person.

• Between September 16 and March 31, dogs are permitted on the beach at all times. The control of dogs is enforced by the Dog at Large Town Ordinance which is written based off of the Maine State Law.

According to the Town Ordinance for Dogs at Large, "any dog leaving the property of its owner or custodian must be on a leash of suitable strength or must be under the supervision and verbal control of its master."

Please be aware, Harbor Park is NOT considered a beach and the rule for dogs is enforced as the Dog at Large Town Ordinance, above.

Please note: These restrictions do not apply to dogs on the property of their owner or on another property with the owner's permission, Seeing Eye dogs or other dogs assisting an individual with a disability or working police dogs.

Additional information regarding animal control can be found here.

Wells Fire Department members receive Maine EMS Phoenix Awards

At a recent Select Board meeting, members of the Wells Fire Department were awarded the Maine EMS Phoenix Award for two separate events that took place in 2025. The Maine EMS Phoenix Award recognizes licensed clinicians and dispatchers who used their skills and knowledge in order to successfully resuscitate a patient who suffered a non-traumatic, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

The following Fire Department personnel were awarded the Maine EMS Phoenix Award:

• Captain/EMT David Tobeck
• FF/EMT Joshua Hart
• FF/AEMT Carissa Gordon
• FF/EMT Zach Litvinchyk
• FF/EMT Michael Toth
• FF/Paramedic Nathanael Pierce
• FF/Paramedic Eric Beaulieu, awarded for both incidents

We congratulate all recipients on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their continued dedication to serving the Wells community.

Wells Reserve at Laudholm and Friends of the Wells Public Library collaborate to present “Resilience in Action” Summer Speaker Series

The Wells Reserve at Laudholm and the Friends of the Wells Public Library have announced a summer speaker series centered around the topic of climate resilience in action. The first event will be held on Thursday, June 4, 5:30-7pm at the Wells Public Library, located at 1434 Post Road in Wells, Maine. The event is free to attend, with food and refreshments provided.

The speaker series will discuss how towns in Southern Maine are taking action to build resilience in their communities. A panel of community leaders and municipal officials from nearby towns will discuss how they are using funding and support from the state's Community Resilience Partnership (CRP) to strengthen the resilience of their communities and adapt to increasing hazards.

Speakers on June 4 will include Jeff Brubaker (Town Planner, Eliot), Laurie Smith (Town Manager, Kennebunkport), Eric Labelle (Public Works, Kennebunkport), Jessica Brunacini (Training and Engagement Director, Wells Reserve), and Liv Lenfestey (Resilience Training Coordinator, Wells Reserve). Each speaker will highlight a specific local project they are working on, including Eliot’s climate change vulnerability assessment and Kennebunkport’s flood mitigation designs, and discuss how enrollment in the CRP has helped to make these projects possible. Speakers will also discuss the background of the CRP, how it works, and what opportunities exist for Wells to benefit from this program. The evening will conclude with an audience Q&A.

The “Resilience in Action” Speaker Series is a collaboration among the Wells Reserve’s Training & Engagement Program, Friends of the Wells Public Library, and Save Our Shores Maine. The next events in this series will be held on July 23rd and August 25th. Visit the Wells Reserve Calendar for more details.

Maine Healthy Beaches water monitoring is underway

Beach season is here, and with it comes the start of water quality monitoring through the Maine Healthy Beaches (MHB) program. The Town of Wells partners with MHB to test water quality weekly at Wells Beach, Casino Square, Crescent Beach, Wells Harbor, and Drakes Island Beach.

Water samples are typically collected by trained volunteers on Tuesday mornings and tested for enterococci, a fecal indicator bacteria used to identify potential health risks in the water.

Check out the Results for Yourself

Results are available on the Maine Healthy Beaches Dashboard. If bacteria levels exceed Maine’s safety threshold (104 MPN/100mL), advisories will be issued both online and on-site at the affected beaches.

Common causes include pet or wildlife waste, stormwater runoff, and improper hygiene. Please do your part to help keep our beaches clean and safe for all!

For more information or to sign up for alerts, visit mainehealthybeaches.org.

Wells Piping Plovers begin to hatch: keeping them safe takes a village

Each spring and summer, Maine’s beaches become home to one of the state’s most recognizable and infamous shorebirds: the piping plover. As June begins, piping plover chicks are beginning to hatch on Wells beaches. This is an extremely delicate time, as the chicks are still flightless, fragile, and beginning to explore their surroundings. They often move up and down the beach in search of food and shelter, often traveling far from posted signs or fenced nesting areas. It takes about 28 to 35 days for chicks to "fledge," or take their first flight. Until then, they are especially vulnerable to human activity, pets, and environmental threats.

