But it was an issue that continues to be central to the ongoing story of the United States -- the enslavement of kidnapped African people -- that is irrevocably tied to Maine’s independence, thanks to an 1820 federal agreement known as the Missouri Compromise.

A former police officer in Penobscot County has sued the county’s top criminal prosecutor, claiming she relied on false information in putting him on a list of police officers who are potentially unreliable trial witnesses.

At the Feb. 13 meeting of the Dexter Town Council Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville and Rep. Steve Foster, R-Dexter presented to Elizabeth Breault and Marilyn Curtis Legislative sentiments recognizing their service as employees of the town of Dexter for 30 years

Saturday and Sunday, as you may have heard, constitute a Free Fishing Weekend here in Maine, and the state is inviting you to head out onto the ice (safely, of course) and try your hand, whether you have a license or not.

Rep. Paul Stearns R-Guilford, left, presented Paul McPhetres of Sangerville with a certificate and special commemorative coin expressing the gratitude of the citizens of Maine for his service in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Citing overcrowding with 10 grades currently housed at Piscataquis Community Elementary School and potential educational benefits of having the older middle school students be in the secondary school building, SAD 4 officials were given the go-ahead to proceed with planning to move grades 7-8 to Piscataquis Community High School during a Feb. 11 school board meeting at PCHS.

Each winter the state holds a free fishing weekend, during which people are invited to enjoy a day on the water without a fishing license. That weekend is upon us, and on Feb. 15 to 16 anyone who hasn’t otherwise had a license suspended or revoked can fish for free.

The Piscataquis County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) Executive Committee is pleased to announce the hiring of a new executive director, John Shea.

Earlier this week, Maine’s conservation agencies -- the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, issued some safety tips that deserve a second look.

Piscataquis County Democrats gathered to prepare for the upcoming March 8 caucuses on Jan. 18 at party headquarters on North Street. April Thibodeau from the Maine Democratic Party provided training to conveners from virtually every town in the county.

Mayo Regional Hospital has announced a “Ski Day” for its employees and families in February. The first 100 employees to register are able to ski for free. Officials at the hospital say that this is to encourage employee wellness while calling attention to American Heart Month, which is recognized throughout February.

Eleven pupils in grades 5-8 at Piscataquis Community Elementary School are January Students of the Month. The honorees were presented with certificates in front of their peers and teachers during an assembly in the cafeteria to start the day on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville visited the home of Phyllis and Harlan Spaulding of Dover-Foxcroft and presented him with an Honorable Service Coin and a certificate from the State of Maine.

Everybody, and everything, loves a smelt. The sleek, silver fish -- officially known as a “rainbow smelt” -- is prevalent in many lakes and ponds, and is the preferred food of landlocked salmon and other larger fish. In streams, they might be gobbled up by opportunistic mammals or birds. And humans? Well, if we’re not using them as bait to catch other fish, we eat ‘em, too.

State regulators have cleared the way for Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft to join Northern Light Health, the Brewer-based health system that includes nine other hospitals stretching from Portland to Presque Isle.

Maine’s ATV task force, created by Gov. Janet Mills to address opportunities and issues associated with increasing ATV registrations, submitted a report and recommendations to the governor, which include limits on ATV sizes and weights and recognizes the importance of private landowners who allow public use of their land.

SAD 4 will continue to be a part of the PVAEC for the near future as the school board voted to extend its agreement with the Cooperative through the end of the 2022-23 academic year during a Jan. 14 meeting at PCHS. SAD 4 costs will be determined and the funds will be part of the next three school budgets.

The Maine Department of Transportation released a three-year road and bridge funding plan on Tuesday, Jan. 14 that will use more money to fund fewer projects, a symptom of rising construction costs and chronic underfunding of the state system.