Maulian Dana, the Penobscot Nation Tribal Ambassador, spoke about the triumphs that indigenous peoples have made in the past year.

The owner's sister said her family plans to rebuild and reopen McCormack Building Supply in Winslow. A fire destroyed the 8 Lithgow St. property Friday.

Waterville area police reports for Monday, Oct. 14, 2019.

Having a lawn sale is a great way to get rid of stuff and share old treasures, Amy Calder writes.

Waterville area police reports for Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019.

Councilors on Tuesday also will consider buying two used ambulances for up to $131,000 to start a city-owned ambulance service.

Multiple attendees alleged experiencing inexplicable phenomena during a paranormal investigation of the Olde Mill in Vassalboro on Saturday night.

The first part of the project will renovate 2,500 square feet of space at the current facility, costing approximately $500,000.

Controversies over Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day are divisive and clumsy choices, J.P. Devine writes, so how about Amerigo Vespucci Day?

Ghost Research and Investigations of Maine and Central Maine Ghost Hunters co-hosted a two-day event at the Olde Mill Place in Vassalboro Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11-12.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019.

Oakland Police Department said Friday that Tesla Staff was last seen by her roommate when she was leaving her residence between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3.

The McCormack Building Supply facility, at 8 Lithgow St., was engulfed in flames Friday afternoon as crews scrambled to contain the blaze.

Waterville area police reports for Oct. 11, 2019.

Elizabeth Simmons, 38, of Sidney, was killed in a single-vehicle crash Friday morning on Middle Road, according to Maine State Police.

Claudia Viles argued in her petition that her defense counsel, Walter McKee, did not provide her an adequate defense, which was denied on Sept. 26 by the Superior Court.

The turnout for the third annual festival is expected to be large as tickets are nearly sold out, according to Dustin Marcia, founder of Central Maine Ghost Hunters.

After several rounds of cuts to the project dating back to 2017, securing the cafeteria expansion is a "huge win," said Superintendent Peter Thiboutot.

Within one minute of the initial call to Thorndike, fire departments from Freedom, Unity and Montville also responded.

Waterville area police reports for Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019.

Officials say they want to have the structure of the planned 53-room hotel completed so they can start enclosing the building by Thanksgiving.

Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area receive $10,000 grant to expand Hope's Place to Somerset County and are collaborating on the services with Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County.

Waterville area police reports for Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019.

According to Chairman Terry Knowles, the town's existing comprehensive plan is long past its expiration date, which prompted the selectmen in June to request the committee to regroup and begin developing an updated plan.

The flyers feature a Ku Klux Klan hood, confederate flag and an Eye of Providence, and falsely says there will be a white supremacist Maine Green Independent Party fall gathering Oct. 27 at Belfast Public Library.

Maine Harvest Federal Credit Union, located at 69 School St., will offer equipment loans up to $45,000 and land-backed mortgages up to $225,000.

Waterville area police reports for Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019.

A woman was seriously injured Saturday when the motorcycle on which she was a passenger crashed on Nichols Street in Madison.

Facebook posts call out the town manager after signs were posted saying the town would observe Columbus Day and an ill-timed joke about working on Indigenous Peoples' Day.

The nonprofit Washington, D.C.-based Compassion Over Killing released its findings Monday of an undercover investigation of salmon hatchery Cooke Aquaculture.

Waterville area police reports for Monday, Oct. 7, 2019.

Amy Calder shares emails she received from readers about last week's column on quirky street names, offering more odd ones.

Waterville area police reports from Oct. 6, 2019.

The celebration continued at Farmers Hall, where Hugh Verrier and other artists gave demonstrations and sold their work.

The theater is looking to become sustainable by offering live events to engage the community and taking steps to become a nonprofit venture that offers Pittsfield and its environs an "enrichment center."

The end of summer is usually brutal, but the change leaves us with the sweetest month of autumn, J.P. Devine writes.

The exhibit includes artwork from 38 artists expressed through paintings, jewelry, baskets and other creative medium.

The Maine Department of Transportation could skirt liability for creating potentially hazardous or fatal conditions after contractor SHOem Roadway Services LLC incorrectly laid fog seal on the road in June.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019.

The college on Friday honored 66 journalists who died in 2018 with the Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award named for the Albion native who was killed while defending his newspaper in Illinois from an pro-slavery mob.

Waterville area police reports for Friday, Oct. 4, 2019.

Waterville Fire Department checked four KVCAP buildings and homes in the area on Water Street in the city's South End but found no problems related to natural gas or propane.

