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

Though commercial shows are canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, the manager at Pyro City Maine says the business has seen an increase in customers that want to do their own fireworks shows.

Though traditional July Fourth celebrations will be altered this weekend because of the coronavirus pandemic, Mainers will likely find safe and fun ways to mark the holiday, Amy Calder writes.

A lack of rain that followed late-spring frosts worried farmers, but pickers are turning out early and often to gather strawberries while observing public health recommendations related to COVID-19.

Officers say they responded to the report of a theft at about 4 a.m. Thursday on Butler Street, where they found the juvenile breaking into a vehicle.

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

The grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration supports communities responding to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

If the Three Corners Solar Project in Unity Township, Benton and Clinton is approved by the Maine Public Utilities Commission and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, construction could begin in 2021.

A spokesperson for the company said that the factories sent employees home on Wednesday and that the Norway factory will close on Thursday for cleaning as an employee awaits results from coronavirus test.

Two Massachusetts men have been arrested and charged and are being held at the Somerset County Jail in Madison.

The Municipal Review Committee told member municipalities and others that 3/4 of their trash was being diverted to the Orrington waste-to-energy plant while the Fiberight plant in Hampden is shut down.

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

While I sympathize with the small business owners who are losing money because of the dearth of visitors, this is an ideal opportunity for Mainers to enjoy Maine, writes Liz Soares.

The MSAD 54 board of directors convenes for only its second in-person meeting since the coronavirus pandemic closed school facilities in mid-March.

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

The $10 million opening plan includes input from medical professionals, 50 faculty members and 10 task forces, and involves administering 85,000 tests for the coronavirus to students, faculty and staff in the fall semester.

Farid A. Hamrouni, 18, of Waterville, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, operating without a license, criminal mischief, and attaching false plates after a Chevy Impala crashed Monday night on Water Street.

The Waterville Planning Board on Monday is scheduled to consider a plan for a marijuana growing operation on Industrial Road, just down the road from another marijuana operation licensed by the city in May.

The Winslow Town Council and School Board meet to discuss using the old junior high school so students can follow social-distancing guidelines.

The community group that began 25 years ago and is an umbrella for local nonprofit groups is working to boost membership and raise at least $35,000 to stay afloat.

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

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

Founded by Colby and Thomas college students, the businesses have their roots in the Greenlight Pitch competitions backed by both schools, which have attracted $20 million in investments over five years of competition.

Musings on masks — both real and metaphorical — have J.P. Devine thinking about what we choose to wear during the grand production of our lives.

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

Brent Colbry was among the first teachers to bring special education to Maine schools, managed school districts through financial crises and seen huge advances in technology that have ultimately helped schools navigate the pandemic.

The project hit a snag Thursday when a valve on a pipe failed near the intersection of Main and Silver streets downtown, flooding Main Street and forcing the Kennebec Water District to shut off water to three restaurants on Silver Street for a few hours.

Recent drought conditions mean a natural fungus that keeps the infestation in check isn't happening, as the caterpillars with poisonous hairs decimate trees in some areas of the region.

Instead of implementing strict safety guidelines and gradually phase students back onto campus, Unity College has decided to forgo in-person instruction for the 2020-2021 school year and continue its instruction remotely.

College officials unveiled the comprehensive safety plan the school has created in order to bring students and staff back to campus despite the continuing coronavirus pandemic.

The mystery of a homing pigeon that appeared last weekend at Amy Calder's sister's house in Skowhegan led to a journey to find the bird's owner and while some questions were answered, others remain elusive.

Michael Heavener, 63, of Winslow. spent 21 years in law enforcement before taking over the town manager position in October 2006, a job he originally said he would never want to take.

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

The bridge study team is looking for feedback from members of the community over the next two weeks to add to the comments gathered from some 40 residents who joined the virtual meeting Thursday night.

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

The suspects, all from Pittsfield, have been identified as Shanna M. Vicnaire, 27; Joshua Cookson, 31; Lori Norrie, 47; and Shane Vicnaire, 51.

The 2021 diesel school bus from the Blue Bird Corporation will be financed through a grant from the Department of Transportation and aid from the Department of Education.

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

City Planner Ann Beverage reported Wednesday that Planning Board member Tom Nale Jr. resigned from the board Tuesday.

Sometimes I get chills when my mind homes in on the fact that spiders are sentient, writes Dana Wilde.

