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.

Rangeley Health and Wellness awarded grant to support a behavioral health program; Maine Med takes neonatal training on the road; 14 Camden National Bank employees receive recognition awards; Camden National Corp. selected for the Sandler O’Neill Sm-All Stars Class of 2019.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019.

A number of local fire department officials said their departments are hearing more calls for gas leaks due to a "heightened awareness" from the public.

Worker has been treated and released after being extracted from a Picker Machine by Monmouth Fire Department Thursday.

Mayor Dave Rollins said the city council would sponsor the position, which would likely be fully paid for by the landfill's revenue.

Sun Sun restaurant employees have collected enough signatures to put the question of whether Randolph's only restaurant can serve drinks in front of voters in October.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 27, 2019.

The town's Selectboard, Planning Board and Economic Development Committee met Tuesday to discuss next steps for creating ordinances for adult-use marijuana.

Firefighters worked for 25 minutes to free a man whose arm had gotten caught in machinery at Tex Tech in Monmouth.

With new businesses opening and others expanding, downtown Gardiner parking is in short supply and officials are looking for solutions.

Jeffrey Tyler, 47, of Winthrop was arrested Friday after police secured a warrant based on the testimony of a female victim, who said contact began when she was 14.

Alexander K. Lewis, 19, reportedly pointed a 9-millimeter pistol at his mother on Grant Street on Wednesday.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 26, 2019.

Kiana Green, convicted of aggravated assault, a felony, to serve three years probation and perform community service.

Kenneth D. Marquis, 61, was found guilty of unlawful sexual contact Wednesday.

The Maine Preservation's Most Endangered Historic Places list is meant to shine a light on historic, important resources.

Maine State Police officials said no charges are coming after a state-owned car driven by a detective struck and injured an Augusta woman on Tuesday.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 25, 2019.

If there are steps you can take to cut back wood and oil burning at your house, writes Dana Wilde, you need to take them.

A Kennebec County Grand Jury also indicted a 16-year-old boy on murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges related to the 2018 killing of his mother, also in Litchfield.

A position overseeing operations at Hatch Hill landfill has been vacant since the former administrator was promoted to public works director in 2011.

State officials said the project was slated to cost about $225,000, but bids came back more than $60,000 higher and construction likely can't begin until Labor Day 2020.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 24, 2019.

A portion of Civic Center Drive was shut down after collision, which caused about 100 gallons of diesel fuel to spill.

Family and colleagues say H. Allen Ryan, who died Saturday at age 77, was a strong supporter of institutions and groups in the region.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 23, 2019.

A roundup of cases closed Sept. 12-18, 2019, at courts in Augusta and Waterville.

Tia Rousseau, 31, sexually assaulted a then-15-year-old at a Waterville hotel while authorities searched for the student missing from the Good Will-Hinckley school.

As gravestones fell, Bob Grenier decided it was not right to leave them and has stepped up to repair the graves after a funding commitment by the town for equipment.

Neal is the co-owner of Loyal Biscuit Co., a Rockland-based independent dog and cat supply boutique with six locations, the latest opening in Hallowell last month.

Organizers of the We the People rally say they want to remind elected officials that they work for the people and highlight topics that Congress is failing to act on, including gun control and immigration.

Noel Paul Stookey, of Peter, Paul and Mary fame, gives keynote address.

Three medical marijuana retail stores to open, two on Western Avenue, one on Bangor Street, after councilors unanimously approve their licenses.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 20, 2019.

Residents suggested providing bags and offering a small trash can at the Vaughn Field dog park's at a public meeting Thursday.

James Fulton, 37, indicted for allegedly selling Fentanyl, cocaine and heroin to confidential informant.

Philip M. Coward, 30, died after a load of rebar fell from a forklift at Mid-Maine Foundations Inc., on Howard Road in Monmouth on May 21, 2014.

Gardiner-native Matthew Shea will ‘help learners by helping their teachers' in the school district's new position.

To be in compliance with Maine state law, an employer must provide a space, other than a bathroom, for nursing mothers to express breast milk for up to 3 years after childbirth.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 19, 2019.

Patrisha McLean found her voice after leaving an abusive marriage, and she wants to use it to help lift the shame and stigma that's attached to victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Lukas Mironovas, 16, accused of killing his mother, waived his right Wednesday to a court hearing to determine whether he would be prosecuted as a juvenile or adult at the Capital Judicial Center.

I want those who are going into the trades, the military or the workforce to know that libraries are their lifelong friends, writes Liz Soares.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 18, 2019.

Developers Collaborative, a Portland-based property development company, has been working to build out parcels that city officials acquired along Cobbosseecontee Stream at the edge of the city's downtown.

City officials believe there are more medical marijuana businesses operating in Augusta than the three that have applied for licenses.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 17, 2019.

Mayor Mark Walker announced the meeting last week, adding that public response to the closure has been "loud."

Augusta area police reports for Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.

Expansion plans, spurred by a large donation from a Powerball winner in Iowa, include a 9,800-square-foot Health and Wellness center to open in 2020.

Incumbent Councilor-at-Large George Lapointe will run against Matthew Radasch, while races for Ward 3 councilor and a RSU 2 school board member are poised to be unopposed.

The Milkhouse was awarded $36,000 from the USDA and $10,000 from the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments to install a solar array that will eventually fill all the farm's energy needs.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 15, 2019

New Executive Director Courtney Yeager talks about her new role and the nonprofit's fundraising future.

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

The addition and updates to the shelter were made after donations from Robert Martin and Kendra Shaw, both of whom gave legacy gifts to the shelter to be used for the construction.

