Joe Charpentier – Page 5 – Lewiston Sun Journal

Staff Writer

Joe Charpentier came to the Sun Journal in 2022 to cover crime and chaos. His previous experience was in a variety of rural Midcoast beats which included government, education, sports, economics and analysis, crime, and environment. He loves surprising his editors with spontaneous enterprising stories and prides himself on mastering the ability to slip the odd Oxford comma by the copy editors. When not on the beat, Joe enjoys spending time with family, writing fiction and woodworking.

Local & State, News

Longtime Lewiston politician Peggy Rotundo will not seek reelection in 2026

by Sun Journal Staff Report January 13, 2026January 14, 2026

The state senator has been in public service for nearly three decades.

Local & State, News, Schools & Education

Bill would fund western Maine college-prep program cut by Trump

by Joe Charpentier January 13, 2026January 16, 2026

Federal funding for the University of Maine at Farmington’s River Valley Upward Bound program was revoked last year.

Local & State, News

Cold start to winter pushes Maine wood heat demand

by Joe Charpentier January 11, 2026January 19, 2026

December’s colder temperatures have pushed wood demand, while other fuels’ availability and prices remain stable.

Local & State

Farmington vigil mourns Minneapolis mother killed by ICE agent

by Joe Charpentier January 9, 2026January 13, 2026

More than 30 people gathered under the Meetinghouse Park gazebo to honor Renee Good, who was shot and killed Wednesday.

Local & State, Maine Crime

Lewiston city councilor pleads not guilty to charges related to gun thefts

by Joe Charpentier January 7, 2026January 8, 2026

Iman Osman was arraigned Wednesday on two theft charges dating back to 2023 and 2024.

Local & State, News

Environmental group sues feds over delayed horseshoe crab protection decision

by Joe Charpentier January 6, 2026January 13, 2026

At issue is whether the American horseshoe crab should be protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Local & State, News

Maine child care providers brace for freeze in federal aid

by Joe Charpentier January 2, 2026January 12, 2026

They say they would have to shut down if the Trump administration follows through on its move to withhold $12.3 billion nationwide amid fraud allegations in Minnesota.