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

City leaders, criticized for a lack of public input, to hold a public hearing Feb. 27 over the former Hannaford location on Willow Street just across Cony Street from Augusta City Center on the east side of the Kennebec River.

The Democratic presidential candidate, one of 12 on the primary ballot in Maine, held a town hall style gathering in Hallowell on Sunday.

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

Nason, 54, is due to retire in April from the Hallowell Police Department, where he started working in 1987.

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

The test will be offered in 10 new languages: Chinese, Russian, Arabic, German, Japanese, Tagalog, Hindi, Mon-Khmer (Cambodian), Persian and Laotian.

Falcons nearly spring upset, but fall late, 59-57.

The co-owner of The Barn at Silver Oaks Estate, a wedding venue, talks about having a dream and building a business.

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

A leaking gas line around 9:30 a.m. Friday prompted responses from city police and fire agencies, the closure of part of downtown, and evacuation of buildings.

A neighbor of Lincoln Elementary School said many parents leave their vehicle engines running, creating noise and pollution issues.

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

A public hearing during Monday's Board of Selectmen's meeting focused on the possibility of Richmond withdrawing from Regional School Unit 2.

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

The Board of Appeals held a workshop Tuesday to start to establish what it needs to complete its findings of fact in Heather Beasley's appeal of the stop-work order at the Ballard-Milligan Gravel Corp. pit.

Augusta city councilors are deciding between two potential new police station locations, and voter approval to borrow money would eventually be needed.

Commonly known as a house pseudoscorpion, aka Chelifer cancroides, these tiny creatures are sometimes known as book scorpions or false scorpions because they’re arachnids, Dana Wilde writes.

The body of Shawn W. Metayer, 60, was found Tuesday morning at his Litchfield house after deputies from the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of an unattended death.

Clinton police were conducting interviews Tuesday afternoon in an attempt to draw a picture of what happened prior to Sunday's 7:15 am. crash on Hinckley Road.

An Apple iPad that John P. Cella, 54, took from an Augusta restaurant had a tracking device that led police to his girlfriend, to whom he had given the tablet computer and a stolen laptop.

Sgt. Dana Wessling said he found a missing woman three miles away from her home, only three hours after she reportedly left.

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

Nicholas R. Hutchings made his initial court appearance Monday and has indecency charges pending in other Maine counties.

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

Tyon K. Shuron, who is accused of killing Andrew Sherman on or near Sept,. 29, 2019, is being held without bail at Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset.

Access to quality health care has long been a problem for Maine's roughly 70,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer residents, officials said.

The question on the ballot asks whether residents want to explore leaving Regional School Unit 2, which would require knowing the costs to leave the district and to have Richmond run its own schools.

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

The city's Finance Committee recommended last week that funds originally intended to offset the property tax burden be used in part to pay for capital projects.

Lake St. George State Park's winter wildlife walk lured people out to the woods to learn about the wildlife tracks they may see during their own cold weather hikes.

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

Fire crews from Gardiner and surrounding towns turned out to knock down an electrical fire caused by a faulty light fixture in a West Street home.

Five area business owners reflect on the challenges they face.

As much as four-tenths of an inch of ice accumulation is expected, along with another 2 inches of snow on Friday.

Tyon Shuron, 42, was arrested Friday afternoon and charged with the murder of Andrew Sherman at Sherman's home in Richmond.

Augusta City Council approved zoning changes meant to help the new owner of St. Mark's Church preserve and redevelop the historic stone structure.

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

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

Traffic on Route 9 was halted as rescue officials tended to two injured occupants after an accident Thursday afternoon.

Derek Soucy was found not criminally responsible for the 2001 beating death of an 88-year-old man in Portland.

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

Despite City Manager Nate Rudy's apologizing for a projected bond overage in January, his projections now show a $96,000 surplus in a $2.36 million bond.

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

A recently discovered declaration shined a light on my mother's faith and made me revisit her day-to-day beliefs, writes Liz Soares.

Gardiner Area High School Visual and Performing Arts Department’s production of the Broadway musical, "The Wiz," will take place Wednesday night and this weekend.

Longtime Augusta business Al's & Double R's Taxi is working to comply with city codes after earlier being denied a license renewal, officials say.

Jeffrey A. Tyler, 48, of Augusta denied allegations he sexually assaulted a female victim at least three times, beginning when she was a minor.

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

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

A roundup of cases closed at courts in Augusta and Waterville, during the week of Jan. 23-29.

There will be a public hearing Wednesday on the city's proposed food sovereignty ordinance, which is intended to offer city residents easier access to locally produced food.

Police said they discovered 114 grams of methamphetamine in a vehicle and 155 grams at a Pittston house.