Before heading to the beach this season, here are a few fun facts about these tiny coastal creatures:

Fun Facts about Plovers

• Did you know a piping plover chick is about the size of a cotton ball when it hatches? Within just hours, these tiny shorebirds are already running across the sand searching for food on their own.
• Piping plovers blend in so well with the beach that they are considered camouflage experts. Their speckled feathers help protect them from predators, but also make it important for beachgoers to watch where they walk.
• Unlike many birds, piping plover chicks do not stay in a nest after hatching. They begin exploring the beach almost immediately, which is one reason protected nesting areas are so important. Plover chicks rely on freezing in place to avoid danger, which can sometimes make them look injured.
• A piping plover nest is as simple as could be. Nests are just shallow scrapes in the sand, making them very difficult to spot.
• Piping plovers may be small, but they are impressive travelers. These little shorebirds migrate thousands of miles each year between their wintering and nesting grounds. They winter as far south as the Bahamas and the West Indies up to North Carolina. They arrive in Maine to breed in mid-March.
• Piping plovers communicate with tiny whistles and peeps that can often be heard before the birds are seen along the shoreline.
• Piping plovers return to the same beaches year after year to nest, making Maine’s beaches an important part of their survival.
• A piping plover chick must double its weight within about a week to survive, spending nearly every waking moment searching the shoreline for tiny insects and marine worms.
• If you notice a bird acting injured, especially dragging a wing, it is porbably not hurt. This "broken wing display" is a distraction meant to draw attention away from a nearby nest.

Efforts Leading to Positive Change

In 2025, Wells had a record high of 23 nesting plover pairs, and 45 fledged chicks. Least Terns also had a successful season, with around 80 adults producing 90 chicks. This is the highest total number of least terns at any beach in Maine. This was part of a larger trend where Maine's plover populations have been increasing. For the past eight breeding seasons, Maine’s Piping Plover numbers have been on the rise, breaking records year after year. Many of our fledged chicks will return to beaches and help grow our breeding population for future years. Much of Wells’ success can be attributed to its incredible volunteer efforts, including a lead coordinator, and a crew of about 40 volunteers. Wells relies on this dedicated team of volunteers who help monitor the beaches, identify nests, and talk with beachgoers, educating them on these endangered birds. Wells continues to work with federal, state, and Audubon partners to keep beaches open while protecting important nesting areas.

Landowners who allow fencing to be erected to protect nesting areas are another asset to keeping them safe. Additionally, the Town of Wells ceases all raking activity on the beach until the plover breeding season is over, and extreme precautions are taken any time a vehicle is needed on the beach or in putting out the lifeguard chairs for the season.

However, despite the growth seen here, there are still only 2,000 pairs of Piping Plovers estimated to nest along the whole Atlantic Coast. For this reason, it is important that Maine’s Piping Plovers continue to prosper and contribute to the international recovery goals for the species.

Here are some ways that you can help:

• The best (and only) place for these birds is on the beach. Please enjoy watching these amazing endangered birds from a distance! We know they are fascinating and adorable, but they appreciate lots of space to roam. All photos taken by our volunteers and Maine Audubon are taken with either a wide lens camera or from a great distance.
• When a plover chick feels threatened, it will freeze in the hope of being overlooked. Sometimes people mistake this for an injury and pick the chick up, which puts the chick at risk of injury or even death. Never pick up or handle a "frozen" chick.
• Stay clear of fenced areas marked with “Restricted Area” signs.
• If you see a hole that someone has enjoyed digging but abandoned for the day, fill the hole in so no chicks are inadvertently trapped.
• Keep dogs leashed and all pets far away from nesting areas. Roaming dogs and cats are among the top threats to the eggs and chicks of Piping Plovers and Least Terns.
• Fly kites well away from nesting areas. Plovers and terns mistake them for predators and leave their nests to ward off the “intruders.”
• Take your trash and food scraps with you when you leave the beach for the day. Garbage attracts gulls, foxes, raccoons, and skunks, which prey on plover and tern eggs and chicks.
• Notify Maine Audubon of any disturbances to nesting areas by calling (207) 233-6811.

HarborFest returns to Wells Harbor for its 12th year

HarborFest, Wells’ biggest summer celebration, returns for its 12th year on Saturday, July 25, 2026, bringing a full day of free, family-friendly fun to Wells Harbor Community Park. The event will take place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at 331 Harbor Road, with overflow parking available at Wells Junior High School (1470 Post Road) and a free shuttle transporting guests to and from the park throughout the day.

Each year, HarborFest draws over a thousand visitors with its lineup of activities, live entertainment, and community spirit. The event will include live music, dancing, food trucks, touch tanks, face-painting, mobile basketball hoops, axe throwing, kite making, and a sand-art area. Families can enjoy the bounce house, bubble soccer, and hands-on marine life demonstrations. The Wells Police and Fire Departments will be on site offering live demonstrations, including a canine demonstration from the Wells Police K-9 unit. Crabbing, ice cream, and interactive games will be available for guests of all ages to enjoy.

