Anneliese Heinig disappeared in November 2019 only days after posting two cryptic messages on Facebook. Her vehicle was found abandoned on the shoulder of Interstate 295 in Falmouth two days before she was reported missing.

This year's theme is a Maine staple, the potato.

Officers include Richard O'Brien, David Blocher, Gil Lapointe and Susan Trask.

Entries will be accepted through Aug. 31.

Registration for Franklin County Animal Shelter event to close Aug. 31.

The concert will be streamed live from the empty Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center.

Rolling tourney to be offered through Sept. 17 for those who can't join invitational.

City officials consider proposed $6.5 million spending plan, but a final decision on the revenue and expenditure budgets is expected later this month.

Sunday's event, scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., is to be drive-thru style at the Augusta Civic Center.

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

Food shopping tours available by only by appointment.

Community groups and residents are asking for additional limits on the number of marijuana outlets allowed in the city's downtown as the adult-use market gets ready to launch. Others say the market will determine how many shops the city will have.

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

Representatives of the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed and Maine DEP are planning to treat Annabessacook Lake next Monday with an herbicide.

The free program was attended by two families on Saturday, but organizers from Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed hope a fall event is better-attended.

People & Places: Stephen Wallace promoted to senior vice president.

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

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

Initial plans to use almost half of the parking lot at the northwestern corner of Water and Central streets have been walked back to increase parking.

The Augusta soup kitchen, which provided dine-in meals before coronavirus, is continuing to serve the community with takeout hot lunches weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon.

Screenings available by appointment.

Summer veggies focus of class.

The fundraiser also seeks to honor the late Chris Thompson, a frequent skater known for welcoming new skaters to the park, who died in a car crash earlier this year.

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

Fishing equipment was taken from two boats moored at the East Winthrop marina Sunday evening, prompting Lakeside Lodge & Marina to beef up security.

Augusta Food Bank Executive Director Bob Moore said more than 150 cars were lined up for a food giveaway at the Augusta Civic Center an hour before it began Thursday.

The proposed hybrid plan will split students into two groups in order to reduce the number of students in school buildings at one time and to allow for enough room to comply with social distancing requirements.

The pandemic has meant people are staying home, and it appears that animals are benefiting and thriving because of it, writes Liz Soares.

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

Crews across central Maine were working to restore power Wednesday after high wind from Tropical Storm Isaias knocked down trees across the region when it blew through Tuesday night.

Wilder will give a talk about Susan B. Anthony and the Centennial of the 19th Women's Suffrage Amendment.

The order was recommended by the city's Board of Health; hours later, 200-300 people lined Water Street, some without face coverings, to celebrate resident Chris Vallee's release from the hospital following complications from kidney surgery.

Hallowell Police Chief Scott MacMaster said about $200 in damage was done at the field, including a failed attempt to start a small fire in a dugout.

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

Entry deadline is 4 p.m. Aug. 15 at River Arts new location in Damariscotta.

The federally-funded Farmers to Families Program has given away more than 15 million boxes of local food to families nationwide.

With several pot-related businesses in the pipeline in Gardiner and the approval of a business license on Wednesday's agenda, city officials are expected to consider imposing a limit on how many marijuana businesses it will allow.

Police say Mark Anderson was injured Friday when his motorcycle was struck by a car driven by Dalton Pushard on State Route 9 in Chelsea.

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

Randolph residents voted last week to authorize town officials to borrow up to $1.2 million for a new fire station that has been in the works for at least eight years.

While the remnants of Tropical Storm Isaias are expected to begin sweeping through New England on Tuesday night, the forecast for August continues to suggest conditions that are both hotter and drier than average.

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

City officials are asking developers to suggest ideas for the century-old building, while preserving its historical character.

Community Service and Outreach Committee launches digital fundraiser July 13, raises $740 for Community First Fund.

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

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

While the state has unveiled its guidelines for schools, central Maine districts are still working out the details about how to start the academic year safely.

Kelly Gooldrup will leave Gardiner City Hall to become the city clerk in Augusta, beginning Aug. 17.

Thirty residents showed up to vote on town spending for the next year, as well as a request for authorization to borrow up to $1.2 million for a new fire station.

A box containing masks meant to help protect rescue workers from exposure to the coronavirus went missing from outside the station last week.

After Kennebec County Sheriff's deputies conducted a well-being check Wednesday, they found numerous illegal drugs in a residence at Pine Hill Apartments in Farmingdale.