The board on Thursday night discussed how the selection process will go for picking a new mascot and will give both students and community members a seat at the table.

Star the Dancing Horse is the headliner for the Waterville Creates! Variety! show to be held Oct. 19 at the Waterville Opera House.

The crash occurred near the corner of Carver Street and Kennedy Memorial Drive when a sport utility vehicle and small sedan collided, sending the SUV on its roof and the sedan smashing into a sign.

Waterville area police reports for Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019.

Waterville area police reports for Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019.

Mayor Nick Isgro read aloud a proclamation at Tuesday's City Council meeting, declaring Oct. 14 Columbus Day, which drew criticism from the public, including one woman who asked him to apologize.

Plan includes filing for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and offering a slate of live events to raise money and create new relationship with schools and community.

Darrell Newton, 39, ran up to 15 drug houses in central Maine from June 2015 to March 2017.

Jeff Quinn has worked in several different capacities throughout town in the last five decades.

Patricia Watts, a graduate of the University of Maine Orono, has held the positions of a teacher, principal, elementary supervisor, assistant superintendent and curriculum coordinator for Augusta, Lincolnville, RSU 12, SAD 49, Topsfield and Wiscassett.

Two vehicles crashed on state Route 104, just north of the entry ramps to Interstate 95 Tuesday morning.

Waterville area police reports for Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019.

Ross Thompson, formerly of Rangeley, was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release by Judge Nancy Torresen on Monday after he pleaded guilty to the charges in March 2019.

Anthony J. Englesbobb was taken into custody around 11:37 p.m. Friday on Carter Memorial Drive.

Waterville area police log for Sept. 30, 2019.

Central Maine is home to lots of unusual street and road names, but the town of Skowhegan takes the cake for the most whimsical, columnist Amy Calder writes.

Waterville area police reports for Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019.

Kaylin Brown, 18, finished the six-month trek Saturday, supported by friends, family and teachers from the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences.

No residences or businesses lost power following the crash near 270 Main St. and the intersection of Boutelle Avenue Saturday afternoon, according to Waterville Sgt. David Caron.

Katie Spencer White, of Brunswick, is the new executive director of the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, succeeding Betty Palmer, who resigned a year ago.

Harvard and Oxford educated, a former U.S. Navy officer, married to a teacher, multilingual and mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg will never be president, J.P. Devine laments, because he's gay.

The traditional barn raising took place Saturday at the Pine Tree Camp in Rome, supported by donations from local benefactors including Brent Burger of Oakland.

Rangeley Health and Wellness awarded grant to support a behavioral health program; Maine Med takes neonatal training on the road; 14 Camden National Bank employees receive recognition awards; Camden National Corp. selected for the Sandler O’Neill Sm-All Stars Class of 2019.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019.

The MSAD 54 school board is expected to discuss a procedure to follow in selecting a new mascot at their Oct. 3 meeting. A public hearing on a $950,000 referendum to fund renovations will precede the regular meeting.

Phillip DiLuca ran into burning mobile home on Gold Street and saved sleeping resident.

Authorities arrested Justin A. Lugo, 22, of New York, Trisha N. Scott, 31, of China, Patrick J. Parsons, 34, of China, and an unidentified 17-year-old female.

Waterville area police reports for Sept. 27, 2019.

The first writer to participate in the program will teach on campus in 2020, supported by a donation from Jamie and Jennifer Forese.

Clinton Town Manager Earla Haggerty and Police Chief Stanley Bell hope Clinton's 2018 law enforcement incident log will educate residents about the work the police do and address complaints.

Waterville area police reports for Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019.

Waterville area police reports for Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019.

Six journalists will engage in panel discussions Oct. 4 in Waterville about the aftermath of their colleagues' work.

Petitioners had 30 days to collect 353 signatures, which accounted for 15% of the registered voter population in Clinton.

Closed cases from Skowhegan District Court and Somerset County Superior Court.

Jim Dolan and Marie Michaud called a trap, neuter, release group to help manage a group of feral cats that has grown from (seemingly) one to 13 in five years.

Indicted for manslaughter and operating under the influence was Jocelyn Jones, who was involved in an accident that resulted in the death of Michael Handy of Harmony in February.

Waterville area police reports for Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019.

Waterville area police reports for Monday, Sept. 23, 2019.

A roundup of cases closed Sept. 12-18, 2019, at courts in Augusta and Waterville.

Gerry Jacques, 86, of Waterville, is a U.S. Navy veteran who built houses all his life and lives alone in retirement.

