BEAVER COVE — The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands will sponsor a free, guided hike in Lily Bay State park on New Year’s Day as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.

By Mike LangeStaff Writer     DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Piscataquis County Commissioners took no action on the 2014 budget at their last meeting because some line items were still being finalized, County Manager Marilyn Tourtelotte said.

TAKING A GOOD LOOK Observer photo/Mike Lange  Dexter guard Bobbie-Lynn Chambers (33) looks for a passing opportunity, guarded by Alex Speed of PCHS.

MAKING MUSIC TOGETHER Photo courtesy of Brownville Elementary      The PTO helped Brownville Elementary bring Maine childrens’ singer Rick Charette to the school for a holiday concert before vacation.

By Stuart Hedstrom  Staff Writer     DEXTER — For over 12 minutes of game time, from late in the first quarter into the third, the Dexter Regional High School girls held Penobscot Valley High School of Howland without a field goal and to only three points on a trio of free throws during this stretch as part of a Dec.

    On Dec.

By Stuart Hedstrom  Staff Writer     DOVER-FOXCROFT — On the November ballot residents approved amendments to the Land Use Ordinance, amendments pertaining to electronic signs.

BIGGEST DOE AND BUCK Photos courtesy of KC’s Country Store      During hunting season KC’s Country Store in Parkman held its annual contests for the biggest doe and buck.

By Lesley Fernow     Being able to live long enough to grow old is considered in most societies to be a blessing.

Rev.