County & State News - Piscataquis Observer

County & State News

Pay for Maine jurors in state courts could more than triple

If Maine lawmakers pass a bill endorsed by the Legislature’s judiciary committee, pay for jurors in state courts would more than triple, rising to $50 per day -- the same rate paid to jurors by the federal court system.

Eight train cars derail east of Brownville Junction

Eight rail cars on an Eastern Maine Railways train left the tracks in a remote area of Piscataquis County on Friday, Feb. 8, according to a spokesperson from J.D. Irving, the Canadian conglomerate that owns the rail company.

Greenville ambulance service deals with challenges

Greenville has long been considered a town on the edge of wilderness. Centuries ago the wild forests were logged and Moosehead Lake was instrumental in moving those logs from the forests to mills downstream of the lake’s outlets. The town, incorporated in 1836, prospered as a result of this industry. Homes and churches were built.

Dexter, other hospital communities await more information on potential merger

Directors from Dexter and the other dozen communities making up HAD 4 are awaiting negotiation details between officials with Mayo Regional Hospital and Northern Light Health on a potential merger of the Dover-Foxcroft facility serving the region with the statewide healthcare system, the town council learned during a Feb. 14 meeting.

Mayo Regional Hospital wins national award for remote, technical assistance

Mayo Regional Hospital has been awarded participation in a remote, technical assistance program with the Texas A&M University Center for Optimizing Rural Health. Mayo Regional Hospital is one of five hospitals in the state to be selected for support and training through the year-long program. Technical assistance will begin this spring.

Capital improvement projects planned for SAD 4 facilities

Seven different capital improvement projects will be carried out across the SAD 4 school campuses in the current and next academic years after the directors approved a package of about $205,500 in district funds during a Feb. 12 meeting at Piscataquis Community Elementary School.

Petition gains FA seniors a say in graduation gown colors

After some Foxcroft Academy seniors objected to a plan to eliminate the use of white graduation gowns for female students in favor of everyone wearing burgundy, the head of school said that members of the Class of 2019 will have input before a final decision is made. Graduation is scheduled for Sunday, June 9 and a decision on the attire could be made next month, a specific timeline and method are to be determined.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Monson gears up for Snowroller Days

MONSON — Once upon a time many years ago, when horses pulled carts and carriages, winter transportation required sleighs to get around.

Group of snowmobilers rescued overnight on Sebec Lake

Four snowmobilers encountered thin ice on Sebec Lake early Saturday morning, Feb. 9. Shortly after midnight the four men encountered thin ice on the lake, Carignan and Smith escaped going in but Lynch and Taylor became completely submerged along with their snowmobiles. Both men managed to get out of the water and onto the ice. Taylor drove one of the two remaining snowmobiles to an unoccupied camp to find warmth.

Puritan Medical Products reaches 100-year milestone

Puritan Medical Products, a Guilford-based global manufacturer of single-use products will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2019. Puritan’s management team attributes “innovation, evolution, and authenticity” to the longevity of the organization, which originated from humble beginnings in 1919 as the Minto Toothpick & Specialty Company.

Young hero in Guilford gets his wish

Piscataquis Community Elementary School kindergartener Abel Richardson thought he was attending a Winter Carnival kickoff assembly when he was called to the front of the cafeteria for a surprise presentation on Wednesday.

Abandoned bear cubs rescued from certain death

Three tiny bear cubs are resting peacefully in new dens after their original winter home was disturbed by a logging operation on Jan. 31, and their startled mother fled.

Plans being finalized for Atkinson to join the Unorganized Territory

During a Feb. 5 meeting of the county commissioners, County Manager Tom Lizotte said the final Atkinson annual town meeting before deorganization would be held on the evening of Monday, Feb. 11. “I don’t anticipate any issues,” Lizotte said.

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