U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the chairman of the transportation appropriations subcommittee, announced that the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) will receive $10,836,220 to replace three bridges in Piscataquis and Penobscot counties that are either structurally deficient, in a fracture-critical state, or both. Among the three is the Pleasant River Bridge in Milo on outer Pleasant Street.

Many older adults are faced with challenges that cause anxiety and depression. Troubled family relationships, lack of money, loneliness, life-span losses, complicated grief, traumas, personal health and the health of others, safety concerns, and death are broad classifications of situations that cause worries and fears leading to anxiety and possibly depression. Late-life anxiety can occur alone, but may be accompanied by depression.

Jenna Clukey of Dover-Foxcroft, a senior at Foxcroft Academy, has been selected to receive the 2018 MPA Principal’s Award. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA), is given in recognition of a high school senior’s academic achievement and citizenship.

The Northern Forest Center, in partnership with the Moosehead Lake Brand Leadership Team (BLT), is offering matching grants of up $2,000 to support downtown façade improvements by Greenville businesses and business property owners.

Upcoming events around the region.

On Saturday, March 3 the Ponies outlasted 48 other Maine schools to win the state robotics championship at Biddeford High School. They partnered with MDI High School and Hampden Academy to win this years; competition. The all-day event saw middle and high schools from all over the state converge on southern Maine.

Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville met with Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Denise Buzzelli, Chad Misery of Central Maine and Quebec Railway and Jon Seavey of Gordon Construction at the Derby Shop in Milo. The shop is under complete construction for future use by the Central Maine and Quebec Railway.

The new church, which has been under construction for nearly a year, was blessed and dedicated by Bishop Robert Deeley during a Mass celebrated on Sunday, March 4.

Brownville/Milo area Democrats held their party caucus on Sunday, March 4 at the Milo Town Hall. Carole Boothroyd welcomed everyone and introduced guests.

February Students of the Month at Piscataquis Community High School in Guilford are freshman Hunter Simon, sophomore Ariona Gerry, junior Lilli McCormack and senior Tylla Gosselin.