Ben Bragdon will be the Sun Journal's new managing editor and Jessica Lowell was promoted to managing editor of the Central Maine newspapers.

State lawmakers are working to restore ferry service to the island in the Kennebec River.

Samantha Berube pleads guilty to thefts in three counties, including "all the high end liquor" from a Hannaford store.

The layoffs will occur in mid-April, president and CEO Nathan Howell said.

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

Rich Abrahamson captures ice jams and high waters.

Some residents say closing the city's neighborhood ward polling places could suppress voting by making it harder for poor or elderly people, or those who do not drive, to get to the Civic Center.

About 400 voters filled the Town Office on Tuesday to cast their ballots.

Officials said they thought they had more carryover funds to apply to the school department's proposed spending plan. Instead, they are looking to make cuts.

Plans are now underway for the return of the Maine State Library, the Maine State Museum and the Archive to the state Cultural Building as its $45 million renovation project nears completion.

Emergency management officials and weather forecasters were keeping an eye on the rivers in western and central Maine as a storm system brought rain and warm temperatures to the region Monday, raising concerns over ice jams and flooding.

Kady Gould, principal of Helen Thompson School in West Gardiner, will start as superintendent on July 1 following her appointment by a unanimous school board earlier this month.

A lively town meeting slashed the $3 million budget by $394,000.

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

Pittston elected officials voted to sue Sam Snow Construction, the company operated by the town's road commissioner, after the repair work it did on Jewett Road started to fail after about a year.

The annual town meeting is set for March 15 at 9:45 a.m. at Pittston-Randolph Consolidated School on 1023 School Drive and the town election follows Tuesday, March 18.

Local pet owners say Atlas Veterinary Urgent Care would fill a need for after-hours veterinary services that nearly an hour's drive from Augusta and could save pets' lives.

This is the second time Hallowell officials have tried to offload the building, but the first attempt solicited only one bid, which the city rejected.

Cal Jason Sawyer, 41, of Waterville, died Saturday from a medical issue.

Dispatch records indicate everyone got out of the house on South Reynolds Road, and the fire, which was reported at 6:19 p.m. Saturday, was extinguished by about 8:30 p.m.

The town in Somerset County is considering leaving Regional School Unit 74 and paying tuition to send students to another school district.

Matt Sinclair and his grandfather, Robert Hopkins, are hoping their gift of land in Manchester will give future generations an opportunity to be in nature.

U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers not currently expected to be called to break ice on the Kennebec River this spring.

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about how a school-based health center, like the one proposed for Gardiner Area High School, would operate.

Tian Tao, 54, is allegedly involved in massage businesses in Rockland, Randolph and Fairfield.

Here are some of our favorite Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel photos from Feb. 28-March 7.

The requested funding would pay for additional corrections officers and an additional deputy and is expected to lower overtime costs.

Justice Daniel Mitchell said prison time for Kevin W. Henderson could increase the chance he'll commit new crimes, and agrees to suspend most of his three-year sentence.

Rich Abrahamson captures services that mark the beginning of Lent.

Hallowell dove into its search for a new city manager late last month, with three months left before current City Manager Gary Lamb leaves.

Marshall Mercer, 44, was arrested Tuesday on drug charges following a search of a Carlisle Street home.

Maine Recovery Access Project's Access Center is expected to open at 53 Water St., in the north end of the city's downtown, in June, bringing both hopes and concerns.

Megan McDonald, 39, told police in December that God had chosen her for a murder-suicide and her son, Quincy, needed to be sacrificed, according to a police affidavit.

Becky Foley, who has served since last September as the interim superintendent of the town's public schools, has agreed to remain superintendent of schools for another three years.

Samuel C. Bell, 26, told his mother he was coming to her home to repay a loan, and instead shot her in the head, police said.

The parade of planets, when all seven of Earth's solar system neighbors can be seen in the night sky, starts Friday and continues through next week.

'Sammy in the Sky,' written by Barabara Walsh, sheds a light on what grief looks like through the eyes of two girls losing their dog, Sammy.

