Piscataquis Observer

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Photo courtesy of Chris Howe FISH DEATHS — Juvenile fish were found stranded and dead along the West Branch of the Penobscot River after a sudden drop in flows following a turbine shutdown at Brookfield Renewable's McKay Station.

Photo courtesy of Chris Howe FISH DEATHS — Juvenile fish were found stranded and dead along the West Branch of the Penobscot River after a sudden drop in flows following a turbine shutdown at Brookfield Renewable's McKay Station.

Thousands of fish may have died in Penobscot River dam shutdown

By Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor A sudden July 27 shutdown at a dam on the West Branch of the Penobscot River may have killed thousands of fish, leaving Maine anglers and guides warning that a nationally recognized cold-water fishery is being put at repeated risk. A downed power line triggered a “trip event” around 4:30 p.

News BrowseNews

Crane named to Iowa State University dean’s list

AMES, Iowa — Claire Fogler of Exeter has been named to the 2026 spring semester dean’s list at Iowa State University.

Camden National Bank launches refreshed digital experience

CAMDEN — Camden National Bank announced the launch of a refreshed digital experience that makes it easier for customers to find information, explore financial solutions and manage everyday banking needs online.

Penquis’ ‘We’ve Got Your Back’ school supply drive

BANGOR — Penquis is launching its annual “We’ve Got Your Back” school supply drive, inviting community members to donate new backpacks, school supplies or funds to help 1,200 children begin the school year with confidence.

UMaine-Farmington spring dean’s list

FARMINGTON —The University of Maine at Farmington proudly announces the students named to the spring 2026 dean’s list.

Immediate need for Red Cross blood donations

For only the second time in history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis — and patients may already be feeling the impact.

Cheech and Chong are opening a cannabis shop in Milo this weekend

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff MILO — If you’re in the mood for some Maui Waui with a little Labrador after a trip to Gulf Hagas, Cheech and Chong are here, man.

Sports BrowseSports

RiverFest 2026 1

Photo courtesy of Friends of Community Fitness RIVERFEST 5K RUNNERS — More than 50 entrants took part in the 2026 Friends of Community Fitness RiverFest 5K on Saturday morning, July 25, starting and finishing in downtown Guilford. The 19th annual 5K kicked off the Piscataquis River Festival.

Photo courtesy of Friends of Community Fitness RIVERFEST 5K RUNNERS — More than 50 entrants took part in the 2026 Friends of Community Fitness RiverFest 5K on Saturday morning, July 25, starting and finishing in downtown Guilford. The 19th annual 5K kicked off the Piscataquis River Festival.

Friends of Community Fitness holds annual RiverFest 5K

GUILFORD — Friends of Community Fitness’ RiverFest 5K kicked off the 2026 Piscataquis River Festival on Saturday morning, July 25 with more than 50 runners taking part. The 19th annual Riverfest 5K featured the following results: 1.

3 tips to judge black bear size before your hunt this fall

By John Floyd One of the biggest challenges new bear hunters face is estimating the size of a black bear as it slips into view during the waning hours of daylight.

Eastern Maine Sports Card Show Aug. 1

DEXTER — The Eastern Maine Sports Card Show will be held from 9 a.

Opinion BrowseOpinion

AARP Maine’s News You Can Use

By Joyce Bucciantini, AARP Maine community outreach volunteer By August, Maine’s farm stands and farmers’ markets are bursting with fresh produce.

Why cadastral maps matter

By Nancy Battick Today, few people rely on physical maps to navigate.

Maine conservation group wins national award for hunter education

Court should agree with Maine voters that large super PAC contributions warp democracy

By Tom Daschle, John McKernan, Olympica Snowe and Tim Wirth We come from different states and political parties.

We should turn our outrage into lasting change to support survivors of violence

By Francine Garland Stark and Regina Rooney Maine’s political landscape was upended by the revelations about Graham Platner’s behavior toward women.

Maine’s 6th Annual Wild Blueberry Weekend

Living BrowseLiving

Calendar of events

Recurring Events Mondays DEXTER: The Abbott Museum is open 10 a.

Dover Low Vision Group meets Aug. 7

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Dover Low Vision Group will be meeting at the Central Hall Commons, 152 East Main St.

Forest Heritage Days returns to Greenville

GREENVILLE — Forest Heritage Days will return to Greenville Aug.

Mayo Mill Dam removal eyed for 2028

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Early next month the Atlantic Salmon Federation will submit an application to Maine Department of Environmental Protection for a permit under the Maine Waterway Development and Conservation Act for the proposed 2028 removal of the Mayo Mill Dam on the Piscataquis River in downtown Dover-Foxcroft.

Hospitals celebrate medical assistant program graduates

Northern Light Mayo, CA Dean, and Sebasticook Valley Hospitals are proud to celebrate the graduation of their latest class of medical assistants.

Reardon earns dean’s list honors at Roger Williams University

BRISTOL, Rhode Island — Laney Reardon of Dover-Foxcroft has been named to the spring 2026 dean’s list at Roger Williams University.