By Mike LangeStaff Writer     ABBOT — When Reginald “Reggie” Ronco was 13, he went to work in the woods near Caratunk with his father, manning a cross-cut saw.

BUSINESS OF THE YEARObserver photos/Stuart Hedstrom     BUSINESS OF THE YEAR — In two and a half of years of ownership, the Wedge family has made quite on impact on the community through Will’s Shop ‘n Save.

A pair of local horse riders traveled to Durham in Androscoggin County during the last weekend in September to be filmed for the Maine independent film “Essential Realism” — directed by Alan Dillingham.

By Mike LangeStaff Writer     By the time you read this, the federal government shutdown may be over.

By State Sen.

Guilford firefighter Brody Gourley demonstrates a high-pressure hose to Piscataquis Community Elementary School third-graders Dawson Simpson, left and Eion McCloskey.

    FRENCHTOWN — The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is assisting Plum Creek in the brook trout habitat restoration of Intervale Brook, an important tributary of First Roach Pond in Frenchtown Township.

Mel and Betty Ames received the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District’s 2013 Outstanding Cooperator of the Year Award for forestry.

    The U.

    Most State Parks are still open for camping through Columbus Day, including Lily Bay State Park near Greenville.

    On Saturday, Oct.

    Masonic Lodge across Maine will open their doors to the public on Saturday, Oct.

By Ted Shina     TOWNSHIP 7, RANGE 9 — The wonderful power of modern hydraulic systems is taken for granted these days.

By Mike Lange Staff Writer    BINGHAM — The weather was cooperative and the setting was picture-perfect for the Maine Aeronautics Association’s annual Gadabout Gaddis awards luncheon Sunday at North Country Rivers in Bingham.

    Trick or Treat Safety  Any costume accessories such as swords should be short, soft, and flexible.

    RIPLEY — Enjoy Halloween games like pin the nose on the pumpkin, bobbing for apples, pumpkin bowling and more at the Ripley United Methodist Church on Oct.

    AUGUSTA — The expiration of the federal stimulus package, which temporarily increased funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will reduce the monthly benefit provided through the Food Supplement program to all recipients beginning Nov.

    Thursday, Oct 3 —Piscataquis Pomona potluck supper hosted by Garland Grange, Oliver Hill, with a paid bean supper at 6 p.