Do you love this winter weather? Are you looking forward to spending some time with family and friends snowmobiling, cooking hot dogs and marshmallows over the open fire, maybe a game of Nerf football while the ice fishing traps lie in wait for that big ole togue? If so, then you need to get your ticket for the 11th annual Moosehead Togue Derby that runs from Jan 26-28. There is no better place to spend a family weekend than the shores of Maine’s largest lake and it’s a great chance to win some spectacular prizes.

The Foxcroft Academy wrestling team joined some of the top teams from across Maine and schools from throughout New England at the Noble Invitational on Dec. 29-30. The Ponies tallied 111 points to place seventh out a field of nearly 40 teams at the competition, the second highest finish for Class B schools and highest among those from Class B North.

Riding an ATV behind an 18-dog team, Ashley Patterson navigated a network of unplowed logging roads on Dec. 20, in Shirley, cruising over a fluffy layer of fresh snow. The team covered more than 20 miles that day, which was just a short distance in the scheme of things. After all, they were practicing for an upcoming 100-mile race, followed by a 70-mile race and 250-mile race later in the season.

The Foxcroft Academy swim team took part in a dual meet on the road against Old Town High School on Dec. 29. The Pony girls fell by a score of 92-63 and the Foxcroft boys lost to Old Town 90-43.

On Dec. 21 Foxcroft Academy wrestling had its home opener, hosting Mattanawcook Academy of Lincoln and neighboring Piscataquis Community High School. Earlier in the season Mattanawcook beat Foxcroft at the Penobscot Valley High School Tournament, so the Ponies had something to prove.

The Dexter Regional High School girls basketball team has a new look this season. It is a building year for the defending Class C North titlists, who wound up 16-7 a year ago.

Leading by 11 early in the fourth quarter, Piscataquis Community High School would see its advantage drop to zero during a Class C North girls basketball contest against Searsport District High School on Dec. 20. The visiting Vikings would tie the game at 26 but PCHS had a 4-2 advantage in the last near three minutes to escape with a 30-28 victory.

For the eighth consecutive year, the Boston Red Sox Foundation is seeking submissions from inspiring senior students, who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities, for the New England Red Sox Service Scholarship. Thirty two high schools across Maine have been chosen to take part, including Dexter Regional High School, Greenville High School and Penquis Valley High School.

Central High School senior Sydney Allen showed why she is one of the premier guards in Class C North this season. Allen scored a game-high 22 points, dished out four assists and blocked three shots on Monday night to lead Central to a 50-35 victory over the youthful Dexter Tigers in a battle of unbeatens.

The Foxcroft Academy wrestling team traveled on Dec. 16 to compete at the Franklin Savings Bank Invitational at Mountain Valley High School.

The Foxcroft Academy indoor track and field team kicked off the 2017-18 season on Dec. 16 with an opening Penobscot Valley Conference/Eastern Maine Indoor Track League meet at the University of Maine. The Ponies did not score any points at the eight-school competition but three team members placed in the top 20.

The Foxcroft Academy swim team took on Class A Bangor High School in a dual meet on Dec. 15. The host Rams won the girls meet by a score of 128-39 and the Bangor boys earned a 134-25 victory.

Among the qualities that make a prolific scorer in basketball is the ability to capitalize on impromptu opportunities, and that’s just one reason Piscataquis senior Bryce Gilbert is closing in on 1,000 career points. Gilbert displayed that knack when his team needed it most on Dec. 14, turning what looked to be two threatened possessions into baskets that helped the Pirates shade Greenville 55-50 in a battle of Piscataquis County rivals.

In 2012 and 2013, we performed the first chemical reclamations in the Moosehead Lake region since 1984 when Sawyer Pond was reclaimed after white perch were illegally introduced.

The highlight of the tournament came in when senior Brandon Weston reached a personal milestone. On his first match of the tournament Weston pinned his Washington Academy of East Machias opponent to earn his 100th career win.

A dozen runners from the region headed north on Saturday, Dec. 9 to take part in the second annual Millinocket Half-Marathon and Marathon -- the races had no entry fees as participants were instead urged to spend their money in the Katahdin region.

The John Bapst High School girls basketball team unveiled a relentless full-court press under first-year head coach Chris Woodside and it paid huge dividends in their mutual season opener against Class B North runner-up Foxcroft Academy. The Crusaders forced 17 first-half turnovers which helped them build a 33-15 halftime lead and they withstood a second-half rally by the gritty and youthful Ponies to earn a 58-42 victory at the Cross Insurance Center Saturday, Dec. 9.

Foxcroft Academy quarterback-safety Nick Clawson is among 12 semifinalists for the 47th James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy, presented annually to the state’s top high school senior football player-sportsman.