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

Kenneth D. Marin was found guilty Thursday of sexually abusing a girl when she was 6-12 years old.

MD3 was launched in December 2023 with American Rescue Plan Act funds — a choice that could spell the end of the program during this budget cycle.

City officials need to support the creation of a low-barrier shelter for people who are chronically homeless, a draft report says.

The county budget committee begins deliberations Wednesday at 6 p.m. at 125 State St. in Augusta.

Megan McDonald, 39, is accused of killing Quincy McDonald, who is believed to be her son.

During a long career in Maine journalism, Judy Meyer championed open records and open meetings in Maine.

Kenneth D. Marin, 61, is accused of sexually assaulting a girl when she was between 6 and 11 years old.

The search, expected to take 3-4 months to complete, comes days after the City Council accepted current City Manager Gary Lamb's resignation, effective in June.

Thousands braved the cold and wind at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds to watch horses pull people on skis and snowboards.

Tian Tao, 54, was arrested Thursday as part of an investigation into a business, Asian Massage, in Rockland, police said.

Colby J. Michaud, 31, was found not guilty of kidnapping after the victim testified that she made up some of her allegations out of revenge.

Samuel Whittemore, 34, accused of murdering his wife, Margaux Whittemore, 32, in an incident at his family's Readfield home in which his mother, Dorothy "Darcy" Whittemore was also injured.

Here are some of our favorite Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel photos for Feb. 14-21, 2025.

Samuel Whittemore, 34, of Belfast, was charged with murder after Margaux Whittemore, his wife, was found dead outside his parents' home in Readfield Wednesday.

The family-owned and run business, which opened at 316 and 318 Water St. in October 2021, quickly became a popular destination for ice cream, pastries and tea.

Maine State Police responded to 28 Giles Road on Wednesday, where officials said a woman was found deceased and another woman was found injured.

The buses supplied to Winthrop by Lion Electric Co. through a federal program have been faulty.

The City Council voted last Monday for a six-month pause on new marijuana businesses, but failed to follow proper processes under state law and the city charter.

The victim, who was severely injured, says her life was forever changed by the accident.

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

Steven J. Corbin was sentenced after reaching a plea deal just before his trial on multiple child sexual abuse charges.

Philanthropist and seasonal resident Robert Fuller seeks to build a park across the street from the Capital Judicial Center and Lithgow Public Library.

There are hundreds of 'problem roads' in Maine, one expert says, pitting landowners against the general public.

The law around abandoned roads is tricky, often pitting public use against private land ownership.

Anna Chadwick focuses on first grade students at Hall-Dale Elementary School as they decorate mailboxes for valentines from classmates.

Slippery conditions are expected Friday, and snow and sleet are expected over the weekend.

Joshua Theriault-Patten died as a result of a collision on Route 17.

Matthew Zita began work at Front & Main over the holidays, but said he began implementing his vision for the restaurant last month.

A Maine State Police bomb team determined a box that had been donated contained a spent training grenade and fuses for artillery shells.

A low-barrier, daytime service center is set to open soon, with a new recovery center to follow this summer.

'This is the perfect place for people to get a unique Valentine's gift from local artisans and supporting the local community,' says Central Maine Chocolate Festival organizer.

The former Paul G. Poulin Auditorium to be renamed for Hammond Lumber, with the main entrance to the Augusta Civic Center to be rededicated to Poulin.

Stephen Caswell will continue working part-time as Richmond's fire chief while he takes on the new position in Manchester.

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

Teddy, trained through the Maine State Police K-9 Unit, is expected to conduct daily sweeps through the Maine State House complex in Augusta, officials said.

Maranacook Community Middle School students spent Wednesday learning all sorts of 'cool' lessons.

The Office of State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire at an unoccupied property on Tillson Road.

The protest was part of a movement in capital cities across the nation.

Two organizers dropped out, but the event, part of a nationwide day of protest, is still set for noon at the State House.

Jeffrey Bickford will take over Gary Getchell's term as First Selectman, which runs to July 2027.

Residents will likely have to wait several more years to have at-home access to PFAS-free drinking water.

Records show maintenance and mechanical issues arose more than two years ago, and continue to this day.