The proposed budget for 2020-21 is $101,000 less than the current spending plan and heads to a referendum vote on July 14.

Melik Peter Khoury, the college's president, said the tuition reduction helps Unity meet its mission to make education more accessible.

Councilors voted Tuesday to add some of Councilor Flavia Oliveira's alternate decree to Phil Bofia's resolution about Black Lives Matter, but the debate proved divisive as another councilor declared, "All lives matter."

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

The board voted unanimously to appoint Krigbaum, 29, a senior software engineer for Tyler Technologies, to the Ward 5 seat vacated by Julian Payne, who resigned recently.

Resident Kelly Couture says Selectman Alan Tibbetts' "LIAR" signs are "divisive" and "borderline hate speech." Couture also accused Tibbetts of moving and damaging Trump-Pence campaign signs, which he denies.

A second meeting after the first one held in September 2019 has been delayed in great part by the coronavirus pandemic.

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

Police: Steven Warfield was arrested Sunday in Canaan and charged with assault, burglary, terrorizing, aggravated criminal trespass and a probation hold.

State Police: Antonio Martinez, 22, was likely texting while driving Sunday night and lost control of his pickup truck near Exit 43 in Richmond.

The Waterville Planning Board on Monday will consider making recommendations to the City Council on creating a solar farm district in the zoning ordinance and rezoning parts of County and Webb roads for solar farms.

President Laurie Lachance said the group will focus on equity, diversity and social justice headed by two professors.

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

J.P. Devine recalls how the notion of the male "breadwinner" changed for him at a young age and how women are increasingly stepping up.

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

The candidate appointed to a seat vacated recently by Julian Payne of Ward 5 could run again in November to serve the remainder of Payne's unexpired term of two years, which ends in 2022.

Former City Councilor Phil Bofia submitted a resolution to councilors this week, asking that they vote to denounce police violence and brutality against black people and reaffirm Waterville is a welcoming community.

The crash on Route 201 in Vassalboro resulted in a road closure for about 45 minutes, according to Fire Chief Walker Thompson.

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

The college shared a commencement video on Saturday morning, where commencement speeches were shared from students, faculty, alumni, and guest speakers.

The school had a series of 15-minute ceremonies on Saturday, where students graduated in groups of six, allowing for proper guidelines to be followed and students to return to school one more time.

Having vivid dreams during and about the coronavirus may not be such a bad thing, writes Amy Calder.

Assistant Superintendent John Moody said the district is working toward having students back in school safely next fall and has also restarted the process of selecting a new mascot.

District residents were invited to call in to comment on the proposed 2020-21 budget — with its 2.68% increase — but no one called.

Acquired 18 years ago by Somerset Woods Trustees, the land was donated earlier this month to the park.

The two central Maine banks made the announcement Thursday, and expect to complete the consolidation by year's end.

The annual Oakland town meeting was held last week at the new Oakland Fire Station. It accommodated 50 people, who were able to social distance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

The cause of the fire Wednesday evening remains under investigation.

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

The Municipal Review Committee updated members Wednesday on its efforts to find a new buyer and operator after Coastal Maine LLC suspended operations last month at the Fiberight plant in Hampden.

With fewer coronavirus cases in Maine, it's easy for us to feel complacent about maintaining safety measures, writes Liz Soares.

Councilors also decided to hold a special meeting Tuesday to discuss what capital improvement requests should be included in a 2020 bond.

A crowd of about 40 people marched from Fort Halifax Park in Winslow to bring greater awareness to the systematic racism they say exists in the Waterville area.

The final cause of death for Joseph Tracy, who was shot June 6 in Waterville and died two days later, is being withheld because the case is an active investigation.

Maine State Trooper Mickael Nunez, 30, underwent surgery for a severe broken leg Sunday after he was hit by a vehicle involved in a high-speed chase that started in Waterville and ended in China.

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

The Proper Pig seeks to use sidewalk space and part of Common Street for outdoor dining. The bar and restaurant is asking that the entire street be closed from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays.

Patti Dubois, who left her job as Waterville city clerk recently to become the city clerk in Augusta, is returning June 29 to her former job at Waterville City Hall, and Matt Skehan, director of the Waterville Parks & Recreation Department, will become the city's director of Public Works when Mark Turner retires July 2.

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

State Trooper Mickael Nunez, 30, was listed in serious condition Monday at MaineGeneral in Augusta. Police say Nunez was hit Sunday in China by a car driven by Robert Belmain, 53, of Caribou.

