Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Nov. 15, 2019.

Thirty-one people from 25 countries became citizens during a naturalization ceremony Friday at Maranacook Community Middle School.

The Hallowell Planning Board will discuss an Oakland-based caregiver's application for a cannabis-growing facility at 268 Whitten Road at their meeting Wednesday.

The proposal would exempt military personnel stationed out of state, or deployed more than 180 days, from vehicle excise tax in Augusta.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Nov. 14, 2019.

A juvenile driving up Church Street Wednesday was not injured when her car struck a pole and flipped on its roof.

Linda Cohen, who has served six years as a South Portland councilor and has also been a city clerk, will begin Dec. 9.

Councilors elected in November's election are not scheduled to start their terms until they are sworn in at the start of the new year.

Property owner Renee Callahan said building on Callahan Drive in Augusta housed her husband Peter's business, CCC Construction.

Councilors took no action Tuesday after discussing maintenance of the park.

Historian Earle Shettleworth will speak Friday about how the Hubbard family became the namesake of the historic Hallowell library.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Nov. 13, 2019.

Shawn Metayer, 60, was driving a vehicle that hit an SUV Saturday, killing Stephanie Trudeau and Derek Trudeau.

Eric Colbert, 38, was arrested on Sunday by Maine State Police after troopers found a loaded shotgun in his residence.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Nov. 12, 2019.

Maine State Police say Eric Ryan fatally shot himself as Augusta police were entering the apartment where the couple lived, long after Loryn McCollett had died.

Central Maine coated in a mess that could freeze solid as temperatures plummet around Augusta and Waterville.

Augusta and Maine State Police were called to an apartment building on Northern Avenue, where the bodies of a man and a woman were discovered.

In a ceremony Monday, the Veterans Affairs Maine Healthcare System honored the veterans it serves and those across the state.

Capitol City Rifle & Pistol Club proposes to expand one of its ranges, while the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine proposes to add the use of .22 firearms at its youth educational area.

Police say speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the crash that killed Derek Trudeau and Stephanie Trudeau.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Nov. 11, 2019.

The crash occurred Monday morning in front of C & S Market in Augusta and authorities directed traffic around the scene.

For years, the World War II memorial stood in the corner of a yard; now it stands in the Riverside Cemetery annex on Route 27, where it's accessible to all.

Four veterans reflected on their time in the Army, Navy and Marines at the American Legion on Sunday.

A roundup of cases closed Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2019, at courts in Augusta and Waterville.

Augusta area police reports for Nov 10, 2019.

A Maine State Police spokeswoman says charges are pending against a driver whose vehicle reportedly crossed the centerline before striking and killing two people Saturday night.

Michael Hall talks about the role failure plays in growth.

Unique decorations and items made from unusual materials are on display at craft fairs in Gardiner and Augusta.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Nov. 9, 2019.

Regional School Unit 2 school board member Dawn Gallagher said in September she would drop out of Tuesday's election, which she won over Peter Spiegel, but now intends to wait to leave her post.

Some concerned that Riggs Brook Village District zoning rules are hindering development of an area that had been expected to see growth when a third bridge was built across the Kennebec River in Augusta.

Carrier Nicholas Claudel does not consider himself a hero: ‘I look at myself as a servant;' he and Joseph Arsenault Jr. have been honored multiple times for their Jan. 2 actions.

Augusta area police reports for Nov. 8, 2019.

Google officials share tips for businesses, nonprofits, and job-seekers at free daylong event at Augusta's Lithgow Public Library

David W. 'D-Money' Marble's conviction and life sentence, upheld by state's highest court.

Augusta area police reports for Nov. 7, 2019.

Residents have been asked to complete a survey by Friday.

Housing is the expected development option when the Henry L. Cottrell Elementary school is deeded from Regional School Unit 2 back to Monmouth.

Augusta area police reports for Nov. 6, 2019.

The ordinance sets requirements for medical marijuana retail stores, including a $1,000 fee for applicants.

