U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the chairman of the transportation appropriations subcommittee, announced that the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) will receive $10,836,220 to replace three bridges in Piscataquis and Penobscot counties that are either structurally deficient, in a fracture-critical state, or both. Among the three is the Pleasant River Bridge in Milo on outer Pleasant Street.

Towns have the ability to opt out of the retail aspect of recreational marijuana -- residents can still use recreational and medicinal marijuana within the law -- but questions pertaining to unorganized territories remain.

Dover-Foxcroft Deputy Fire Chief Patrick “Rick” Pembroke, left, was presented with a plaque by Dover-Foxcroft Town Manager Jack Clukey of behalf of the community during a Feb. 26 selectmen’s meeting in recognition of Pembroke’s half century served as a firefighter.

Thirteen-year-old Nathaniel, left, and Brody -- who celebrated his ninth birthday on Sunday, Feb. 18 -- Lovejoy from Williamsburg each had two successful days of fishing during the 56th annual Schoodic Lake Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday and Sunday.

At a Feb. 6 select meeting of the Milo selectmen, PCEDC Executive Director Chris Winstead said a year prior he met with the county commissioners and then the dozen-plus selectboards. “We worked our way to each of the communities asking if you would like to be part of a broadband initiative,” he said.

Last month Gov. Paul LePage’s administration unveiled a restructuring proposal to hand oversight of the state’s 15 county jails to a new state commission and potentially close five jails -- including Piscataquis County’s -- while regionalizing the system.

The Piscataquis Regional Food Center (PRFC) wishes to thank the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation for its generous support of PRFC’s warehouse renovation project. The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation recently awarded the organization a $,5000 grant

Under the new law, a second-time offence of hunting deer over bait during hunting season will result in a permanent ineligibility for that hunter to obtain a hunting license in Maine. Davis would like to lessen the penalty to a two-year ineligibility period.

Rep. Norman Higgins, I-Dover-Foxcroft has announced that he will be an independent candidate for reelection in 2018. Higgins represents District 120 comprised of Atkinson, Brownville, Dover-Foxcroft, Medford, Milo, Lakeview Plantation and the Unorganized Township of Orneville.

When the doctor tells you to open up and say, “Ahhh,” pretty much anywhere in the world, there’s a chance that the wooden stick pressing on your tongue was made in Maine. And the wooden stick in that Creamsicle? Probably also from Maine. Hardwood Products Co. in Guilford has something of a split personality. The company is divided into two operations, one right across the road from the other.

Chocolate lovers will be able to satisfy their sweet tooths once again at the 14th annual Moosehead Lake Chocolate Festival from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18 at the Greenville Consolidated School on Pritham Avenue.

Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville has announced local transportation projects included in the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) work plan for the 2018, 2019 and 2020 calendar years.

Destination Moosehead Lake has been awarded a pair of grants to provide for the hiring of professional photographers and video production staff to create images and clips for organization marketing materials showcasing the summer, fall and winter seasons throughout the region.

Rep. Norman Higgins, I-Dover-Foxcroft, announced that the Maine Department of Transportation has included a major rehabilitation and paving project on Route 7 in its upcoming work schedule. The 4.13-mile section from the Shaw Road to Black Stream will be placed for bid on March 14.

Through its mission of providing information and support to people of all ages affected by abuse and domestic violence throughout the region, staff at Partners for Peace work closely with area law enforcement. Often Partners for Peace personnel and police officers are together during times of crisis, so the organization hosted members of the various law enforcement agencies for a pancake breakfast at the Mechanic Street location on Jan. 26.

Dozens of Democrats gathered on Saturday, Jan. 20 for the grand opening of the Piscataquis County Democrats Headquarters at 25 North Street. Dr. Richard Evans of Dover-Foxcroft announced his candidacy for the Maine House of Representatives District 120 and addressed the enthusiastic crowd.

Food cupboards around the region, large and small, may be able to better serve residents in need once the Piscataquis Regional Food Center is up and running. The center, located in the former home of Foxcroft Agway on North Street, would help the distribution of items across the area, the Piscataquis County Commissioners learned during a Jan. 16 meeting.

In 2016 the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) was awarded $120,000 for broadband internet planning from the Office of the Maine Attorney General, with the funds coming from consumer settlements the office reached with several wireless carriers. The monies helped the PCEDC work with Axiom Technologies of Machias to conduct a survey of the region to help develop a regional technology plan aimed at economic and community development.