Councilors to hold special meeting Tuesday night on paving projects in the city's South End.

Annie Harris-Rowe thrown from a motorcycle Saturday afternoon after traveling off the River Road in Anson, according to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office.

Commencement speaker Kristina Cannon reminded graduates of the importance of the role they have in their rural Maine towns.

Virgil White, 33, was known last to be in Athens and is wanted for a number of charges.

Cheyenne Cahill has been named valedictorian, and Shyanne Holmes salutatorian.

The announcement this week by Delta reflects a fraying relationship between the regional ambulance service and the city, due in part to the staffing challenges created for Delta when the city has hired away its emergency workers.

No one was injured in the fire Friday that sent black smoke billowing into the air from the Consolidated Communications truck.

Maine School Administrative District 53, which serves Burnham, Detroit and Pittsfield, held its annual budget hearing Thursday.

As the fish's annual migration begins again, this is the first year in centuries that alewives will be able to swim upriver to China Lake, a milestone that Gov. Janet Mills and others celebrated this week.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for May 13-20, 2022.

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

Maine Gov. Janet Mills visited a number of locations in downtown Waterville on Thursday, including Dirigo Labs at the Hathaway Creative Center, the newly constructed Paul J. Schupf Art Center and the Greene Block + Studios. All photos by staff photographer Michael G. Seamans.

State fire investigators will try to determine what caused the Wednesday fire at the 3-unit building at 90 North Main St.

Savanna Kandiko is nearing the end of a missionary trip that currently has her providing aid and support to Ukrainians who fled their homes amid Russia's attack on their country.

Waterville police Chief Joseph Massey pitches a plan to city councilors to buy a camera security system to put at Head of Falls because of vandalism and other illegal activity that City Manager Steve Daly says has caused thousands of dollars in damage.

Daniel and Sharon Kinney, both 67, were seriously injured Friday when the motorcycle they were riding was struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee that fled the scene before its intoxicated driver was apprehended, sheriff's department officials have said.

Among those indicted this week was a 55-year-old man accused of setting fires to two homes in Palmyra in January.

City councilors also approve request by fire Chief Shawn Esler to spend $60,000 on a study to assess the Fire Department's EMS services, which would help determine whether the department should continue to partner with Delta Ambulance.

The spending plan for Maine School Administrative District 49 now moves to a referendum vote scheduled for June 14 for residents of Albion, Benton, Clinton and Fairfield.

Maine School Administrative District 49 in recent weeks has tested sinks and drinking fountains at district schools for lead levels, with 16 of the 26 fixtures at Albion Elementary School above recommended levels.

The Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter held a virtual community discussion Monday about the shelter's proposal to turn 8 Highwood St. into housing for seniors and adults with disabilities and their families, as well as emergency apartments for homeless people.

The Moscow Water District owed the money to the water district in neighboring Bingham, prompting Bingham officials to threaten to end water service to customers in Moscow.

The Maine Community College System announced that current interim president Karen Normandin has been appointed as permanent president of Kennebec Valley Community College.

City officials to revisit rezoning request Tuesday by the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, which seeks to develop an abandoned building into apartments for seniors and adults with families, with some emergency units for the homeless.

The documentary is to be shown Tuesday, May 17 at Railroad Square Cinema.

Festival has become one of the most beloved traditions at Maine Central Institute.

Jordan Merchant, 25, of Eastbrook and Lindsey Walsh, 28, of Lakeville, Massachusetts, killed when their car hit a tree after making contact with friend's pickup truck.

The Snow Pond Center for the Arts renovates its outdoor stage, the Bowl in the Pines amphitheater, which officials say should allow the organization to provide enhanced experiences for audiences and artists.

Sophie O'Clair of Fayette received her associates degree from Thomas College in Waterville before she even graduated from high school and then received a bachelor's degree in psychology Saturday from the college after just three semesters.

The national economy is humming and companies are ramping up hiring, but seasonal businesses in central Maine continue to struggle to find enough help as they prepare for the busy summer months.

