Piscataquis Observer

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Photo courtesy of Todd Mercer SHORELINE — Exposed shoreline lines the West Branch of the Penobscot River near Big Eddy after a turbine shutdown at McKay Station rapidly reduced river flows.

Photo courtesy of Todd Mercer SHORELINE — Exposed shoreline lines the West Branch of the Penobscot River near Big Eddy after a turbine shutdown at McKay Station rapidly reduced river flows.

Dam operator says Penobscot River flows met federal requirements during outage

By Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor The operator of the McKay Station hydroelectric facility said water continued to flow into the West Branch of the Penobscot River during July 27’s turbine shutdown, meeting the minimum release requirements under its federal license. The shutdown renewed criticism of Brookfield Renewable’s operations after a similar 2023 shutdown killed fish and aquatic life.

News BrowseNews

Shahin earns Vermont State president’s list honors

RANDOLPH CENTER, Vermont — Vermont State University is pleased to recognize Maia Shahin of Guilford for earning a place on the president’s list for spring 2026.

Transportation Assessment for Penobscot and Piscataquis counties

The Transportation Assessment for Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties report was prepared by the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine in partnership with Eastern Maine Development Corporation.

University of Maine-Augusta spring president’s, dean’s lists students

AUGUSTA — University of Maine at Augusta Provost Joseph Szakas announces the spring 2026 full-time and part-time president’s lists and full-time and part-time dean’s lists.

Penobscot County projected to be on budget for 2026

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County is projected to stay on budget in 2026 for the first time in years.

Thousands of fish may have died in Penobscot River dam shutdown

By Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor A sudden July 27 shutdown at a dam on the West Branch of the Penobscot River may have killed thousands of fish, leaving Maine anglers and guides warning that a nationally recognized cold-water fishery is being put at repeated risk.

Crane named to Iowa State University dean’s list

AMES, Iowa — Claire Fogler of Exeter has been named to the 2026 spring semester dean’s list at Iowa State University.

Sports BrowseSports

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File photo RACCOON SEASON — Maine has adopted several new trapping regulations that take effect this fall, including a new early raccoon trapping season.

File photo RACCOON SEASON — Maine has adopted several new trapping regulations that take effect this fall, including a new early raccoon trapping season.

New trapping regulations take effect in Maine this fall, including early raccoon season

By Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor Maine trappers will see several changes this fall, including an early raccoon season and other updates to the state’s rules. The season will begin on the Sunday two weeks before the general fall trapping season opens and end the day before the general trapping season begins.

Friends of Community Fitness holds annual RiverFest 5K

GUILFORD — Friends of Community Fitness’ RiverFest 5K kicked off the 2026 Piscataquis River Festival on Saturday morning, July 25 with more than 50 runners taking part.

3 tips to judge black bear size before your hunt this fall

By John Floyd One of the biggest challenges new bear hunters face is estimating the size of a black bear as it slips into view during the waning hours of daylight.

Opinion BrowseOpinion

2024 election should be reviewed to see if Donald Trump really won

To the Editor; The issue of election security seems to obsess President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.

AARP Maine’s News You Can Use

By Joyce Bucciantini, AARP Maine community outreach volunteer By August, Maine’s farm stands and farmers’ markets are bursting with fresh produce.

Why cadastral maps matter

By Nancy Battick Today, few people rely on physical maps to navigate.

Maine conservation group wins national award for hunter education

Court should agree with Maine voters that large super PAC contributions warp democracy

By Tom Daschle, John McKernan, Olympica Snowe and Tim Wirth We come from different states and political parties.

We should turn our outrage into lasting change to support survivors of violence

By Francine Garland Stark and Regina Rooney Maine’s political landscape was upended by the revelations about Graham Platner’s behavior toward women.

Living BrowseLiving

Penquis’ ‘We’ve Got Your Back’ school supply drive

BANGOR — Penquis is launching its annual “We’ve Got Your Back” school supply drive, inviting community members to donate new backpacks, school supplies or funds to help 1,200 children begin the school year with confidence.

Calendar of events

Recurring Events Mondays DEXTER: The Abbott Museum is open 10 a.

Dover Low Vision Group meets Aug. 7

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Dover Low Vision Group will be meeting at the Central Hall Commons, 152 East Main St.

UMaine-Farmington spring dean’s list

FARMINGTON —The University of Maine at Farmington proudly announces the students named to the spring 2026 dean’s list.

Immediate need for Red Cross blood donations

For only the second time in history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis — and patients may already be feeling the impact.

Forest Heritage Days returns to Greenville

GREENVILLE — Forest Heritage Days will return to Greenville Aug.