We take a trip down memory lane through 70 years of newspaper coverage of the Skowhegan Drive-In Theatre, ahead of its final shows this weekend.

John Pierce, 72, was taken to a Bangor hospital after authorities said his car struck a pickup truck on Route 139.

Bruce Obert, his son Jeffrey Obert and Steven Kirkwood, all of Norridgewock, assaulted two Waterville police officers during a confrontation early Wednesday, according to Waterville police Maj. Jason Longley.

There will be just three drive-ins remaining in Maine when the theater at 201 Waterville Road closes Saturday after showing its final films.

Erica LaCroix spent three years leading Winslow's municipal operations and is scheduled to take the helm in Farmington in December.

Larry and Debbie Onie, collectors of Wabanaki Fancy Baskets, will be at the event.

Phil Bofia said Tuesday the City Council lacked the courage to hold the line on spending, but the mayor and others defended the budget in part by saying wages for police and firefighters needed to increase.

The three-day fair, a celebration of agricultural life and rural living in Maine, opens Friday and is expected to feature more than 1,000 exhibitors and speakers.

With an assist by the New Balance Foundation, a group of students are working with others to create a third StoryWalk trail after previously establishing ones in Madison and along Lake George in Canaan.

Ralph Littlefield Jr., 73, was riding the ATV on his property Monday when a wheel caught a muddy rut and the vehicle tumbled over, trapping him underneath.

Trent Roy, 10, has always shown an affinity for tractors, and with an assist from the Maine Antique Tractor Club, he now has one of his own, thanks to the kindness of a Canaan man.

Councilors could sign off Tuesday on spending $114,885 on 24 body cameras, and related equipment, to be worn by every patrol officer and patrol sergeant.

Tickets cost $55 until Sept. 22 and then increase to $60.

Main Street Provisions, scheduled to begin greeting customers next month at the storefront formerly occupied by L. Tardif Jeweler at 62 Main St., is one of several new ventures that has opened or is expected to open in the coming weeks.

There were several widespread outages in Somerset County, prompting county officials to seek assistance from neighboring states. In Kennebec County, Litchfield witnessed the highest number of outages affecting over 1,300 customers.

Messaloskee girls will host the event in memory of Cassidy Charette.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for Sept. 8-15, 2023.

Emergency responders and public works departments are adding staff, checking equipment and reaching out to people without shelter as the storm heads closer to Maine, with gusting winds and blowing rain.

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

Robin Bartholf operates Ephphatha Community Farm where the horses and other animals can have a therapeutic effect on people with physical, developmental or emotional challenges, Amy Calder writes.

RSU 18 is working with the state to install a filtration system for the well that was dug over the summer for China Middle School, which contended last year with unacceptably high levels of PFAS and then more recently when the chemical antimony was detected.

The Town Council placed Ella Bowman on paid administrative leave Aug. 23, and she still does not know the details as to why, except that it was because of an employee complaint.

Four and a half months after heavy rain and flooding damaged infrastructure throughout central Maine, emergency managers are urging communities to prepare for wind and rain.

The tax rate decreased this year, but a townwide revaluation has led to a dramatic increase in property assessments, resulting in larger tax bills and upset property owners.

The Darling’s Ice Cream for a Cause ice cream truck will be at the event.

Kevin Horton, 64, was forced to leave his Waterville apartment of 25 years and last week moved into the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, but with a lot of help he has found a place to live.

About 60 community service organizations, including agencies that provide mental and physical health and substance abuse services, set up at Head of Falls in Waterville on Tuesday where many people sought help and received it.

The forum is hosted by the Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine.

Passenger Jeremy Maynard, 33, was injured in a crash late Saturday on Walker Road.

Matthew S. Boulerice, a member of the Waterville Planning Board, plans to run with no party affiliation against City Councilor Michael J. Morris, a Democrat, for the mayor's seat.

Jacob R. Gran, 26, is scheduled to begin his new job Sept. 25, working under the terms of a three-year contract.

Aaron Hoster, 51, entered the plea Monday in U.S. District Court in Bangor for switching the price tags for pricey items at Home Depot and Lowe's stores.

The Maine Cheese Festival was held Sunday at Manson Park in Pittsfield, with more than 60 artisan cheesemakers and related vendors from throughout the state selling goods to an appreciative crowd.

Former employees say Leonard Macdaid's leadership has contributed to distrust among town departments and includes threatening behavior, but the town manager dismisses the claims as a coordinated effort that also involves some town staff.

New to the annual Clinton Fair this year was a demolition derby and hammer and frying pan toss that drew thousands. Organizers say that the fair's offerings are expanding each year in an effort to get more people through the gates and educate them on the importance of agriculture and community.