The move follows a state-wide trend to turn otherwise unusable land into a cost-saving resource for the community.

Joe Biden's Irish eyes dimmed as he took a beating at the Democrats' most recent presidential debates, a sign of old age and getting tired, J.P. Devine writes.

The blast that shook the Farmington community Monday, leaving a fire captain dead and seven others injured, also left 30 people homeless who lived in 11 mobile homes in a park near the LEAP Inc. building.

Rep. Chellie Pingree announced the award for Waterville, Winsow, Albion, Fairfield and Clinton on Friday afternoon.

Waterville area police reports for Thursday, Sept. 20, 2019.

The Board of Assessors met on Thursday after an error was spotted in setting the tax rate earlier this month.

Friday’s Global Climate Strike coincides with the U.N. Climate Summit which will take place on Monday in New York City.

Central Maine paddlers started their week-long water journey in Madison.

The project, called Phase 14, will implement initiatives such as textile diversion, hazardous material diversion and composting.

SAD 49 is the sixth district in the greater Waterville-Skowhegan area to join the Kennebec Alliance Regional Service Center following Waterville, Winslow and Vassalboro.

Demonstrations to push for action on climate change will commence across the state on Friday morning, including four across Central Maine.

Waterville area police reports for Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019.

Taxpayers advised to hold off payment until the error is corrected while those who have paid will have the amount credited to their account.

The American Red Cross of Maine is assisting 17 people who have been displaced by Monday's explosion to make sure that their immediate needs are being met.

Locally-sourced food, crafts, speakers, workshops and livestock events are among offerings at the three-day fair, which draws about 60,000 visitors annually.

Waterville area police reports for Sept. 18, 2019.

Waterville City Councilors approved more than $1 million in fire department purchases, including a fire tower truck, a resurfacing of the fire station floor and repairing masonry at the station.

Councilors voted 5-1 to approve the zoning change to allow an adult-use marijuana store at 475 Kennedy Memorial Drive with Chiarman Sydney Mayhew the lone dissenter.

Waterville area police reports for Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019.

Eleven homes have been destroyed after the LEAP building exploded yesterday morning, leaving 30 people homeless.

Gerald Keenan was arrested Friday by State Police in Brewer and faces 21 counts related to sexual contact or assault on two pre-teen boys in Jackman where Keenan worked in the 1990s.

In addition to considering a request to rezone part of 475 Kennedy Memorial Drive to allow an adult-use marijuana store there, the City Council on Tuesday will consider awarding contracts to buy a fire ladder truck, resurface the fire station floor and do masonry repair, accept a FEMA Grant for the fire department and appoint a panel to study fire services.

Since 2002, Peter and Paula Lunder have given more than $5 million to Thomas College, including a $1.7 million gift in 2015 that established the Center for Innovation in Education.

Waterville area police reports for Monday, Sept. 16, 2019.

While leaving a summer cottage is sad, Amy Calder writes, the coming of fall at home promises new adventures.

The downtown rotary became the palette for roving artists to spread their message about human trafficking and the need for people to be aware of its existence even in Somerset County.

The Warehouse, at 826 Kennedy Memorial Drive, was given the green light Friday to sell coffee infused with cannabidiol made on-site.

Waterville area police reported for Sept. 15, 2019.

Pondering the meaning of an apocalyptic figure and the end times, J.P. Devine looks ahead to an election sequel of cinematic proportions.

City councilors on Tuesday will consider whether to follow the recommendation of the Planning Board, which voted 4-3 Monday not to recommend the council rezone part of 475 Kennedy Memorial Drive so an adult-use marijuana store may open there.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Sept. 14, 2019.

The fundraiser, done in concert with Low XII Maine chapters of Widows Sons Masonic Riders and the Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers, is raising money and supplies to support the Sharon Abram Teen Parent School.

BikeMaine tour riders close the midcoast loop by returning to Waterville for lunch from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Officials say the long-term benefits of perfecting the state-of-the-art equipment are worth the wait, and local towns claim the delay has not caused much trouble for them.

The Skowhegan-area journalist was remembered by colleagues and community members as a tough-minded reporter who closely covered the community and enjoyed life's pleasures.

E. James ‘Jim’ Ferland and Eileen P. Ferland donated the funds in March 2018 to help build the Engineering Education and Design Center, which will be named for the couple.

Waterville area police reports for Friday, Sept. 13, 2019

After two previous budgets were thwarted at referendums in June and July, a $27.12 million budget was approved by voters on Thursday.

