Ridge View Community School seventh-grader Payson Rienhardt, the son of Brian and Liza Rienhardt, has been notified by the National Geographic Society that he is one of the semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2018 Maine National Geographic State Bee. The contest will be held at the University of Maine-Farmington on Friday, April 6.

Adam Bagley of Parkman, who also is the co-salutatorian of the Class of 2018, has been selected as the Maine Principals Association Principal’s Award winner for Piscataquis Community High School, Principal John Keane announced.

SeDoMoCha Middle School eighth-grader Nathaneal Brown stands at the microphone during the 2018 Maine State Spelling Bee on March 24 at the University of Southern Maine in Portland.

I recently spent a morning at SeDoMoCha visiting elementary classrooms. I observed children being nurtured by exceptional teachers and learning in an emotional safe environment. I thought to myself how could anyone harm these innocent children, yet all we have to do is watch the news.

Dexter Regional High School freshman Peyton Grant was recognized by the Bangor Daily News by receiving honorable mention on the 42nd BDN All-Maine Schoolgirl Basketball Team.

The Maine Warden Service celebrated its 138th anniversary at the Winslow VFW. Included in the March 30 celebration was the annual awards banquet that gives special recognition to game wardens for their performance in 2017.

I have high hopes for spring, even if it’s taking an eternity to get here. A pileated woodpecker, I’ve named Pyewacket (after Kim Novak’s cat who stalks Jimmy Stewart in the quirky film “Bell, Book, & Candle”) is visiting our bird feeder at home (perhaps pye-babies will follow?). And, thankfully, ice cream stands are opening again!Black raspberry, anyone? Besides showers, April brings a wide-range of events to the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft.

Piscataquis Community High School Principal John Keane recently announced the valedictorian and two salutatorians for the Class of 2018.

Very soon, if not already, citizens of Dexter, Garland, and Ripley will receive a letter requesting donations to support the continued work of the Dexter Public Health Association. The Dexter Public Health Association nurses have been serving those needing help free of charge, since the 1930s.

This spring, new 3D terrain models of Baxter State Park will be installed throughout the park at visitor centers, campgrounds and ranger stations for the public to use while planning their backcountry adventures.