Christian Behr, 52, said he is joining the Kennebec County District Attorney's Office as a domestic violence investigator.

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

Scott MacMaster, 46, of Richmond, was appointed by a 6-1 vote following a two-and-a-half hour executive session.

One of the owners of the building at 33 Stone St. said he will not close the apartments and is seeking more tenants, but is also planning to sell the building.

Josh Johnstone, a rigger at Bath Iron Works, says he's struggling with whether to pursue an unemployment claim or look for work elsewhere as Maine sees a large volume of initial claims for unemployment insurance.

June Cauldwell and several others are sewing masks for rescue workers and those with illnesses to help protect them during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cumberland Farms, normally open 24 hours a day, was burglarized early Saturday when two suspects broke in and stole several hundred dollars worth of merchandise.

The recreation area closed to the public — until further notice — on Saturday, due to "the lack of social distancing practices on the part of visitors."

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

Bathrooms and hot meals are in short supply for those risking exposure to the coronavirus to supply the nation's stores with needed products and supplies.

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

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

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kennebec Valley is joining the Children's Place to provide a place where those considered essential workers can send their children.

Central Maine farmers are finding new customers and demand, while wondering what impact the coronavirus pandemic will have on the industry in the future.

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

Kennebec County has been working with the district attorney's office to identify inmates with 30 days or fewer left on their sentences to be released early.

Online learning a challenge because not all students, families have devices or internet connections.

The Maine Center for Disease Control says the man's case wouldn't be counted for Somerset County, which remained at zero confirmed cases as of Thursday, because federal rules go by a person's primary residence.

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

The order, in effect Friday at noon, directs all nonessential businesses — even those not open to the public — to shut down due to concerns of spreading coronavirus.

The commercial printer in Augusta issued a statement Wednesday to say it continues to operate as an essential business, using new public health directives to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Licencing is the final piece of Gardiner's marijuana regulations that elected officials have been working to put in place before the state opens its adult-use marijuana marketplace later this year.

Area municipalities have changed the way people can get rid of their trash, while some have even closed their facilities.

The Augusta-based Catholic school is using virtual platforms like Zoom and Facebook Live to reach students.

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

The elections scheduled for Friday and annual meeting scheduled for Saturday will take place at a later date, officials said.

The coronavirus is an unavoidable natural disaster that can be lessened by deliberate, rational behavior and self-discipline, writes Dana Wilde.

VA Maine Healthcare-Togus looks to lessen the potential for infection in main hospital building by adding the new unit outside.

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

Longtime employee Reno Cyr Sr. said workers were told Monday the layoffs are temporary, and he hopes to return to work there later this year.

More than three-dozen health care providers are making a direct appeal to the public to take the necessary precautions to halt the spread of coronavirus and prevent the state's hospital system from becoming overwhelmed.

City Director of Municipal Emergency Management Jim Owens is under self-isolation after flying on March 14, but continues to work normal hours.

A roundup of cases closed at courts in Augusta and Waterville, from March 5-11, 2020.

What to do with all this snow and the kids at home? The Fikus family of Gardiner gets busy outside building a snowman.

While bigger departments may have equipment to handle calls safely for some time during the coronavirus pandemic, smaller ones could run out of protective gear — and personnel.

The popular long-running live show spoofing late-night talk shows will live stream the show Saturday to bring entertainment to the housebound and to make a paying gig for performers staring at canceled shows for months.

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

Hallowell and Monmouth police departments each have an officer in isolation, and central Maine departments are seeing fewer calls due to the coronavirus.

As Gardiner elected officials meet to consider approving the last of its proposed marijuana-related ordinance changes, they'll be using technology to bring together elected officials and the public.

The exact origins of Augusta's name remain somewhat of a mystery.

Servers have transitioned to delivery drivers at Augusta's State Lunch, while other businesses look to trim their menus to offer only the strongest sellers.

"It’s a devastating impact," said Scott Dunn, president of the Maine Maple Producers Association. "Producers make 50% of their annual sales or more on Maple Sunday Weekend."