Kevin Horton, 64, lived in his apartment 25 years but the building is being sold and he was told he has to leave. He's been unable to find a new apartment.

It appears the water leaked early Friday from a malfunctioning sink in a custodian's closet, causing water to seep into first-floor classrooms, Superintendent Peter Hallen said.

Rebecca Green, Sue Barre and Teresa McKinney are launching a pilot program to gauge interest in whether people want a music school serving the greater Waterville area, Amy Calder writes.

The Vassalboro course is the venue for an event in memory of Carl Hubbard.

Shannon Atwood, 53, who died Thursday, was sentenced in 2009 in the death of Cheryl Murdoch and had been seen as a suspect in the death of his wife, Shirley Moon-Atwood, whose body has never been found.

The town Planning Board this week approved a flood hazard development application submitted by New Balance.

Christopher McKenna, 25, was charged with reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon after shooting another person Wednesday inside the Country Kitchen Bakery Outlet at the intersection of Kennedy Memorial Drive and Airport Road, according to Waterville police Chief William Bonney.

Two drivers failed to slow or properly merge with traffic Wednesday and hit other vehicles as motorists slowed because of a car fire in the breakdown lane, according to the Maine Department of Public Safety.

Augusta set high-temperature records twice this week. Several schools closed early due to a lack of air conditioning.

A ceremony was held Wednesday to honor Devin Dumais for notifying the residents about the June fire, allowing them to evacuate before firefighters arrived.

A person was hospitalized Wednesday after being shot inside the Country Kitchen Bakery Outlet at the corner of Kennedy Memorial Drive and Airport Road, according to police.

After a nearly five-hour-long search that drew a heavy law enforcement response, the child was found to have been wandering the wooded area behind his Harmony home on Foxhill Road.

Fire Chief Ronnie Rodriguez said it wasn't clear what led the driver of the SUV to veer off Madison Avenue on Wednesday morning.

John Jabar Jr. and his son, John Jabar III, want to construct apartment buildings on about 3.5 acres at 15 Washington St. and still must go before the Planning Board for site plan review.

The measurement deadline for WindowDressers’ insulating window inserts is Oct. 1.

The clerk gave her notice after just a few weeks on the job and a selectman says competing factions in town have alienated municipal employees and contributed to their departure.

Eric Tankerley, 34, was indicated recently by a Somerset County grand jury and is expected to face charges, including manslaughter, for his involvement last year in a Caratunk crash in which two women died.

The state's free-tuition initiative has boosted enrollment numbers at Kennebec Valley Community College at a time when administrators are planning for on-campus housing and new athletic programs.

Patrick Hanson, 32, was sentenced Friday to 110 months in prison followed by six years of supervised release.

Educare Central Maine is an early childhood development and education program that works to prepare children up to age 5 for future success in school.

Roland Flood, 61, is accused of killing a person he previously lived with, 57-year-old Mark Trabue, according to the state Department of Public Safety.

The resignation of Superintendent Charles Brown took effect Thursday and the chairwoman of the Unity-area school board offered no explanation in a statement released to parents.

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

Kevin Horton, 64, who is physically and intellectually disabled, has lived in his apartment 25 years and has always paid his rent on time, but he got a notice 30 days ago that he has to leave, Amy Calder writes.

The Fairfield-based school district hopes to have state approval in November on the design plans for the $45.6 million consolidated elementary school.

The raid on River Road in Anson followed a monthslong investigation into the sale of crack cocaine and fentanyl from the residence, Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster said.

The Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts is poised to open soon as the latest investment over several years to transform the college and city into a cultural destination.

Residents approved the measure at a special town meeting Monday in a vote that's in response to the Aroostook Renewable Gateway Project.

Most of the eight were taken into custody over the last week and authorities say they were responsible for trafficking in drugs both in the Waterville region and along Midcoast Maine.

John Lessard Sr. said Tuesday that his son, John Lessard Jr., also was a gifted athlete and outdoors enthusiast, but one that ultimately was unable to overcome drug addiction.

All students will be served breakfast and lunch at no charge.

An electrical problem is the likely cause of the fire that began at about 12:15 a.m. Monday on East River Road, according to fire Chief Ronnie Rodriguez.

The problem is particularly severe in Skowhegan-based Maine School Administrative District 54, which still needs more than 20 educational technicians as the 2023-24 school year launches.

The body of John Lessard, 42, was found Saturday after search crews had spent days looking for him following reports he was seen entering the river Aug. 21.

Several upgrades are nearing completion as the synagogue, which opened in 1958 at 291 Main St., is set to begin a new chapter serving the region's Jewish community.

Bridges grand and small have long fascinated J.P. Devine, who turns his attention to the aging Ticonic Bridge that connects Waterville and Winslow.