"It was more like a science project than a validated, road-legal vehicle," Will Doucette said of Lion Electric's school buses.

More than 900 people turned out recently for the annual Kenney Awards to recognize the accomplishments of members of the central Maine business community.

Peter P. Cayouette was found guilty Friday of sexual contact and sexual assault of victim when she was 11 and 12 years old.

Richard Hatt, 53, is accused of shooting Stephan Killam, 47, multiple times Oct. 15.

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

Thirteen dogs and two cats were killed in the fire, whose cause has been listed as undetermined, officials said.

Firefighters from seven communities responded Tuesday afternoon to 442 Main St.

Gardiner officials want to know how the Arcade parking lot could be improved through a public session scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at City Hall and through an online survey for those unable to attend the meeting.

Ryan Partridge, 35, was arrested during a 2023 traffic stop in Augusta.

The "Augusta!" logo will not comply with upcoming new requirements under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, city councilors were told last week.

The 10-year, $828,000 deal would help the Civic Center balance its budget and complete much-needed maintenance, officials said.

Officials to explore ways to add public transit, housing and other services during annual goal-setting meeting.

The surprising storm in December 2023 led officials to reassess when warnings are triggered.

Motorists won't be able to turn left onto Whitten Road once the change is made.

David J. Knox, 37, was arrested less than two hours after police say an armed robbery was reported at the Walgreens on Spring Street.

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

Sharon Frost addressed local concerns and encouraged public involvement in state policymaking.

"While Mr. Dokukin was seconds over his time limit, he was not disorderly," the Kennebec County district attorney said Thursday.

The Kennebec Valley of Chamber of Commerce event honors winners in six categories, three of which are chosen on the night via live text voting.

As the company experiences financial troubles, the Maine Department of Education hopes to get relief for school districts.

Members also discussed a proposal by Gov. Janet Mills to limit housing assistance.

Owner Janie Maddocks says she wants Lady J's Elegant Attire and Event Planning to be a welcoming place for customers.

Experts say the vehicles are easier to maintain, and better for the environment and student health, officials say.

Lamb, 70, has been in the job since August 2021.

The warming center at the Augusta Civic Center will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. this coming Monday through Wednesday so people may stay warm during the cold snap.

The Augusta demonstration was part of a worldwide day of protest two days before the second inauguration of Donald Trump.

Sean Eori, 44, was found guilty on three counts Friday but not guilty of others.

The tax break is expected to help the $48.5 million proposal move forward at 60 Western Ave.

For Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we look back at how central Maine responded to his assassination.

'Down here in Kennebec County, I'm afraid our years are probably up,' said Ernest Rice, longtime president of the Belgrade snowmobile club.

Winter sports, Gerard's Pizza and the Northeast Motorsports Expo and Trade Show also were among some of our favorite Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel photos from the past week.

Three people were arrested in a traffic stop, while the fourth was taken into custody the following day.

Rich Beaudoin is among a group of 20 Maine firefighters helping to fight the deadly flames in the Los Angeles area.

Final approval of the project could come as soon as March, but sign-off by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection is needed first.

Firefighters used a sled and cold-water suits to save the pet Tuesday.

Central Maine Eats: Kasha Gray preserves family tradition as Gerard's Pizza celebrates six decades in business.

Sean M. Eori, 44, faces 11 counts of alleged crimes involving a girl when she was as young as 13.

The student's family has sought a temporary protection from harassment order against Patrick Engleright following the alleged incident at practice Dec. 19 at Messalonskee High School.

The Augusta Conservation Commission is proposing to ban non-native plants from being planted on city property, an effort to benefit wildlife.

The home at 87 Collins Mill Road is a total loss, fire officials said.

Clayton A. Turner pleaded guilty to domestic assault and drug trafficking.

Here are some of our favorite Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel photos from Jan. 3-10, 2024

The state needs a coordinated, multifaceted effort to grow the workforce, support contractors, and engage employers, Augusta's economic development director writes.

After Gardiner's at-large elected officials are sworn in, the new City Council voted to confirm Robert Peabody as Gardiner city manager.