Dylan Brown, 23, of Fairfield, was charged with operating under the influence after traveling at a high rate of speed Friday night in a residential area and rolling over at the intersection of High and Elm streets.

Police say a Bowdoin man who struck a motorcycle and injured its riders before speeding away from the scene was later captured and held by Madison residents until police could arrive.

The restaurant set up a food truck Friday to continue doing business with a limited menu following the morning crash off Waterville Road.

Residents will vote June 10 on starting the negotiating process to leave Maine School Administrative District 49, although this would not be a final decision on the issue.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for May 6-13, 2022.

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

Willie Grenier, 75, of Waterville, loves to fish for shad in the river and teach people about fishing and river ecology, Amy Calder writes.

A fire at 37 Morrill Road on Wednesday evening destroyed the single-story home, but the homeowner was not injured and his cat escaped the fire.

After nearly eight decades, the recently identified remains of Richard G. Salsbury, who was 19 when he died in 1943, to be returned to Canaan to be buried with family members.

The Office of the Public Advocate in a letter this week to the state Public Utilities Commission expressed concern that the PUC is allowing the Bingham Water District to stop water service next week to people in Moscow because of a dispute over an unpaid $24,000 bill.

Work crews on Wednesday began demolishing the former John Martin's Manor on College Avenue to make way for housing that will feature townhouse-style apartments.

An info night regarding the program is planned for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 18.

Students from Albion, Benton, Clinton and Fairfield attend Lawrence High School

The City Council on Tuesday gave its initial consent to rezoning 8 Highwood St. so apartments can be developed for housing the most vulnerable people in Waterville. Three councilors who earlier rejected the plan this time voted in favor.

Residents gathered at the Fairfield Community Center on Monday for the first in-person Town Meeting in two years.

Shawn Nutt, 51, may have been distracted by an electronic device Tuesday when his SUV traveled off the Eaton Mountain Road, Skowhegan police Chief David Bucknam said.

City's Board of Education on Monday voted to start a search again in the fall after 12 applicants for Eric Haley's position were found not to be a good fit for Waterville.

Most of the money for the fund, established by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and the Maine Farmland Trust, was raised through a partnership with The Lost Kitchen, a restaurant in Freedom.

All of the warrant articles presented to residents at Saturday's Town Meeting passed as written, including the municipal budget and another relating to a proposed affordable housing project.

Garret Cote was charged Sunday after a Somerset County sheriff's official said he aimed the weapon at another driver who had honked at Cote for driving erratically.

Cheyenne Cahill named valedictorian, Shyanne Holmes, salutatorian.

City councilors are scheduled to hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday to reconsider a vote to rezone 8 Highwood St. so the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter can develop it into housing for seniors, disabled adults with families and emergency units for the homeless.

A fund established by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and the Maine Farmland Trust has so far raised more than $500,000 to provide financial support to farmers with land where PFAS contamination has been found.

Brianna Paine has been named valedictorian, and Brooke McKenney salutatorian.

At two weekend town halls to discuss 'forever chemical' contamination with consumer advocate Erin Brockovich, Fairfield and Unity residents expressed concerns about the scope of the contamination — if they should be worried about their kids, their food and their health.

Deputy Chief Bill Bonney on Friday warned pedestrians and drivers to be cautious after three people were struck Thursday while trying to cross roads where there were no marked crosswalks and the motorists had no time to stop.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for April 29-May 6, 2022.

About 100 juniors from Skowhegan Area High School participated in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Career Exploration event Thursday at the school. All photos taken by Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel.

Luke Witham will graduate next week from the college with a bachelor's degree in secondary education, but what is atypical is that he has already been teaching high school for all four years of his college experience, Amy Calder writes.

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

Health authorities issue advisory Thursday warning about consuming fish taken from fresh water in Fairfield, Oakland, Unity and Waterville.

Hartland will hold its municipal elections Friday and then the Town Meeting will be held Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.

Recipients from California, Georgia, Maine, North Dakota and Texas are taking action to address youth nicotine use and its impact on mental health, social justice, and the environment.

