Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 19, 2021.

Hillman's Bakery was founded over 60 years ago by Lawrence Hillman, and now the Fairfield institution carries on under his son, Larry Hillman.

Roland Constable was hit while scuba diving in North Pond on June 5 and is speaking out about water safety measures that saved his life.

Robert Rodrigue will be the new principal at Mill Stream Elementary in Norridgewock and Christy Johnson will fill the role at North Elementary and Margaret Chase Smith schools in Skowhegan.

Pharmacies are seeing record-high demand for specialized rash sprays while consumers have also reported empty shelves at some local stores.

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

The families of the deceased of held a celebration of life Thursday at the Red Barn in Augusta, recalling their memories of Brandon Breton and Joseph Mayo.

Augusta- and Waterville-area police reports for June 17, 2021.

Pittsfield Town Manager apologized for an incident during last Tuesday's election in which the doors to the town office were temporarily locked.

The car took down two Central Maine Power poles on Back Road, authorities said.

Michael Hachey again declared winner — 106-105 — after recount Wednesday night.

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

Crooker Construction of Topsham is rebuilding Main Street downtown, doing a 'full-depth construction' that will allow the road to last 100 years or longer.

City Councilor and lawyer Claude Francke, D-Ward 6, warned councilors Tuesday that approving the zone change proposed for the Sacred Heart Catholic Church property could prompt a costly lawsuit.

The new rule begins July 6, following the lifting of the state's coronavirus pandemic state of emergency at the end of June.

Almost 2 years in the making, the journey to the site of one of the worst chapters in Maine's history took a winding path around the coronavirus pandemic, Liz Soares writes.

During a tense school board meeting Monday night, community and school board members shared differing opinions on whether to shift grades around to address building space needs.

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

Free concerts are scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday from July 8 to Aug. 26.

Winslow property owners of larger buildings or complexes, including mobile home parks, will have to provide their own garbage collection services.

A Waterville-area man has been arrested on a charge of operating under the influence after crashing his car into a mailbox, trees and a utility pole in Canaan, police said.

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

An Embden man, who police allege led them on a brief chase last week, is facing additional charges after police say they executed a search warrant of his home.

Previous graduation pianist Austin Toole is headed to the Army National Guard.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 13, 2021.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for June 12, 2021.

Shawn Grant, embroiled in controversy for the last few years, is focusing on business growth at Brightside Marine.

The class of 44 students called each other family and recognized their many achievements before they received diplomas.

The virtual walk around the Gardiner Common from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday is being held to fundraise for research and treatment for childhood disease.

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

Zachary Delile has been named valedictorian, and Anna Blomerth salutatorian.

Guest speaker, high school English teacher Margaret Downs-Gamble, imparted five 'essential life lessons' to 95 seniors Thursday night during a drive-in ceremony held at the Central Maine Motors Auto Group parking lot.

Student speakers focused on what success means, the people who impacted them and valuing those they love in their addresses.

The series of incidents began at about 7:30 a.m. in Concord, according to Somerset County Chief Deputy Michael Mitchell.

Pittsfield voters elected Michael Cianchette to an At-Large Town Council seat in a special municipal election Tuesday.

An investigation by Winslow Public Schools and the Winslow Police Department resulted in an email to parents Thursday afternoon to clarify what had happened, after authorities initially posted a scam warning on social media.

AT&T was looking to set up a temporary shop in a town parking lot during the summer months.

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

Fairfield Police Officer Dugas had to wrangle a couple of swine last week.

The ceremony was held Wednesday at the outdoor pavilion behind Waterville Senior High School to recognize the 27 graduates.

The school graduates its 2021 class at the school's football field.

Unofficial results reported by municipal clerks from Tuesday's poll votes.

The City Council at a special meeting Tuesday voted 7-0 to increase pool fees for both residents and nonresidents, but waive the fee for use of slides for residents for this year only.

Board of Selectmen takes no action on recommendation of town reconsidering its pandemic masking policy.

Rome residents voted 97-12 to withdraw with three ballots left blank in Tuesday's election results.

Augusta- and Waterville-area police reports for June 9, 2021.

Allan Martin is retiring after a 46-year career in education, including 24 years as principal at George J. Mitchell School.

The town's fire chief said that crews responded Tuesday evening to the report of flames on Harmony Road.

The police chief could not provide a description of the two suspects, a male and female, being sought by authorities, but said that residents nearby are not in any danger.

The Waterville Planning Board says a proposed events center in the residential neighborhood would have to close at 9 p.m. and have no alcohol on site.

The annual Town Meeting was held Monday evening at the Madison Junior High School auditorium; the secret ballot section of the meeting was held Tuesday at the Old Point School at 108 Old Point Ave.

The library has yet to launch but will do so in the future after receiving $50,000 in funding support.

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

Brandon Breton, 21, of Vassalboro, and Joseph Mayo, 19, of Rome, were swimming with two other male friends off a pontoon boat on Messalonskee Lake when they became separated from the boat Monday, authorities said.

