Piscataquis Observer

File photo courtesy of Foxcroft Academy GRADUATION COLORS -- A decision on graduation gown colors for this year’s Foxcroft Academy seniors is forthcoming as members of the Class of 2019 will have the opportunity to weigh in on possible options. In past years, such as in 2016, female graduates have worn white robes and male students had burgundy.

Mayo and C.A. Dean among five rural Maine hospitals to receive expert help to run sustainably

Five rural Maine hospitals, including one that recently filed for bankruptcy protection and others that have cut key services in recent years, will receive expert help in stabilizing their business models after winning a rare federal award.

Sports Browse Sports

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Photo courtesy of Shelby Taylor/Photography by S.L. Taylor LEAGUE CHAMPS -- The Piscataquis Community Middle School girls basketball team is the Penquis League Small School champions. On Feb. 9 the Pirates defeated Hichborn Middle School of Howland in the championship by a score of 25-23.

PCMS girls capture Penquis League small school championship

February 17, 2019

The girls basketball team from Piscataquis Community Middle School ended the 2018-19 season as the Penquis League small school champions. The Pirates finished the season with an overall record of 11-4, with only one of the loses coming against a fellow small school program (the other three came vs. large school division squads).

8 hours ago

Robshaw wins 55-dash and triple jump at state meet

Penquis Valley High School senior Cymeria Robshaw won the 55-meter dash and triple jump, and she came in second in long jump, at the 2019 Class B indoor championship on Feb. 16 at Bates College.

5 days ago

Moosehead fishing report — Rainbow Lake update

Last spring, I wrote about a project to prevent invasives from gaining access to Rainbow Lake. Rainbow Lake is one of just a dozen waters in Maine that holds native Arctic charr. In fact, Maine is the only state in the lower 48 to have any native Arctic charr. These fish are very sensitive to aberrations in the natural ecosystem.

5 days ago

How to watch every Maine high school basketball tourney game

The same four entities will be showing the state’s boys and girls high school basketball tournament games this season either online or on the TV, according to Dick Durost, the executive director of the Maine Principals’ Association.

Opinion Browse Opinion

Column9 hours ago

Maine winter swimming is as close as the nearest indoor pool

Swimming and snorkeling are my favorite parts of living on a Maine pond. I am in the water as early as possible. Last year, April 22 was ice out day. I was in the water mid-May. My last day in the pond was September 30.

Letter2 days ago

Sangerville school board member announces decision to not seek re-election

But in view of my three years there and a different direction in my life, I will not seek re-election to the board. I would say someone with children in SAD 4 would be better suited as a board member.

Column3 days ago

Mills budget is reckless orgy of spending

Let's say that this was a good year at work. Let's say that the company you work for is so pleased with you that they give you a small raise, and say that next year, if everything goes equally well, they'll give you a bonus reward.

Letter3 days ago

Geographical prejudice

Prejudice, its many layers unfolded, invariably yield an influence unhealthy to society. More than the nostalgic lampoon of quirky Americana in a Hollywood taint, geographical prejudice, at its extreme, has been a combative divide between regions of our society with often tragic results. Surprising as it would seem, the Democrat Party has made geographical prejudice a hallmark of their political agenda.

Living Browse Living

2 days ago

‘Permaculture 101’ March 5 at Thompson Free Library

The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) will be hosting an introduction to Permaculture and discussion at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5 at the Thompson Free Library.

3 days ago

Sen. Davis’ bill would close unemployment benefits loophole

Sen.Paul Davis, R-Sangervlle has submitted LD 784 “An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits.” If passed, this legislation would require individuals who are collecting unemployment benefits to accept and attend interviews for jobs they are reasonably fitted for. Failure to attend would result in disqualification from benefits.

4 days ago

Soil and water conservation district accepting orders for tree and plant sale

Even though the snow keeps falling, we are starting to see and hear the signs of springtime! Now is the time to plan ahead for your orchards, gardens, and natural landscape. The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District Tree and Plant Sale pre-order deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 27, with pickup from April 29 through May 3.

4 days ago

Coyote and bald eagle battle for supremacy on frozen Brassua Lake

Richard Gurney of Rockwood maintains a bait pile on Brassua Lake that he allows local friends to use, whether they choose to hunt coyotes over it, or just sit and take photos of the scavenging animals that visit for a snack.

4 days ago

March trivia night will be a hospice ‘FUNdraiser’

Pine Tree Hospice will be hosting Trivia Night at The Commons at Central Hall, 152 East Main Street, starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 8, with a snow date of March 15. Organizers thank event sponsors Will’s Shop ‘n Save and Rowell’s Garage for their generosity in helping bring this event to the community.

5 days ago

Partnership purchases 27,000 North Woods acres for conservation and recreation

America’s longest-serving conservation organization, the Appalachian Mountain Club, is teaming up with the country’s top ranked environmental nonprofit, The Conservation Fund, to protect nearly 27,000 acres of working forestland in Maine’s North Woods.

Petition gains FA seniors a say in graduation gown colors

Mayo Regional Hospital wins national award for remote, technical assistance

Capital improvement projects planned for SAD 4 facilities

Sen. Davis’ bill would close unemployment benefits loophole

Mayo and C.A. Dean among five rural Maine hospitals to receive expert help to run sustainably

PCMS girls capture Penquis League small school championship

Robshaw wins 55-dash and triple jump at state meet

Moosehead fishing report — Rainbow Lake update

How to watch every Maine high school basketball tourney game

Maine winter swimming is as close as the nearest indoor pool

Sangerville school board member announces decision to not seek re-election

Mills budget is reckless orgy of spending

Geographical prejudice

‘Permaculture 101’ March 5 at Thompson Free Library

Sen. Davis’ bill would close unemployment benefits loophole

Soil and water conservation district accepting orders for tree and plant sale

Coyote and bald eagle battle for supremacy on frozen Brassua Lake

March trivia night will be a hospice ‘FUNdraiser’

Partnership purchases 27,000 North Woods acres for conservation and recreation

Group of snowmobilers rescued overnight on Sebec Lake

Young hero in Guilford gets his wish

New D-F Police sergeant comes home to serve the community