Dozens of people from across the region donated and delivered food, water and thousands of dollars to support those battling the blaze at Robbins Lumber on Friday.
News
Local, state and national news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Posted inCommunity, Maine Crime, News
Court papers describe chaotic scene before a man was killed in Augusta
A Skowhegan man is charged with murder during what police say was a drug-fueled birthday party at a Flagg Street apartment in February.
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Posted inMaine, News
Sports, Special Olympics, housing concerns highlight week in photos
Here are some of our favorite Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel photos from May 8-15, 2026.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Maine providers welcome continued access to abortion pill after US Supreme Court decision
In the first half of 2025, 27% of all abortions in Maine — whether prescription or in-person procedures — were provided via telehealth.
Posted inMaine, News
Fire unfolded at business that has been part of Maine’s forest industry ‘since forever’
The explosion and fire at a Robbins Lumber in Searsmont on Friday left 1 firefighter dead and at least 10 other people injured, officials said.
Posted inMaine, News
Moratorium won’t impact existing home health, hospice services in Maine, advocates say
The Trump administration announced a 6-month moratorium on new agencies, citing ‘waste, fraud and abuse’ in Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Posted inCommunity, Maine, News
Live updates: ATF joins investigation into Searsmont lumber mill fire and explosion
Firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, was killed in the explosion at Robbins Lumber.
Posted inCommunity
State police close Route 9 in Chelsea after Friday morning crash
Tow trucks were on scene to remove 2 commercial vehicles that crashed between Intervale Road and Gilbert Drive.
Posted inCommunity, Maine, News
1 firefighter dead, at least 10 people injured in fire and explosion at Searsmont mill
A large plume of black smoke was visible for miles as firefighters rushed to Robbins Lumber in Waldo County, where state Fire Marshal Shawn Esler said at an afternoon press conference “we have not even really begun a scene examination.”
Posted inCommunity, News, Schools and Education
Gardiner-area school district considering moving elementary students to balance class sizes
A proposed policy change would allow the superintendent to transfer students, even against their parents’ wishes, among elementary schools in Gardiner, West Gardiner and Pittston.