The city is posting notices at parks and playgrounds and on city websites and Facebook pages to inform people of the health hazards of browntail moth caterpillars.

The City Council on Tuesday also is scheduled to ask department heads about their proposed budgets for fiscal year 2022.

Brandon Breton, 21, of Vassalboro, and Joseph Mayo, 19, of Rome, were swimming with two other male friends off a pontoon boat on Messalonskee Lake when they became separated from a boat, authorities said.

Augusta- and Waterville-area police reports for June 7, 2021.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the low 90s Monday and Tuesday in the waning days of school for some local districts.

'Whether you had a good day in school or a bad day in school, either Mr. or Mrs. Rhein was there for you,' said Patrick Ferriter, a 2004 Messalonskee graduate.

About 160 students receive diplomas Sunday from Skowhegan Area High School and Bloomfield Academy.

Augusta- and Waterville-area police reports for June 6, 2021.

Kevin Malady, who has taught science at Lawrence in Fairfield for more than 40 years, is credited for his dedication, creativity and innovation. Students and colleagues say the award is long overdue.

Big-ticket items on the 68-article warrant include $1,828,889 for general government; $1,798,599 for the Police Department; and $1,194,936 for the Fire Department.

Four candidates seek two open positions on the Board of Selectmen and two candidates are looking to be elected road commissioner, a position that has been held for 29 years by Greg Dore, who is retiring next week.

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

Some central Maine bars and eateries are canceling "wing nights" or takeout, while feeling the heat from customers complaining as menu prices increase.

The Waterville City Council held an emergency meeting Friday night to declare a public health emergency due to the citywide infestation of browntail moth caterpillars which are causing people to break out in severe rashes and have respiratory problems.

The school graduated 65 students at Snow Pond Center for the Arts on Friday.

Oliver & Friends Bookshop and Reading Room in Belgrade Lakes Village is holding a one-year celebration Saturday.

The total proposed budget is $10,373,569, down $156,495 from the previous year.

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

While many school districts this year offered educational models with students attending a combination of in-person and remote learning, Regional School Unit 18 gave students the opportunity to attend in-person classes every day or learn remotely.

The college was fully remote during the 2020-21 academic year and isn't planning to sell its campus after announcing plans to explore that option.

A focus on dog presence is in place to help make all trail users more comfortable when walking and biking, organizers say.

Voters will be going over a 32-article warrant Monday and decide on a proposed $3.45 million municipal budget, with the option to use $400,000 in undesignated funds to offset taxes.

Augusta- and Waterville-area police reports for June 3, 2021.

Reservations need to be made by June 10.

Council Chairman Erik Thomas, D-Ward 7, says the city has spent much money on the pool, and the annual debt service on it is $60,000 for the next 20 years. The pool has to move more in the direction of supporting itself, according to Thomas.

“We have a real problem right now in Waterville and we need to get on top of it,” City Councilor Thomas Klepach said.

The two-vehicle crash on Route 201 near the Good Will-Hinckley school in Fairfield resulted in one vehicle veering off into the woods.

The Waterville Planning Board at its last meeting May 17 postponed voting on rezoning 72 Pleasant St. so Sacred Heart Catholic Church can be turned into an events center.

Augusta- and Waterville-area police reports for June 2, 2021.

Thought there is space to store them, writes Liz Soares, I think I should continue to weed through my photographic memories and keep only the best ones.

A recently unsealed police affidavit follows a trail of evidence to Jashaun Lipscombe of New York City who, according to witnesses, shot Joseph Tracy in Waterville because Tracy was late in picking him up to give him a ride to Bangor.

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

The special town meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Unity Fire Station after the town earlier split up its annual business meeting because of the pandemic.

Vassalboro is conducting its Town Meeting on Monday at 6:30 p.m., while China is holding its annual town business by referendum ballot Tuesday.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 31, 2021.

In Waterville, the Forest J. Pare Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1285 held a morning ceremony at Castonguay Square, next to City Hall, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Two Cent Bridge at Head of Falls, along the Kennebec River.

Districts include Lewiston Public Schools, SAD 58 and RSU 12.

KWD officials say they expect to begin construction next year on the 21,000-square-foot business office and operations complex at 131 Drummond Ave., and move into the facility in 2023.

Cooking, building model rockets and art are a small sampling of the summer courses being offered this year to address students' social-emotional needs that have gone unmet during the coronavirus pandemic.

The sale was unable to happen last year because of the coronavirus pandemic and, despite the rain, had a good turn out.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 29, 2021.

The fourth-generation family farm persisted throughout the challenges COVID-19 presented.

The town planning board earlier this month approved the project at the site of the former Great Northern Fudge Co.

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

The final vote on the budget, which is $50,686 higher than last year's spending plan, will be held on June 8.

New Dimensions Federal Credit Union planted an elm tree in 2020 and is encouraging others to do the same.

A collection event set for June 4 at the Skowhegan Chamber of Commerce.

The two were taken by LifeFlight of Maine from the accident on Bigelow Hill Road to a Bangor hospital.