Barbara Buck, Rita Moran were unopposed in their reelection bids to the Winthrop Town Council.

The new plan, which focuses on environmental protection and maintaining the town’s rural character, will replace one drafted in 1991.

Voters filled two at-large seats and a vacant Ward 3 seat on the Augusta City Council in voting Tuesday.

Diana Scully is elected as Ward 3 councilor in an unopposed election and Dawn Gallagher was reelected to the RSU 2 school board, despite her wish to drop out.

Amy Rees, who was appointed in January to fill the seat left vacant when Patricia Hart was elected mayor a year ago, easily defeated Penny Sergent.

A petition calls for a statewide referendum on the question of asking the Public Utilities Commission to rescind its vote in support of the CMP project and instead find that the proposal is "not in the public interest."

Augusta area police reports for Nov. 5, 2019.

Belgrade resident Betty Wells, who passed away in September 2018, left funds in her will that allowed the department to purchase the equipment.

The closure of Maine Avenue during its bridge replacement prompted traffic delays and drivers' frustration; now the focus shifts to next summer's more complex Bridge Street bridge work.

Augusta area police reports for Nov. 4, 2019.

Marketing program is meant to drive sales of school lunches, give schools assistance purchasing food locally, boost sales for farmers.

Fred Brewer founded the family business as a dairy farm, then the business grew and added a bottling and processing facility in Augusta.

A roundup of cases closed Oct. 24-30, 2019, at courts in Augusta and Waterville.

Ecologist screens white tails for Eastern equine encephalitis, a virus that killed a York County horse and person in Massachusetts this year.

The head of Maine Technology group talks about hacking hackers and the cybersecurity threat to Maine businesses.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Nov. 2, 2019.

Washington woman injured in two-vehicle accident. 

A new partnership between Central Maine Healthcare and DFD Russell Medical Centers, LEAP Inc. wins the Chamber Business of the Year Award, Lovejoy Health Center welcomes Dr. David Austin and more in this week's Business Briefs.

The District 2 race is the only contested City Council race on the ballot for Tuesday's election.

High winds from a storm Thursday night into Friday downed power lines and tree limbs across central Maine.

Authorities said Friday there were no updates three weeks after police discovered Andrew Sherman's death and 10 days after the death was classified as a homicide.

Augusta Police Deputy Chief Kevin Lully said two from Augusta and two from New York were arrested at 36 Water St. on Thursday.

Augusta area police reports for Nov. 1, 2019.

Edwin Pierpont, 47, grew a 1,832.5-pound pumpkin this year, breaking his own 2010 Maine state record and winning his fifth state championship.

The evening was highlighted by guest speaker Patrick Dempsey and a video featuring the state's seven living governors.

The former hockey enforcer, who played for the Maine Nordiques and later managed the Kennebec Ice Arena for years, is scheduled to sign copies of his book, which tells his life story and advocates against violence in the game.

Kennebec County Sheriff's Department Lt. Chris Read said a 14-year-old male from Chelsea was charged with terrorizing after making a threat "in reference" to a school shooting.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 31, 2019.

Four central Maine residents said they spend hundreds of dollars and countless hours decorating their homes to make Halloween special for local children.

Farmington medium/clairvoyant Annette Parlin recently joined author Cathy Cook at a Fayette home, where the former described spirits and ghosts she saw during the visit.

A strong field of candidates made their appeals to voters at a candidates forum this week.

Barry Grant Jr., 38, robbed one store in February, and another three in July, in Augusta.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 30, 2019.

Jay Underwood was one of two men arrested at a New Year's Eve party where two men were beaten.

Voters in both towns will have few choices to make when they turn out to the polls on Nov. 5.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 29, 2019.

While at the polls Nov. 5, residents will also be surveyed on their thoughts about the middle school.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 28, 2019.

Gardner Scott Stover, 59, pleads guilty to criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon and aggravated criminal mischief.

Sabattus police say speed and driver distraction were factors in a crash that killed Wabah Sahal Salat, 60 and Shaffira Shale Ali, 48. After receiving news of the crash, Common Wealth Poultry Co. closed for the day.