Waterville businessman Bill Mitchell renovated the former American Legion Hall at 21 College Ave., where live music, celebrations, comedy performances and other events will be held.

The south end of the hotel will have basement walls about 11 feet high.

Brady Thomas Martin, 22, was cutting down a tree on a wood lot half a mile off the Ferrin Road around 6 p.m. Monday when the tree he was working on fell on top of him.

Firefighters, ambulance workers, legislators and others turned out for the 6 p.m. event Wednesday along the Kennebec River to remember those who died 18 years ago in the terrorist attacks.

Waterville area police reports for Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019.

There and back again

Jason Keaten, 39, is in Somerset County Jail after law enforcement officials searched his home early Wednesday on Hilltop Drive, seizing Fentanyl, drug paraphernalia and cash, according to Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster.

Tuesday night's meeting brought out approximately 60 community members, a majority of whom expressed support for adding a new bridge to town.

About 100 people turned out Tuesday for a meeting to discuss future downtown improvements, including making Main and Front streets two-way.

The town of Rome and Larry and Janet DiPietro, the owners of an unlicensed junkyard and automobile graveyard, have settled a two-year-old dispute.

A Facebook post by Maine Fire Equipment Co. promoting ‘Indian Outlaw’ T-shirts and hoodies to celebrate the start of high school football season is drawing criticism in the wake of local and state decisions to ban Native American imagery at public schools.

Waterville area police reports for Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019.

Earla Haggerty, Clinton's Town Manager, said she's spoken with residents who want "real" recycling instead of sending the town's materials to the Penobscot Energy Recovery Center to be incinerated.

The meeting will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Community Center following the Board of Selectmen meeting.

Waterville area police reports for Monday, Sept. 9, 2019.

The town's new tax rate has dropped 12.6% from the previous year because the state reimburses the town for exemptions the mill receives under the Business Equipment Tax Exemption program.

Amy Calder sings the praises of the farm-to-table eatery in the tiny town of Freedom that has a huge following nationally.

Cooper Bowden, 11, of Plymouth, and Neveah Woodard, 11, of Plymouth, were located in the woods less than a mile from the home they wandered off from on Saturday night.

Waterville area police log for Sept. 8, 2019.

Multiple people had filed petitions with the city clerk's office to run for council, school board, charter commission and water district.

Where the elite meet to eat when they're working.

The other communities that will host the riders are in Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties.

In a follow-up at the hospital, Michael Moore, 74, of Texas, disclosed that he has a heart condition which caused him to "white" out and cause the crash.

Waterville area police reports from Sept. 6, 2019.

The $7.37 million federal grant will be used for changing one-way traffic on Main and Front streets to two-way, changing and improving intersections, reconfiguring parking and working on loading zone problems.

Skowhegan man suffered serious injuries.

The fair charges $5 for admission, but children under the age of 12 can enter for free. Parking at the fairgrounds is also free.

The Planning Board on Monday will consider making a recommendation to the City Council about whether to rezone part of 475 Kennedy Memorial Drive so that an adult-use marijuana store may open there.

The program gives students an opportunity to learn skills that will prepare them both for the workforce and a four-year college program.

Waterville area police reports for Sept. 5, 2019.

A couple of Main Street business owners noted that they are excited about the prospect of infrastructure improvements, as their businesses hinge on strong internet service.

BikeMaine is rolling out to Waterville this Saturday for its 7th annual ride that celebrates cycling, sustainability and, of course, the communities and natural beauty of Maine.

Waterville area police reports for Sept. 4, 2019.

Lexius Saint Martin, who has a wife and children in Waterville, has been in Haiti since February 2018, when he was deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

Samantha Burdick, director of resource development for United Way of Mid-Maine, will fill the unexpired term of Alek Fortier, who has moved out of the city.

Attendees at the Clinton Lions Agricultural Fair can enjoy the vendors, midway rides, live entertainment and exhibits from Thursday to Sunday for an admission fee of $5.

Waterville area police reports for Sept. 3, 2019.

Erosion-prevention measures at the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat, including the installation of plants, gardens and trenches, were intended to keep the Long Pond lakefront pristine.

About 10,000 people attended the four-day agricultural fair over Labor Day weekend.

Waterville area police reports for Monday, Sept. 2, 2019.

Amy Calder urges those who enjoy the benefits of work to also know when it's time to stop.

Waterville area police reports for Sept. 1, 2019

J.P. researched this sartorial issue and found out some people look good in white whatever the season.