A preliminary investigation has determined the pickup was traveling too fast Friday when the 18-year-old driver lost control and the truck veered off Dudley Brook Road, according to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies arrested Shane Murphy Sr., 48, of Fairfield and Travis Clement, 44, of Norridgewock after seizing 169 grams of fentanyl, according to information provided by Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster.

Denise Ducharme is fresh in her role as the town's top administrator and has an ambitious agenda that includes recruiting new businesses to Madison, adding housing and expanding recreational opportunities.

Xavier J. Pelkey was indicted this week in Somerset County on a count of aggravated assault and authorities say he used a chair to injure another inmate at the county jail, where he was being held prior to pleading guilty to a federal conspiracy charge.

Town Manager Ella Bowman said she was notified Friday in a letter sent by Town Council Chairman Michael Perkins that she was placed on administrative leave earlier this week because of a complaint filed by municipal worker.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for Aug. 18-25, 2023.

Town officials met this week to consider the next chapter of the 104-year-old venue and considered the possibility of separating the venue from the municipal building, as Waterville did, to broaden funding opportunities.

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

Born with only one kidney that is now failing, Mike Snow, 60, is asking folks to get screened to see if they can be a living donor, not only for himself but for others waiting for an organ transplant, Amy Calder writes.

Nicholas Kennard, 39, was charged Monday following a month-long investigation into illegal drug sales, according to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office.

Police launched the search in collaboration with the Maine Warden Service and other agencies after receiving a report Monday that John Lessard, 42, had entered the water at the RiverWalk.

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree was joined Thursday by the chairwoman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Maria Rosario Jackson, for a stop at the Schupf Art Center before heading to Colby College.

Town Manager Ella Bowman was placed on leave Wednesday after an executive session that was not publicized on the Town Council agenda, and she says she was given no explanation for the move.

News of the world's weather this summer brings a level of dread that most poetry can do nothing about, Dana Wilde writes.

A 911 call indicated a man had been shot early Wednesday during a burglary attempt, but it was later determined the man was injured when a gun discharged accidentally, according to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office.

Backpacks are for the Waterville Elks Lodge 905 Tools to Thrive Backpack Giveaway program.

Waste Management Disposal Services is working to secure approval for the treatment plant at the Crossroads Landfill it operates in Norridgewock.

Christopher Manigat, 21, was taken into custody over the weekend and is being held without bail at the Kennebec County Jail in Augusta.

The robbery occurred Aug. 5 at the Big Apple store on Old Point Avenue in Madison.

A 48-year-old Canaan man who was driving the tractor-trailer for New Balance was not injured when the pole fell onto the truck's cab, pulling with it another pole that was damaged in a crash more than a week earlier, according to police.

The board is expected to hear details of the projects when it convenes Tuesday evening.

Jake Warn's website, sledtrx.com, is a resource for riders planning their next winter trip through Maine woods, and his work got a boost from Waterville-based Dirigo Labs, a regional startup accelerator.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for Aug. 11-18, 2023.

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

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday for the new Margaret Chase Smith Community School, which MSAD 54 administrators say will allow for greater continuity in education because students no longer will have to transition from one school to another every couple of years.

Officials are trying to determine why someone over the course of several weeks has taken many of the rocks that constitute the stone wall surrounding the historic South Solon Meeting House.

The fire occurred Thursday and heavily damaged a building that houses several offices and which is adjacent to one of the tomato producer's large greenhouses.

The concerns come after state transportation officials have said that the replacement project calls for westbound vehicle traffic from Winslow into Waterville to "remain prohibited from the bridge for a period of approximately three years."

The latest scoop from Gifford's HomeMaine Ice Cream? The company's CEO said this week that as repairs continue on the manufacturing plant, it's working with two out-of-state manufacturing partners to return several select flavors of its ice cream to store shelves.

Skowhegan Area High School student wins Wesserunset Arts Council Youth Scholarship.

The Town Council authorized the action Monday after one member of the board said recently that he's seen councilors gather at the business run by the council chairman to discuss municipal affairs.

Keith Merchant, 43, was arrested Thursday on charges that include gross sexual assault, according to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office.

The event is planned for Aug. 19 at the town’s Waterfront Park.

The races are a major feature of the Skowhegan State Fair, the country's longest-operating agricultural fair. It runs through Aug. 19 offering rides, food, livestock shows, truck and tractor pulls, live music, shows and exhibits.

Cornhole, kick ball, food, music, a live auction and a dunk tank were on offer in Athens Saturday as the community raised money to support Ben MacMichael, 52, and his family as MacMichael battles stage four cancer.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for Aug. 4-11, 2023.

Organizers say they expect to sell hundreds of blueberry pies and pancakes at the event on Saturday at the Winslow Congregational Church property on Lithgow Street.

