Bad snow years can "devastate" the snowmobiling scene, Maine Snowmobile Association President Al Swett said.

The 7th annual Festival of Trees, which ends Sunday, allows people to attempt to win holiday trees filled with prizes..

The Overnight Emergency Warming Center at South Parish Congregational Church has 30 beds, but it has had more than 50 guests some nights looking to get out of the cold.

After nearly 15 years in the school district, Patricia Hopkins resigned from her role as superintendent at Thursday night's board meeting, effective June 30, 2025.

All water in the district, which provides public drinking water to Augusta, now comes from three wells near Bond Brook.

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

Gardiner residents will have a chanced to meet and ask questions of Robert Peabody, finalist for the city manager position, Monday at the Gardiner Public Library .

Former Fire Chief Frank Wozniak filed a protection from harassment request earlier this year against resident and former firefighter John Black, who has long been critical of Wozniak's work. Wozniak suddenly dropped the case and resigned in August.

Opponents, mostly from outside the district, have raised concerns about gender-affirming care and parental notification. But a majority of board members, as well as most members of the public who spoke Thursday, said the proposal should move forward.

The city's Finance Committee has asked City Manager Gary Lamb to work with department heads to find an additional 7% to 10% in spending to freeze in the current municipal budget in an effort to limit increases to property taxes.

A divided Winthrop Public School board voted 3-2 Wednesday to return one electric school bus to regular service starting Monday, following evaluations of the problematic buses.

About 8,000 gallons of landfill leachate spilled at about 1:30 p.m. after a tanker truck driven by Allen Hewett, 61, of Sidney, failed to yield to a Maine Turnpike crew that had shut down one of the lanes for maintenance work, officials said.

The moratorium, largely targeted at preventing the expansion of Jellystone Park — which is split over Monmouth, Leeds and Wayne — was approved overwhelmingly by voters in April.

Canadian newspapers reported Monday that Lion Electric Co. faces bankruptcy, which could affect electric school buses in Maine.

Coverage of restaurants, food trucks and food events in the Augusta and Waterville areas.

Bryan S. Black took off in his pickup truck when approached by a Kennebec County Sheriff's Deputy, speeding and passing vehicles in the breakdown lane.

The City Council froze about $190,000 in spending at its last meeting to help pay down expenses next year and relieve residents' tax burden.

Winthrop Public Schools is among the districts still debating what to do with buses obtained through a federal grant program.

The chairs have become an iconic symbol of the city in their 10 years on the Granite City Park bulkhead.

On the heels of Black Friday's big box store deals, local shoppers think small while hunting for just the right gifts while supporting local shops.

Some of our favorite Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel photographs from the past week.

From Dec. 1 through Dec. 14, children can send their letters to Santa at the Chelsea Town Office and expect a reply back.

The annual holiday tree lighting and fireworks display are also set for Saturday, as the 12 Days of Augusta celebration gets underway.

According to authorities, three of those arrested following a monthslong investigation were from New York City, while two were from Chesterville.

Coverage of restaurants, food trucks and food events in the Augusta and Waterville, Maine, areas.

Prosecutors say it appears Hubiak also had plans, and had made preparations, to kill others.

Estevan C. Hartley, while at the Capital Judicial Center, allegedly told jurors if they were picked for his trial, he was an innocent man.

The museum, which celebrates the First Amendment, will operate out of a space on Water Street for three years while the former home of Guy Gannett gets an update.

The fire led crews to close a stretch of Main Street for several hours Saturday.

The city received $1.98 million in ARPA funding, and has just under $300,000 remaining.

Police used dogs, a drone, social media and tips from residents to catch up to suspect on the lam.

Two juniors and a senior at Cony High School decided to take charge when they noticed some of their friends were not eating school lunches. Now there are more lunch options for everyone.

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

The film, 'a Peace of Forest,' was made by a Maine couple in Whitefield over four years. It is the first feature-length film to be shown in Johnson Hall since 1958.

