After massive pushback from residents, the council made more than $230,000 in cuts to bring the increase to about 12%, according to Mayor George Lapointe.
Ethan Horton
Staff Writer
Ethan reports on cost of living for the Portland Press Herald. Before he joined in mid-2026, he covered local news in Augusta and surrounding areas and ran a weekly newsletter for the Kennebec Journal. He joined the KJ in 2024 shortly after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was an editor for The Daily Tar Heel. For better or worse, Ethan always wanted to live in Maine.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Local Government, Maine
Ryan Martin resigns from Hallowell City Council to focus on family, work
Mayor George LaPointe will need to appoint a Hallowell resident to fill Martin’s position until after the November election.
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Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine
Hallowell residents organize petition demanding redo of budget in wake of 20% tax increase
The Hallowell City Council recently approved an approximately 20% increase in property tax rates, which caused outrage among many residents.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine, Nation & World
Maine teen among Taylor Swift fans in limbo after Vienna concert cancellation
Swift’s three concerts in Vienna, Austria, were canceled after officials arrested two suspects accused of plotting an attack on the stadium, but Erin Fontaine, 19, of Augusta, had already boarded a plan when the announcements were made.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine
Groups urge caution as lakewide algae bloom forms at Androscoggin Lake
A water quality nonprofit is advising residents to avoid recreation in the lake with visible algae and where water is discolored or has an odor.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine
Watch: Fayette to hold November referendum on selling historic Starling Hall
The vote on selling the Grange Hall by the end of 2025 will be held Nov. 5, the same day as the presidential election.