Piscataquis Observer

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Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom THE GOAL IS TO RUSH THROUGH A WHOOPIE PIE -- Youth tried not to savor the flavor in the age 12 and under whoopie pie eating contest during the 2018 Maine Whoopie Festival in downtown Dover-Foxcroft. Tyler Wing of Guilford finished his half of traditional flavored whoopie the fastest to earn the title of youth whoopie pie eating champion. Last year’s Maine Whoopie Pie Festival drew 7,000 to Dover-Foxcroft to celebrate Maine’s Official State Treat, with proceeds benefiting the Center Theatre. This year’s 10th anniversary event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 22.

Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom THE GOAL IS TO RUSH THROUGH A WHOOPIE PIE -- Youth tried not to savor the flavor in the age 12 and under whoopie pie eating contest during the 2018 Maine Whoopie Festival in downtown Dover-Foxcroft. Tyler Wing of Guilford finished his half of traditional flavored whoopie the fastest to earn the title of youth whoopie pie eating champion. Last year’s Maine Whoopie Pie Festival drew 7,000 to Dover-Foxcroft to celebrate Maine’s Official State Treat, with proceeds benefiting the Center Theatre. This year’s 10th anniversary event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 22.

10th anniversary Maine Whoopie Pie Festival set for Saturday

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The 10th anniversary Maine Whoopie Pie Festival will take place on Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m.

News Browse News

$9.6M SAD 41 budget moved to June 27 referendum

A proposed 2019-20 SAD 41 budget of $9,639,532 was approved with all 15 articles passing with minimal discussion over 15 minutes during the annual district meeting June 13 at the Penquis Valley School. The approximate $9.6 million total is now moved to a referendum in the district towns of Brownville, LaGrange and Milo on Thursday, June 27 for a “yes” or “no” vote.

Commissioners appoint new county manager

Next month a new county manager will start work as the Piscataquis County Commissioners appointed Michael L. Williams of Greenbush to the position during a June 18 meeting. Williams will start work on Monday, July 8, succeeding the retiring Tom Lizotte.

Find the Whoopie Contest winner

Marilyn Blais is the grand prize winner in the Piscataquis Observer’s annual Find the Whoopie Pie Contest. Blais was chosen from a pool of 10 weekly winners in which entrants successfully located a whoopie pie hidden in one of that week’s advertisements. Blais won a basket of goodies including Maine Whoopie Pie Festival and Piscataquis Observer prizes.

New York company brings ‘glamping’ to Maine state parks

An entirely new camping experience will be offered at state parks throughout Maine this summer, and it involves spacious canvas tents, stylish picnic areas and tiny wood stoves that will keep campers warm on chilly nights.

Sports Browse Sports

Bangor Daily News photo/Pete Warner MID-JUNE SOFTBALL -- Halle Pelletier of Greenville throws a pitch in the first inning of the 2019 Class D softball championship against Penobscot Valley at St. Joseph’s College.

Bangor Daily News photo/Pete Warner MID-JUNE SOFTBALL -- Halle Pelletier of Greenville throws a pitch in the first inning of the 2019 Class D softball championship against Penobscot Valley at St. Joseph’s College.

Penobscot Valley outlasts Greenville to win ‘D’ softball title

The Penobscot Valley High School softball team did some extra preparation to face ace Greenville pitcher Halle Pelletier in Saturday’s Class D softball state championship game.

Madison softball team beats Dexter to defend ‘C’ state title

The Bulldogs received a combined five-hitter from junior lefty Lauria LeBlanc and freshman right Brooke McKenney en route to a 7-1 victory.

Dexter pitcher helps send team into Class C softball state final against Madison

Most players would be elated about being chosen to an all-conference second team as a freshman. Not Dexter High School softball pitcher Avery Herrick, who was a Penobscot Valley Conference Class C all-star selection a year ago.

Portland Sea Dogs kick off Maine Whoopie Weekend

On Friday, June 21 at 7 p.m. the Portland Sea Dogs will take Hadlock Field as The Maine Whoopie Pies to kick off Maine Whoopie Pie Weekend. The weekend, which was recently recognized by the Maine Legislature, celebrates the taste of Maine's Official State Treat, the whoopie pie.

Opinion Browse Opinion

Family Discoverer4 days ago

Preserving history in old cemeteries

This is the time of year when we visit cemeteries. Sometimes what we find is not what we expected. In a neighboring town I found one cemetery with missing stones. We located heaps of pieces of stones tossed over a bank into the woods like so much rubbish. In another we found that when old stones fell, the town crew hauled in soil, burying the stones and leaving nothing but an empty green space.

Column4 days ago

Father’s Day without my father

Sunday, June 16, is my first Father’s Day without my father. I don’t have children. When I think about what makes a good father, I compare the fathering skills of others — including my own dad. Also, I can remember how, as a kid, I felt during interactions with my father. Although I was a child, I was still me.

Letter5 days ago

Support bill for presidential Ranked Choice Voting

A majority of Maine voters twice approved Ranked Choice Voting at the ballot box over the past several years. But, we still don’t have it for the 2020 presidential election. That’s because the Maine Legislature must act.

Letter5 days ago

Dear Monson artists

On behalf of the citizens of Monson, I want to welcome you to the revitalized community of Monson on the shores of beautiful Lake Hebron. It is an honor and pleasure to have you as our guest. You are an asset to the community and economy.

Living Browse Living

Dexter Public Health Association annual fund campaign

On June 12 members of the Dexter Public Health Association gathered in the town council chambers to prepare envelopes for the annual fund campaign. Contributions from members of the communities support free nursing services, regardless of income, to Dexter, Ripley and Garland residents.

Ten Cent Whoopie Pie Book Sale June 20-22

A Ten Cent Whoopie Pie Book Sale will be held in the meeting room of the Thompson Free Library at 186 East Main Street. The sale runs Thursday, June 20 2-7 p.m.; Friday, June 21 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, June 22 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds from this sale are for children's programs.

Calendar of events

Upcoming events around the region.

Katahdin Valley Boys perform June 29 at Wayside Theatre

The Katahdin Valley Boys, one of Maine's most popular and respected bluegrass bands, return to the Wayside Theatre on Saturday, June 29 at 7 p.m.

Two PCHS essay writers honored

A pair of Piscataquis Community High School students placed in the top three of the 2019 Camden Conference high school essay contest which focused on this year’s session theme “Is This China’s Century?” PCHS Class of 2019 Valedictorian Jennifer Simon earned second-place honors in the Camden Conference Bill Taylor Essay Contest with “A Global Solution.” Placing third was rising PCHS senior Caitlyn Drinkwater with “Human Rights in China.”

Guilford library hosts Italy trip slideshow Wednesday

The Guilford Memorial Library is pleased to be hosting local resident Dolores Curtis as she shares slides and stories from her recent travels to northern Italy. This free event is Wednesday, June 19 at 3 p.m.