Pavel Dokukin, 39, was arrested on a charge of criminal trespassing when he refused to stop talking after reaching the two minutes allotted each speaker. 

Andrew L. Fertig told authorities he'd made the biggest mistake of his life and didn't want the woman to die. He faces attempted murder charges, among others.

The first issue of the KJ, printed 200 years ago Wednesday, contained this note from the publishers.

The Kennebec Journal published its first issue on Jan. 8, 1825, making it Maine's oldest surviving newspaper.

In Central Maine Eats, Home Town Cafe, a new breakfast and lunch eatery, opened Thursday at 72 Armory Road in Waterville.

In Central Maine Eats, city officials say there are no current plans for the distinctive diner building in Augusta; its parent company is closing 150 underperforming restaurants nationwide.

The court's decision, issued Tuesday, leaves the future of camp on Great Pond in Belgrade in doubt.

The Monmouth Planning Board will hold a public hearing Thursday evening on the proposed single-family senior housing development.

Paul Orchard, 43, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for possession of sexually explicit video of a child under 12 years old. In 2014 he was found not criminally responsible for sexually assaulting and killing his mother-in-law in front of his 6-year-old daughter in Peru.

Neighbors said the proposed changes would make Western Avenue a more inviting place to live and work.

Amanda Condon, 37, of Augusta, was arrested after allegedly lighting a staircase outside an apartment building in Augusta ablaze.

Steven G. Pratt is to serve more than 4 years after one gunshot came within inches of striking a driver's head.

A majority of the members on the new City Council were elected for the first time in November.

Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel Week in Photos Dec. 20,204,-Jan.3 2025

Isaiah Q. Butler, 28, was arrested on several charges after alleged incidents at a Big Apple and Hannaford in Augusta.

The changes would need to be approved at a town meeting, officials said.

Augusta, Lewiston, Portland and Bangor hospitals report their first deliveries of 2025.

For those who keep animals — wild or domestic — the second life of a Christmas tree can provide shelter, snacks or enrichment.

An 'American Idol' contestant, tainted weed, fentanyl deliveries and local government controversies — and so much more — helped define 2024 in central Maine.

The fire on Sunday was caused by a wood stove in the home, investigators say.

The attorney general’s office says it is not releasing the name of a 14-year-old boy found dead due to privacy concerns, but some lawyers and experts say they don’t buy that argument.

Many municipalities and school districts do not have up-to-date financial data as auditors become harder to find.

Edward Fowler, 62, was arrested after he allegedly threatened a neighbor with a firearm.

Fire discovered after smoke detectors in garage, connected to home's alarm system, alert resident.

Megan McDonald has been charged with knowing or intentional murder in the death of a 14-year-old boy found at her Sidney home.

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

The cause of the fire, which was reported by a neighbor, is under investigation by the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal.

Norman 'Ziggy' Lawrence started the annual Christmas Day event with his wife 16 years ago in Waterville.

More than 3,000 people attended the Central Church event Monday in Augusta, put on by about 400 volunteers. Photos by Rich Abrahamson

This is the first year Maine Arts Academy and Carver's Driving Academy have teamed up for this holiday celebration.

Megan McDonald, 39, was charged with murder in the death of a 14-year-old boy in Sidney last week.

Services have been cut back in anticipation of a sale, and the seniors who live there say the housing complex is failing in its mission.

It's important to stay prepared as climate change makes river flooding more severe — so here's how FEMA recommends people get ready.

Last December's flood was the fifth-highest ever recorded in Hallowell, but will the city be ready for the next one?

Matthew Greenlaw pleaded guilty to two counts of gross sexual assault and one count of dissemination of sexually explicit material.

Police say the body of a 14-year-old was discovered outside a Sidney home, after a woman reported in Androscoggin County that an incident had taken place at her home.

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

Dylan Ketcham, 26, was sentenced last year to essentially a life sentence after a jury found him guilty of murder and attempted murder.

The new facility from Bread of Life Ministries is to provide housing and connections to services at an eight-bed residence at 147 Riverside Drive.

