Augusta and Waterville area police reports for July 8, 2020.

Incumbent Board of Selectmen member Nancy Frost is challenged by Tyler Tripp, while Jim Grant and Doug Ebert will vie for a vacant seat on the board.

Readfield residents Tavis Rock Hasenfus and Joanne Mason seek to represent the Democrats in the November general election for the District 81 seat in Maine House of Representatives.

Orbweaving spiders perceive the world mainly through vibrations of silk and air, parallel to the way we perceive the world mainly through light and sound, writes Dana Wilde.

The annual budget vote, delayed 16 weeks by the global coronavirus pandemic, will take place in the pulling ring at the Pittston Fairgrounds Saturday.

The Maine Supreme Court ruled the town did not err in denying permits to Brightside Wooden Boat Services.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for July 7, 2020.

The annual Readfield Town Meeting, set for Tuesday, July 14, also includes budget proposals expected to result in a property tax decrease.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for July 6, 2020.

Five candidates are vying for three seats on the Select Board at a secret ballot-only Town Meeting on Tuesday, July 14, at Monmouth Academy.

Central Maine landlords say their inability to evict nonpaying tenants has left them holding big bills.

Voting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, in the conference room at the Town Office, in conjunction with the statewide primary and the referendum on the Regional School Unit 2 budget.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for July 5, 2020.

Selectman Wayne Kilgore says raised islands between travel lanes on Kennebec Drive and Park Street could be dangerous for large vehicles.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for July 4, 2020.

Independence Day, Maine bicentennial celebrated in socially distanced style.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for July 3, 2020.

The town election is scheduled for July 14 and the open Town Meeting for July 16, both at Chelsea Elementary School on Togus Road.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for July 2, 2020.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for July 1, 2020.

While I sympathize with the small business owners who are losing money because of the dearth of visitors, this is an ideal opportunity for Mainers to enjoy Maine, writes Liz Soares.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 30, 2020.

Voters will weigh in on town spending plan that is slightly less than the current year's budget.

Professional pyrotechnics display companies across the nation, including Central Maine Pyrotechnics, are on track to lose the bulk of their revenue this year because of canceled fireworks productions.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 29, 2020.

The funds will allow the club to provide educational support to students in the Gardiner-area school district as well as in Chelsea and Windsor over the next four years.

The Police Department's roster includes five full-time and seven part-time officers, and former Chief Eric Nason has been serving as a reserve officer since May.

Andrea Smith, the state Department of Economic and Community Development's director of tax incentive programs, said her department has been working with the city to address this matter since last year.

Selectmen in West Gardiner are presenting voters with a proposed budget scaled back from the plan presented earlier this year, before widespread shutdowns of businesses and government operations due to the coronavirus pandemic declared in mid-March.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 28, 2020.

Residents are expected to decide on 41 articles, between voting July 14 and the open Town Meeting July 18.

City officials plan to remove 14 infected cherry trees at Monument Park, off Memorial Circle.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 27, 2020.

With no festivals or fairs to fill out their summer calendars, food truck operators are finding new ways to reach customers.

Recent drought conditions mean a natural fungus that keeps the infestation in check isn't happening, as the caterpillars with poisonous hairs decimate trees in some areas of the region.

The rehearsals, which previously took place at C.M. Bailey Public Library, bring together about a dozen musicians weekly on the shores of Maranacook Lake.

College officials unveiled the comprehensive safety plan the school has created in order to bring students and staff back to campus despite the continuing coronavirus pandemic.

The mystery of a homing pigeon that appeared last weekend at Amy Calder's sister's house in Skowhegan led to a journey to find the bird's owner and while some questions were answered, others remain elusive.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 26, 2020.

Robert Belmain, accused of injuring Trooper Mickael Nunez who tried to stop his fleeing vehicle with a spike strip, made his first court appearance Friday and had his bail set at $500,000.

The committee is still waiting for information on the district's debts to complete its draft of the exit agreement and create a first-year operations budget for a Richmond standalone district.

Police Chief Jared Mills said the situation led to 15 vehicles being towed from the private parking lot near Meineke Car Care Center at 268 State St.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 25, 2020.

Robert Belmain, 53, of Caribou faces charges of elevated aggravated assault and reckless conduct in connection with a chase that severely injured Trooper Mickael Nunez.

The $6.12 million final budget reflects cuts requested by the City Council over concerns about increasing property taxes to residents in economically uncertain times.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 24, 2020.

With a moisture deficit that stretches back months, many of the state's rivers are also running low.

A Tuesday memo addressed the department's role in 15 cars being towed from a State Street parking lot after the Black Lives Matter protest June 7 near the State House.

A truck hauling a mobile home got stuck on a narrow driveway, blocking the length of Hallowell Litchfield Road, police said.