In response to complaints about overcrowding and inappropriate behavior, town officials are planning changes to discourage use of the popular swimming spot.

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

To provide outdoor seating for two downtown restaurants, Augusta city officials secured aluminum docking to build parklets that were installed Saturday in front of the Oak Table and the Raging Bull Saloon.

Donations sought to help each student in need.

Outstanding nonprofit board service to be recognized.

The commission once operated out of a space at a soon-to-be auctioned property on Second Street, but announced Tuesday it had moved to new offices on Katherine Drive.

Officials said it was the second time a gas line has been hit by a West Gardiner contractor during a project to reconstruct the road and replace pipes on Columbia Street.

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

Kassandra Gammon, 27, of Augusta, who is now being charged with operating after revocation, used her sister's name when deputies asked who she was at the crash scene, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.

The building, which was built in 1967, houses the Maine State Archives, Maine State Library and Maine State Museum.

I don’t know what else to do except to keep pointing to facts from the real world, writes Dana Wilde.

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

Eric Caswell, 41, of Oakland and Tarik Squire, 37, of Bronx, New York, were arrested Jan. 2 by Augusta police and Maine Drug Enforcement agents, who were waiting for them at the Super 8 motel in Augusta.

Police said a 2012 Mitsubishi driven by Kassandra Gammon, 27, of Augusta, hit a 2017 Nissan driven by Alan Hewitt, 30, of Wiscasset, on Cedar Grove Road.

About 20 people meet at a lot on the corner of Water and Central streets to discuss the location of a temporary park.

Following months-long delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, a Kennebec County grand jury indicted several people last week.

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

Since a July order from Gov. Janet Mills did not include Winthrop, town officials used the community's emergency order last week to enact mask-wearing requirements.

Walk Around Wiscasset on July 30 will replace Wiscasset Art Walk.

Altercation between adults was related to a children's race, according to police and other emergency workers.

Arlene "Nan" Brann-Brown, recipient of the Boston Post Cane in 2018, celebrates at her house.

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

Residents at Thursday's Town Meeting will also be asked if they want to borrow about $1.2 million to build a new fire station on Kinderhook Street.

John Charles Holmes of Georgetown was swimming with a friend when he was unable to return to their boat, anchored below the Richmond boat landing, according to searchers.

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

One Augusta resident and three New York City residents charged with trafficking in cocaine.

People & Places: Veilleux to join Laflin & Wolfington Realty team in Farmingdale; Kennebec Estuary Land Trust welcomes new board members

Virtual format paves the way for nonprofits to raise funds during pandemic.

Developer Paul Boghossian gave a presentation on his proposed a multi-residence pocket neighborhood for the Dresden Avenue property where the former MaineGeneral facility sits at a Gardiner Planning Board workshop Thursday.

Families who swim at the site say it can be difficult to find public swimming spots, especially this summer with the coronavirus pandemic prompting some water recreation areas and pools to close.

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

City-owned fort, the oldest surviving wooden fort in the country, is open for tours, but not getting many visitors in pandemic.

The city of Augusta and the Greater Augusta Utility District are using a federal grant to have wastewater samples tested for the coronavirus.

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

Augusta police report that Kelsey Buckmore and Rachel Paquet died in the two-vehicle accident on Eastern Avenue.

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

Buttonbush blossom is a natural miracle you can see performed every year, writes Dana Wilde.

Jerry Douglass has been named public works director for the city of Gardiner; he's expected to start no later than Aug. 31.

The developer planning to redevelop the former MaineGeneral property on Dresden Avenue in Gardiner will present his ideas Thursday during a workshop at the Gardiner Fire Station.

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

It's been a scorcher outside lately. Central Mainers show off how they're keeping cool.

Al Nelson, who has been Gardiner's fire chief for nearly six years, says he is returning to nursing.

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

Augusta police say Daniel Williams of Waterville and Melanie Heron of Sidney were taken to the hospital after they were struck by a turning vehicle near the State Route 3 and West River Road intersection.

City officials warn residents they must continue to be vigilant to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The past two champs, Jordan Laplume and Bailey Plourde, enter as favorites to win the three-day tournament.

Voters approved a $15 million bond last week to push high-speed internet service into more low-density areas of Maine.

'This is probably the lowest point that I've ever seen,' says one logging industry veteran and association president.

Consumers invited to connect with Maine farms online to explore and support local agriculture.

The state's July 14 primary shattered previous records for absentee ballot use in a primary.

