Franklin County to conduct collaborative process with budget committee prior to setting budget
The move goes against state law that commissioners set a budget and send it to the budget committee.
Rebecca Richard
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Weld News
Farmington school district giving support to 52 homeless students this year
Amanda Clark updated the Regional School Unit 9 board of directors on students who have been identified as experiencing homelessness or housing instability as of March 4.
Farmington-area schools agree to accept Strong, Kingfield students if needed
Superintendent Christian Elkington told the RSU 9 board that if MSAD 58 breaks up, the district is prepared to take in high school students through a tuition agreement.
Foster Tech programs expand apprenticeships, career pathways
Foster Career and Technical Education Center and Mt. Blue High School reported student achievements in apprenticeships, career training and workforce readiness programs.
Western Maine sugarhouses open for Maine Maple Sunday weekend
Maple producers across Western Maine will welcome visitors March 21-22 for Maine Maple Sunday weekend with demonstrations, tastings and family activities.
Mt. Blue schools prepare for 4-year-olds in special education to start in fall
RSU 9 officials said preparations are underway for the district to assume responsibility for early childhood special education services for eligible 4-year-olds beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
For restaurant workers, seasonal jobs come with perks
Chefs, cooks and bartenders at Maine’s summer resorts and restaurants return for the season rested and rejuvenated after other jobs and other types of work.
Report on Franklin County jail shows positive progress, ongoing challenges
A new medical wing, more meeting space and work toward full staffing are highlights of the report.
Small fire forces evacuation of Farmington classroom
A piece of clothing going through a print screening dryer catches fire at Foster Career and Technical Education Center.
Farmington-based schools face special education budget pressures
The Regional School Unit 9 board of directors received updates from the superintendent during its Jan. 13 meeting.
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news from surrounding communities
Take our bookstore tour of western Maine
Rural destination communities are a stronghold for independent bookstores.
Meet the 10 western Maine girls track and field athletes to watch in 2026
Made up of six sophomores, two juniors and two seniors, these athletes should make splashes at this spring’s meets
These are the 5 western Maine girls track teams to watch in 2026
These teams are prepared to make some noise at this year’s conference and state championships.
Fiber expansion in western Maine tied to Jay data center project
Fiber expansion is reshaping western Maine’s infrastructure, bringing high-speed internet to rural communities, while the data center is expected to bring a new boost.
Affordability of rural airports up in the air as communities mull economic return
Small-town airfields fuel tourism and access but most rely on taxpayers to stay open.
Janes Walks happening in area cities, towns May 2 | Sun Spots
DEAR SUN SPOTS: There are three nearby Jane’s Walks on Saturday, May 2. All Around Downtown/Uptown Auburn starts at 9 a.m. next to the First Universalist Church at 169 Pleasant St. at the corner of Spring and Elm streets and ends at the Auburn Public Library at 49 Spring St. We will be viewing historic…
Domestic violence an ‘absolute emergency,’ say Maine victim advocates
In Farmington and Carrabassett Valley on April 22, Finding Our Voices hosted events to highlight domestic violence awareness — inspired by death of woman killed March 8.
Western Maine spring thaw swells rivers, waterfalls
Warmer temperatures are accelerating seasonal snowmelt, swelling rivers and waterfalls across western Maine and beyond.
UMF to host 13th annual Maine Fiddlehead Festival May 2
The festival will be held rain or shine between the Olsen Student Center and Roberts Learning Center.
Here’s how Maine is celebrating Earth Day 2026
Communities across Maine are celebrating April 22’s Earth Day throughout the week.
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