Sometimes I get chills when my mind homes in on the fact that spiders are sentient, writes Dana Wilde.

Kennebec County Sheriff's Lt. Chris Read said Jeremy Kenney, 45, was pronounced dead at the scene after his vehicle went off the road and hit a tree.

City councilors hold special meeting Tuesday to revise recently approved budget.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 23, 2020.

Resident Kelly Couture says Selectman Alan Tibbetts' "LIAR" signs are "divisive" and "borderline hate speech." Couture also accused Tibbetts of moving and damaging Trump-Pence campaign signs, which he denies.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 22, 2020.

The seven-week program at city playgrounds, funded mostly with money saved because city pools are not opening this summer, is scheduled to begin July 6.

At the same time, the Gardiner City Council is expected to ratify union contracts with the city's four bargaining units.

State Police: Antonio Martinez, 22, was likely texting while driving Sunday night and lost control of his pickup truck near Exit 43 in Richmond.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 21, 2020.

Like their for-profit counterparts, nonprofits are struggling with how to continue fulfill their missions when some external funding sources are drying up and their own fundraisers may have restrictions.

Two dozen people lined the sides of the Kennebec River Rail Trail on Sunday to help celebrate the birthday of Al Kavanagh, a World War II veteran who has regularly walked the trail for the last five years.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 20, 2020.

The eatery, a local institution for nearly 50 years, will delay reopening out of concern for the health of its regular customers who tend to be older individuals.

Mural by nationally known artist, painted steps quoting Stephen King, brighten and enliven Commercial Street area.

Code Enforcement Officer Arthur Strout said the issue with messy properties has only gotten worse since voters passed a junkyard ordinance in 2018.

The crash on Route 201 in Vassalboro resulted in a road closure for about 45 minutes, according to Fire Chief Walker Thompson.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 19, 2020.

Dance Unlimited dancers, who because of the coronavirus pandemic have taken online dance classes from their homes, finally take to the stage.

The withdrawal committee is still working toward a June 30 deadline for a proposed budget for the first year of a standalone Richmond school district, as well as a negotiated withdrawal agreement.

The two central Maine banks made the announcement Thursday, and expect to complete the consolidation by year's end.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 18, 2020.

Owners Don and Ruth LaChance, who opened the current iteration of the business in its new location in 2012, are selling the market for $69,900.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 17, 2020.

With fewer coronavirus cases in Maine, it's easy for us to feel complacent about maintaining safety measures, writes Liz Soares.

The proposed "Back to the Future Playground Program" could run for up to seven weeks.

Augusta city officials plan to offer the key job to another candidate they interviewed before hiring former Waterville clerk Patti Dubois, who will be returning to her old job.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 16, 2020.

To help municipalities with cash flow, commissioners voted to allow them to pay their county tax in two payments for this year only.

Justin Cole, 13, was reported missing at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday after last being seen at 8 p.m. Monday.

Developer Matt Morrill says the Cleveland Building, which is north of the Hallowell Fire Station on Coos Lane, will be converted into apartments.

Augusta might partner with other area municipalities — including Gardiner, Hallowell, Waterville and Winthrop — to provide group training.

Patti Dubois, who left her job as Waterville city clerk recently to become the city clerk in Augusta, is returning June 29 to her former job at Waterville City Hall, and Matt Skehan, director of the Waterville Parks & Recreation Department, will become the city's director of Public Works when Mark Turner retires July 2.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 15, 2020.

Commencement traditions altered in Augusta due to coronavirus pandemic.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 14, 2020.

Work on a proposed separation agreement is expected to continue Wednesday, when district representatives and withdrawal committee members are scheduled to meet for the second time.

Graduation ceremonies, due to coronavirus pandemic, were broken down into 10 smaller, more personal, sessions.

Diploma recipients included a man who left school in 1967 to serve in the Navy in the Vietnam War.

The faithful don't need to “pack the pews" right now, but rather minister to the people in need out in the world, J.P. Devine writes.

Some central Maine towns continue to be resident-only beaches, but enforcement tends to be on the honor system and none plan similar measures to reduce the number of people this summer.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 13, 2020.

Because of limits on public meetings due to the coronavirus pandemic, the School Administrative District 11's districtwide budget meeting has been replaced this year with a remote public hearing.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 12, 2020.

Laura E. Richards School staff members gathered outside the building Thursday morning, as students and their families drove by for a final farewell to the academic year.

Ed DuGay, a governmental affairs consultant and former Democratic state legislator, plans to open Hallowell 4Twenty at 31 Water St. before July 4.

Police say Brian Dyer, 30, set fire to a fuel pump outside an Augusta convenience store early on May 17.

The proposed budget, with its largest requested increase in nearly two decades, includes additional funding for the jail normally sought from the state Legislature, and to hire three additional deputies.

