Wilmer and Marlene Redlevske shovel mulch over a tarp to keep weeds from encroaching on a flower garden at their home in Mercer recently.

Maine Department of Marine Resources technician Jason Beaudry leaps out of a boat in Gardiner recently after searching the Kennebec River with biologists Jason Bartlett, center, and Gail Whipplehauser with a side scan sonar between Gardiner and Augusta. According to Whipplehauser, the scientists are collecting data on the migration of sturgeon, shad and herring that spawn in the river through mid-July.

Participants sing “How Great Thou Art” to wrap up the National Day of Prayer event on Thursday on the State House front steps in Augusta. The singing was preceded by the reading of a proclamation by Gov. Paul LePage and the reading aloud of the 2013 Prayer for the Nation. The event also included a prayer walk around the State House and the city of Augusta.