At Anam Cara Farm in Canaan, Pamela Rickenbach takes in and cares for disabled, retired and homeless working horses, Amy Calder writes.

While councilor Jerry Quirion claims a quorum of councilors have discussed town business in secret at Peter Drapeau's property, the chairman said the claim is false and part of a personal vendetta.

A Casella truck with a flatbed on which were mounted four portable toilets was stolen early Thursday in Fairfield and ended up in a ditch in Oakland, prompting police from both towns to investigate.

Candace Marriner will lead the 125-year-old nonprofit, taking over from her predecessor, Richard Dorian.

Bryan Kaenrath, 40, was most recently Saco city administrator and served eight years as a state legislator representing Portland and South Portland.

Steven Edwards, 50, of Mercer was sentenced Wednesday in Skowhegan and has the potential to serve up to nine more years if he violates his probation.

The crash occurred around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday on U.S. Route 2 in Skowhegan when the driver of an SUV started to fall asleep at the wheel, police said.

The announcement that Leonard Macdaid would be director of public safety for the town of Winslow prompted backlash from some residents, while firefighters declined to comment despite previously raising concerns.

The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for areas of Somerset and Kennebec counties Tuesday as heavy rainstorms moved across the region.

Puppet musical, the Petra & Mo show, planned.

A dynamic weather system could deliver several inches of rain, creating flash flooding conditions in Somerset County through Tuesday afternoon, meteorologists said.

Sgt. Mathew Cunningham was responding Saturday morning to an emergency when the crash occurred on Main Street.

The Somerset County Sheriff's Office is investigating the robbery, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Law enforcement from several agencies assisted Fairfield police in the search warrants, which were conducted at a home in Fairfield, a vehicle at a separate location in that town, and a vehicle in Waterville.

Dan Burns, 47, of Augusta, can carve a bear from a block of pine in about 20 minutes, and an owl or cardinal in about 10.

Police in Fairfield and Skowhegan are among the agencies shifting their resources as the drug epidemic in Maine continues to take root, with 715 people statewide dying last year of a drug overdose.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for July 28-Aug. 4, 2023.

No one was hurt in the fire late Thursday on Water Street in the city's South End.

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

The Skowhegan State Fair arrives Thursday, bringing with it a reminder that the end of summer is in the not-so-distant future, Amy Calder writes.

Construction crews have begun a $52.8 million project to replace the aging bridge connecting Waterville and Winslow, and the effort ramps up with the closing of the structure from last Sunday to Saturday morning, Aug. 12.

Taste of Waterville was held downtown Wednesday at Head of Falls along the Kennebec River and an estimated 10,000 people joined in the fun.

A monthslong investigation resulted in officials executing a search warrant Monday at a house at 15 Winter St., according to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office.

The property on County Road, which burned Monday, had 21 tons of trash removed from it in the spring, including discarded household items and hundreds of hypodermic needles.

Jeffrey Bell, 36, and Stephenie Freeman, 34, were arrested Saturday on several charges after stealing a Jeep Wrangler a day earlier, according to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office.

Keith Harris, 74, of Benton was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office said occurred July 22.

The old, three-story farmhouse at 224 County Road was believed to be uninhabited, but people were apparently staying there, Fire Chief Shawn Esler said Monday.

Central Maine Power Co. cut electricity after the cable shorted in the area near Holy Cannoli, causing smoke and the smell of burning rubber to fill the block.

The future looks bright for Fredrikson Farm as it looks to produce more than 30,000 pounds of cheese next year, the most in its history and up from about 5,000 pounds only five years ago.

A small group of locals gathered Saturday with paddle boards, buckets and boats to collect and dispose of invasive snails threatening the ecological balance on Washington Pond.

Familiar favorites like Moonlight Madness and the town's fireworks display are set to return, but organizers also are adding new events to celebrate both the bicentennial and the Kennebec River.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for July 21-28, 2023.

City Republicans on Tuesday are scheduled to name candidates for mayor, City Council and Board of Education, as well as Kennebec Water District board of trustees.

Matthew Jacob, 34, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with all but five years suspended, following his plea Monday, Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster said.

A group of homeless people who hang out near the old Waterville Boys and Girls Club on Main Place in Waterville, waiting for the nearby soup kitchen to open, say finding a place to live is difficult, and out of reach financially, Amy Calder writes.

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

Joe Almand was a Skowhegan firefighter when he suffered extensive injuries last year in a fall along the Kennebec River Gorge, but he recovered and set a new path for himself that's led to the opening of Joe's Flat Iron Cafe downtown.

Waterville police officers worked this week with young ball players at Maine's Fenway Premier Baseball Camp in Oakland, and a few former major league players joined them, too. Photos by Morning Sentinel photographer Rich Abrahamson.