Ranae L'Italien is taking over as executive director of the organization, which is opening its Augusta and Manchester facilities — while implementing coronavirus precautions.

Broadcasters have said they will no longer cover Cony High School sporting events due to the policy, which was twice turned away by the school board previously due to a lack of input from broadcasters.

The high school opted to use outdoor screens to broadcast the ceremony outside, so all graduates could gather in one place — in a socially distant way — to celebrate the milestone.

The Readfield-based Regional School Unit 38 school district will send off its seniors with 10 ceremonies spread over Saturday and Sunday, allowing the graduates to have in-person celebrations to close out their high school careers.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 11, 2020.

A split council denies a credit enhancement agreement to the developers of Central Maine Crossing.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 10, 2020.

Every year, the Gardiner Area High School graduation brings hundreds of people to watch the annual rite of passage. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, technology will bring the ceremony to the audience both near and far.

The Planning Board rejected a request to waive some city zoning requirements developer Jim Pepin said are needed to build on the Western Avenue site, currently home to a vacant office building.

Every kind of suffering and joy seems upon us here in early summer, writes Dana Wilde.

Winthrop resident Joe Pietroski questioned the need for increases in spending in the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office at a time when people are out of work and can't afford increasing taxes.

Officials say nothing appears to be "amiss" with how Hallowell police officers perform their jobs. The scrutiny and training are "preemptive."

City officials are soliciting public input on the proposed $6.3 million city budget after seeking spending cuts in a bid to minimize property tax increases.

Social distancing requirements and a lack of poll workers have prompted the city to temporarily move away from ward voting.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 9, 2020.

City officials spoke with officials from Kennebec County concerning its largest budget increase in a decade, which is contributing to an increasing municipal expenditure budget.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 8, 2020.

A widely shared Facebook post accused Augusta police of retaliating against protestors Sunday, but others attending the Black Lives Matter event say police warned them their vehicles were about to be towed.

Wind knocked down the stage before the ceremony began, but did not dampen high spirits from students and parents, who watched from their vehicles.

Sheriff's deputies say a preliminary investigation indicates the truck tried to avoid the car, which might have crossed the centerline.

At a protest in the shadow of the State House, participants speak against racial injustice and advocate for widespread police reforms.

Valediction Abigail Johnson said to 36 seniors she dreamed for years of her "senior spring," which included prom and other activities, but missing those traditions presented more learning opportunities.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 6, 2020.

A special town meeting is scheduled for Monday to consider changing the town's Land Use Ordinance to allow for the development of a solar array.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 5, 2020.

The Kennebec County Budget Committee will hold virtual public hearings on Tuesday and Thursday before voting on a proposed spending plan that's up nearly 8.5% more than the current year.

While they will be socially distanced, all 45 graduating students will be honored at one ceremony on their school campus while their families watch from cars.

Class President Brooke McKechnie, the speaker at the second of six ceremonies, urged her classmates to work hard in her address Saturday.

Protest organizers say they do not want the protesters to be seen as rioters during the event planned for the streets near the State House.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 4, 2020.

Pittston is the latest fair to announce its cancellation for this year due to ongoing concern about the spread of COVID-19 in Maine. Organizers say they hope to hold some sort of event in the fall.

The budget proposal that moves forward shaves spending and leaves the door open for grant funds for additional firefighters.

Balancing celebration with public health concerns, Richmond will hold an outdoor graduation, followed by a reverse parade to honor graduates.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 3, 2020.

No injuries were reported in the fire, which was called in about 7:15 a.m., but "a couple of" pets died in the blaze.

While my life has slowed down, my thoughts haven't. I need to keep them where my body is at any given moment, instead of galloping ahead to the unpredictable future, writes Liz Soares.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 7, 2020.

City Councilor Kate Dufour said Wednesday that imprecise revenue predictions could leave the city "in trouble" if it moves too quickly on the budget.

Darlene Beaulieu's departure comes a month before the annual Town Meeting, and Whitefield officials are assessing the current office staff's ability to run elections and the open meeting.

In a 4-3 vote, the Town Council approves municipal spending plan and a 2.37% increase to the property tax rate.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 2, 2020.

City councilors will also be asked to confirm the appointment of Michael Vella as director of the Department of Public Works.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 1, 2020.

The Hallowell City Council approved a parade of cars full of graduating students to come down Water Street around 8 p.m. Saturday, June 6.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 31, 2020.

Despite delays in receiving information, the committee appointed to negotiate Richmond's withdrawal from its school district still hopes to meet deadlines for leaving RSU 2 in 2021, if Richmond voters agree.

Gardiner residents will be able to transact business in person at Gardiner City Hall, as long as they wear masks, observe limits to the number of people allowed into the public areas and bring their own pens.

With their focus on health and safety, gym and fitness facility owners say they are frustrated with delays in reopening their businesses

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 30, 2020.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 29, 2020.

