7 years ago Regional technology plan to help communities connect to broadband In 2016 the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) was awarded $120,000 for broadband internet planning from the Office of the Maine Attorney General, with the funds coming from consumer settlements the office reached with several wireless carriers. The monies helped the PCEDC work with Axiom Technologies of Machias to conduct a survey of the region to help develop a regional technology plan aimed at economic and community development.
7 years ago Prisoner who escaped home confinement captured An escaped prisoner who left his home confinement on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 16 was reportedly captured later that night, according to police.
7 years ago Mayo Regional Hospital to mark 40th anniversary of opening in April DOVER-FOXCROFT — What today is a 25-bed critical access hospital and health system with five rural health clinics across the region, provides emergency medical services for all of Piscataquis County, psychiatry and counseling services as well as various surgical specialties, in April Mayo Regional Hospital will mark 40 years since first opening its doors to patients.
7 years ago Dover-Foxcroft land use ordinance being prepared for November election DOVER-FOXCROFT — With the land use ordinance committee continuing its work to update the document to be voted on by the public later in the year on the November ballot, a summary of the group’s efforts was reviewed by the selectmen during a Jan.
7 years ago Sheriff’s office adds to vehicle fleet DOVER-FOXCROFT — As part of the regular rotation for replacing older department vehicles the Piscataquis County Commissioners approved the purchase of a 2017 Ford Police Interceptor for $28,041 from Quirk Ford of Augusta, during a Jan.
7 years ago Preliminary work continues on 2018-19 RSU 68 finances With the first 2018-19 academic year budget meeting set for the end of the month, RSU 68 officials are awaiting financial figures from the Maine Department of Education.
7 years ago Ayala recognized as U.S. Cellular Most Valuable Coach Foxcroft Academy boys soccer and wrestling coach Luis Ayala, who teaches health and physical education at the secondary school, was recognized as the U.S. Cellular Most Valuable Coach on Jan. 4 during the 11th annual Under Armour All-American Game at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
7 years ago Missing Dover-Foxcroft man with dementia found safe A missing Dover-Foxcroft man with dementia has been found safe, police said.
7 years ago D-F selectmen looking at plan to upgrade street lights A month after meeting with representatives from RealTerm Energy -- which has contracted with about two dozen Maine communities and other towns across the U.S. and Canada -- the selectmen discussed having a proposed uniform plan for upgrading municipal street lights, during a Dec. 18 meeting.
7 years ago Commissioners awaiting bids for DA office renovations and jail yard roof In early February bids will be due for a pair of projects on the Piscataquis County campus. The first is for renovations to provide for more room at the district attorney’s office on the first floor of the courthouse and the second bid is for the construction of a roof enclosure over the exercise yard at the Piscataquis County Jail.
7 years ago SeDoMoCha Builders Club Miracle Tree Event raises record $10,000-plus to help brighten the holidays On Dec. 2-3, as part of the annual Hometown Holidays Celebration, over two dozen decorated trees and accompanying goods were on display at the Mill Event Center. The trees served as more than decorations for the season, but a fundraiser hosted and sponsored by the SeDoMoCha Middle School Builders Club. Inspired by the Anah Temple Shriners’ Festival of Trees, Builders Club Adviser Heather Whitten said $10,490 was raised through the purchase of raffle tickets
7 years ago Burton sentenced to 55 years for murder The man who fatally shot his ex-girlfriend then led police on the longest manhunt in state history was sentenced Friday, Dec. 15 to 55 years in prison. Robert Burton, 40, of Abbot, was convicted on Oct. 5 of murdering Stephanie Ginn Gebo, 37, of Parkman.
7 years ago And the Find the Shop Local Tree Contest winner is … Crystal Saunders, center of Dover-Foxcroft, is the winner in the Piscataquis Observer’s annual Find the Shop Local Tree Contest. Saunders was awarded a grand prize package of goods from numerous area businesses after her name was drawn from a pool of 10 weekly prize winners
7 years ago How to reduce waste with fermented vegetables A fire crackled in the woodstove as Mary Margaret Ripley chopped carrots and ginger root. Her husband, Gene Ripley, helped their 20-month old daughter, Harriet, sort the vegetables into glass jars. They then added a scoop of curry powder and a simple mixture of salt and water, brine that would ferment the vegetables over the course of five to seven days. For the Ripleys, fermented vegetables are a way of life.
7 years ago Piscataquis commissioners approve $4.25M county budget A 2018 Piscataquis County budget totaling just under $4.25 million and a near $1,489,000 Unorganized Territory (UT) spending plan for the 2018-19 fiscal year were both formally approved by the county commissioners during a Dec. 5 meeting.
7 years ago Work begins on 2018-19 RSU 68 finances With the calendar year nearing a conclusion, RSU 68 officials have started preparations for developing the 2018-19 budget. During a Dec. 5 school board meeting, Superintendent Stacy Shorey said the directors have now all received a budget meeting calendar.
7 years ago Tis the season … Several inches of snow fell on Dover-Foxcroft over the weekend, leaving a lasting white coating over the town. More snow was forecast for Tuesday to help create a winter wonderland for the holiday season.
7 years ago Chief Deputy Young announces candidacy for sheriff Chief Deputy Robert Young has announced that he is seeking the office of sheriff of Piscataquis County in 2018.