Mount Vernon and Whitefield voters approve municipal spending for upcoming fiscal year.

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

Debate continues on whether the city should preserve parking spaces or if it can afford to lose some to a temporary mini-park, which could lead to a permanent park.

Amid a nationwide debate over how and when to reopen schools, Maine teachers and staff have concerns about health and safety, how to enforce mask-wearing and what to do if their own children's schedules don't align with theirs.

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

The Pine Tree Council of the Boy Scouts of America has decided to sell Belgrade youth camp on the shores of Great Pond that has hosted scouts since 1945 so it can raise money to stay afloat.

Here are some of our favorite photos from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel from the past week.

The ability to play fall sports will likely depend on each county's risk for COVID-19 spread.

Residents voted to consider all budget-related articles in a single vote at Thursday's annual Town Meeting.

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

Thirty-five voters decided on 41 articles during a 90-minute Town Meeting on Thursday night at Chelsea Elementary School.

Voters quickly approved Articles 6 through 63 during the town's annual Town Meeting on Thursday night.

A last-minute alteration to the highway budget reduced the overall budget by about $17,000 at Saturday's annual Town Meeting.

About 54 voters took part in the town's annual Town Meeting, held Saturday morning in a barn at the Litchfield Fairground.

This year the meeting will take place at the Litchfield Fairgrounds to ensure voters are able to maintain a safe distance from each other at the annual budget vote.

Town Meeting will take place at the Dresden Fire Department, adjacent to Pownalborough Hall, to accommodate social distancing.

Socially distanced, but still in-person, Windsor conducted its annual Town Meeting on Wednesday night.

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

Most central Maine towns saw high absentee ballot voting, though muncipalities handled in-person voting without issue on Tuesday.

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

Maine State Police Cpl. Kyle Pelletier said Daniel Asselin, 54, sustained injuries that were not life-threatening Wednesday after a steel plate being moved by a backhoe struck him in the head.

I know my anger is really a reflection of my fear. Luckily, there are ways I can show love for my fellow humans, writes Liz Soares.

Belgrade also had a close vote, but its recount — completed Wednesday — confirmed former selectperson Dan Newman edged out incumbent Michael Barrett, 400-394.

Tuesday's election brings out voters and challenges, as a number of delayed open Town Meetings are being held by secret ballot and the number of absentee ballots are expected to be higher than usual.

The landfill is still not accepting cash — credit or debit cards only — but otherwise has largely returned to normal operations, accepting household trash and recycling from Tuesday through Saturday.

Kathi Wall previously led The Edge teen center, Augusta Boys and Girls Club, and the Maine Lakes Resource Center.

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

The man, who was cutting trees on Chase Road, had his foot pinned between two trees with a pile of logs on top of them.

The expenditure and revenues budgets could be finalized at the next City Council meeting on Aug. 10.

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

Recent downtown art projects prompt talk of creating a city arts commission.

The owners of The Black & Tan at 18 Bridge St. had said they would not require employees to wear masks or collect contact information. Now, the say they will adhere to state rules for inside dining.

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

Incumbent Michael Barrett, chairman of the selectboard, faces a challenge from Dan Newman, a former selectman.

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

Manchester's annual Town Meeting is July 16 at Manchester Elementary School.

Tyler Dunn, a 19-year-old student at Nichols College, takes on former selectwoman Sherene Gilman in a contested race for a one-year term on the board.

For the first time, Belgrade's annual Town Meeting warrant will be decided at the polls, with the vote set for Tuesday, July 14.

Martin Winn, 32, was treated for a gunshot wound at MaineGeneral Medical Center, and police are looking for two vehicles that fled the scene before officers arrived.

The two cities are less than 20 miles apart and have similar overnight populations, but only Augusta was identified in the executive order on enforcing mask wearing. The answer might be in the numbers.

The proposed municipal spending plan represents a 10.8% decrease to the expenditures approved at last year's Town Meeting.

Longtime central Maine broadcasters say they will focus on schools that welcome them, and cover Cony only when it is the visiting team.

A contentious discussion about input preceded the overwhelming approval of the policy that regulates commentary and advertising, while also requiring a payment.

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

Greg Lumbert, a former selectman, and Fred Kimball, who ran a year ago, are vying Tuesday for the open select board seat.

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.

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

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.

On a motion from a resident, Pittston voters agreed to group the bulk of the warrant articles into one motion and dispense with debate on the town's proposed budget.

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.