Steven G. Pratt, 41, pleaded guilty to seven charges, the most serious being two counts of attempted elevated aggravated assault. Two counts of attempted murder were dropped in a plea agreement.

The nonprofit organization, which is losing its warehouse at 352 Civic Center Drive in Augusta, provides donated home furnishings, kitchen appliances, dishes and other basic necessities to those who need them.

The threat led to the closure Nov. 14 of Maranacook Regional Middle School and Maranacook Community High School in Regional School Unit 38.

The rate increase, to be followed with another hike in 2026, will help pay for extensive upgrades to the district's eight sewer pumps, which are well beyond their projected operating lives, officials said.

No threat was made directly against the schools Wednesday morning, but no one was allowed into school buildings for a short time, Superintendent Patricia Hopkins said.

Officials: Closures this week are expected Wednesday night into Thursday morning and Friday night into Saturday morning. Next week, closures are expected Monday night into Tuesday morning and Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Complete coverage of restaurants, food trucks and food events in the Augusta and Waterville, Maine, areas.

Gardiner resident Angelique Binns was struck and seriously injured while walking along River Road in Chelsea on Nov. 6, but law enforcement has not been able to identify a suspect.

The Brunswick Avenue rental home is a total loss, and a bearded dragon died in the fire.

Kevin C. Simpson's jury trial was scheduled to begin Monday morning, but before jurors entered the courtroom at the Capital Judicial Center in Augusta, Simpson, 38, and his lawyer struck a plea deal with the state's prosecutor.

Chief Paul Ferland said he is 'convinced a full consolidation of both agencies into a single police department would benefit both communities.'

The city could partner with a needle exchange program to offer people 5 cents for each used needle they turn in.

Public records requests posted to the Gardiner school's website shows request are being made by people and organizations outside of the district.

Warren L. Sidelinger allegedly punched Joseph McKenna, knocking him down and then kicking him, causing injuries which resulted in McKenna's death.

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

Camren L. Breton, 25, assaulted his baby July 21, 2021, shaking him when he was crying and causing damage to his brain and blindness.

Aubrey Armstrong was convicted of felony murder in the 2015 beating death of Joseph Marceau in Augusta.

The proposed revisions to the two-decade-old ordinance follow a failed attempt by some residents to recall Selectmen Joe Caputo in March.

Officials: Maranacook Regional High School and Maranacook Community Middle School will reopen after being closed Thursday.

Ronda Snyder said she hopes to help make residents comfortable and avoid stress when dealing with probate court matters.

The spending freeze, approved Tuesday by the City Council, comes more than three months after residents petitioned the council to reverse approval of the budget, which increased property taxes by about 20% on average.

Complete coverage of what's new with restaurants, food trucks and food events in central Maine.

A public hearing for the updated recall ordinance is set for 6 p.m. before the regularly scheduled select board meeting.

The Fairfield-area college secured 25 double rooms at the Best Western Plus Waterville Grand Hotel with the idea of attracting students from other parts of the state.

The City Council is expected to discuss the future Tuesday night of the downtown building. Any revenue from the sale could be used to bolster municipal revenue in a challenging budget year.

Organizers say over 150 vendors and around 750 attendees turned out for the first day of the flea market at the Augusta Civic Center, which continued through Sunday afternoon.

The plan calls for developing the castle-like Olde Federal Building in downtown Augusta into a destination hotel with a spa, café and rooftop bar.

In the third annual event put on by Hall-Dale Elementary School, 24 veterans read and talked with the students.

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

Chief Deputy Al Morin will step down after four decades. Lt. Chris Read, who joined the sheriff's office in 2016 after leaving the Augusta Police Department, will take his place.

Many school districts are choosing some mix of remote learning and traditional snow days.

Shawn Willette, 43, said people in Maine enticed him to cash forged checks under false identifies in Florida.

Augusta's high temperature Wednesday tied the warmest temperature ever recorded at the site in the month of November.