After some confusion about what was expected to happen at Friday's Appeals board hearing and who was expected to attend, board members agreed to set another meeting to take up the issue.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 27, 2019

While Sunday's rain put a damper on some activities, reenactors at Old Fort Western were able to show some of the activities that the settlers along the Kennebec River would have been doing more than 260 years ago to prepare for winter.

Packages sent home with students offer a discreet way for them to eat on the weekends, and no proof of need has to be shown to get the food.

A roundup of cases closed Oct. 17-23, 2019, at courts in Augusta and Waterville.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Oct. 26, 2019.

When Firefighters from Monmouth and surrounding towns arrived at the scene of a garage fire on South Monmouth Road, they found the building engulfed in flames.

The president of Bridgton and Rumford Hospitals talks about how to manage change.

The dog park at Vaughn Field was officially reopened on Friday after being closed since early September.

Each school in the district will undergo improvements intended to increase safety.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 25, 2019.

During a public hearing, medical marijuana caregiver Justin Selmer says changes to the rules could end up being costly for the town and storefronts.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 24, 2019.

Barbara Geaghan, former deputy town clerk and tax collector in Hampden, is Augusta's new city clerk.

The crash happened around 7:45 a.m. near the exit ramp for Interstate 95 in Augusta.

Dresden officials say the Ballard-Milligan Gravel Corp. violated the town's land-use ordinance by digging gravel too close to the property line. Owner Heather Beasley says that's not the case because her gravel pit is exempt.

Councilor Maureen Aucoin said only eight people, all city councilors, candidates or their partners, helped clean up overgrown weeds inside the park this weekend.

Some are concerned Riggs Brook Village zoning district rules have stymied development along Route 3 corridor.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 23, 2019.

Club officials are unveiling a plan to build a $10 million facility in Gardiner to expand their offerings for child care and after-school care, and offer improved facilities for seniors and others in the community.

Authorities discovered squalid living conditions when they went to the home to check on the homeowner's condition.

Three City Council candidates participated in a forum on Monday, answering questions from the public about the city's budget and upcoming comprehensive plan update.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 22, 2019.

Andrew Sherman, 48, was found dead Oct. 11 at his Richmond house. Authorities are asking the public for help from anyone who saw, talked to or heard from Sherman after Sept. 25.

Candidates are competing in two contested Augusta City Council races this year.

A public hearing on proposed changes to the town's medical marijuana retail store licensing ordinance, which goes before voters Nov. 5, is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Chelsea Town Hall.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 21, 2019.

Fire Chief Dana Mealey said the new station, located just north of Gosline's Hardware, will be done by Nov. 20.

The State Street center is home to a digital language lab immigrants can use to learn to speak English, and organizers say it will also host community and cultural events.

Augusta area police log for Oct. 20, 2019.

A roundup of cases closed between Oct. 9-16, 2019, at courts in Augusta and Waterville.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Oct. 20, 2019.

People & Places: New Dimensions Federal Credit Union welcomes new financial education coordinator; Bert Languet attends investing summit in Boston; Thomas College announces two new Board of Trustee members; and Boys & Girls Clubs of Kennebec Valley receives $50,000 in honor of community leader Richard 'Dick' O’Connor.

The Skowhegan Savings chief executive officer talks about the importance of planning for a succession in leadership.

From doughnuts to noodle bowls, the new offerings are geared to capitalize on the capital's large daytime population and growing downtown neighborhood.

Residents will be asked to OK the town joining a coalition looking into bringing high-speed broadband to the region. 

The accident closed lower Church Street for the afternoon, as workers from Reed & Reed broke down the concrete into smaller pieces for removal.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 18, 2019.

The former director of Hatch Hill, who was promoted to public works director in 2011, has continued to oversee the landfill but said the work has gotten to be too much.

The Marine Corps confirmed Thursday that René Gagnon had been mistakenly identified among the group of six men credited with having been photographed while raising a large U.S. flag on Feb. 23, 1945 — a revelation that stirred memories for Joseph Owen of a quiet man who shied away from the limelight.

