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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Powerline Construction Inc. owner Klay Stevens is a first-class lineman that is not only well respected in his field, but also known for his strong work ethic, knowledge and engaging personality. He has experience in all areas of utility work and comes from a family of linemen. Stevens has access to many experienced linemen, who will provide consultation and knowledge to all areas of his business.