Raheem Goodwin, 23, of Benton, allegedly killed Edwin Weeks, 62, at his Fairfield home and later disposed of bloody clothing and a knife in a trash container in Skowhegan. His lawyers say the search of the container by police was improper.

Speed and alcohol appear to have been factors in the crash, and it was unclear whether the driver, Michael Cummings, 46, was wearing a seat belt.

Augusta voters also approved a request to borrow just under $5.5 million for capital improvement projects by a vote of 6,023-2,563.

Four candidates ran for one spot to represent Gardiner on the MSAD 11 school board.

The building has been the center of controversy in town since residents signed a petition this summer to force a sale of the building by the end of next year.

Poll workers across the region dealt with lines of voters Tuesday, even after heavy absentee voting. 'We want people to know their vote is safe, and it counts,' said one official.

Check out our new column of coverage of what's new with restaurants, food trucks and food events in central Maine.

Gardiner City Clerk Kathleen Cutler said the city has received two reports of a person with a Massachusetts license plate offering to take and deliver absentee ballots.

Richard Hatt is accused of shooting Stephen Killam 14 times.

Patrick LaFlamme was killed Saturday after ATV rolled over on him, wardens say.

Developers Collaborative proposal to create around 100 units of affordable housing would include a mix of senior and family housing, and may include child care.

Janusz Jankiewicz, 80, died Friday morning from severe burns he received in the Waterville Road fire, his son said.

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

Catch all of our election 2024 updates at centralmaine.com/election.

Taylor Lewis sexually assaulted a 14-year-old boy in Gardiner while Matthew Elston watched via video from Florida. They were both sentenced to prison Thursday.

The unofficial high temperature of 75 degrees Thursday smashed the record set 68 years ago, according to weather officials.

Firefighters from several communties responded to a report of a fully involved barn fire just off Route 126, which is also Gardiner Road.

A panel of the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar found probable cause that Maeghan Maloney, district attorney for Kennebec and Somerset counties, 'had engaged in misconduct subject to sanction under the Maine Bar Rules.'

After he was arrested following a four-day search, Joshua Brougham, 39, confessed to the robbery, saying he needed money to support his drug habit, pay a debt and fill his SUV with gasoline, officials said.

Some community members said they were concerned about the potential for students to receive confidential gender-affirming care in the potential school-based health center.

Kennebec County grand jury releases October indictments.

Moderate drought conditions across much of the state have prompted fire officials to shut off burn permits and urge caution.

A public hearing at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Fayette Central School gymnasium serves as a final chance to sway voters for those campaigning for and against a Nov. 5 referendum on the sale of the historic building.

Hallowell's four most recent mayors — Charlotte Warren, Andy McPherson, Tony Masciadri and Mark Walker — called on the current mayor and City Council to restore 'successful management of our city.'

The school-based health center, which would be funded by a federal grant, would provide access to health care for students in the district and is expected to help address conditions that lead to chronic absenteeism.

Developers hope to make Olde Federal Building a destination to draw people downtown.

The competition began in September, when the Friends of the Hubbard Free Library accepted 21 submissions, most of which came from K-8 students at Stepping Stones Montessori School in Chelsea.

The on-ramp from eastbound Western Avenue onto Interstate 95 at Exit 109 is to close Monday, for about 30 days, as part of the replacement of the Western Avenue bridge.

A $48 million redevelopment proposal could bring a hotel with a rooftop restaurant or bar, apartments or condominiums to the site off Western Avenue.

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

The Augusta Walmart has been the site of four bomb threats this year, among six Augusta Police have responded to citywide.

Local, state and federal law enforcement officers converged Tuesday on 53 River St.to execute search and arrest warrants.

Andrews "Andy" Tolman, 76, was struck by a vehicle and killed Tuesday evening after he tripped and fell while walking across Route 17.

Howard Tuttle, who has led Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit 12 for 12 years, is honored for establishing a day care program for teachers' children, implementing cost-saving initiatives and starting a universal prekindergarten program.