A Pooler Avenue resident reportedly witnessed two youths breaking into a marked Somerset County sheriff's vehicle during the week, and a search warrant executed Friday night resulted in finding evidence of other recent burglaries.

Saturday's fourth edition of the Skowhegan Craft Brew Festival wraps up the summer with a big party while keeping its small-town feel.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Aug. 31, 2019.

Oakland-based RSU 18, Skowhegan-based SAD 54, Waterville, Winslow and Vassalboro school districts will continue the collaboration that has benefited them for years, maintain funding to oversee their districts.

Robert McEwen and Robert Neal tried to apprehend the bull before it attacked them, leaving the men with severe injuries.

Waterville area police reports for Aug. 30, 2019.

Daniel Murray, a Maine State Trooper from Mount Vernon, was summoned on Tuesday after being stopped by Waterville Police for accompanying a 15-year-old permit driver while intoxicated.

Stores that are 10,000-square-feet in size or larger may no longer dispense plastic bags to customers at check-out, as required by the city of Waterville's plastic bag ordinance.

Winslow police found more than 100 grams of fentanyl after a bail check led to the discovery of drug-related activity at the Monument Street residence of Joseph Romagno, 38.

If the newest $27.12 million budget isn't passed by voters on Sept. 12, it will be the third failed budget in a matter of months.

Jerome ‘Jerry’ Blaisdell launched the campaign to oust Clinton's police department in favor of using Maine State Police in the community instead.

Waterville area police reports for Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019.

A boy under 10 was playing with fire and started a blaze Monday on Albion Road that destroyed the barn and damaged nearby structures.

Beth Lambert, Judy Reeves and Rae Davis-Folsom are the newest members of SAD 49's School Board, filling the positions which were left vacant after a trio of resignations on July 10.

In an active shooter situation, a teacher or school official would push a button and all law enforcement officials, especially those in the immediate area, would be alerted.

Cameron Callahan, 19, and Dillan Torrez, 19, flipped the ATV they were riding on when they rounded a corner in Albion on Tuesday.

An adult in Waterville was charged with accompanying a motor vehicle permittee while impaired and the 15-year-old driver was charged with driving without a license.

Helen Peavey has stood outside Madison Elementary every morning for the last 18 years to welcome the students to a brand new school day.

Waterville area police reports for Aug. 28, 2019.

'The city of Waterville is seeing growth and interest in development at a rate that I’ve not witnessed in my 25-year involvement with the chamber,' says Kimberly N. Lindlof, president of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.

Michael E. Algiere, 33, of Oakland, was sentenced to seven years in prison and three years of supervised release.

The crash Friday night involving a 2005 Honda Civic is under investigation, according to Lt. Chris Read of the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office.

Once settled in, Colby College students bid their parents adieu and, for the next week, attempt to orient themselves to the campus and Waterville where they will surely find challenges that surpass moving furniture.

Drew Roy, 37, of Oakland is in "good condition" after being critically injured Aug. 10., according to a nurse at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.

The fire Monday at 562 Albion Road destroyed a large barn, damaged a mobile home and vinyl siding on two garages and caused two spot fires across the road, according to Unity fire Chief Blaine Parsons.

Waterville area police reports for Aug. 27, 2019.

Six Fairfield residents applied to fill the three vacancies on the board after the resignations of Shelley Rudnicki, Tim Martin and Caroline Toto-Lawrence.

Several fire departments responded to the blaze at 562 Albion Road.

Waterville area police log for Aug. 26, 2019.

Dozens of adults and children swarmed the Opera House Sunday to try out for parts in the musical, based on the Disney film "Newsies," and the true story of the news boy strike in New York City in 1899.

Fire tore through a large horse stable and attached apartment Saturday night, destroying the apartment and a horse business and leaving a woman and four children homeless.

According to NBC, St. Louis, Missouri, home town to JP, is the most dangerous city in the U.S.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine welcomes Sarah Peabody, McTeague Higbee law firm has announced that partner Karen Bilodeau and Kevin Noonan, have once again been named to the Best Lawyers in America Roster for 2020 and more in this Sunday's Central Maine Business Briefs.

The band's 50th anniversary concert will take place at the Oakland Waterfront Park Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Augusta and Waterville area police reports for Aug. 24, 2019

The four-day celebration included an antique tractor show, crafts, dance with live music, fishing derby, golf tournament, carnival and dynamite cook off.

With Waterville already operating a curbside recycling service, some councilors see recyclers such as I Recycle Inc. as redundant, but businesses see them as necessary.