Home Care for Maine, which provides care to 582 patients with 365 employees, will close April 30, according to nonprofit officials.

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

Jack Dionne of Skowhegan suffered a head injury in the crash, which occurred at about 1 p.m. Sunday on Robinson Street.

On Sunday, 231 children — 15 or younger — participated in the Oakland Fishing Frenzy, according to its organizer.

Not surprising, the community dinner Saturday at Randolph United Methodist Church included baked beans.

The Augusta nonprofit's largest fundraiser shows off its hiking trails, all while dishing out hot food to guests.

The harvest could generate up to $8,000 from wood products, which volunteers hope can be put toward continued maintenance of the China School Forest on Lakewood Avenue.

Councilors also agree to focus on holding the line on property taxes and Fire Department staffing when they set their 2020 goals.

Councilors also agree to focus on holding the line on property taxes and Fire Department staffing when they set their 2020 goals.

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

The company's president talks about the importance of Maine's efforts to establish and sustain a tech economy.

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

Fire and police chiefs say downtown site would bring concerns about flooding that must be addressed.

Jeffrey T. Tilton, indicted by a Sagadahoc County grand jury in June on 12 charges, pleaded guilty to six of those charges in the West Bath courthouse earlier this month.

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

While the wall in front of 17 Brunswick Ave. is the responsibility of the Maine Department of Transportation, city officials have agreed to pay part of the repair cost to make sure the wall does not fail.

There will be two informational sessions on the management plan Saturday, one at 10 a.m. at the Town Office's portable building and another on site at 11 a.m. that will begin at the China Primary School bus circle.

The craft and home decor store, with more than 850 stores in the U.S., will employ between 35 and 50 people, according to the company.

Store owner Eka Orr said the alleged theft impacted her business and the amount of time she is able to spend with her family.

A Kennebec County grand jury also handed up indictments for drug trafficking, theft, assault and other charges.

Augusta firefighters responded to the blaze at about 3 p.m. Thursday, while traffic was stopped at Anthony Avenue and Darin Drive in the Augusta Business Park.

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

Jonathan D. Pledger, 29, was arrested in New York on Jan. 14 and extradited to Maine ahead of an initial appearance in court Wednesday.

Shawn W. Metayer, 60, police said, had a blood alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit when he got behind the wheel of a vehicle involved in the accident that claimed the lives of Derek and Stephanie Trudeau.

State Rep. Kent Ackley, I-Monmouth, and Avangrid executive Thorn Dickinson presented information about Central Maine Power's proposed 145-mile transmission line Tuesday to students in Wales.

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

Jordan Johnson, 22, died Tuesday after being shot over the weekend in an incident where another man was stabbed.

Trees seem to have a disposition in their bones, as it were, to cooperate with winter, writes Dana Wilde.

The boil order was lifted Tuesday afternoon at about 4 p.m., an official said.

 If the TIF district extension is approved by voters, residents will have a chance to make changes to how the money is spent.

Jared D. Jandreau, 35, of China, and Jessica E. Cox, 31, of Augusta, were indicted Friday by a Kennebec County grand jury.

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

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

Area residents and city officials met Monday at City Hall to discuss what the city should do with the Second Street Fire Station property.

If 32 more people apply for the $130 banners, Oakland would be one of just a handful of Maine municipalities to participate in the Hometown Heroes banner program.

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

The anti-war vigil outside the Universalist Unitarian Church of Waterville came three weeks after a U.S. air strike killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani.

The two injured men are likely to be identified Monday in conjunction with the initial appearance at the Capital Judicial Center by Dylan Ketcham, the 21-year-old Gardiner man who was arrested early Saturday in connection with the violent altercation.

Attendees at the first Maine Sci-Fi & Fantasy Nerd Festival were able to enjoy food, vendors, face painting, balloon animals, cosplay and more.

Residents will have a chance to ask questions about the proposal, which would extend the existing for a decade, and capture all the taxes paid to be dedicated to specific projects.

The annual Great Northern Motorcycle Swapmeet draws riders and others to the Augusta Civic Center to swap parts and stories and make new connections.

Officials from the Aveda Institute of Maine said an increasing number of barbers and cosmetologist students are struggling to complete state-administered tests, which are only offered in English, Korean, Vietnamese and Spanish.

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

Crystal Putek, the director of Saturday's tournament, said the event was better than she could have ever expected thanks to the large turnout and generous donations.

The chief operating officer talks about the importance of advocacy in ensuring her business can continue offering services to its developmentally disabled clients.

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

More than 800 members of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce turned out Friday to celebrate the recipients of the 2020 Kenney Awards, which recognize their commitment and contributions to the Kennebec Valley area.

