The Piscataquis Writers Alliance (PWA), formerly the Monson Writers Alliance, has some exciting changes to announce. The Alliance started in Monson with the support of the Monson Arts Center and Libra Foundation in December 2018. Meeting space was graciously made available in the Monson Public Library for the summer. Since then, the PWA has changed its meeting location and time to better accommodate its members. The Piscataquis Writers Alliance currently meets weekly at the Guilford Bed and Breakfast at 24 Elm St. in Guilford from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays.

The Piscataquis County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) is in the process of a website upgrade, and we need your help.

Last week’s cold snap covered many lakes and ponds in ice, but with the warming temperatures this week, the Maine Warden Service is urging people to use caution before venturing out onto any ice covering Maine’s waterways.

Rep. Paul Stearns, R-Guilford, left, and Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville presented the Greenville Fire Department with a Legislative Sentiment for voluntary undertaking a rigorous safety program.

Earlier this month the executive committee of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) announced the resignation of Executive Director Christopher Winstead, who after joining the council in 2015 has accepted the new position of director of workforce development at Eastern Maine Community College. The Piscataquis County Commissioners learned more from Winstead during a Dec. 17 meeting.

The town of Cambridge and almost three dozen residents from the other communities that collectively own Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft have filed a lawsuit trying to block its pending merger with Northern Light Health.

Maine Senate Republicans have given their full support to Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville for reelection.

Nine pupils in grades 5-8 at Piscataquis Community Elementary School are December Students of the Month. The month’s honorees were presented with certificates in front of their peers and teachers during an assembly in the cafeteria to start the day on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Maine State Police and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency agents charged three people with drug trafficking and seized $130,000 worth of drugs Wednesday night, Dec. 11 following a traffic stop on I-95 near Bangor.

A $4.8 million-plus Piscataquis County budget for 2020, along with a $1,804,670 Unorganized Territory budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year, were both formally approved and signed by the county commissioners during a Dec. 10 meeting.

Piscataquis Community High School students Faith Ohlson, Sam Maines, Caleb Bailey and Tyler Libby, mentored by Thomas College student Megan Cousins, won the 2-foot trophy on Saturday. This is the first time students from PCHS have won this competition.

When the former Guilford Primary building went up for sale last summer, the organization operating a fitness center at that location decided it was time to act.

The executive committee of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) is saddened to announce the resignation of Executive Director Christopher Winstead. On Dec. 4 Winstead notified the board of the PCEDC that he has accepted a position with Eastern Maine Community College. Winstead joined PCEDC in 2015, and served as executive director.

Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville has announced his bid for reelection in Senate District 4.

Piscataquis Community School students will be demonstrating their skills as classes, groups and individuals using their voices, instruments and movement on two separate nights during the holiday season.

Piscataquis County sets aside a day or two in early December to celebrate the wonder of Christmas and the magic of the holiday season. This year Dover-Foxcroft, Greenville (on Saturday, Nov. 30) Guilford, Milo, Monson, Sebec and Dexter are participating.

A proposed $4.8 million-plus Piscataquis County budget for 2020, along with a $1,804,670 Unorganized Territory budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year, was presented at a public hearing on Nov. 25 as part of the process by county officials for developing the pair of spending plans.

For three and a half decades Pine Tree Hospice has served individuals and families, free of charge, during the time of dying and bereavement. The organization’s volunteers assist through all life changes -- as stated with the theme “Seasons of Change” on the cover of the 2019 annual report -- and those involved with and contributing to Pine Tree Hospice were honored during the annual meeting Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church.