Scott and Dona Ferguson's cruise to celebrate retirement goes astray due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The owner of Percy's Hardware Co. talks about the challenge of finding toilet paper and being a local retailer.

The agency will collect donations to be given to nonprofit groups helping area residents cope with the coronavirus spread.

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

City officials said most residents have heeded officials' calls to limit social interactions and seek to assure them they'll get through the coronavirus pandemic.

Fire Chief Ernie Pierce said no one was injured, but rabbits likely died, in a fire that tore through a home on Moose Hill Road.

A message sent to parents of students at Augusta Schools on Friday morning said all schools are closed due to COVID-19.

Some tenants of 33 Stone St. say they have had to climb through windows to get into their own apartments after the landlord changed the building's electronic locks.

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

Wastewater treatment plant operators warn that flushing toilet paper substitutes is likely to clog sewer lines and could lead to costly repairs.

Last-minute legislation is giving towns flexibility to keep their governments running, even if they can't hold their annual open Town Meetings to authorize spending, and to delay elections.

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

The Bread of Life Ministries Soup Kitchen is offering two meals to customers five days a week during the coronavirus outbreak, while Augusta Food Bank will have weekend food for eligible students while they're out of school.

Augusta, Gardiner, Hallowell and Winthrop have all declared states of emergency that allow the municipalities to take quick action to deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their communities.

Kennebec County District Attorney Maeghan Maloney said the Augusta office has been closed to the public out of ‘an abundance of precaution.’

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

Augusta laundromat owner Todd Hedrick said employees are sanitizing their workplaces daily so customers can clean their clothing.

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

As municipalities explore closing all restaurants, some are choosing to offer takeout orders behind closed doors instead of waiting for a directive.

Take-out service still allowed but the city has banned people from gathering at some businesses after 8 p.m.

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

A day after widespread school closures were announced, city and town officials are taking steps to halt the spread of the highly-contagious coronavirus.

Kennebec County District Attorney Maeghan Maloney is asking law enforcement to whenever possible summon people to appear in court, rather than arrest them on a crime, as the spread of coronavirus results in delays of court trials.

Some central Maine law enforcement agencies said officers may handle nonemergency calls by telephone and should practice social distancing.

Administrators at the VA Maine Healthcare-Togus campus regularly train to deal with different scenarios. They have not seen anything like this before.

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

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

The owner of Zoulamis Fine Woodworking talks about the importance of flexibility and minding the details.

With events canceled across the state and colleges sending students home, town officials are considering whether to postpone annual Town Meetings or continue with business as usual.

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

Attendance at the RV show over the next three days has been limited to 250 or fewer people at a time, per suggestions by experts to ward against the potential spread of the virus.

Grocers, both independent and chains, are struggling to keep high-demand items on hand throughout central Maine as people prepare to spend more time at home.

A number of central Maine schools were announcing changes to activities and events, but still holding regular classes, amid a flurry of cancellations as the nation and world aim to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Silvestre P. Frutuoso, 52, was charged with unlawful sexual contact and touching, domestic violence assault, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and endangering the welfare of a child.

Winthrop police say John Stewart was found in possession of 58 grams of cocaine after officers executed a search warrant on his 1977 Chevrolet El Camino on U.S. Route 202.

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

Voters will decide on 47 articles at their annual town meeting next Saturday, March 21, at Whitefield Elementary School.

Authorities asked the public for help after a pedestrian was struck early Thursday morning on Route 220.

The Richmond Board of Selectmen voted Monday to accept the resignation of Scott MacMaster, who has been police chief in Richmond for a decade. Sgt. James Donnell will serve as acting police chief after MacMaster leaves.

Maine State Police said Carlos Mateyko, 62, may have experienced a medical event before his vehicle crossed the centerline and struck another, also injuring a 12-year-old boy.

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

Since 1970, North America’s bird population has decreased by about 30%, with nearly 3 billion birds that used to be in the woods, grasslands and shore now gone, writes Dana Wilde.