Benton will hold a special town meeting June 8 to vote by secret ballot on several articles focused on ensuring that definitions and procedures are consistent.

The new office would be located at the same site at 6 Cascade Mill Road and be a 10,000-square-foot, two-story building with an elevator and stairs to be in compliance with ADA standards.

Chelsey Roy of St. Albans is believed to have died on impact, according to police. Her 3-year-old son, who was in the back seat, was taken to Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield, where he was treated for injuries not considered life-threatening.

A grand jury in Kennebec County on Friday indicted Jashawn Lipscombe, 21, after he was arrested in March in New York City on charges that he shot Joseph Tracy at a Waterville apartment complex.

The Skowhegan Select Board debated mask use Tuesday night amid changing guidelines during the pandemic.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal determined the cause of the blaze to be improper disposal of smoking materials, according to the fire chief.

The father of Emahleeah Frost says his daughter, who was shot while in her bedroom, may suffer consequences of the shooting for the rest of her life.

If I don’t make it hard for the mosquitoes, writes Dana Wilde, they will innocently do their best to kill me.

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

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

Jonathan Charles Michaud, 43, pleads guilty at U.S. District Court in Bangor, and is ordered to undergo medical or psychiatric treatment.

Fifty May free “Art Kits for Kids,” focusing on bugs, are available May 26-29.

The man's house was a total loss following the early Tuesday morning fire, but he was rescued and reported by responders as conscious, alert and breathing.

Some town offices have immediately removed requirements for mask-wearing inside, while others are keeping mask rules in place for now as COVID-19 vaccinations continue.

Some local businesses are experimenting with an honor system for mask-wearing, as fully vaccinated people are able to go barefaced at most settings.

Voters with print disabilities will continue to have an opportunity to vote absentee electronically, after Lynn Merrill of Augusta and others brought a lawsuit ahead of the primary election last year.

Police: Sean Bourgeois, 31, of Winslow has been charged with aggravated trafficking of scheduled drugs, unlawful possession of a scheduled drug, operating after suspension and using a counterfeit vehicle inspection sticker.

Police: Ashley Gleason, 29, of Auburn and Portland has been arrested on a variety of charges, including trafficking in scheduled drugs.

Increase due in part to the addition of five new positions, an increase in payment to the town's debt retirement and additions to the capital reserve fund.

Augusta- and Waterville-area police reports for May 24, 2021.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 23, 2021.

As the Snow Pond Center for the Arts plans its first craft brew and music festival for Sept. 11 on Messalonskee Lake, other annual gatherings are planning returns as COVID-19 pandemic precautions are eased.

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

The school partnered with Oak Grove Center and Mount Saint Joseph to foster connections, which developed into an art show as well.

Employers are struggling to hire in Maine and across the nation, which experts say is the result of several factors exacerbated by the pandemic.

Several projects throughout the county are expected to benefit from the funding awards, including Skowhegan's Run of River project and Bigelow Brewing's expansion into downtown.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced cancellation of festival for second consecutive year, the yearly alewife migration continues in big numbers in the Sebasticook River.

Augusta- and Waterville-area police reports for May 21, 2021.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt, but an indication there is enough evidence to move forward with a trial.

Some schools are devising unique ceremonies given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Augusta- and Waterville-area police reports for May 20, 2021.

Rescue workers from the Waterville Fire Department retrieved the person, who was taken to MaineGeneral Medical Center's Thayer Campus for treatment.

The reopening coincides with final weekend of the ‘Roy Lichtenstein: History in the Making, 1948-1960’ exhibition.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for May 19, 2021.

Educators have had to learn a whole new set of skills this year. Evidently, I have not yet perfected mine, writes Liz Soares.

Beth Bing, 49, of Waterville, was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Bangor.

Town officials say they will not move forward with proposal to sell old school to Kennebec Valley Community Action Program so building could be developed into affordable housing for older residents.

Augusta- and Waterville-area police reports for May 18, 2021.

District expects to offer optional remote learning programs this fall.

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

The two-vehicle crash was reported around 9:30 a.m. Monday in the area of Sebasticook Valley Family Health Care.

Waterville-based Ware-Butler Building Supply and Pleasant River Lumber Co. recently acquired three local building supply and hardware retailers.

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

Veterans' organizations plan services in Starks, Madison, Anson and East Madison, and at three locations in Waterville.

Owners of some seasonal eateries said they're making adjustments to make the most of the moment as the state loosens pandemic restrictions for businesses and more people flock to outdoor and indoor locations.

Some "proms" are parent lead this season amid the pandemic, while others are school-sponsored.

There was no in-person graduation last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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

A multi-unit home on Bellevue Street caught fire Friday afternoon and spread up the back wall of the house.

Two separate meetings were held this week for community members to learn more about the proposed $39.4 million budget and the North Elementary School project.

Isreal and Desiree Mosley and their two children have been looking to move into a better apartment in Waterville, but they are being priced out of a tight housing market, Amy Calder writes.

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