Stealing political signs from a public right-of-way can be penalized with a $250 fine, and a person who takes a sign from private property can be charged with theft, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Sage Sculli, a senior, and Keira Blodgett, a junior, say they will not let Tucker's actions deter them from serving on the school board.

A section of Main Street in Richmond was closed for nearly two hours Tuesday morning, prompting drivers to detour around a primary access point to and from Interstate 295.

Experts say young players, including Jacoby Grotton, 15, have helped revive interest in chess, with many learning to play from websites or apps.

Due to the height of the proposed hotel - up to 85 feet - the project needs a contract zone from the city's Planning Board.

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

The rate increase, which would be spread out over two years, is intended to cover a sewer project that came in well over its initial estimate.

Superintendent Becky Foley wants to host several forums through the year to address concerns, questions and input the community may have for Winthrop Public Schools.

After members of the public suggested reestablishing a budget committee, Superintendent Jay Charette of Regional School Unit 38 said the committee will return to involve more people in deciding spending on education.

With about $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, funding still to be allocated before the end of the year, city officials are considering whether to use the money to extend downtown police patrols, fix the Civic Center or help public schools narrow a $1.6 million budget gap.

Police say Zach Lowe, 32, allegedly broke through the front window at Phil's Super Variety & Grill early Tuesday and took lottery tickets, cash and cigarettes.

The event put on by the Maine Skate Association is a way to bridge the generational gap in skating and encourage younger kids to start.

Richard Hatt, 57, who is accused of killing Stephen Killam, 47, of Fairfield on Tuesday morning, appeared by video Wednesday at the Capital Judicial Center in Augusta.

Bobby-Jo Bechard, Annalee Morris-Polley and Joseph Wathen are on the Nov. 5 ballot as they seek a three-year term on the council.

In one second, a creature the size of a poppy seed could have changed my life, Liz Soares writes.

Americans have the ability to pick representatives who will make a huge slew of decisions affecting our futures and also our ability to empower ourselves, writes Amy Fried.

The increase would be split between the next two years, with an 8% increase effective at the start of 2025 and 2026.

Incumbent Kathy Brown is not running again, meaning the Gardiner City Council will have at least one new member.

Several central Maine communities are approaching a revaluation, raising questions for many property owners about their tax bills.

This year's Swine & Stein Brewfest drew about 1,500 people for the 15th annual celebration of beer, cider, wine, facial hair and community.

Lawyers argue whether Tyler Quirion, charged with murder in the Feb. 19 shooting death of Justin Iraola in Waterville, should be held without bail.

Augusta residents will vote for candidates for two at-large seats in the Nov. 5 election .

School board candidate Michelle Tucker prompted a police report after speaking with three students after the September board meeting.

David Gilbert told supporters Thursday that he would not be running and supports Benjamin Coolidge Gagnon's candidacy for the seat.

The 1930 clock was restored recently as part of a decadeslong renovation of the historic building.

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

Spridal Hubiak, 21, is still awaiting sentencing after he admitted to killing Angela Bragg, 52, at Damon’s Beverage in Waterville in December 2023.

Superintendent Mike Tracy announced the cuts to the school budget to account for unexpected special education costs this year.

Dylan Ketcham, 26, who was found guilty last year of murder and attempted murder in the 2020 death of Jordan Johnson and machete attack on Caleb Trudeau, is seeking a new trial.

Augusta Task Force on Homelessness seeks solutions to improve lives of homeless area residents.

The forecast suggests Thursday night might be a great opportunity to see the northern lights in parts of Maine.

All Maine polling locations will remain open until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.

The town's previous chief, Frank Wozniak, resigned in August after spending nearly two months on paid administrative leave for impersonating a public official.

The chipmunks, mice, and red and gray squirrels have been bolder the last few summers, as the cat Brian’s years caught up with him, he passed away the first of October, a few days after his 17th birthday, Dana Wilde writes.