Chanda Lilly, 30, is charged with felony murder in the death of Andrew Sherman, who was found dead in his Richmond home in October.

A Dunlap Broadside was to be shown as part of an event at Hall-Dale Elementary School.

Sidney fire Chief Richard Jandreau said items were melted on the walls after a fire destroyed a single-story home on Church Road.

A roundup of cases closed at courts in Augusta and Waterville, Feb. 26 through March 4, 2020.

Selectmen met Tuesday in a closed-door session to discuss a personnel issue but took no action in the aftermath of Manchester fire Chief Francis R. "Frank" Wozniak being arrested in Portland on a charge of operating under the influence.

City Councilor George Lapointe said the budget will likely be cut before the first reading, which may happen in April.

Chanda Lilly, 30, of Augusta, was arrested Tuesday by Maine State Police on charges of felony murder in connection with the death of Andrew Sherman last September.

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

Gavin T. Loabe faced an aggravated assault charge in court Monday, as testimony alleged that Loabe and an unnamed accomplice were involved in a shooting that mistakenly injured a 7-year-old girl inside a Summer Street home.

The fire at 23 Western Ave. forced the evacuation of nine other tenants.

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

Selectman Tom Johnston said the net municipal budget is down, but increases in county tax and ambulances services forced the town's appropriation up 5.54% before factoring in school costs.

While city officials want to be prepared for the launch of the adult-use marijuana market later this year, Dennis Meehan, owner of Nature's Summit in Gardiner, is trying to determine how to navigate the new regulations and annual licensing requirements.

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

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

Residents at a special town meeting Saturday also voted to return the road commissioner's post to an elected position.

Augusta and Waterville area business briefs for Sunday, March 8, 2020.

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

ShaRon Kelly, who expressed concerns about a perceived lack of planning for a potential tsunami caused by an asteroid striking the Eastern seaboard, as well as "alien deception," is challenging incumbent Washington Selectman Tom Johnston.

Five business owners and executives reflect on the people and circumstances that have influenced them in business.

Nearly a year after forming a union, drivers at Kennebec Valley Community Action Program are urging the agency to complete the contract, while the nonprofit's CEO says increases have been budgeted for and will be paid when the pact is finalized.

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

Dylan McMahon, 23, was arrested Thursday after allegedly stealing a purse on Riverton Street on Feb. 26.

The building's future is one of the year's most pressing issues for city officials, who will discuss that topic on Saturday at City Hall.

Francis R. Wozniak, 38, who is known as Frank, was arrested Feb. 23 on a charge of OUI following a traffic stop in Portland. Police said they stopped Wozniak's car because he was driving without his lights on at 11:27 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22.

Janet Preston received 415 votes to Christopher Hahn's 414 and Kevin Rhoades' 299 votes in Tuesday's election.

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

Ron Hewett said he was driving on Route 41 in Readfield when a large pine tree came down across his truck's hood, narrowly missing the cab.

Voters will decide on seven articles at a special town meeting at Somerville Elementary School at 9 a.m. on March 7.

I'm counting my blessings for the time I did get to spend with Quinn, before he passed away at age 14, writes Liz Soares.

A steady stream of voters turned out at the Public Works garage on High Street to vote on two local issues as well as the state referendum on the vaccine law and the presidential primary.

Jeffrey Tilton will serve six months in jail on assault and unlawful sexual touching charges and will receive probation on witness tampering charge.

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

A roundup of cases closed at courts in Augusta and Waterville, between Feb. 20-25, 2020.

Residents will decide on seven articles at a special town meeting scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Somerville Elementary School.

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

The proposed ordinance would set up an annual review for adult-use and medical marijuana establishments based on impacts such as public safety, odor, lights and sewer system operations.

Town officials scheduled votes on whether to extend the Pipeline TIF district and whether to explore leaving Regional School District 2 for the same election as the people's veto on the state's vaccination law and the Democratic presidential primary.

Kevin J. Soto, 28, had prior drug trafficking convictions on his record in New York.

Supervisor Ken Grimes of the Office of State Fire Marshal said investigators are unable to safely investigate the building because it could collapse.