Nancy York said the secret to a long, happy life together is "you say a lot of prayers, have a lot of discussions and try to keep things light."

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

Citing state restrictions on public gatherings and other concerns about public health and safety, organizers decided last week to cancel the 67th annual fair.

The faithful don't need to “pack the pews" right now, but rather minister to the people in need out in the world, J.P. Devine writes.

The center reopened to the public this weekend after nearly three months of restricted programming due to the pandemic.

Some central Maine towns continue to be resident-only beaches, but enforcement tends to be on the honor system and none plan similar measures to reduce the number of people this summer.

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

Fernand J. Michaud, 85, of Clinton was pronounced dead Saturday morning after his vehicle went off the Oak Pond Road in Skowhegan and struck a large tree.

Since Coastal Resources LLC suspended operations May 28 after being unable to get a $14.7 million loan, area towns have been sending their trash to Waste Management-Crossroads Landfill in Norridgewock, but they hope Coastal will be back up and running with help from the Municipal Review Committee.

Holding a news meeting in the pouring rain isn't the worst thing in the world, Amy Calder writes.

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

A 71-year-old Oakland woman drove a 2017 Nissan Rogue into the Aubuchon Hardware building on Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville Friday morning.

Scott Rivard delivers poignant speech to 101 Waterville Senior High School seniors at Thursday evening's graduation ceremony, held at the lot at Central Maine Motors Auto Group.

Brian Cowan was arrested June 5 after the Somerset County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into the alleged sexual assault.

Facility set to allow members back into its wellness center and pool areas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the center has implemented strict guidelines to ensure the health and safety of employees and members.

Corey Swain of Commercial Street was arrested on charges of aggravated operating of a methamphetamine lab and aggravated trafficking in methamphetamine.

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

The Winslow High School Class of 2020 was celebrated in a modified ceremony held in the school's parking lot Wednesday evening.

Donations toward the grant came from several businesses within the community as well as a grant from the Bill and Joan Alfond Foundation.

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

Two Maine State Police specialty units returned Wednesday to Sandy Stream in Unity where they searched the area for additional human remains after part of a skeleton from an adult male was found in the stream May 30 by kayakers.

Twelve organizations across Maine have teamed up to create a completely virtual Pride Month. The first event is a livestream of a drag queen story hour hosted by the Children's Book Cellar in Waterville.

Every kind of suffering and joy seems upon us here in early summer, writes Dana Wilde.

A message Mayor Nick Isgro posted on Facebook Monday about the need for more police funding — just a day after a peaceful protest in the city — drew criticism from people who said the timing was inappropriate.

Timothy Silva, 17, appeared at court Tuesday afternoon for a detention hearing, where Waterville District Court Judge Charles Dow allowed him to return to his mother's home in Fairfield while he awaits his next hearing.

Dan Tracy, father of Waterville shooting victim Joe Tracy, said his son loved animals, his nephews and nieces, and racing motorcycles, but he did not tell them who shot him or why.

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

Skowhegan police Chief David Bucknam said that Michael S. Gilbert Jr. died at the scene of a motorcycle accident on Madison Avenue on Monday afternoon.

This year's senior class is scheduled to leave the high school at 6:45 p.m. Thursday in 101 vehicles, escorted by police and firefighters, and head to a graduation ceremony at Central Maine Motors Auto Group.

The owners of Joseph's Fireside Steakhouse announced May 29 they were closing the eatery at 99 West River Road in Waterville. Co-owners Kevin Joseph and E.J. Fabian said crowd restrictions prompted by the coronavirus pandemic drove their decision to close the restaurant.

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

The City Council on Tuesday also is slated to consider taking a final vote to accept a coronavirus grant, approve a lease option for a solar facility and recognize June as Maine Pride Month.

Skowhegan Police Chief David Bucknam said that Isaiah Adams was fatigued while driving, causing him to roll his vehicle.

Waterville and Maine State police continue to investigate the shooting Saturday of Joseph Tracy. No arrest had been made as of Monday.

Marchers assemble peacefully Sunday at The Concourse and march from downtown Waterville to Head of Falls, joining a chorus of protests across the nation.

Those interested in filling the unexpired term of Julian Payne of Ward 5 are asked to send a letter of interest and résumé by June 18 to Superintendent Eric Haley.