James W. Oliver, 57, allegedly pushed a woman into the bushes and assaulted her in Augusta.

Diane Potter is not seeking reelection for her seat on the MSAD 11 school board after three years of service.

Members of the Hallowell City Council had assumed they could cut property taxes this year after formal approval, but learned late last month that they cannot.

Gardiner Police Chief Todd Pilsbury said Sgt. Stacey Blair is still a member of the department and that discipline would be handled by the city of Gardiner as a 'personnel matter.'

Select Board Vice Chairperson Mike Carlson said the Fayette School Committee is reconsidering its policy on use of Fayette Central School.

Thomas Lowrie, 41, of Waterville has been charged in the Aug. 18 death of Charles Bellows, 43.

The crash was reported just before 10 a.m., when a Subaru hydroplaned and veered into the center lane and hit a truck towing a camper, according to officials.

Artists gathered at Tandem Glass Works in Dresden to share inspirations and patrons.

The event this Saturday, modeled after Oktoberfest in Germany, celebrates the work of breweries, wineries, distilleries and meaderies across the region and state.

Youth Voting Summit seeks to inspire high school, college-age youths to engage their peers in voting and civic leadership.

Earlier this year Augusta councilors approved allowing recreational cannabis retail stores, after years of only medical marijuana sales being allowed in the city.

Maine's education commissioner says local officials from affected schools may uphold new protections in the Title IX updates because they are already guaranteed under the Maine Human Rights Act.

The candidates will gather for a candidate forum at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Bailey Public Library, where each candidate will have the opportunity to answer resident-submitted questions and make opening and closing statements.

Donald McLeod and Larry Beane are running to fill the seat vacated by longtime Select Board member Bob Gasper, who resigned in August.

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

Interim Superintendent Becky Foley and Nick Poole, Winthrop's finance director, found an additional $275,000 to put toward the budget shortfall.

The moratorium on solar facility applications is retroactive from July 12 and active until Dec. 12 to create the ordinance.

Wade Willette, 46, contacted a covert FBI agent over the messaging app Kik after the agent posted on a forum frequented by people interested in child pornography, according to a federal prosecutor.

A pair of songwriters, one from Turner, the other from Belgrade, wrote and recorded the song "Leave the Maine Flag Alone," to express their thoughts on the matter.

The apartment where a fire started on South Belfast Avenue on Tuesday night did not have a working smoke detector, officials said.

The Corniche Trailhead is closed temporarily as a 16-space gravel parking lot is under construction near intersection of Middle Street and Litchfield Road.

For nearly half a century, women have been able to choose whether they have children or not, Liz Soares writes.

Christopher Ratte was located the day after police broke off their pursuit of him due to safety concerns.

Damian W. Chamberlain, 29, who grabbed a woman by the neck and wrestled her to the ground during an argument in June, also pled guilty to contacting the victim in violation of his bail conditions.

A dozen religious leaders gathered Tuesday near the Maine State House to read passages and pray for the victims and families impacted by last October's deadly shooting in Lewiston.

The Lincoln County Historical Association puts on an annual cider pressing event in early fall on the grounds of the only pre-Revolutionary War courthouse in Maine.

A tractor trailer ran off U.S. Route 201 in The Forks on Friday around 3 p.m., killing Leland Moore, 60, of Madison.

The first Woodworkers Tool Festival hosted by the Maine Cabin Masters and Kennebec Cabin Co. had dozens of woodworking vendors, demonstrations and classes.

A social media post helped authorities identify the suspect, police said.

Lisa Barney, 54, of Oakland, who earlier this month was arrested and charged with manslaughter in the death of a 4-month-old child, closed her family child care business the same day as the alleged incident that led to the death.

While an appeal process is ongoing, the state extended the contract with Penquis to the end of this year.

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

A privately funded $5.9 million expansion allows the Children's Center of Augusta at 1 Alden Ave. to help more children, but need in Maine exceeds availability of services.

