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As the weather warms up, so does the work at the Franklin County Courthouse.
Window sills at the historic building tested positive for lead, prompting immediate remediation efforts. County offices are being sealed off with plastic to facilitate the safe removal of old windows and installation of new ones. While the work is underway, employees will be temporarily relocated to another part of the courthouse. Officials assure the public that the project is necessary for long-term safety and will be completed as efficiently as possible.
Meanwhile, Franklin County commissioners approved 3% cost-of-living raises for nonunion and elected officials, though the commissioners themselves will not receive the increase. In Jay, residents will have the chance to weigh in on the town’s proposed $6.7 million budget during a public hearing tonight at Spruce Mountain Elementary School.
Also in this week's newsletter: RSU 73's $26 million budget; community concerns arise following teacher's arrest; and more.
- Rebecca Richard |
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MORE NEWS |
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Big Lots is now closed for business, only open to vendors according to a sign seen on the door on March 18 at the store located in Mt. Blue Plaza in Farmington. It was announced last December that stores would be liquidated after a sale fell through. Some stores were later bought by a different company. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser |
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AROUND TOWN |
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More than a dozen migrant workers were detained by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in Rangeley on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to early reports.
RSU 9 officials in Farmington faced a full room of engaged residents on March 19 at Mt. Blue Campus for a special public Q&A session about the proposed purchase of the former Arthur D. Ingalls School.
With the expansion of broadband, a local digital literacy program in the Jay area is working to ensure that residents are not just connected, but also equipped with the skills to navigate technology confidently.
After years of frustration dealing with Auburn city officials, Kathleen Reed and her husband, Tom, have found a fresh start in Jay, where they are launching the Sweet Tomatoes Learning Center.
In Jay, dozens of community members attended the RSU 73 directors meeting Thursday night, March 13, at Spruce Mountain High School and some shared their concerns following the arrest of a teacher.
After some confusion about abstaining from voting, RSU 73 directors in Jay on Thursday, March 13, voted 7-5 to approve the proposed budget amounts for the ensuing year. |
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Use the buttons below to see news from a specific community. |
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Registration for the University of Maine at Farmington's Summer Session courses is now open to the public. This spring and summer, individuals interested in online college courses can explore a variety of subjects. Offerings include Art History, Chemistry, Early Childhood and Special Education, Education, English, Environmental Science, Geology, Health, Mathematics, Political Science, Psychology, and Rehabilitation. |
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THINGS TO DO |
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The Community Resource Fair at Fayette Central School on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offers residents a chance to connect with local services. Sponsored by Aging in Place and Age-Friendly Communities, the event features balance testing, Meals on Wheels, veteran benefits, fire safety training and more. Attendees can complete the Aging in Place Needs Assessment Survey while enjoying free refreshments. Admission is free.
Check out Teen Yoga Night Friday, March 21, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The event offers teens a chance to relax, connect and build healthy relationships through yoga, breathwork, guided relaxation and friendship bracelet making, with healthy smoothies provided. The cost is $20 per teen, with a $5 sibling discount. Space is limited, reserve your spot online.
The Webster Library Annual Poetry Contest is open to Kingfield and nearby residents, with a submission deadline of April 25. Prizes will be awarded in youth (7-12), teen (13-17), and adult (18+) categories. Participants can read their work at a Poetry Celebration on May 22 at 6 p.m. Email entries to websterlibrary2@gmail.com. More details at www.websterlibrarykingfield.org. |
| VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR |
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THE WAY IT WAS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY |
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Jan. 26, 2001: Webster Library in Kingfield held story time, with Beverly Knapp of Freeman reading "Where Do the Balloons Go?"
Click here to read more on this story from 2001 from our archives on Newspapers.com. |
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DON'T MISS OUT: To thank you for being a loyal reader of Franklin Now, we're giving you this special subscription offer! Get unlimited digital access to pressherald.com for just $1.25 a week and enjoy even more local coverage. |
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Rebecca Richard is a reporter for the Franklin Journal and the creator of this newsletter. Send feedback and suggestions to Rebecca. Read more Franklin County news at sunjournal.com. |
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