The summer season for the Lakewood Theater, the longest-running summer theater in the country, has been rescheduled to begin in August to help protect the health and safety of staff members and theatergoers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Maine School Administrative District 54, which has handed out more than 340,000 meals in recent months, has received mixed reviews from parents, some saying they have received district-provided meals that contained past-dated food, were missing items or had little nutritional value.

As the Maine International Film Festival prepares a move to the Skowhegan Drive-In Theater this year, J.P. Devine remembers the summer night in 1949 when he and others packed into a green Chevrolet for a night at the movies.

Veterans and community members gathered for a brief ceremony Saturday evening to commemorate the 76th anniversary of D-Day at the VFW in Waterville.

The man was initially taken by ambulance to MaineGeneral, where he was later transported by LifeFlight to Portland.

Solon Fire Chief Duayne Rollins said that 11 local fire departments as well as the Maine Forest Rangers assisted and helped put the fire out.

The Capraro family has struggled as schools closed, leaving two of their sons with autism struggling without necessary services and have been set back in their progress as a result.

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

Timothy Silva, 17, was arrested on Thursday evening four months after a car accident that killed three teens and injured another.

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

The Kennebec County Budget Committee will hold virtual public hearings on Tuesday and Thursday before voting on a proposed spending plan that's up nearly 8.5% more than the current year.

Former Waterville City Councilor Phil Bofia, a current charter commission member, is organizing a solidarity march that will end at Castonguay Square downtown.

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

The Waterville-based Maine Film Center is dedicating this year's festival to people of color who have been killed by racist violence. The festival runs from July 7 to July 16 at the Skowhegan Drive-In Movie Theatre.

The Skowhegan Fire Department on Wednesday also put out two other fires — a blaze that destroyed a rubbish truck and a fire that burned the exterior of an apartment building.

"Because we’re a small school, we’ve been able to make our graduation as close to a traditional ceremony as we could," said Lee Harper, principal of Upper Kennebec Valley Memorial High School in Bingham.

Madison Area Memorial High School and Carrabec High School will hold ceremonies Friday morning that will be recorded and available to the community later.

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

While my life has slowed down, my thoughts haven't. I need to keep them where my body is at any given moment, instead of galloping ahead to the unpredictable future, writes Liz Soares.

Upon searching the vehicle, police allege they found large quantities of crack cocaine and heroin hidden behind the air-box filter.

Kayakers discovered the remains of what appears to be an adult male in the Sandy Stream in Unity last Friday, according to a Maine State Police spokesman.

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

Councilors on Tuesday also voted to close part of Silver Street to allow three restaurants extra outdoor dining space and agreed not to open the municipal pool this season because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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

The Waterville Planning Board lost its livestream link to its meeting Monday and decided to postpone voting on whether to recommend rezoning properties on County and Webb roads to allow for solar farms.

Councilors on Tuesday also will consider whether to keep the Alfond Municipal Pool closed this season due to the coronavirus pandemic, and closing part of Silver Street to allow for more outdoor dining downtown.

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

Monday's protest drew at least 200 people to the the Universalist-Unitarian Church in Waterville, with participants hoisting signs amid nationwide unrest stemming from George Floyd's death while in police custody.

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

"We're out here demonstrating against this ongoing police brutality," said Aliza Jones, one of the protest's organizers. "This group has a lot of teachers, retired teachers, health care workers."

More than 35 people lined the streets Sunday afternoon near Skowhegan Federated Church on Island Avenue to protest police brutality after a black man, George Floyd, 46, died while being arrested a week ago in Minneapolis.

Messalonskee High School in Oakland, Lawrence High School in Fairfield and the Maine Arts Academy in Sidney have opted for modified graduation ceremonies that respect social-distancing guidelines.

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

Citing the strict guidelines placed on restaurants by the state, the owners of Joseph's Fireside Steakhouse in Waterville have decided to close down for good.

The organization — Give IT. Get IT. — collects computers, electronics from businesses, recycles material and refurbishes machines for community agencies and others.

Marie Fefa Deeb, 94, attends Mass at St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church at Appleton and Front streets, a lifelong daily devotion to spend, as she puts it, a half hour or hour with the Lord.

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

The town's TIF committee was unanimous in its decision to buy banners depicting each individual Norridgewock student and post them along Main Street as a show of support.

The last day for students at Skowhegan schools will be June 5, Assistant Superintendent Jon Moody told community members on Thursday.

