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

Despite delays in receiving information, the committee appointed to negotiate Richmond's withdrawal from its school district still hopes to meet deadlines for leaving RSU 2 in 2021, if Richmond voters agree.

Gardiner residents will be able to transact business in person at Gardiner City Hall, as long as they wear masks, observe limits to the number of people allowed into the public areas and bring their own pens.

With their focus on health and safety, gym and fitness facility owners say they are frustrated with delays in reopening their businesses

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

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

Towns are grappling with the possibility of more than 50 people attending meetings, which violates gathering restrictions currently in place by an order of the governor's office.

Cony's graduation will include students being awarded their diplomas in-person at the school as their families look on.

No members of the public commented at a virtual public hearing on the city and school budget, but will have another chance, in person, next week.

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

In their first debate on the proposed $6.6 million city budget, Gardiner city councilors said Wednesday night they seek to trim more than $200,000 from the spending plan, while figuring out how to add three firefighter-paramedics.

Masks and social distancing requirements are part of the city's reopening plan, which outlines when other parts of Augusta's municipal operations will resume services.

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

Though some Select Board members expressed concern about the impact of state limits on gatherings to no more than 50 people, the town will have an open Town Meeting at Whitefield Elementary School on July 18.

If you can’t remember ticks being much of a problem when you were a kid, it’s because they weren’t, writes Dana Wilde.

In response to economic uncertainty brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the library's board of trustees is recommending city officials not increase the fees neighboring communities pay to use the library.

Town Clerk Rose Webster said the position vacated by Selectman Andy Vellani has already garnered interest from a couple of town residents.

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

While Richmond's KOA campground can be open to Maine residents starting Memorial Day weekend, other summer activities have been canceled.

Outdoor dining, a new gallery and new apartments now under construction mark the latest chapter in downtown Augusta's revival.

Many central Maine communities recorded programs honoring veterans Monday as most in-person events were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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

No injuries were reported in fire that authorities say destroyed the Fairview Street home of a woman known for fostering 100s of children.

Officials of the Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope transitional home for homeless and in-need women veterans say the hiring of Colleen Madigan will help them reorganize and make improvements, but still plan to empty the house of its current four residents who don't want to leave.

Anne McKee, with no in-person graduation ceremony to attend, instead marked her college graduation by running more than 50 kilometers from Bowdoin College in Brunswick to her family's Hallowell home.

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

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

Downtown Gardiner retailers are opening their doors to customers again with public health protections in place, hoping to draw their customers back.

The selectman, whose resignation is effective Tuesday, asked for Farmingdale residents understanding and offered his "apologies and also appreciation to all that have supported and voted for me."

Some Augusta and Gardiner restaurant owners are happy with their level of patrons, while one Hallowell business is wondering where diners are.

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

Friends and acquaintances remember Daniel Bailey as a man who loved his family, his business and his community.

Despite numerous Memorial Day events being canceled, a number of volunteers worked to mark the graves of veterans around central Maine.

Health and wellness activities at both MaineGeneral and the Alfond Youth Center in Waterville will benefit from the funds.

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

Reasons for Andy Vellani's sudden resignation were unclear Wednesday night.

The library is asking the city for $68,040, but has primary goal of retaining last year's figure of $42,000 with anticipated struggles in city revenues.

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

Patti Dubois, currently city clerk in Waterville, will fill Augusta's vacant city clerk's position starting June 8.

Wearing a mask in a pandemic is just as important to public health as people wearing shoes in places where food is served, writes Liz Soares.

Though another person had previously expressed interest, Jan Michaud is the only candidate to seek the vacant Ward 3 Augusta Board of Education seat.

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

While the town's Budget Committee supports cutting a patrol officer from the Richmond Police Department, the Board of Selectmen's recommendation for full staffing will appear on the warrant.

All four residents of Betsy Ann Ross House of Hope say they were told last Thursday they had to be out by Tuesday, and none of them have yet found other places to live.

Fire Chief Scott Higgins said the home needed to be taken down Sunday night by an excavator so crews could extinguish the fire.

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

This year's version of the nation's longest-running student variety show will be patched together with video of two performances — one that's already been recorded, the other to be filmed June 6 at Cony High School.

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

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

Temple Beth El rabbi emeritus Susan Bulba Carvutto returned home to Granite Hill Estates with a warm welcome from friends.

Citing city budget cuts, including the layoffs of more than 30 workers, councilors asked the Augusta school board to cut about $450,000 from the proposed budget to avoid a tax increase.

Kennebec Valley Community College's 50th commencement was broadcast Saturday online and on public access television.

