By Stuart HedstromStaff Writer DOVER-FOXCROFT — The calendar year may not yet be finished, but work on the 2016-17 RSU 68 budget has started.

By Stuart Hedstrom Staff Writer DOVER-FOXCROFT — Barbie has gone to high school, as Algebra I students in Ryan Nickerson’s class at Foxcroft Academy were tasked with working in small groups to use their knowledge of linear functions to calculate how many attached rubber bands are needed to drop a doll from the top of a second-story stairwell to get as close to the ground below as possible while avoiding contact.

 Through education in school-based programs By Stuart HedstromStaff Writer DOVER-FOXCROFT — For more than 20 years the Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance — several years ago the Piscataquis County-based Womancare merged with Spruce Run in Penobscot County — has shared its violence prevention programs in area schools.

 Celebrates the season with holiday door-decorating contest By Stuart HedstromStaff Writer DOVER-FOXCROFT — ‘Tis the season at the SeDoMoCha Elementary School as classroom doors were decorated around different holiday-themed books in a decorating door contest.

By Stuart HedstromStaff Writer DOVER-FOXCROFT — In mid-September Dover-Foxcroft selectmen had a meeting with organizers of a 300-plus signature petition concerning a proposed community bill of rights ordinance.

 Photo courtesy of Abbott Memorial Library Members and guests of the Abbott Memorial Library’s Book Club shared Thanksgiving dinner together, which included a discussion of the book “Truman” by David McCullough.

By Staff Report GREENVILLE — During the public comment portion of the Dec.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Thanks to a 60 percent increase in donors over last year’s participation numbers, Foxcroft Academy raised $15,816 during #GivingTuesday this year.

SANGERVILLE — A Worldwide Candle Lighting observance will be held at 7 p.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Leslie Lizotte LSW, community service specialist from the Eastern Area Agency on Aging, will be holding a Medicare 101 presentation in the Sebec Room at Mayo Regional Hospital on Thursday, Dec.

GUILFORD — Piscataquis Community Elementary School students will be demonstrating their skills as classes, groups and individuals using their voices, instruments and movement.

GUILFORD — The Guilford Historical Society Bicentennial Fundraiser Committee is collecting recipes for a cookbook to be sold at events throughout 2016 while celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Town of Guilford.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — On Monday, Dec.

  Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom Santa and Mrs.

By Stuart HedstromStaff Writer DOVER-FOXCROFT — Currently, Piscataquis County officials are working on a 2016 county budget totaling $4,007,542 for the 2016 calendar year along with a sum of a little more than $1,471,870 for the Unorganized Territories (UT) for the 2016-17 fiscal year.

By Stuart HedstromStaff Writer DOVER-FOXCROFT — Nearly 200 Maine communities, including many in Piscataquis County and the surrounding areas, are part of the Municipal Review Committee (MRC) and through this arrangement town waste is sent to the Penobscot Energy Recovery Company (PERC) in Orrington.

  Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom Foxcroft Academy Algebra I students Michaleb Niles, blue shirt, and Caleb Ladd — whohad Mason McLeish in their group — watch as their Barbie doll takes the plunge from the top of the stairwell to the steps near the bottom as part of a lesson in linear functions on Dec.

By Stuart HedstromStaff Writer MILO — What was likely just a formality was also a necessity, as a slight change in the wording of a warrant article authorizing the town and Milo Fire Department to apply for FEMA grant funding was OKed during a special town meeting on Dec.