Are we about to see another state tax transfer millions of Maine cigarette smokers’ dollars into government programs said to help Mainers stop, or not start, smoking cigarettes? Maine legislators sponsoring LD 945 "An Act To Reduce the Burden of Tobacco-related Illness by Increasing Revenue from the Cigarette Tax for Use for Tobacco Cessation" want to increase state taxes to $3.50 on each pack of 20 cigarettes, effective November 1, 2017.

Mayo Regional Hospital has signed an interim agreement with Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems (EMHS). This non-binding agreement follows a substantial amount of work completed since August when Mayo Regional Hospital submitted a letter of intent with the Brewer-based health system.

State Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville has introduced legislation to protect law enforcement officers in the line of duty with LD 990 “An Act To Protect Law Enforcement Officers by Creating the Crime of Aggravated Assault on an Officer.”

PORTLAND — FairPoint Communications has announced the completion of broadband expansion projects in 14 communities in Piscataquis County that extend and enhance FairPoint’s approximately 18,000 mile fiber optic network, which is the largest, fully-owned and managed fiber-based network in northern New England.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The morning after Brownville residents voted to defund the community’s police department after the end of March — at town meeting citizens amended the proposed $167,620 budget line item to $35,767 or the estimated cost for the first three months of the year — county officials discussed the future of law enforcement services in eastern Piscataquis County during a March 21 commissioners’ meeting.

AUGUSTA – State Senator Paul Davis (R-Sangerville) has introduced legislation to protect law enforcement officers in the line of duty with LD 990 “An Act To Protect Law Enforcement Officers by Creating the Crime of Aggravated Assault on an Officer.

AUGUSTA — Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau, R-Waldo, has announced his appointments to the Maine Legislature’s “Task Force to Address the Opioid Crisis in the State.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Piscataquis County government and RHR Smith and Company of Old Orchard Beach will be working together for another three years as the firm will continue to provide auditing services for the county, unorganized territory and jail budgets.

AUGUSTA — The Maine State Archives and Maine State Library launched the Digital Maine Transcription Project http://www.

Piscataquis County’s delegation to the 128th Maine State Legislature continues its work this session.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — For the last several years the Piscataquis County has worked with RHR Smith and Company of Old Orchard Beach for auditing services for the county, unorganized territory and jail budgets.

Piscataquis County’s delegation to the 128th Maine State Legislature has been busy this session.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Little will change in the day-to-day operations of Piscataquis County, but Interim County Manager Tom Lizotte was appointed as the county manager following an 11-minute executive session at the end of a Feb.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Each year the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) holds an election of officers at the January board meeting.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Several weeks into 2017, county officials are getting tax forms ready to send out to the 17 towns and two plantations in Piscataquis County.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) welcomes Jaime Sandoval Jr.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Outpatient Medical Director Dr.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — During their first meeting of the new year on Jan.