Frank Foss Jr., 25, of Dresden was arrested Thursday on gun-related charges, which violate conditions from a previous arrest after he allegedly fired a gun at his wife and children.

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

The Gardiner City Council is expected to consider a proposal to add three firefighters when it reviews the city's proposed budget in coming weeks.

Radio broadcaster says station won't broadcast Cony High School home games if the proposed policy passes.

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

Jeffery George, 38, was arrested at his home on a charge of possessing sexually explicit material of someone under 12, while a Wiscasset man was charged with the same crime in a unrelated case.

Food banks in Augusta, Gardiner and Hallowell are struggling to get diverse products, but are keeping up with increased need during the coronavirus pandemic.

Even with the addition of these three positions, three of the four towns in the district will see their SAD 11 assessments drop, and Pittston's will increase by a fraction of a percent.

Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center of Disease Control, said Monday that 1,200 of the masks 3D printed by Delta Prime Robotics have entered the state's supply.

In a Zoom meeting Tuesday, numerous Togus Pond property owners objected to the project due to the potential for increased boat traffic and milfoil from launch users.

While the coronavirus has your attention, a more catastrophic threat to the human race — climate change — continues to boil along in the background, writes Dana Wilde.

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

The museum, which offers exhibits and activities to ignite the curiosity of children and celebrate learning through play, plans to buy the First Congregational United Church of Christ at 7 Eustis Parkway in Waterville.

Funding for the Kennebec County jail and a request to add patrol deputies represent the largest share of the increases proposed for the upcoming budget year.

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

While one firefighter-paramedic tested positive last week and was hospitalized for COVID-19, the other 50 members of the Augusta Fire Department have tested negative.

The grow operation, run by David Vickers, will occupy slightly less than half the space at a 15,500-square-foot building at 268 Whitten Road, near the Hallowell-Augusta line.

The previously rejected policy, which broadcasters said would force them to stop covering Cony sports if it passed, was revised to lower fees, but the regulations on content remain.

The proposal is about 6.4% more than current spending.

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

Ashley Brown, 31, began offering meals in the early days of Maine's stay-at-home order, and now she has created a community of people who are making neighbor-to-neighbor connections across Maine.

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

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

Antique store owners in Hallowell, Farmingdale and Augusta thought the governor's instructions were inconsistent, and expressed enthusiasm for a revamped reopening plan that may allow them to open Monday.

Susan Moore, who teaches science to seventh graders at Augusta's Cony Middle and High School, is connecting with students outside of the classroom.

The performing arts center is canceling its free summer concert series, but will replace that with streaming shows every two weeks from June through at least October.

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

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

The company announced the $3 million expansion Wednesday after rekindling their interest in the project in 2019.

The Augusta city emergency services worker is now resting at home, while five others have been placed on a 14-day quarantine, according to the fire chief.

Ronald Bubier, 32, of Skowhegan, and Jarrod Russell, 37, of Norridgewock, were arrested and charged in separate incidents over the last two weeks.

The $6.5 million project adds 23 apartments to Augusta's downtown neighborhood and is expected to add demand for downtown restaurants and shops.

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

Chris Blodgett displayed massive handmade letters spelling "thank you" in front of the Alfond Center for Health on Wednesday.

Sheltering in place is doing weird things to my sense of time, writes Liz Soares.

Augusta, Belgrade, Winthrop and Gardiner are among the communities that have canceled celebrations, while Wayne is looking to put a new twist on Memorial Day.

State Rep. Charlotte Warren, D-Hallowell, said 132 employees from 10 bars and restaurants in the city will receive about $100 each.

Kristin Lorbeski has learned her students will not learn if they do not like coming to school. Her challenge now is to keep them connected so they continue to learn at home.

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

The fund for the grant, dubbed the “Hallowell Business Survival Grant Program,” would be supported by up to $15,000 drawn from unspent TIF funds.

Other Maine fairs — annual summer traditions for many — are also in jeopardy of not taking place in 2020 due to coronavirus concerns and restrictions on public gatherings.

Helen Beesley has been integral in making creative and motivating experiences for students during the coronavirus pandemic, according to RSU 12 Superintendent Howard Tuttle.

The annual event, which has been held for more than 50 years, was canceled after a vote Saturday of planning committee members.

Michael Morin filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission after company officials said a change in its computerized scheduling system could not accommodate his modified schedule.

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

The proposal cuts library and code enforcement workers, and includes eight municipal worker furlough days.

Regional School Unit 2 Superintendent Mary Paine said the district's three technology integrators are helping teachers offer the best education possible during the coronavirus pandemic.

WhipperSnappers Quilt Studio owner Lynn Irish say the process of applying to be an essential business took only a day.

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

Demonstrators in Augusta, most not wearing masks and standing close together, decry governor's pandemic orders.

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

Under a proposed agreement, Maine State Police would cover two zones in Kennebec County; currently deputies and troopers alternate coverage of six zones in the county.

Hatch Hill landfill will resume taking recycling and charging normal fees on Monday.

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

Members of central Maine churches have gathered for Zoom and drive-in services for community connection.

The funds, awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, are intended to help defray public safety costs stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.

Police throughout the region have discussed treating the matter on a case-by-case basis, with plenty of common sense and an eye toward education.

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

Revenue shortfalls and increased costs related to the coronavirus pandemic force city layoffs and furlough days.

Committee members are mulling whether they will be able to meet a June 30 deadline so the move can go before voters in November.

Health care providers, car dealerships, hair salon owners and others weigh in on what it will mean to open as part of Gov. Mills' four-stage plan.

The city's Board of Health recommended against hosting the large celebration at its Tuesday meeting, but the planning committee will conduct a final vote Saturday.

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

Astrobiologists seem to just waiting for the very last piece of the 10,000-piece puzzle to tell us that there is, or at least has been, life on Mars, Dana Wilde writes.

While some towns have opted for virtual meetings, Windsor continues to conduct its meetings at the Town Hall — with social distancing.

Ideas for the plan include a barrier between the public and town staff, which could protect staff from ornery customers and disease.

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

The Board of Selectmen agreed to hold the annual budget vote as a referendum in July to avoid a large public gathering, with an option for residents to vote absentee.

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

Some inmates have been released, but advocates say more need be done to prevent outbreaks of the coronavirus at jails and prisons.

Colleges, including Unity, Thomas, Colby and University of Maine at Augusta, have all postponed their commencement events but are working to reschedule their ceremonies to later dates.

Scrummy Afters owner Hilary Vellani said the business will focus on its online and mobile sales in the future.

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

Store officials say they continue to stock shelves and serve customers, even if it's in different ways under public health restrictions that limit public gatherings.

Augusta fire crews were able to extinguish a "small, unauthorized recreational fire” Saturday morning.

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

Ambulance crews, who are among the first to contact people who may have coronavirus and stand ready to meet any surge, appreciate those who ward off the contagion by social distancing.

Classes at Capital Area Technical Center in Augusta and Mid-Maine Technical Center in Waterville move on via social media, but lack of hands-on learning takes its toll.

The trees, among the oldest in the city, have showed signs of rot, and the decision was made to take them down.

Approximately 70 people lined the streets, while others watched from parked cars and some vehicles circled the area, to protest executive orders signed by Gov. Janet Mills to keep people home and nonessential businesses closed.

Maureen Donovan likes to have paper tax forms to complete her federal and state taxes, but printed federal forms are not readily available now due to pandemic-related shutdowns of IRS facilities.

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

If a withdrawal agreement can be completed by June, Richmond voters could decide on a July 1, 2021, withdrawal in a November vote.

New rules at Hatch Hill landfill in Augusta, which takes trash from several area towns, have some users upset.

Hopper died April 17 at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, with his wife, Ann, by his side.

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

Executive Director Norman Thombs said the organization is serving about 1,000 meals a week between its Monmouth, Winthrop and Vienna locations.

Augusta Sgt. Jesse Brann said the man was attempting to get away from police when he locked himself inside someone's apartment Wednesday.

Hallowell City Manager Nate Rudy said the city is working with state officials to either restructure the current site or identify a new brush dump as soon as possible.

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

Pedestrians going to and from the many businesses in the area have had to take their chances walking alongside the normally heavy traffic on the stretch of road.

Seismologists who spend their days listening to the Earth for signs of tremors and quakes have noticed pronounced downturns in noise levels during the pandemic, writes Dana Wilde.

The amendments included small changes from those discussed last week, which were opposed by a city councilor due to a lack of council control over crisis management and lack of diversity in staff.

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

In response to those questions, City Manager Nate Rudy said, the property won't reopen until it "can clearly establish that we meet the DEPs regulatory standards regarding the setbacks."

Regional School Unit 2 Superintendent Cheri Towle will resign April 30 and current acting superintendent Mary Paine will fill the position during a search for a new person for the post.

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

After being in "total disbelief" as the barn burned, the farm's owners, with the community's help, are beginning to rebuild.

The protest, organized anonymously by groups calling themselves Mainers Against Excessive Quarantine and ReOpen Maine, drew an estimated 300 people and came amid similar gatherings across the country.

Event cancellations due to the coronavirus have halted revenues at the city-owned auditorium and meeting facility.

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

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

The election planned for June to elect a new Augusta Board of Education member has been moved to July 14 due to coronavirus concerns.