Men from Augusta and Camden, in separate cases, have been indicted by a Kennebec County grand jury on numerous charges.

Producers throughout central Maine have begun tapping maple trees, especially as the weather delivers warmer days and cold nights.

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

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

The owner of the Gardiner quilt shop talks about the importance of a loyal customer base.

Augusta fire Chief Roger Audette said five people were injured during the early Saturday morning fire at 36 Malta St.

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

When Maegan Carves and Robbie Lunt planned to have their second child at home, they had no idea that nothing would go according to plan.

Wayne O. Draper, 55, allegedly abused a mentally ill client during a period of four years; once the allegations were reported, he was terminated by Motivational Services.

Augusta city councilors authorized spending up to $12,000 to study a potential third site for a new police station.

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

Caleb Hupper, 30, who is accused of fleeing a traffic stop in Wednesday in Mount Vernon, was arrested on charges of eluding an officer, failure to submit to arrest or detention and violation conditions of release. He was already wanted on two warrants citing multiple charges.

More than 17,000 Central Maine Power customers lost power during the height of outages Thursday, but less than 4,500 were without electricity by late afternoon.

Police say Caleb Huppper, who led police on a 90-minute pursuit on foot and on a stolen snowmobile through two towns, has several outstanding warrants and was expected to be charged in connection with Wednesday's incident.

Tony LaPlante, who has been Gardiner's public works director for seven years, has accepted the deputy public works director position in Augusta starting in March.

City councilors are seeking public input on the proposed new police station's location at a meeting Thursday night.

Images from services in Augusta and Waterville that mark the start of the Christian season of Lent.

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

More and more people are recognizing the reality of effects on the environment by looking at the data right before their eyes, writes Dana Wilde.

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

Also a member of the Cochnewagon Agricultural Association, Fox was described as a devoted family man who will leave a legacy of service.

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

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

A pair from Winthrop was arrested Sunday night after the car they were in went off the road on Winthrop Street near the intersection of Whitten Road.

A traffic study commissioned by the city of Augusta indicates there is enough parking downtown but it is not being used properly.

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

The CEO of the Finance Authority of Maine talks about the importance of having a plan and knowing when to change it.

The West Gardiner Service Plaza was closed Friday shortly after 5 p.m., when a water main break was reported, but fuel was available again starting at 8 p.m.

The rescue trucks replace two older vehicles that have reached the end of their useful lives. The new ambulances are four-wheel drive vehicles, which are expected to be more rugged, particularly in the winter.

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

Multiple law enforcement agencies are seeing an increased number of 911 hang-ups this year and are advising people who mistakenly alert emergency responders to stay on the line.

Greater Augusta Utility District General Manager Brian Tarbuck said the break could be repaired by about 2 p.m. Friday.

Claudia Fujinawa, a member of the Cannabis Committee, said she was worried that the ordinance may fail at March 7's special town meeting.

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

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

A roundup of cases closed Feb. 5-11 at courts in Augusta and Waterville.

The Augusta City Council is set to retroactively declare the building that was at 43 Patterson St. to be dangerous, after officials feared it could topple over onto neighboring property.

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

Town Treasurer Maria Greeley said town residents will vote on the new marijuana ordinance at a special town meeting on March 7.

Rashaad McKinney, 28, was sentenced to 77 months in prison for his role as a “straw-purchaser,” paying drugs or cash for firearms.

U.S. census records can be a treasure trove of information, but the information gathered in 1940 wasn't very reliable, Liz Soares writes.

The proposed ordinance change details where and under what circumstances marijuana-related businesses may operate in Gardiner.

The Greater Augusta Utility District, the city of Augusta and the Kennebec County commissioners have signed on to a deal to generate solar power.

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

The adjutant general of the Maine National Guard gave the State of the National Guard report Tuesday to a joint convention of the House and Senate in Augusta.

Gardiner police Detective Sgt. Todd Pilsbury said the fire that damaged some wooden pallets appeared to be started with newspaper and cardboard.

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.