In their first debate on the proposed $6.6 million city budget, Gardiner city councilors said Wednesday night they seek to trim more than $200,000 from the spending plan, while figuring out how to add three firefighter-paramedics.
Jessica Lowell
Jessica Lowell is the managing editor of the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel. She previously covers business and economic development and general news in the Gardiner area.
After short but intense aspirations to be an opera singer (age 4) and a deep-sea diver (age 6) her most enduring passion has been telling stories.
A University of Maine graduate, she worked for newspapers in New Hampshire, upstate New York and Wyoming, where she has won awards for investigative and explanatory journalism. She’s a fellow of the Knight Center for Specialized Journalism and the Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources.
After several years out of journalism, she returned to Maine and to writing, where she spends her free time enjoying both trees and the ocean, two commodities that Wyoming lacks.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine
Gardiner Public Library officials look to freeze fees
In response to economic uncertainty brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the library’s board of trustees is recommending city officials not increase the fees neighboring communities pay to use the library.
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Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine, Times Record
Richmond readies for summer, but without recreation program, Richmond Days
While Richmond’s KOA campground can be open to Maine residents starting Memorial Day weekend, other summer activities have been canceled.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine
More changes shape summer season in downtown Augusta
Outdoor dining, a new gallery and new apartments now under construction mark the latest chapter in downtown Augusta’s revival.
Posted inBusiness, Kennebec Journal, Maine
Downtown Gardiner businesses proceed with caution
Downtown Gardiner retailers are opening their doors to customers again with public health protections in place, hoping to draw their customers back.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine
Daniel Bailey, owner of Percy Bailey Auto Sales, dies in Union crash
Friends and acquaintances remember Daniel Bailey as a man who loved his family, his business and his community.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine
Richmond selectmen approve warrant for Town Meeting
While the town’s Budget Committee supports cutting a patrol officer from the Richmond Police Department, the Board of Selectmen’s recommendation for full staffing will appear on the warrant.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine
Gardiner’s fire chief seeking more firefighters
The Gardiner City Council is expected to consider a proposal to add three firefighters when it reviews the city’s proposed budget in coming weeks.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine, Schools and Education
Gardiner-area school district considers adding social worker, instructional coaches
Even with the addition of these three positions, three of the four towns in the district will see their SAD 11 assessments drop, and Pittston’s will increase by a fraction of a percent.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Maine
Proposed Kennebec County budget expected to increase by 8.8%
Funding for the Kennebec County jail and a request to add patrol deputies represent the largest share of the increases proposed for the upcoming budget year.