We’re bringing together the voices of rural Maine
If you are a longtime reader of the Piscataquis Observer, you’ve undoubtedly noticed changes to the paper and website in recent months. We’ve been working hard to provide you with fresh news and opinions that are especially relevant to residents of this ruggedly beautiful part of Maine.
If you are only now discovering the Observer, either on the newsstand at your favorite store or by visiting our redesigned website, thanks for checking us out. You’ve got good timing.
Our new features include a weekly roundup of state government doings, titled Augusta Report. Here, you will find news on the bills, services, budgets, and political debates that particularly affect the lives of people who live in Maine’s small towns and Unorganized Territory. You won’t have to dig through the paper to find it because it’s always on the front page.
Speaking of our front page, we’ve given it a makeover. The top of the page features a bolder look and a new slogan under the logo: The Voice of Rural Maine. You’ll see better displays of stories and photos than in the past.
We’ve also added three new columnists who focus their unique writing styles on issues pertaining to life in rural Maine.
Start with Scott K. Fish, whose column runs every week on page one. He’s worked in state government and the private sector for decades, which means he knows not only the political players, but the movers and shakers as well. When he’s not sharing his stories about small town life and government, he’s writing about topics as varied as how to log the trees on your land, and ways to improve municipal websites.
Look elsewhere on the front page and you’ll find the column of V. Paul Reynolds, one of Maine’s most respected outdoor writers. Hunting and fishing are huge parts of the state’s rural heritage, and “Paul” is an expert at both activities and more. Want to know about guns and reels? Read him. Need to know which regulations are changing this season? Read him.
Turn to page 4 each week, and you’ll find the no-nonsense political commentary of Matthew Gagnon. He’s the head of the Maine Heritage Policy Center, an organization that exposes government waste and generally looks out for the interests of small business owners and farmers. Matt’s not afraid to call out politicians or administrators who get in the way of personal liberty, which makes him a rare and valuable voice in media.
Of course, our commitment to local news coverage and advertising are stronger than ever, complementing the new voices in the Observer. Veteran reporter Stuart Hedstrom, advertising representative Keri Foster, and customer service representative Jeannette Hughes form the backbone of our organization. You can count on them to respond to your needs.
Which leads me to the most important part of my message. We need your input to help make us the best news organization we can be. If you have a story idea, a news tip, or goods or services to sell, please let us know. You can contact us at 207-564-8355, or through our individual emails: shedstrom@observer-me.com; kfoster@observer-me.com; jhughes@observer-me.com; and mdowd@observer-me.com
We thank you for your support.
Observer photo/Tammy Foster
OBSERVER STAFF — The staff of the Piscataquis Observer are, from left, Managing Editor Michael J. Dowd, advertising representative Keri Foster, customer service representative Jeannette Hughes and reporter Stuart Hedstrom.