City councilors on Tuesday voted 4-3 to rezone 8 Highwood St. so the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter could develop apartments for seniors and disabled people with families, and some emergency housing for homeless people, but the vote fell short of the needed supermajority.

The Town Council on Tuesday approved a proposal to secure low-interest loans for water and sewer line work along Birchwood Terrace and Hunnewell Avenue.

Voters at annual Town Meeting on Tuesday night approve proposed $6.18 million municipal budget that includes $469,000 to hire four full-time firefighter/EMTs.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission is investigating after the Bingham Water District, which provides water to customers in neighboring Moscow, said the Moscow district has failed to pay for service.

Nicole Trufant comes to Colby College from the University of New England in Biddeford where she serves as senior vice president of finance and administration.

The Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter wants to buy the property at 8 Highwood St., which has been vacant for many years, to house between 20 and 30 people, including adults with children.

The KWD draws water from China Lake and serves about 9,000 residential and commercial customers in Waterville, Winslow, Fairfield, Benton and parts of Vassalboro.

As medical services have retracted in rural places like Jackman, other options for delivering health care are constantly being evaluated, and a promising one in Somerset County features enhanced training so that paramedics can provide a higher degree of care.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for April 22-29, 2022.

Most communities are fortunate to have one place where people can get a free, hot meal, but the Waterville-Winslow area now has two, Amy Calder writes.

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

The museum plans to launch a capital campaign with activities-packed family "FUNdraising" day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30.

The Town Meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Messalonskee High School Performing Arts Center.

College Avenue closed temporarily Wednesday afternoon as firefighters respond to blaze at Home Place Inn. No injuries were reported.

The nonprofit group Main Street Skowhegan plans to develop a portion of a parking lot as green space for people to congregate along the banks of the Kennebec River near where the Skowhegan River Park is to be developed.

Board votes 7-0 Tuesday to recommend the City Council rezone 8 Highwood St., a former office building, to allow for apartments for families and seniors, as well as "crisis housing" for homeless people awaiting permanent housing.

The spending package approved by commissioners Monday represents a 4% increase from last year, driven in part by increased labor expenses at the county jail and also a jump in the cost of providing medical services there.

The Waterville Board of Education on Monday night heard from engineering and other officials on plans for a 32,000-square-foot addition to Waterville Junior High School that will be the new Albert S. Hall School for fourth and fifth graders.

Officials initially planned to begin construction in early spring on an $8.25 million building that will house the town's fire and police departments.

The Waterville Planning Board on Tuesday is scheduled to consider rezoning a former office building on Highwood Street that the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter wants to use for apartments.

Edson R. Small Jr. to receive the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce's 2021 Distinguished Community Service Award at the chamber's 59th annual awards banquet Thursday at Enchanted Gables in Oakland.

Justin E. Meserve, 39, of Winslow is charged with unlawful possession of a scheduled drug, and Jason A. Michaud, 55, of Fairfield with aggravated trafficking of a scheduled drug.

Kennebec Valley Community College to hold ceremony Monday to dedicate building to Barbara W. Woodlee, who served as the school's president from 1984 to 2012.

About 20 people attended the event hosted by 80 Garland Road Group.

Lindsay Holmstrom received 120 votes Thursday compared to 72 for former District 4 councilor Heather Donahue.

Having the ability to experience anticipation, no matter how small or simple the wish or want, should be something everyone regularly enjoys, Amy Calder writes.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for April 15-22, 2022.

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

Some of the most visible work happening this week as part of the $11.92 million project is near the police station at Colby and Fronts streets, and on Main Street, near Post Office Square, where workers are replacing the road.

Yuran Choi is class valedictorian, and Hyeonjee “Elena” Rho is class salutatorian.

Town officials this week authorized spending $141,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to cover the cost of five different spending proposals, including renovations to the Grange hall and a survey to plan for the upcoming Madison Branch Rail Trail.

Eric Casson, 34, suffers head injury and fractures to both legs when struck late Tuesday while crossing Madison Avenue.

