A worker raises utility lines at about 11 p.m. on Aug. 8 on Rodman Road in Auburn as a transformer headed for the New England Clean Energy Connect converter station in Lewiston passes underneath. The tractor-trailer carrying the transformer is accompanied by several escort vehicles, along with walkers serving as spotters to make sure all obstacles are avoided. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Tim Meadors, center, of the U.S. Army North evaluates Justise Damron, left, and Justin Richard of the Maine National Guard 11th Civil Support Team on Aug. 8 at The Colisée at 190 Birch St. in Lewiston. Damron and Richard are two of 22 members of the CST who are training during a simulated radioactive explosion during “Operation Colisée.” The team, based in Waterville, is evaluated every 18 months on its response to incidents involving hazardous materials, according to Lt. Col. Ian Hepburn. The equipment that Damron is pulling up four flights of stairs is used to search and test for poisonous agents, including radioactive material. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Chris and Ashley Taylor attend a vigil Aug. 4 with their daughters Amelia, left, and Winnie, second from right, at Elm Street School in Mechanic Falls. Amelia, 7, and Winnie, 9, are students at the school that Harmony Mae West, 11, and Hope Marie West, who would have turned 7 on July 27, also attended. The West sisters’ bodies were discovered July 27 when police were conducting a wellness check at the Mechanic Falls apartment the girls shared with their mother, Jennifer Barney, 37, whose body was also found at the apartment. The girls’ deaths have been ruled homicides and the mother’s death a suicide, according to officials. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

A remote-controlled airplane piloted by Bryant Mack of Tucson, Ariz., performs an acrobatic stunt Aug. 3 during the State of Maine RC Fly-In in New Gloucester. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson poses for a selfie Aug. 7 at the Auburn Mall during a campaign stop to support congressional candidate Austin Theriault. Johnson has been traveling the country to campaign for Republican candidates. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Mason Bonda-Riva, left, and her wife, Christina Bonda-Riva, feed their goats, horse and cow Aug. 8 at their Blue Heron Farm and Retreat at 239 Fish St. in Turner. The couple learned Aug. 8 they had been approved for a grant to recover some of the money they spent to make repairs after the Dec. 18 storm, which delivered devastating wind and rain. The red barn in the background, which was destroyed in the storm, was quickly repaired with help from family members and neighbors. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

Albert Maillie gets ready Aug. 6 before the start of his graduation ceremony at The Green Ladle at Lewiston High School. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal