County officials are looking for input from cities, towns and nonprofits across the county on how to spend $23.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds at a public forum to be held at 6 p.m., Monday in the county government building at 125 State St.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for September 26, 2021.

After a year when the annual fall festival shifted to a drive-through pie sale, AppleFest returned Saturday as an event that celebrates both Monmouth's history and the opportunity for friends to gather.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 25, 2021.

Proceeds are to benefit Crisis & Counseling Centers’ goal to make mental health and substance use disorder care accessible to all.

Coach Coffin, who had his own seat at the Augusta Civic Center, served two terms on the Augusta City Council and founded E.S. Coffin Engineering & Surveying.

Police say Brent Allen Elisens, over the last four to six weeks, has stopped to question police multiple times.

Rick Amero, a Monmouth Academy graduate who has spent more than 30 years in various roles at the school, will become the director of the Waldo County Technical Center in mid-October.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 24, 2021.

The Readfield Union Meeting House board of trustees hopes to have the entire building restored by its 200th anniversary in 2028.

Golf Fore Kids’ Sake raised more than $48,000 in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters, which mentors youths in Kennebec and Somerset counties.

Three people were taken to the hospital Thursday after a head-on crash around 11 a.m. on Riverside Drive that briefly closed down the roadway.

A total of $4.4 million in capital improvement projects proposed for next year would require a vote by Augusta residents.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for Sept. 23, 2021.

Maine School Administrative District 11 expects to receive nearly $3.6 million from the American Rescue Plan.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 22, 2021.

Anneliese Heinig was last seen in Richmond in November 2019. The search for Heinig has centered around the Presumpscot River in Falmouth, where someone matching her description was seen on the shoulder of Interstate 295 two days earlier.

Watching a 4-year-old navigate nature, writes Dana Wilde, highlights the self reliance of Thoreau and Emerson.

The new trail, dubbed the 'Kerns Hill Connector,' is roughly 1.5 miles and connects to the approximately 4.5-mile trail system at Hallowell's 'The RES.'

Christopher Ryan, director of community and economic development for Harvard, Massachusetts, will visit Gardiner on Sept. 28 to meet with city staff, tour facilities and meet with members of the public.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 21, 2021.

Gage Dalphonse is on trial in Augusta for killing Jean Fournier following a confrontation in 2019.

Gage Dalphonse, 23, of Auburn is on trial for murder in the 2019 shooting death of Jean Fournier, 41, of Turner.

Augusta and Waterville area arrests for Sept. 20, 2021.

Augusta and Waterville area arrests for Sept. 19, 2021.

Despite a mask mandate and a newly installed air filtration system, Winthrop public schools have at least 50 students in quarantine.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 18, 2021.

Sheepscot General Farm, one of only a few dozen licensed hemp growers in Maine, offers four strains of hemp plants to people who want to make their own CBD products.

Keynote speakers addressed the topic Friday afternoon during the University of Maine at Augusta's annual convocation ceremony.

Gage Dalphonse, accused of shooting Jean Fournier in the parking lot of Walmart in Auburn in 2019, is on trial for murder in Augusta.

The Dresden RSU 2 Review and Exploratory Committee will meet every third Thursday at 6 p.m.

Amanda Wogaman, who was pregnant at the time of the crash, underwent an emergency C-section and delivered a boy.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 17, 2021.

Gage Dalphonse, who shot and killed Jean Fournier in the Auburn Walmart parking lot in 2019, is on trial at the Augusta courthouse for murder.

Statewide, 75.6% of school staff members are fully vaccinated, meaning they have received two shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson.

The Wednesday classes will cover routine maintenance, roadside repairs, general bicycle mechanics and how to perform a basic tune-up.

Regional School Unit 38 is to receive $1.49 million from the federal Elementary and Secondary School Elementary Relief Fund.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for Sept. 16, 2021.

As of Tuesday, about 81% of the hospital's employees met the COVID-19 vaccination mandate Gov. Janet Mills has set for health care workers.

A moratorium put in place by city councilors bans any new solar farm development until rules increasing visual screening requirements are in place.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 15, 2021.

I am gratified so many people are reacting to the months of social isolation by connecting with others, writes Liz Soares.

Augusta officials are warning that a skunk infected with rabies was found and are urging residents to be cautious.

A bus driver shortage was thought to be the main issue for schools in central Maine, but turns out they need educational technicians, as well as substitute teachers even more than bus drivers, in some cases.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Kennebec Valley are trying to raise $400,000 to complete a fundraising campaign by Oct. 31.

Anneliese Heinig, who would be 39 now, disappeared in November 2019. She was last seen in Richmond, although a witness has said someone matching her description was seen walking away from an SUV registered to Heinig's parents early on Nov. 26, 2019.

Two marijuana businesses got the green light from city councilors Monday: Freshy Fresh Edible and Homegrown of Hallowell.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 14, 2021.

Proceeds are to benefit the renovation of the Johnson Hall Opera House.

An Augusta man has been charged with arson in connection with a garage fire set over the weekend, authorities said late Monday.

The United Way of Kennebec Valley will now serve all of Kennebec County, adding Waterville, Winslow and seven other communities that were previously served by the United Way of Mid-Maine.

Augusta and Waterville area arrests for Sept. 13, 2021.

A roundup of cases closed at courts in Augusta and Waterville between Jan. 1-15, 2020.

For the first time since 2013, city will collect residents' bulky waste, brush and metal items — in some cases for a $15 fee.

The art show at Stevens Commons, held every day from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m., started on Saturday and will end on Sunday Sept. 19.

Augusta and Waterville area arrest log for Sept. 12, 2021.

Mary Paine is now the top administrator at Marcia Buker Elementary School in Richmond.

The mix of humor, song and Catholic Church teachings is set for Sept. 19.

The town's Veteran's Memorial Monument was completed last November, however due to COVID-19 restrictions the town was unable to hold a formal dedication at the time.

Gardiner Main Street's signature event returns to Water Street in its brewfest format, with beer, food, fun and games.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 11, 2021.

The concert, called "Music in the Rafters: Celebrating the Music and Magic of Martin Swinger," is set for Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. at Johnson Hall in Gardiner.

Few businesses responded Friday when asked how they plan to comply with President Biden's vaccine mandate that was announced a day earlier.

William "Bill" Bridgeo is stepping down Monday after 23 years overseeing the city of Augusta.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 10, 2021.

Proceeds will be used to purchase a whale drum made by Jim Doble of Union.

Penny Sergent informed city officials she has moved to Saco, which violates the requirement in the city charter that Gardiner elected officials live in the city.

Though not on the table yet, remote learning was discussed at Wednesday night's Augusta school board meeting in case the district's COVID-19 cases increase.

A New York man was arrested Wednesday after police said they responded to a report of an armed robbery that led to a standoff with officers during their investigation.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for Sept. 9, 2021.

Road expected to be down to one lane for the next two to three weeks, according to state officials.

Richmond police Chief James Donnell said bystanders and witnesses rushed in to help after the crash at Route 197 and White Road.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 8, 2021.

At our house we no longer expect patches of frost until October, writes Dana Wilde.

Because of the universal mask mandate at the elementary schools, close contacts who have been identified need not quarantine if they do not show symptoms of the virus, according to officials.

Current At-Large Councilor Marci Alexander and Mark O'Brien, a former councilor and school board chairperson, seek to be elected mayor.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 7, 2021.

Roundup of cases closed at courts in Augusta or Waterville between Dec. 16 and 31, 2020.

A roundup of cases closed at courts in Augusta and Waterville between Nov. 16 and Nov. 30, 2020.

South Belfast Avenue only expected to be closed Tuesday. Augusta Police Chief Jared Mills says the closure could be extended, however, if unforeseen circumstances arise.

The clock was purchased by former Waterville Mayor Leon O. Tebbetts and added to the Union Meeting House in 1930.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 6, 2021.

Officials warn a revaluation, in the current market, is likely to push more of the property tax burden onto residents.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for September 5, 2021.

Through proactive effort, the Regional School Unit 38 transportation department has been able to fill all of its positions, while other districts are still facing challenges.

Assistant City Manager Susan Robertson to serve as interm manager after City Manager William Bridgeo retires, before permanent replacement is found.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for September 4, 2021.

Up to 40 craft and vendor tables are available for rent.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 3, 2021.

Maine School Administrative District 11 does not have a set date for the committee's first meeting, but plans to review COVID-19 data before the next school board session.

The state House of Representatives seat was left vacant when former Rep. Justin Fecteau, R-Augusta, resigned in July and will be filled in a Nov. 2 special election.

The fair is back after having to cancel last year — the only time it did so since the first fair in 1888.

The business is owned by Michelangelo and Elizabeth Ciccarelli of Farmingdale. Before they purchased the 153 Water St. building last October, it was known by many in Hallowell as Boynton's Market for 84 years.

Five of six school districts, the exception being Regional School Unit 2, provided detailed information about how many positive COVID-19 cases they had last school year.

A fire on Central Street damaged two units of a six-unit apartment building, while the other four units remain undamaged.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 2, 2021.

Teens to Trails partners with Maine Department of Education to encourage group outdoor activities.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 1, 2021.

City councilors expressed enthusiasm for the proposal, saying it could help revitalize the north end of downtown and Sand Hill area.

Encouraging rodents who spend most of the day in my backyard is not a good idea, writes Liz Soares, but it's tough when their actions are adorable.

Penny Sergent has agreed to leave the home where she and her family have lived since 2016. The Gardiner city councilor has failed to pay property taxes or sewer fees on the property, prompting the city to foreclose.

Hallowell's city budget, approved Aug. 9, gives the library an additional $12,827 — for a total of $54,827 — in funding.

Augusta and Waterville area arrests for Aug. 31, 2021.

More than 300 people attended, virtually and in-person Monday's emergency meeting and 30 people spoke out in addition to hundreds of emails in response to the school district's mask policy.

The Capital Area New Mainers Project was gifted the Episcopal Church property in Hallowell after it closed in June, and is in the process of converting it into space for immigrants to live and gather.

The estimate to replace the storm panels is $4,420, according to officials at the Hubbard Free Library.

The city-owned landfill that also accepts waste from the residents of eight surrounding communities is projected to be full in five years.

Augusta and Waterville area arrests for Aug. 30, 2021.

Last week, Horizon Organic notified Maine dairy farms that their milk contracts won't be renewed a year from now, leaving owners and state officials unsure about what's next.

It has been 10 years of steady growth for petanque — "the most interesting game no one ever heard of" — in Augusta.

This year's fair includes a beer garden at the racetrack for the first time, and a daily, pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic, along with traditional fair attractions, including rides, fair food, exhibitions and entertainment.

Augusta and Waterville area arrests for Aug. 29, 2021.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Aug. 28, 2021.

Lon Cameron has channeled his creative drive into developing floating motorized picnic tables, a new and different way for people to enjoy time on the water.

As many students return to public-school classrooms this coming week, district officials have more leeway than last year in their pandemic protocols, leading to differing precautions for COVID-19.

Travis Mills, whose foundation operates a lakeside retreat in Rome for wounded veterans and their families, says the U.S military didn't fail in Afghanistan and has taken his message to a national audience.

MaineGeneral spokesperson Joy McKenna said nothing prohibits patients from asking about staff members' vaccination status and the hospital would not refuse treatment for such queries.

Many Regional School Unit 38 students and educators still plan to wear masks, but worry for those around them who don't.

The StoryWalk project was a community endeavor, from the area high school students that created the posts to the people who sponsored books to be placed in the two locations.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Aug. 27, 2021.

Heather Priest, 36, of Casco, died after being involved in a single-vehicle crash Thursday night in Litchfield, officials said.

Although school meals are free to all students, the form is used to collect data that results in federal funding to public schools.

Aubrey N. Armstrong, 32, of  Far Rockaway, Queens, New York, sentenced, for the third time — to 30 years in prison — for his role in the 2015 killing of Joseph Marceau.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for Aug. 26, 2021.

Masking will be a decision left for parents to make for their students, but Regional School Unit 38 will participate in pool testing to avoid long periods of quarantine for close contacts.