A major highlight of the day is the 12th Annual Doughnut Eating Contest, sponsored by Congdon’s Doughnuts, which is scheduled for 2:00 pm. Throughout the day, attendees can also test their strength and skill in the World Championship Lobster Trap Toss Contest, with cash prizes awarded for first, second, and third place.

All activities are free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring their families and friends to this annual community event.

We invite all those who are interested in participating to reserve your space early, as vendor spots are limited:

• HarborFest Vendor Application
• HarborFest Food Vendor Application

For more information about HarborFest or to inquire about volunteer and vendor opportunities, please contact Rebekah Kelley at rkelley@wellstown.org or by phone at (207) 361-8130.

Wells Summer Concert Series is right around the corner

The Town of Wells is pleased to announce the return of its beloved Summer Concert Series, a free community event held every Saturday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Wells Harbor Park, located at 331 Harbor Road. This year’s concert series will run from June 27 through September 5, 2026, offering residents and visitors eleven weeks of live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Concerts take place at the Hope Hobbs Gazebo, where attendees can enjoy performances with scenic harbor views. Bench seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets. All parking at the venue is free.

The 2026 lineup includes a variety of genres and tribute acts sure to appeal to music lovers of all ages. Highlights include performances by Tru Diamond (paying tribute to Neil Diamond), the Dock Squares, playing Yacht Rock, Pop, Blues & Soul and the ever-popular Rockin’ Daddios, Reminisants, and Deep Blue C Studio Orchestra. Please note that there will be no concert on July 18, as the Wells Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Pow Wow that weekend.

The full 2026 Summer Concert Series schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, June 27 - The Reminisants
• Saturday, July 4 -The Party Starters
• Saturday, July 11- Deep Blue C Studio Orchestra
• Saturday, July 18 - No Concert, Chamber of Commerce Pow Wow
• Saturday, July 25 - Roadhouse Band
• Saturday, August 1 - The Fossils
• Saturday, August 8 - True Diamond, A Tribute to Neil Diamond
• Saturday, August 15 - The Rockin’ Daddios
• Saturday, August 22 - Dock Squares
• Saturday, August 29 - Club Soda Band
• Saturday, September 5 - New Legacy Swing Band

Whether you're a local resident or visiting the area, the Wells Summer Concert Series is the perfect way to enjoy a Saturday evening with family, friends, and great music by the water.

For more information, visit the Summer Concert Information Webpage or contact Rebekah Kelley at rkelley@wellstown.org.

Wells Beach Alerts: Be Prepared and Stay Informed

Text WELLS to 226787 for Wells Beach Alerts, including weather conditions, rip currents and emergency announcements.

The service is free to use, though standard messaging rates may apply.

Users can opt out at any time by texting LEAVE. Visitors are reminded to dial 9-1-1 for emergencies as this text service is not monitored.

Apply today to join our team!

The Town of Wells has several open employment opportunities.

We encourage you to take a look at the job opportunities currently available with the Town of Wells on our Employment Opportunities page. There is so much important work that goes in to keeping the town running, often behind the scenes.

Current Opportunities:

• Fire Chief
• Seasonal Waterfront Harbor Assistant

If nothing is a great fit for you, consider passing the listings along to friends and family who might be looking for a satisfying and important career.

Town staff and the the Board of Selectmen are supported by the efforts of the many volunteers who make up our resident-led boards and committees. These committees advance the work on present issues in Wells and do the research and preparation before bringing it to the board.

If you want to be more involved in your community, having a role in local government activities is a great way to start. There are currently vacancies on the following boards/committees.

Board and Committee Vacancies

• Board of Assessment Review - 1 member vacancy, 2 alternate member vacancies
• Budget Review Committee- 2 alternate member vacancies
• Committee for Veteran's Affairs- 2 alternate member vacancies
• Comprehensive Plan Update Committee- 2 member vacancies
• Energy Advisory Committee- 3 member vacancies, 3 alternate member vacancies
• Lodging Facility Advisory Committee- 2 member vacancies
• Recreation Commission- 1 alternate member vacancy

Learn more about each Board and Committee here.

Sign up for the RAVE Alert System for York County to ensure you receive emergency alerts.

​The RAVE Alert System is a reverse 911 application that allows citizens to sign up for emergency alerts. The program allows users to create a profile to alert first responders to their specific needs as well. For example, if there was an evacuation, the program would let first responders know if a user needed evacuation assistance through their profile. The profiles allow users to mark if they need specialized assistance, are dependent on electric supply, or even if they have pets or livestock.

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Examples of alerts include: winter storm notices, evacuation notices, flood alerts, bio-terrorism alerts, and boil water notices.

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Click here to Sign Up for RAVE Alerts.

We are always looking for ways to improve communication with our community members.

As always, if there is anything we can do to better communicate information, please let us know by emailing rkelley@wellstown.org.

Be sure to check out our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages using the buttons below. You can also see news and updates on the Town of Wells website at www.wellstown.org.