If the Municipal Review Committee ends up purchasing the plant, it would look to secure $20 million for operational needs, with MRC municipalities either co-signing on the loan or possibly becoming investors by loaning cash to the MRC.

The City Council decided Tuesday to purchase the new ambulance because of the growing need for transportation and medical services.

Central Maine Power Co. reported more than 2,700 customers were without power at one point Tuesday in Kennebec, Somerset and Franklin counties.

Tricia Mercer will assume her new role May 9 overseeing Northern Light Inland Hospital and Northern Light Continuing Care Lakewood.

John W. Whitney, 36, faces several charges that include two counts of assaulting a police officer after a series of events in which authorities say he had an argument with his mother over marijuana.

Rob Moody will leave the organization after serving in various positions for nearly 25 years to become the principal at China Primary School.

Clinton police Chief Rusty Bell says a 70-gallon fuel tank on a dump truck was pierced when a car ran a stop sign and hit the truck, causing diesel fuel to spill along the road.

City councilors are scheduled to meet Tuesday to consider taking $250,000 from a Fire Department reserve account and another $90,000 from the city's general fund to buy a new ambulance.

Tymberlin Peaslee, 18, has been arrested after he led police on a car and foot chase, crashed his vehicle and damaged two other cars just after midnight Saturday morning, police said.

After a vehicle rollover in China early Saturday morning, a man has died from his injuries and another remains in the hospital, according to the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office.

A spokeswoman for Ulta Beauty said the store is in the early stages of planning but is scheduled to open later this year.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for April 8-15, 2022.

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

One of three homeless men sitting this week on the riverbank in Waterville said being without a home in summer is OK, but in winter 'it's rough and it's cold,' Amy Calder writes.

A South Dakota man, 47-year-old Mark J. Ryder, was taken into custody Friday following the attempted robbery of Skowhegan Savings Bank on Main Street in Fairfield, according to police.

Officials this week approved spending about $36,000 in federal pandemic relief aid for new paving at a popular spot, Coburn Park.

The Town Meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 9, at the Fairfield Community Center, 61 Water St.

One man died in the blast Wednesday at the house on Darci Lane, and two men who were outside at the time died later of their injuries, according to officials.

Spending plan represents a 12.7% increase to current spending, but it is not yet clear how the hike would affect the property tax rate.

Christopher Shulenski fled Monday after a state trooper attempted to take him into custody on a probation violation, a state police spokeswoman said.

The town is seeking to change from a part-time volunteer department to a full-time one, at a cost of nearly $470,000.

Waterville Senior High School Principal Brian Laramee tells the city's Board of Education that on any given day, 10 to 16 staff members can be out of the building.

Tanya McCarthy, owner of Wild Clover Cafe & Market, says the downtown revitalization effort was a factor in her deciding to open in Waterville.

A school bus belonging to Regional School Unit 19 was struck Monday morning while taking 26 students to schools in the Newport area.

Maurice Watkins-Cundiff, 29, appeared before a judge Monday in Augusta, during which prosecutors say he fired at least a dozen shots during a domestic dispute.

Maurice Watkins-Cundiff, 29, faces numerous charges, including attempted murder and criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, after the alleged conflict at a residence on Pleasant Street.

Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands hopes to have contract signed soon to remove rails for recreational trail from Oakland to Embden.

A 42-year-old man was injured early Saturday morning in a Randolph home where police later found cocaine and fentanyl.

Trooper Thomas Bureau II reasonably believed Eric Fitzpatrick, then 33, was about to use unlawful deadly force against him when he shot Fitzpatrick in 2019, the state Attorney General's Office determined.

Augusta- and Waterville-area arrests for April 1-8, 2022.

The business will open sometime in July or August and will replace a Dunkin' Donuts that closed in 2016 and moved into a new location farther down Bay Street.

Stone Soup Cafe, a free, sit-down meal program in Winslow operated by Starfish Village, feeds not only the stomach but also the spirit, Amy Calder writes.

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