Local developers Tobias Parkhurst and James Bass propose to purchase the former mill's long-dormant powerhouse building from the city for $1.

The fair is set for Sept. 10 through Sept. 12, and all activities — aside from the apple pie contest — are expected to be back.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Aug. 25, 2021.

There are more weird-looking creatures on the green Earth than is dreamt of in our philosophy, writes Dana Wilde.

The unit includes schools in Windsor, Chelsea, Whitefield and Palermo.

The goal of renovating the Randall Student Center is to increase the value of the building's resources for current and prospective students.

Meghan Kerr, 22, faced multiple assault charges following incidents in 2020 and 2021.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Aug. 24, 2021.

The next step for Specialty Agriculture is to obtain a state license, which it needs before applying for permanent approval and starting its cultivation operation.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for Aug. 23, 2021.

Newly certified junior firefighters in Farmingdale and Monmouth, 16 and 17 years old, have already earned their place on those towns' fire crews.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for Aug. 22, 2021.

Thomas Doore, a retired firefighter for the city of Augusta, has been appointed deputy treasurer for Kennebec County.

Rick Stoops, who has served as the church as pastor since 1982, said this is the first he has seen the church hold a river baptism.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Aug. 21, 2021.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Aug. 20, 2021.

More than 300 people tuned in to the school board's livestreamed meeting Thursday night, and the meeting was moved to the Little Theater at Gardiner Area High School in response to the large in-person crowd.

Driven by the unvaccinated, the modest rise in COVID-19 admissions at MaineGeneral in Augusta belies the 325-percent jump in the seven-day daily case average across the state compared to one month ago.

The driver of a tractor-trailer that rolled over on Interstate 95, shortly before 8 a.m. Friday in Augusta, has been charged with operating under the influence of drugs and drug possession.

Updated return-to-school plan includes five days of in-person learning per week, with no remote option, 3 feet of physical distancing between students and assigned seating on buses and at cafeterias.

Under the American Rescue Plan Act, Kennebec County will get $23.7 million to help recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $2.5 million project will include six units, each with four bedrooms, two decks, a garage and more than 2,500 square feet of living area.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for Aug. 19, 2021.

Bill Harvey is being celebrated for his decades of contributions to the Gardiner community as the owner of Harvey's Hardware, his efforts in sustaining Gardiner's downtown and his civic activities.

After a lengthy discussion at Tuesday night's school board meeting, Regional School Unit 12 plans to register for pool testing in the coming days and universally require masks for students, staff and visitors.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Aug. 18, 2021.

Among the 49 books read so far this year, writes Liz Soares, are many mysteries and thrillers, with a healthy mix of nonfiction.

Richmond officials are gathering signatures for another vote, while Dresden officials have talked with Wiscasset school administrators about sending students to the town's middle and high schools.

Augusta and Waterville area arrests for Aug. 17, 2021.

Ceremony falls on the town's 250th anniversary.

Nearly 400 people, many in scrubs, lined both sides of State Street in front of the Maine State House to protest the requirement to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 1 or have a medical exemption.

Jeremiah D. Gamblin pleads guilty Monday to elevated aggravated assault in the shooting of a Waterville girl in February 2020.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Aug. 16, 2021.

Local historic properties involved include All Souls Chapel in Poland, Colonial Theater in Augusta and the Judson Record House in Livermore Falls.

Board member Kati McCormick voted against the motion, siding with a parent who spoke about the impact more early release days would have on her son and on her job.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for August 15, 2021.

The second phase includes permitting for sandbags, geotechnical exploration and conceptual engineering design, with costs not to exceed $45,800.

A citizen group worried about ongoing deterioration at the site, asked city officials to take action to get North Carolina developer to finally redevelop the historic riverfront site.

Kennebec County was hardest hit in terms of its thousand-plus outages, but power was quickly being restored throughout the afternoon.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Aug. 14, 2021.

This week's hot, humid weather sent people across central Maine looking for relief, and people in the Richmond area looking for ripe peaches at Pleasant Pond Orchard, where owner Shane Patrick advises people to stop by early in the day.

After two hours of deliberation and many different perspectives shared, Regional School Unit 2 will require masks to be worn in its schools.