Annmarie A. Meserve, who previously spent five years in prison for stabbing a man in the back, to serve three years on a criminal threatening charge.

The China select board was split over whether to declare that three members of the town's budget committee, who are firefighters or have family members who are, should recuse themselves from discussing and voting on volunteer firefighter stipends.

The victim, who has since given birth, said the initial account of crime was inaccurate and asked that Joseph Reynolds be allowed to see their child.

Dillan W. Hatch, 27 of Wilton, was arrested after leading Kennebec Sheriff's deputies on a chase through Manchester and Augusta.

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

Town residents will decide on whether to opt-in to allow adult-use marijuana establishments at their annual town meeting in March.

Jarody, 35, pleaded guilty in court Thursday to a felony charge of aggravated assault.

The town's fire department moved into the station in December after previously filling a couple of rooms at the town's municipal building.

Robert A. Perkins, whose wife ran a daycare out of their home, was sentenced Thursday to serve 9 years in prison for sexual contact with children.

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

The Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce membership will choose who will take home Kenney Awards Friday night in three categories: Community Service, Cynergy Young Professional and President's Choice.

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

Lenwood Williams, 29, was reportedly experiencing a mental health breakdown during the incident that lead to his arrest June 29, 2018.

Richmond Fire Chief John Bellino said a River Road home was damaged, while a Langdon Road home was destroyed after two fires Monday and Tuesday.

Quashay Phillips, 24, allegedly slashed a woman's throat in February 2019 during an argument over going to Walmart.

Rising temperatures and resulting changes are happening faster and sooner than most scientists were predicting 30, 20, 10 or even five years ago, writes Dana Wilde.

For Teresa Zardus, owner of Zardus Art of Massage & Wellness Spa in Gardiner, community and networking have been key to the success of her business.

Robert Wilson, 63, and Preston Cates, 62, were both arrested Monday after a fight on Brunswick Avenue.

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

The City Council is expected to consider partnering with the Maine Department of Transportation on projects to replace the failing retaining wall near the intersection of Brunswick Avenue and Water Street.

A roundup of cases closed at courts in Augusta and Waterville.

Blanche Fyler, 84, of Wayne was pronounced dead at the scene of a two-vehicle crash Saturday on Pond Road.

Officials believe that the driver, Elwood Yeaton III, 47, of Peru, may have navigated a turn too quickly, causing the vehicle to roll over.

Steve Marson credits his employees for the success of his company and for his ability to support programs and events throughout Kennebec County.

Dozens attended Monday's event at St. Francis Xavier Church where several people talked about their personal struggles with substance abuse.

An ice jam impeding the flow of the Kennebec River in Augusta caused the water level to rise Sunday to just shy of flood stage.

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

Officer Sabastain Guptill returned to work last week after being placed on administrative leave after he shot a Fairfield man during an incident on South Belfast Avenue in Augusta.

City officials closed parking Sunday evening on Front Street when the river level rose abruptly.

Rob Gordon, the former executive director of the United Way of Kennebec Valley, says he has learned a lot about generosity and thoughtfulness from the people with whom he has worked for more than three decades.

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

Attendees identified access climate change and inequality as some of the most important issues affecting the country right now.

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

Owners and executives at five business reflect on who or what influenced them to be in business.

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

Officers arrested Mayo Anthony Jones, 44, following a two-month, multi-agency investigation.

Mark Ian Gessner served 22 years for a 1994 Bath murder but remains in state custody at Riverview Psychiatric Center because he was found not criminally responsible on other charges.

St. John Catholic School, which once had as many as 350 students enrolled in the 1960s, will close at the end of the 2019-2020 school year, with enrollment at 34 children.

City Manager Nate Rudy apologized Monday for giving the council "bad guidance" on where the city stood with funds from a $2.36 million bond.

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

"It was an old log home ... so it was really hot and dangerous. We went into defense mode all the way," said the Sidney fire chief.

Jefferson woman's car was hit Wednesday as she was turning to head onto Interstate 95.

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

The $50,000 cost will be covered by town surplus funds and is expected to be offset by the sale of two properties, totaling $70,000.

Hands Around the Capitol brought together abortion foes in the state capital to mark the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

The Board of Appeals reviewed testimony and documents submitted at its December meeting, and expects to continue its deliberations over a stop work order issued last summer at the Ballard-Milligan Gravel Pit.

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

Hundreds of guests circulated through the Augusta Civic Center Wednesday to visit with agricultural groups, view new technology and sample local food.

The Mount View High School's Chamber Singers performed the national anthem to start the House of Representatives session Tuesday at the Maine State House in Augusta.

I'm relieved that my trepidation about new technology is not necessarily due to my advanced age, writes Liz Soares.