Winthrop interim Superintendent Cornelia Brown said the student threatened to "harm students" at the high school early Thursday morning.

Saturday’s annual event at Togus will provide medical services, housing connections and other support to homeless veterans across Maine.

Augusta records 25-mile-per-hour winds and less than inch of rain, while along the coast nearly 3 inches of rain was measured and gusts were recorded up to 62 miles per hour.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 17, 2019.

A break Saturday evening and a second in the early hours of Sunday mean that the 20 households in the East Pittston Water District have to boil their water until they get the all-clear.

Middle- and high-schoolers took part in Aspirations Day on Wednesday, with speakers at the school and off-campus college and business visits.

Hatch Hill oversight position has been vacant since the former job-holder was promoted to public works director in 2011.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 16, 2019.

Here I am in 2019, as attached to my smartphone as any teenager, writes Liz Soares.

Beekeeper Larry Davis said the large beehive found between the walls of the Erskine building took about three days to fully extract.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 15, 2019.

Michael Butler was arrested Friday in Augusta after police say he shot at a vehicle in Hallowell.

Andrew Sherman, 48, whose death is considered suspicious by police, was known locally as friendly and smart.

A revised, smaller proposal to build apartments for families in what is now a city-owned park could still happen despite restrictions on the use of some of property.

Togus medical librarian Jessica Garsed won three games of "Jeopardy!" that aired last week and called it a "surreal experience."

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 14, 2019.

The Maine Avenue bridge is slated to be replaced in the second half of October, prompting detours and round-the-clock work.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 13, 2019.

During a Sunday appearance in Augusta, Native American advocate Sheri Mitchell said the new holiday was "good political capital" and urged attendees to lobby their legislators for bigger changes.

A roundup of cases closed Oct. 3-8, 2019, at courts in Augusta and Waterville.

Andrew Sherman, 48, was found dead in his Kimball Street home on Friday afternoon, authorities say.

A $50 million system, the largest of its kind in North America, was installed at a $153 million Central Maine Power electrical substation in Windsor.

Ghost Research and Investigations of Maine and Central Maine Ghost Hunters co-hosted a two-day event at the Olde Mill Place in Vassalboro Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11-12.

A dozen players, who assume new personalities as adventurers and townspeople, attended an event in Jefferson Saturday as part of a larger campaign modeled after Medieval Europe.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019.

A co-owner of the Washington General Store talks about being inspired by town residents to fill a need in the small Knox county town.

A week after Barn Boards and More's Mount Vernon workshop burned, the company that salvages old barns and makes furniture is putting the pieces of the business back together in a different way.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 11, 2019.

“If we have the focus of the screen being the thing — we are doing it wrong,” said Matthew Shea, director of teaching and learning for Winthrop Public Schools, “(Devices) should be used as support and as tools, not the focus.”

Officials gathered at a scenic overlook in the woods Thursday to dedicate Howard Hill Historical Park.

David W. "D-Money" Marble, sentenced to life in prison for murdering Eric Williams and Bonnie Royer in 2015, has appealed his conviction to the state's highest court.

The marquee event for Gardiner Main Street is changing with the times, welcoming craft brewers, distillers and winemakers from across the region.

Voters turned out Wednesday at a special town meeting to endorse serving liquor at restaurants and bars.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 10, 2019.

Resident Shay Flanagan said drivers go too fast on the newly-paved Central Street and prompted city police to look into the issue.

Timothy Boothby, 51, was sentenced to 21 days in jail after pleading guilty.

At Wednesday's Central Maine Business Breakfast in Augusta, experts weighed in on strategies to develop the region's workforce.

Leif Dahlin, the city's director of community services, said there is about $300 in damage at two buildings.

Ryan Beaudette, who admitted to stealing $150,000 from the Litchfield Farmers' Club, has repaid some of that and was ordered to make effort to pay $129,000 in restitution as part of his probation conditions.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 9, 2019.

