The Foxcroft Academy wrestling team and head coach Luis Ayala visited the Statehouse on Feb. 6. During the visit to Augusta, Ayala was honored before the House of Representatives with a legislative sentiment recognizing his accomplishment of being awarded the distinction of U.S. Cellular Most Valuable Coach.

On Feb. 2 Piscataquis Community Elementary School seventh- and eighth-graders traded their textbooks for skis. A total of 53 students headed to Big Squaw Mountain for an afternoon of skiing -- many of whom first learned how to ski last year in this program while others were figuring out how to maneuver in ski boots for the first time.

On Jan. 26 a crew and equipment arrived at St. John’s Episcopal Church from J. M. Brown General Contractors of Hermon. Their purpose was to install a new steeple on the church. According to some of the local people, the equipment and the project created a bit of a stir in the village.

A 1,000-point scorer at Milo High School and a Milo native who would go on to become a coach, teacher and administrator as well as the long-time director of the Eastern Maine high school tournament are among the class of 22 players, coaches and contributors who will join the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame in August.

Ten years ago, Dominique Moceanu, a 1996 Olympics gold medalist, accused her former coaches of emotional and physical abuse. Rather than taking her allegations seriously, however, USA Gymnastics was dismissive of the concerns Moceanu raised.

Rep. Norman Higgins, I-Dover-Foxcroft has announced that he will be an independent candidate for reelection in 2018. Higgins represents District 120 comprised of Atkinson, Brownville, Dover-Foxcroft, Medford, Milo, Lakeview Plantation and the Unorganized Township of Orneville.

When the doctor tells you to open up and say, “Ahhh,” pretty much anywhere in the world, there’s a chance that the wooden stick pressing on your tongue was made in Maine. And the wooden stick in that Creamsicle? Probably also from Maine. Hardwood Products Co. in Guilford has something of a split personality. The company is divided into two operations, one right across the road from the other.

Upcoming events around the region

Developing quality depth has been at the core of a generation of wrestling success at Foxcroft Academy. But the Ponies may have taken that skill to a new level Saturday, Feb. 3 while capturing their third consecutive Penobscot Valley Conference championship at Sereyko Gymnasium on the campus of Penobscot Valley High School. The Ponies also won the conference title for the fifth time in six years.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC)/Miosac Club will again be conducting its annual Sebec Lake Ice Out Contest in 2018. Tickets may be purchased from any club member from Feb. 15 through March 31.