Mark Ryder, 45, was charged with Class A robbery after he allegedly demanded money from workers at the Irving convenience store on Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville.

If we don't see ourselves as being connected during the coronavirus pandemic, we are doomed, Amy Calder writes.

The senior class, with 160 students from Canaan, Cornville, Mercer, Norridgewock, Smithfield and Skowhegan, will be brought into the gymnasium in groups of six.

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

The damaged building houses a backup diesel generator that operates when demand for power is high.

Most summer camps in the Waterville area plan to open this summer, following guidelines of the Maine Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, while others have decided not to open because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mitchell, owner of GHM Agency in downtown Waterville, was chosen from among more than 35,000 independent insurance agencies around the country to receive the Rough Notes Community Service Award.

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

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 order to abide by new guidelines set by the state, the director of advancement for the youth center, said the center has implemented several precautionary measures.

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

About 50 firefighters from several towns battled a blaze Sunday that destroyed two garages on Embden Pond and spread into the woods. Firefighters were able to prevent serious damage to a nearby camp.

The Tardiff-Belanger American Legion Post 39 and Auxiliary held remembrance ceremonies Monday at six sites in Starks, Anson and Madison.

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

Schools are tailoring graduation ceremonies to stay within safety guidelines regarding group gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic, but are also including in-person opportunities.

Wade Slack was killed in Afghanistan in 2010, but for his younger brother Andrew Slack, it was a ‘stern reality check,’ one that prompted him to join military service.

As the coronavirus pandemic has forced changes to Colby's final weeks of classes and traditional commencement ceremonies, members of the class of 1970 recall how protests and tension that year also disrupted the end of the semester even as their own 50th reunion is now canceled.

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

As we mark Memorial Day by honoring the men and women who died serving the military and enter warmer months, we must also remember to honor the frontline workers in the pandemic war and support each other, J.P. Devine writes.

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

‘This has really challenged arts organizations to think outside the box and be creative,’ said Mike Perreault, executive director for the Maine International Film Festival.

Crews were called to the mobile home on the Tardiff Road in Clinton where smoke and fire was visible to crews upon arrival.

Rita LaCroix, owner of Rita's House of Pizza in Winslow and Rita's Catering in Waterville, has been feeding those in need the last two months.

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

David M. Grace, 21, was arrested Monday and charged with unlawful sexual contact and unlawful sexual touching of a minor in Canaan, according to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office.

Colby College in Waterville will host all virtual events, including a lecture Friday, awards ceremony Saturday and a celebration for seniors Sunday.

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

The Condon Medal, established in 1920 through a gift by Randall Judson Condon, Class of 1886, honors the graduating senior who exhibited the finest qualities of citizenship and made the most significant contribution to the development of college life at Colby.

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

Theory Wellness of Maine LLC plans to cultivate, manufacture and sell retail marijuana in the former Keyes Fibre machine shop at 20 Industrial St.

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

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.

Former city engineer Nick Champagne wrote an email to councilors and Mayor Nick Isgro, opposing the request for more funding for the BUILD project and making claims that City Manager Michael Roy says are false or require clarification.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, investing in Fairfield's businesses is critical, according to Garvan D. Donegan, director of planning and economic development at the Central Maine Growth Council.

Sheriff Dale Lancaster said Tuesday that staff at the jail, including nursing staff, did everything possible to help and that the incident is being investigated by the state Department of Corrections and Maine State Police.

Corey Walter, 37, allegedly assaulted the youth in late January or early February, according to Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster.

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

‘We are designing each course for both online and face-to-face, and we’ll offer both options,’ Dr. Melik Peter Khoury, president of Unity College said about the college's new hybrid learning program.

Some restaurants, including Joseph's Fireside Steakhouse, decided not to re-open now and will wait and see how things shake out.

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

Somerset County Chief Deputy Michael Mitchell said that Randy Moran, 32, and Megan Donelan, 36, both of Old Town, were injured after the rear tire of their Honda motorcycle blew on U.S. Route 2.

Oakland's volunteer flower group is at work for a seventh straight year, adding touches of beauty to a grim year.

While some providers are still charging for services during the pandemic, owner of Conley Connections Childcare, said she “cannot feel right” charging for services she cannot provide.

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

CM Almy was founded in 1892 in New York City. The company has been producing its supplies for churches and clergy members in Pittsfield since 1950.