Xi Qiang Zhao, who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor level charge with a deferred disposition, was the first of about a dozen defendants facing similar charges in Somerset County to reach a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Jake Freudberg
Staff Writer
Jake covers public safety, courts and immigration in central Maine. He started reporting at the Morning Sentinel in November 2023 and previously covered all kinds of news in Skowhegan and across Somerset County. Jake grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from Tufts University. While in school, Jake wrote for various news organizations in the Boston area. He’s also a Maine whitewater rafting guide and lived in Spain’s Canary Islands for a year.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Morning Sentinel, News
Skowhegan’s Maine Grains eyes expansion with grants totaling $700,000
The Skowhegan miller says it intends to purchase $1.3 million of equipment to produce grain-based foods and other products.
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Posted inLocal & State, Morning Sentinel, News
56-year-old woman dies in Madison crash
Kelly Paskoski was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on Old County Road, according to the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.
Posted inLocal & State, Morning Sentinel, News
Canaan moves toward agreement with Lake George Regional Park’s board appointments
The legal dispute over five new appointments the Select Board made in March for the joint committee that governs the local park has lasted months.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, Morning Sentinel, News
Somerset County extends partnership to support opioid recovery
County commissioners allocated $50,000 of opioid settlement funds to continue a partnership between the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and Somerset Public Health.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Morning Sentinel, News
Tool sale at former Vassalboro store raises thousands for local groups
Proceeds from the sale at the former Suga Country Products store supported the Maine State Troopers Foundation, the Vassalboro United Methodist Church and the South China Community Church.
Posted inLocal & State, Morning Sentinel, News
‘I’ve never been bored’: Skowhegan development director retires after 34 years
Jeff Hewett doesn’t have any plans yet but has been working to set up his successor to take over the economic and community development office.
Posted inLocal & State, Morning Sentinel, News
Near Jackman, land conservation group buys 44,000 acres for $44 million
The Conservation Fund recently acquired the forest land in northern Somerset and Franklin counties, near the Canadian border.
Posted inLocal & State
Steve Knight, Waterville: Keeping food and medical supplies from going to waste
The retired high school teacher has found a ‘niche’ in putting things to good use.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, Morning Sentinel, News
Waterville man facing charges for burglary, theft in Norridgewock
Mathew Woodard, 43, is alleged to have stolen a firearm, Apple AirPods and a small amount of cash Nov. 10, according to the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.