It takes a piece of lead the size of a grain of rice to fatally poison a bald eagle, according to the state's raptor specialist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.

City councilors are considering a zoning change to help the new owner of the former St. Mark's Church preserve and repurpose the Gothic revival building.

A public retirement party will be held at the Williams Elementary School cafeteria Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Jared Quirion, 34, faces four criminal charges following the Dec. 5 incident.

John Compagna was not bitten in an incident Tuesday morning, when he battered a gray fox to death with a shovel after it attacked him.

Travis J. Burnham, as part of a plea agreement, required to pay $5,000 in restitution to Maine's oldest continuously running community theater.

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

A roundup of cases closed at courts in Augusta and Waterville.

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

An analysis recently presented to elected officials shows the city has adequate parking for now, but that is expected to change as redevelopment of a number of buildings, including Johnson Hall, continues.

Nicholas P. Lovejoy, 28, is charged with murder in the October 2019 death of Melissa Sousa, his girlfriend at the time and mother of their twin daughters.

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

Proposal for a solar farm on Greater Augusta Utility District land in Winthrop could make Augusta Maine's first municipality to get its electricity from 100% renewable sources.

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

The president and founder of the business talks about being ready for luck.

The owner of Kids Count Child Care called the accusations against former employee Jesse Morang, 37, a "setup."

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

Amy Calder reminisces about North Elementary School in Skowhegan which she attended from kindergarten through grade four and which is second in priority on the state's list of schools to be replaced.

A review of the contents of the town's vault, where permanent town records are stored, turned up some that needed to be moved and others that should have been discarded.

So far no private developers have made proposals for the site, which city officials hope will be redeveloped.

Shalay Davis, 28, was arrested on a drug charge Thursday after a reported domestic disturbance on Middle Street.

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

The 22-year-old Oakland resident was transported by LifeFlight to Central Maine Medical Center on Thursday.

Jesse A. Morang, 37, reportedly assaulted a 16-year-old boy.

Program founder Craig Freshley said the event hopes to bring all sides of the political spectrum together to help them understand each other.

Augusta councilors say action needs to be taken to make walking in the city safer for pedestrians.

As the investigation continues into Saturday blaze in Troy, an official said at least one prior fire at the property was arson.

Michael Nelson, 33, is the second New York man to go to court for trafficking in cocaine and heroin, after 2018 search of a Gardiner apartment where the two were staying.

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

At a public hearing Tuesday, residents supported taking the proposal for the town to buy the property next to the Dresden Town Office to a special town meeting next week.

The Community Heart & Soul program identifies a community's values and uses those values to create a framework for future decision-making.

I remember reading long ago of 18th century settlers fleeing Maine-ward to escape oppressions in Massachusetts and many of them bouncing back because of “extremely harsh winters," writes Dana Wilde.

SPaRC, a group hoping to leverage partnerships between educational institutions in Waterville, held its first public meeting Tuesday evening.

Councilors also to discuss proposals to allow distilleries, breweries and bakeries in more of the city and tighten zoning rules on Winthrop Street.

Samuel Caison, 36, faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Police say the man reportedly shot at a vehicle during an apparent road rage incident in Augusta in October 2019.

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

The crash, reported shortly before 5 p.m., closed Eastern Avenue for about 45 minutes.

The new SPaRC initiative is hoping to leverage partnerships between Waterville's public school system, early childhood and adult education institutions, and three colleges.

Dana S. Dasilva and Michelle N. Luce, of Skowhegan, were arrested by police following multiple instances of gunfire Saturday night in Winslow, Waterville and Clinton.

The results of a parking study, conducted by the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, is expected to be discussed Wednesday.

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

Police said Garrett Camren, 40, assaulted them after they arrested his girlfriend Bonny Gilmore, 35, for a protection order violation.

A roundup of cases closed at courts in Augusta and Waterville.

Kennebec County Sheriff's Lt. Chris Read said the identity of the man is being withheld while his family is being notified.

The additional land would provide space for expansion, additional parking and a septic system.

CEO Toni Turner is hoping to open The Fusion of Windsor, a restaurant, bakery, lounge, wellness studio and farmer's market, sometime in February

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

Dana S. Dasilva and Michelle N. Luce, both 25, are being held at the Kennebec County jail in Augusta following gunfire in Winslow, Waterville and Clinton.

The owner of Cozy Cottage Alterations in Augusta talks about building a business from a passion.

The fire was reported just before midnight at 3 Alley Lane.

Augusta police say David Smith, 52, and Lisa Pelletier, 46, both of Windsor, died after a single-car accident near North Belfast Avenue and Pipeline Road.

Austin Peter Marshall born at 12:30 a.m. Friday.