Regional School District 4 officials said they hoped more voters will show up and the budget will pass on a fourth attempt.

The vote is on Oct. 2 in a special town meeting before the regularly scheduled Select Board meeting.

Jeremy R. French, 46, who called the victim in domestic violence cases against him 100 times from jail, was sentenced to serve six months in prison, officials said, while additional charges were dismissed.

The Hallowell City Council passed a budget in July that raised property taxes by about 20%, but tried to cut from the budget after taxes were committed in response to pushback from residents on the tax increase.

Winthrop Interim Superintendent Becky Foley said she found the shortfall last week but wants to be more sure about exactly why the deficit happened before suggesting any budget adjustments.

Tyler Quirion, 20, is charged in connection with the killing Feb. 19 of Justin Iraola, 22, in Waterville.

Jon W. Devoe was identified by police as the motorcyclist killed in the Sunday morning crash on state Route 197.

Sophia Hayes was operating a motorcycle Friday afternoon that collided with an SUV on Watson Pond Road, officials said.

The crash occurred at about 8:30 a.m. Sunday near Percy's Hardware Co. at 483 Richmond Road, according to officials.

The brewery and taproom, which opened in August on the north shore of Cobbosseecontee Lake, take their inspiration from the local history of drinking and dancing.

The county's MD3 pilot program may run out of money at the end of the year. One of its doctors says that would be a mistake.

The crash happened at 1:04 p.m. and involved an SUV.

Interim Superintendent Becky Foley spotted the error in her second week on the job and told the Winthrop School Board Wednesday.

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

The decision to take the buses out of commission for a two-week test period after the recall was made by Interim Superintendent Becky Foley.

A resident told city councilors that having one up-or-down vote on funding for a number of unrelated projects deprives voters of choice.

The highest bidders can take home one of 25 fiberglass sculptures celebrating the Kennebec River's leaping leviathans.

The crash happened about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday when a youth riding a moped turning across traffic into the Rusty Lantern parking lot was struck by a southbound pickup truck.

University of Maine System employees interrupted a legislative hearing on Tuesday to express their financial discomfort from what they consider low wages.

Statewide, 2,300 more direct care workers are needed to fill the coverage gap for those needing at-home or nursing home care, officials say.

Six candidates seeking election to the Augusta City Council and School Board in November are all newcomers to local politics.

Starting in 2026, the Maine DOT will repave and reconstruct U.S. Route 201 through Hallowell, excluding a portion of downtown where work has already been completed.

The Augusta Conservation Commission is advocating for the removal, including with the use of pesticides, of invasive plants.

The Friday evening wreck occurred as traffic was stopped because of a construction zone land closure, according to police.

PFAS levels in Hallowell water are below current state standards but well above new federal standards set to go into effect in 2029, causing residents to wonder about their exposure to the forever chemicals.

The district hired engineering firm Wright-Pierce in May to design and construct the facility, which officials said will bring PFAS in Hallowell's drinking water to non-detectable levels.

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

Formerly The Blind Pig, the newly-conceived restaurant 266 StillWater opened this week to offer a different variety in cuisine in a downsized, refurbished space.

The Walmart Supercenter at 201 Civic Center Drive was evacuated Thursday afternoon following discovery of a threatening message at the store.

The forecast suggests Thursday night might be a great opportunity to see the northern lights in parts of Maine.

Following a year and a half of gathering information from a variety of sources, Dresden's Education Exploratory Committee laid out four likely options for educating the town's students, including remaining in Regional School Unit 2 or closing the school altogether.

The event, put together by Winthrop schools graduate Aaron Wilmot, brought in several professional disc golf players to teach students the basics of the booming sport.

One resident answered the former superintendent's call to try to remove from office two school board members, but the town charter does not allow her to proceed.

City councilors have been making cuts to the municipal budget approved in July, intended to give residents tax relief. They were told Monday night that it's likely too late.