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Plus, a proposed facility naming policy, nomination papers available, and the debate around the classic Maine Italian
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April 19, 2025

Perhaps one of the longest running New England traditions is the town meeting. The unique form of government has been used here since colonial times.


So when it comes to changing something so traditional, there’s bound to be pushback. That’s what town officials are navigating as they take up Town Manager Dawn DiBlasi’s proposal to move Skowhegan’s town meeting earlier in the year.


It’s the latest attempt to make changes to town meeting. Last year, town officials considered investing in an electronic clicker system to replace the traditional voting method of raising hands.


What do you think? Should Skowhegan change when town meeting is held? There’s a poll below in this newsletter to cast your vote.


Thanks for reading,

— Jake Freudberg

MORE NEWS

Crystal Bowman of Norridgewock crosses the swinging bridge Feb. 23 over the frozen, snow-covered Kennebec River in Skowhegan. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

NAMING POLICY

Town officials have moved quickly to develop a policy for naming town-owned facilities and public spaces. The Board of Selectmen had rejected a proposal to name a town-owned field after longtime coach Al Wilson, who died last year, out of concern that the town had no standards for making such decisions.

DRUG BUST

Four people were arrested on drug trafficking charges when police executed a search warrant at a residence in Norridgewock. Investigators also seized cocaine base, fentanyl, firearms and other items, according to the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

LOCAL PROTESTS

People across central Maine have been making their voices heard, both for and against the administration of President Donald Trump. In addition to gatherings expected Saturday in Augusta, a group called “16 Counties for Courage” planned a brief march in Skowhegan.

Kaden Salsbury of Skowhegan races down Narrow Gauge Tuesday during the Class A state championship giant slalom race at Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley. Salsbury came in fifth. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

POLL: TOWN MEETING DATE

Should Skowhegan move town meeting from June to earlier in the year? Cast your vote by clicking a button below, and check back next week for results of this survey.
Yes
No
Doesn’t matter

NOMINATION PAPERS AVAILABLE

Interested in local affairs? Ever dream of running for municipal office? Wondering what an overseer of the poor actually does?


Nomination papers for Skowhegan’s municipal elections June 10 are available now at the town clerk’s office, 225 Water St.  


The following offices are set to be elected. All have three-year terms.

• two seats on the Board of Selectmen

• one seat on the Board of Assessors

• one overseer of the poor

• one Coburn Park commissioner

• three MSAD 54 school board directors


Call the town clerk’s office at 207-474-6902 with questions. Nomination papers and signatures must be returned by Friday, April 11.

AROUND TOWN: SKOWHEGAN SAVINGS BANK

Skowhegan Savings Bank has promoted Andrew Fortin-Trimble to senior vice president and chief banking officer. The Waterville resident will oversee the bank’s retail network, mortgage lending, cash management, call center and marketing teams, with a focus on enhancing customer experience.

THINGS TO DO

• The 2025 Maine Drama Festival Regionals are scheduled for Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8, at Skowhegan Area High School. Admission to each session is $11.50, or $6.25 for students and seniors. Check out the program here.


• Skowhegan Outdoors has lots of new programs scheduled for March, from snowshoe hikes to a spring cleaning gear swap. Get all the details and sign up for programs here.


• The University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Skowhegan Free Public Library are set to offer a workshop, “Planning a Preservation Garden,” from 3:30-5 p.m. Monday, March 10, at the library. Find more information and register here.

Things to do and see in the Skowhegan region this week

You can enter your events in our community calendar for free.

Interested in advertising in or sponsoring this newsletter? Contact advertisinginquiries@metln.org

THE WAY IT WAS IN SKOWHEGAN

March 3, 1942: Man who built first cottage at Lakewood dies at age of 85


Click here to read more on this story from 1942 from our archives on Newspapers.com.

ANYONE HUNGRY?

The Maine Italian is either a beloved staple for locals or a source of confusion for those from away. Read this story for both sides of the culinary debate. Who do you think makes the best Italian in Skowhegan?

Jake Freudberg is a reporter for the Morning Sentinel and the editor of this newsletter. Send feedback and suggestions to Jake. You can support this newsletter by encouraging friends and family to subscribe here. Read more at centralmaine.com.

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