A few more weeks of work is needed to finish up the downtown project begun last year.

With help from Hallowell Police and Fire departments, Gloria Carey and her family celebrated her birthday with a parade Friday.

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

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

Gardiner Main Street and Augusta Downtown Alliance collaborated to raise money to help out their downtown businesses struggling to stay afloat under restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Councilor Maureen Aucoin said amendments leave too much decision-making power with the city manager and not enough with the City Council.

The plan approved by the school board may include remote instruction on some aspects of the school curriculum, but does not involve grading — or requiring — student work.

A delay could also extend the deadline for collecting signatures on nomination petitions, something one potential candidate told a councilor has been difficult due to social distancing restrictions.

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

The places where we feel most comfortable — coffee shops, taverns, churches, social clubs, bowling alleys and libraries — are shuttered because of the coronavirus, writes Liz Soares.

Randy E. Tremaine, 47, is accused of causing $4,000 worth of damage in an area near Belgrade and Oakland.

Central Maine educators and business owner are among the people who are putting their skills to work in order to provide protective gear for those coming in contact with coronavirus.

Co-owner Wyatt Shorey said the generator was stolen from the eatery after its Easter Sunday dinner service.

Water levels exceeded the minor flood stage by less than a foot on Tuesday afternoon.

Fire crews spent more than an hour searching for 57-year-old Clyde Penney after his kayak was spotted in the river without him in it.

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

A representative from Cider Hollow Farm posted that more than a dozen animals were killed when a barn burned down on Monday night.

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

The project, which is expected to start later in the spring, includes repairing masonry and replacing windows at the historic theater on Water Street.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Michael Clair said river levels are forecast to reach the action stage, but could climb into the flood stage with more rain.

Hard on the heels of last week's spring snowstorm, a powerful storm is expected to bring heavy rain and powerful winds to Maine Monday.

As people across Maine are spending more time at home under public health directives to slow the spread of coronavirus, some are choosing to spend that time fostering animals.

Mail carrier Patrick Dapolito said the mail system is vital during the outbreak, but could be threatened as it is being used less.

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

Meeting with families by video platforms to plan funerals, postponing services until later in the spring or summer and wearing extra protective gear while working with the deceased are among the ways funeral directors have adapted during the pandemic.

A staple in the 1960s and '70s, car hop dining has bolstered restaurant's revenue after the coronavirus outbreak closed dining rooms.

While power outages also mean cable outages, some people lost cable services while the lights stayed on in the recent spring snowstorm.

Sam and Alan Sanborn, of Canaan, and Joan Phillips-Sandy, of Waterville, found creative ways to make do, as by Saturday afternoon, they had been without power since Thursday night.

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

Officials hope to approve a budget before start of fiscal year, but the coronavirus could have impact beyond health.

After a Tuesday recommendation from the Department of Education commissioner, many schools decided Friday to close their doors and continue remote learning through the rest of this year's academic calendar.

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

The April storm that began Thursday and continued overnight into Friday cuts power to about 200,000 customers of Central Maine Power, including at least 81,000 in the central Maine region.

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

Area fire departments often allow troopers and sheriff's deputies to access their facilities for various reasons, including using bathrooms, decontaminating their cars and internet use.

Educational guidelines proposed by school administrators would encourage, but not require, online learning.

Some superintendents announced plans Thursday to continue remote or distance learning through June, following Tuesday's recommendation by Maine's education commissioner. Others are taking a wait-and-see position.

Elected officials had been scheduled to start budget reviews next week, but those discussions will be delayed as restrictions on public meetings remain in place to slow the spread of coronavirus in Maine.

Pediatrician Sydney Sewall said masks may not help prevent the wearer from contracting the virus, but it will prevent them from getting others sick.

City Manager Nate Rudy said he was not aware of any Hallowell citizens that have contracted the virus.

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

Lt. Chris Read said three thefts have occurred in China, Manchester and Litchfield this month, and the office is looking for information about the incidents.

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

Needs for these program may increase, as data shows Augusta citizens experience more food insecurity and poverty than the statewide average.

The Board of Selectmen on Monday voted to appoint Sgt. James Donnell as police chief, replacing Scott MacMaster, who has accepted the chief's position in Hallowell.

Starting Friday, Reed & Reed, the contractor on the Gardiner bridge replacement project, will stop work because of the coronavirus pandemic, putting the work there on hold.

Music teachers at Hall-Dale Middle School, and Richmond Middle and High School are offering private lessons for their students while schools are closed.

As more restrictions on public gatherings are put in place, Gardiner-area educators outline plans to continue to provide education and meals to the district's students.