Although nearly 10% of other hummingbird species worldwide are threatened with extinction, ruby-throats are not, writes Dana Wilde.

KV Tooling won an award for its design of a custom tool for one of its customers, and owner Brian Beland wants to use the opportunity to shine a light on the need for machinists.

A city park, Macomber Park, now occupies the Gage Street lot.

City officials have asked for more information on the materials excavated from around the Bridge Street bridge, as well as the upcoming schedule of work.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 8, 2019.

Councilors moved unanimously to open the dog park at Vaughn Field following a clean-up event on Oct. 20.

Joseph Carter, 52, of Augusta, was allegedly caught on camera stealing items, including a baby stroller.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 7, 2019.

More than 100 businesses will participate in the event at the Augusta Civic Center, which is geared toward networking and helping job seekers find a new employer.

Cigar box guitar performances, hand-wiring pickup demonstrations start third day of Maine Luthier's Showcase.

Drew Ryan has brought the type of seafood joint most Mainers take for granted to the Mile High City.

A roundup of cases closed Sept. 26-Oct. 2, 2019, at courts in Augusta and Waterville.

The owners of Diggy's Dogs talk about knowing when it's time to make a change and start something new.

Maine Firefighters Memorial Service Program especially somber in wake of Farmington explosion that killed one firefighter, critically and seriously injured six others. 

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019.

Putting the proposed new station on a run-down downtown site would be the most costly, but mayor says that location could bring the most benefits.

A spokesperson from Maine Natural Gas said no gas was found in the lab, but 50 people were evacuated Thursday while gas crews worked to repair a leak in a riser valve.

Resident Bruce Ellis said he observed the station overflowing in April for more than 12 hours, but some town officials said they weren't aware of an overflow.

Granite the cat has made the city's police department home after being brought in as a stray last month.

Town officials will use funds from the sale of a tax-acquired property for equipment to help heat and cool the Town Office.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 4, 2019.

Testimony, including in-depth discussion about how difficult it is to play the card game pinochle, wraps up in a new competency hearing for Eric Bard, a Sidney man convicted of raping a 4-year-old girl.

As part of Manchester Community Days, the stars of the DIY Network show will host a yard sale to clear out items they acquired with the purchase of 915 Western Ave. to benefit a vocational program for adults with mental illness.

Department of Public Safety spokesperson Steve McCausland said a crime lab employee reported the smell of gas around 8:30 a.m.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 3, 2019.

The theme of the conference, which takes place every other year, is taking action against sexual assault, harassment and exploitation.

Lt. Chris Read said callers asked two county residents for the Social Security numbers and dates of birth in order to clear up a "drug incident" in Texas.

Aubrey N. Armstrong, whose conviction and sentencing on two charges involving the same crime was deemed unconstitutional, was resentenced on Wednesday.

History has always provided solace for me, writes Liz Soares.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 2, 2019.

Darrell Newton, 39, ran up to 15 drug houses in central Maine from June 2015 to March 2017.

Kitty Winslow and Tom Jessen are capitalizing on the availability of some empty storefront windows in Augusta to showcase their art.

Augusta area police reports for Oct. 1, 2019.

Eric Bard, 29, convicted of gross sexual assault and sentenced to 50 years in prison, won a new trial after the state's highest court threw out his conviction because a judge discussed the case with the district attorney without the defense present.

The Winthrop Maine Historical Society recently rededicated a new memorial stone to the standardbred foundation sire, replacing one that went missing last spring.

A vehicle being driven by Richard Williford, 60, of Jefferson, hit Laurier Fleury, 58, while he crossed Water Street.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 30, 2019.

Manchester officials to seek new mutual aid agreements, with mostly new towns, to help fight fires, as the town quits its 45-year membership in the Lakes Region Mutual Aid group.

At a special meeting on Oct. 2, town officials will seek permission to buy a heat pump for the Town Office.

Five area business people reflect on the misconceptions they had about starting or being in business.

Supported on community donations, the Readfield school-based pantry helps students, families and anyone, no questions asked.