Linda Coan O’Kresik | BDN   In Superior Court — Robert Burton, right, who is accused of killing his girlfriend and then hiding in the woods for 68 days, enters a courtroom on Monday in Piscataquis County Superior Court in Dover-Foxcroft.

Contributed photo   — Frances Eva Clemens Luikey Marcelonis, a resident of Hibbard Skilled Nursing Center, turned 103 on Christmas Day.

  A passion in local barns, potato houses DOVER-FOXCROFT — A generation ago, before travel teams began attracting young basketball players of all skill levels, those who hoped to star for their high school teams one day were left much more to their own devices to develop the talent required for success.

As the page on the calendar changes to the month of January and a new year, it marks the occasion where the newspaper staff reviews the past 52 editions and highlights the biggest news of 2015.

Observer photo/Jeannette Hughes   WHERE’S OUR CHRISTMAS DINNER? — Spotted on a feeder last week were this red cardinal and blue jay, looking as if they were awaiting some treats for the holiday.

By Beth Ranagan DEXTER — Over the past six months or so, there have been a number of articles in local newspapers about balance and falling of senior adults.

  Photos courtesy of Hibbard Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center         Residents of the Hibbard Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Main Street West Assisted Living Facility in Dover-Foxcroft are enjoying their holiday season.

BINGHAM — For the sixth year in a row, a donation by Plum Creek will help local food banks meet their ongoing needs during the holiday season.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — In addition to providing support for clients with progressive life-limiting illness and their families, Pine Tree Hospice offers bereavement support to adults throughout the area who have experienced grief and loss, whether recently or in the past.

By Ken Frederic It’s no surprise to readers of our column that this writer holds our current national leadership in low esteem.