Towns are grappling with the possibility of more than 50 people attending meetings, which violates gathering restrictions currently in place by an order of the governor's office.

Cony's graduation will include students being awarded their diplomas in-person at the school as their families look on.

No members of the public commented at a virtual public hearing on the city and school budget, but will have another chance, in person, next week.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 28, 2020.

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.

Masks and social distancing requirements are part of the city's reopening plan, which outlines when other parts of Augusta's municipal operations will resume services.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 27, 2020.

Though some Select Board members expressed concern about the impact of state limits on gatherings to no more than 50 people, the town will have an open Town Meeting at Whitefield Elementary School on July 18.

If you can’t remember ticks being much of a problem when you were a kid, it’s because they weren’t, writes Dana Wilde.

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.

Town Clerk Rose Webster said the position vacated by Selectman Andy Vellani has already garnered interest from a couple of town residents.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 26, 2020.

While Richmond's KOA campground can be open to Maine residents starting Memorial Day weekend, other summer activities have been canceled.

Outdoor dining, a new gallery and new apartments now under construction mark the latest chapter in downtown Augusta's revival.

Many central Maine communities recorded programs honoring veterans Monday as most in-person events were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 25, 2020.

No injuries were reported in fire that authorities say destroyed the Fairview Street home of a woman known for fostering 100s of children.

Officials of the Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope transitional home for homeless and in-need women veterans say the hiring of Colleen Madigan will help them reorganize and make improvements, but still plan to empty the house of its current four residents who don't want to leave.

Anne McKee, with no in-person graduation ceremony to attend, instead marked her college graduation by running more than 50 kilometers from Bowdoin College in Brunswick to her family's Hallowell home.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 24, 2020.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 23, 2020.

Downtown Gardiner retailers are opening their doors to customers again with public health protections in place, hoping to draw their customers back.

The selectman, whose resignation is effective Tuesday, asked for Farmingdale residents understanding and offered his "apologies and also appreciation to all that have supported and voted for me."

Some Augusta and Gardiner restaurant owners are happy with their level of patrons, while one Hallowell business is wondering where diners are.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 22, 2020.

Friends and acquaintances remember Daniel Bailey as a man who loved his family, his business and his community.

Despite numerous Memorial Day events being canceled, a number of volunteers worked to mark the graves of veterans around central Maine.

Health and wellness activities at both MaineGeneral and the Alfond Youth Center in Waterville will benefit from the funds.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 21, 2020.

Reasons for Andy Vellani's sudden resignation were unclear Wednesday night.

The library is asking the city for $68,040, but has primary goal of retaining last year's figure of $42,000 with anticipated struggles in city revenues.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 20, 2020.

Patti Dubois, currently city clerk in Waterville, will fill Augusta's vacant city clerk's position starting June 8.

Wearing a mask in a pandemic is just as important to public health as people wearing shoes in places where food is served, writes Liz Soares.

Though another person had previously expressed interest, Jan Michaud is the only candidate to seek the vacant Ward 3 Augusta Board of Education seat.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 19, 2020.

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.

All four residents of Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope say they were told last Thursday they had to be out by Tuesday, and none of them have yet found other places to live.

Fire Chief Scott Higgins said the home needed to be taken down Sunday night by an excavator so crews could extinguish the fire.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 18, 2020.

This year's version of the nation's longest-running student variety show will be patched together with video of two performances — one that's already been recorded, the other to be filmed June 6 at Cony High School.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 17, 2020.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 16, 2020.

Temple Beth El rabbi emeritus Susan Bulba Carvutto returned home to Granite Hill Estates with a warm welcome from friends.

Citing city budget cuts, including the layoffs of more than 30 workers, councilors asked the Augusta school board to cut about $450,000 from the proposed budget to avoid a tax increase.

Kennebec Valley Community College's 50th commencement was broadcast Saturday online and on public access television.

Frank Foss Jr., 25, of Dresden was arrested Thursday on gun-related charges, which violate conditions from a previous arrest after he allegedly fired a gun at his wife and children.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 15, 2020.

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.

Radio broadcaster says station won't broadcast Cony High School home games if the proposed policy passes.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 14, 2020.

Jeffery George, 38, was arrested at his home on a charge of possessing sexually explicit material of someone under 12, while a Wiscasset man was charged with the same crime in a unrelated case.

Food banks in Augusta, Gardiner and Hallowell are struggling to get diverse products, but are keeping up with increased need during the coronavirus pandemic.

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.

Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center of Disease Control, said Monday that 1,200 of the masks 3D printed by Delta Prime Robotics have entered the state's supply.

In a Zoom meeting Tuesday, numerous Togus Pond property owners objected to the project due to the potential for increased boat traffic and milfoil from launch users.