The $2.5 million range that was "nearly finished" in July may open sometime in September, according to Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife spokesperson Mark Latti.

The Hospital Street store and pharmacy that's closing at the end of the month is within easy walking distance to an apartment complex and long-term care facility on Glenridge Drive and the state's east side office complex.

City officials, however, say data shows motorists aren't actually speeding on Maple Street.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 13, 2019.

The former fire station was used by Cony High School for student activities and storage for decades but needs major structural repair and has been vacant for many years.

Crews from five towns quickly extinguished the Smithfield Road blaze.

Maine native Sgt. Erroll Wilbert Brawn was injured in 1918 while serving in World War I.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 12, 2019.

The organization, which supports 51 programs benefitting those in the Kennebec County region, has set a goal of $1.8 million for the year.

While the Maine Department of Transportation replaces a culvert, traffic will be diverted onto the North Road to where it intersects Route 41 in Mount Vernon.

Public Works Foreman Chris Buck said he has been pushing for the park to be closed because it's unsanitary, but a resident felt miffed by the change.

Ryan R. Tondreau set car ablaze after argument with longtime friend in the early morning hours March 2.

Gov. Janet Mills and local officials reflected on the bravery of first responders and the resilience of American citizens after Sept. 11, 2001 on Tuesday morning at Augusta's Hartford fire station.

Water hemlock looks to the unpracticed eye just like Queen Anne’s lace. One big difference though: It can be fatal to ingest, writes Dana Wilde.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 11, 2019.

The Cony Street building, once a city fire station and later used by Cony High School students when the high school was across the street, has sat vacant and deteriorating in recent years.

Nicole A. Lamphere was arrested in Augusta in June following a brief chase, while Joseph Trask, in an unrelated case, was charged with trafficking after selling drugs to an undercover agent in Gardiner.

Resignations during the summer will result in new candidates and contested races for seats on the Augusta City Council during the November general election. Three incumbents uncontested for Augusta Board of Education seats.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 10, 2019.

City Manager Nate Rudy said the agreements make Stevens Commons projects more attractive to lenders, despite reducing the city's security as a lienholder.

Police are still seeking a second suspect in the incident in which a pair of individuals were at a home to steal marijuana.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 9, 2019.

Families have been attending the fair for ‘a lifetime.’

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 8, 2019.

Apple experts and orchard owners said a late bloom has slowed the crop this year, but are still expecting a decent season.

20 dogs attend city-owned dog park despite cancellation of Barks in the Park event.

The president of the University of Maine at Farmington talks about the importance of communication in leadership.

The work is expected to be completed by Oct. 19.

LaBreck, 35, was killed in a crash Sunday after leaving the Windsor Fair when the pickup he was driving crashed. His passenger Jennifer Hood was also killed.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 6, 2019.

Skowhegan man suffered serious injuries.

Despite a financial setback last year, the president of the fair board said this year's fair is packed full of events, both new and old.

The annual event will continue to fund upkeep of the new city-owned dog park.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 5, 2019.

Town officials said five more jobs would be put on the back burner while town officials see how much funding is available.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 4, 2019.

At Wednesday's Central Maine Business Breakfast in Augusta, a panel of experts talked about what to expect when the adult-use marijuana market launches later this year.

Americans probably need more practice in sharing, writes Liz Soares.

A witness saw a pickup truck drive away with the camper at the end of August.

Both the Augusta and Auburn stores are closing this year as its parent company tries to stem losses.

Town Manager Scott Tilton said three stores will be grandfathered if the ordinance is confirmed by residents.

Lisa Hood said her 38-year-old daughter, Jennifer Hood, had been looking forward to going to the fair with her children.

Augusta area police reports for Sept. 3, 2019.

Even before they acquired Bodge Sands Island, town officials had been considering developing a parcel of land they acquired through unpaid taxes into a recreation area with access to the Kennebec River.

Augusta area police reports for Monday, Sept. 2, 2019.

Wayne farm will use $48,000 grant to purchase high tunnels, extend growing season.

Seth Labreck, 35, of South China, and Jennifer Hood, 38, of Winslow, were killed after the pickup truck they were in veered off the road Sunday night, according to Maine State Police.

The Department of Environmental Protection has been overseeing the removal of contaminated material for about six weeks, but the project will wrap soon so that the bridge replacement project won't be delayed.

The district is also continuing to work on existing projects, and officials will start considering a late start time for the high school.

Forty teams from across the region competed for top honors Sunday in a game that's gaining popularity nationwide but local teams are focused on the fun.

Five business owners and executives share the wisdom they have learned and shared.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Aug. 31, 2019.

Police have monitored traffic on the street, but saw little evidence of speeding.

Culvert had flooded ‘repeatedly’ where a marsh feeds into Jug Stream.

N.C. Hunt Lumber President Rob Hunt said 17 workers who were laid off in the wake of the March fire will likely return this winter.

Augusta area police reports for Aug. 30, 2019.

Hallowell’s Stevens Hall will house 36 students, with a second dormitory planned for the 2020-2021 school year.

Augusta area police reports for Aug. 29, 2019.

Andrew Bilodeau is sentenced to serve 10 years in prison with all but 1 year suspended for hitting and killing Emile Morin of Augusta.

An adult in Waterville was charged with accompanying a motor vehicle permittee while impaired and the 15-year-old driver was charged with driving without a license.

A total of six are entering prekindergarten this year at the school of 77 students.

Colleagues described the late Hallowell resident as a "pioneer" and "a joy to be with."

Augusta area police reports for Aug. 28, 2019.

A roundup of cases closed Aug. 1-14, 2019, at courts in Augusta and Waterville.