Photographer Anna Chadwick captures the Ladies Life group from Central Church spreading holiday cheer.

Several school districts across Maine have received buses from the Quebec-based Lion Electric and have reported continuing problems with the vehicles.

Nathaniel Gagne, 35, faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.

Much of the new round of cuts comes from salaries and benefits of unfilled positions.

Justin Mason was killed Sunday afternoon on U.S. Route 202, police said.

Bashar al-Assad's regime was reportedly responsible for the deaths of more than 200,000 Syrian civilians from the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in March 2011 to June 2024.

A $4.2 million tax break is crucial to making a site worthy of the 'next generation' of Augusta residents, city councilors were told Thursday.

A state report found several chemicals, but at concentrations that are not a concern, the town and state said.

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

Police executed a search warrant early Thursday in a residential neighborhood, seizing narcotics and contraband.

United Community Living Center is proposing to open a daytime homeless services center at 12 Spruce St., near the Ballard Center on the east side of Augusta.

The fire started at a home garage across the street from the Richmond Fire Department and no injuries were reported.

The National Weather Service says there is a strong possibility of power outages and flooding from Wednesday's storm, which is expected to last through the night.

Snow removal efforts not impacted by temporary closure of the only street into the city's public works facility.

City officials have been working for more than four months to cut municipal spending and lower residents' tax burden.

Litchfield Fire Chief Michael Sherman said the cause of the fire appeared to be accidental, related to an electrical problem.

'We rely on Mother Nature' and bad snow years can 'devastate' the businesses that depend on snowmobilers, Maine Snowmobile Association President Al Swett said.

The 7th annual Festival of Trees, which ends Sunday, allows people to attempt to win holiday trees filled with prizes..

The Overnight Emergency Warming Center at South Parish Congregational Church has 30 beds, but it has had more than 50 guests some nights looking to get out of the cold.

After nearly 15 years in the school district, Patricia Hopkins resigned from her role as superintendent at Thursday night's board meeting, effective June 30, 2025.

All water in the district, which provides public drinking water to Augusta, now comes from three wells near Bond Brook.

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

Gardiner residents will have a chanced to meet and ask questions of Robert Peabody, finalist for the city manager position, Monday at the Gardiner Public Library .

Former Fire Chief Frank Wozniak filed a protection from harassment request earlier this year against resident and former firefighter John Black, who has long been critical of Wozniak's work. Wozniak suddenly dropped the case and resigned in August.

Opponents, mostly from outside the district, have raised concerns about gender-affirming care and parental notification. But a majority of board members, as well as most members of the public who spoke Thursday, said the proposal should move forward.

The city's Finance Committee has asked City Manager Gary Lamb to work with department heads to find an additional 7% to 10% in spending to freeze in the current municipal budget in an effort to limit increases to property taxes.

A divided Winthrop Public School board voted 3-2 Wednesday to return one electric school bus to regular service starting Monday, following evaluations of the problematic buses.

About 8,000 gallons of landfill leachate spilled at about 1:30 p.m. after a tanker truck driven by Allen Hewett, 61, of Sidney, failed to yield to a Maine Turnpike crew that had shut down one of the lanes for maintenance work, officials said.

The moratorium, largely targeted at preventing the expansion of Jellystone Park — which is split over Monmouth, Leeds and Wayne — was approved overwhelmingly by voters in April.

Canadian newspapers reported Monday that Lion Electric Co. faces bankruptcy, which could affect electric school buses in Maine.

Coverage of restaurants, food trucks and food events in the Augusta and Waterville areas.

Bryan S. Black took off in his pickup truck when approached by a Kennebec County Sheriff's Deputy, speeding and passing vehicles in the breakdown lane.

The City Council froze about $190,000 in spending at its last meeting to help pay down expenses next year and relieve residents' tax burden.

Winthrop Public Schools is among the districts still debating what to do with buses obtained through a federal grant program.

The chairs have become an iconic symbol of the city in their 10 years on the Granite City Park bulkhead.

On the heels of Black Friday's big box store deals, local shoppers think small while hunting for just the right gifts while supporting local shops.