Farmington voters to decide on $4.2M Sandy River bridge plan
Residents will vote May 11 on borrowing up to $500,000 toward a $4.2 million multiuse bridge connecting the Whistle Stop Trail to downtown.
Rebecca Richard
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Wilton News
Jay voters can weigh in on police collaboration options in May, June
Residents will be asked to advise officials on four policing models as Jay and Wilton consider potential changes to local law enforcement.
Chasing waterfalls: A guide to western Maine’s best water features
A western Maine driving route brings together waterfalls, swimming holes, and lake and river stops across the mountains.
Wilton weighs ATV policy as safety concerns simmer
The town has no current policy on access after the previous one was rescinded by the select board in January.
Wilton board OKs closure of Main Street during festival
Officials said the road can be closed during the Blueberry Festival but police and fire chiefs are required to give approval after safety concerns were raised.
Spring sneaks onto Whistle Stop Trail in Jay
Early signs of spring appear, with flowers, wildlife and drying conditions drawing walkers back outdoors.
Gas prices climb past $4 at stations across western Maine
Gas prices in western Maine continue to rise, with several local stations now posting more than $4.20 per gallon.
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.
Western Maine spring thaw swells rivers, waterfalls
Warmer temperatures are accelerating seasonal snowmelt, swelling rivers and waterfalls across western Maine and beyond.
Maine AG rules officers justified in shooting of Franklin County man
Gabriel Wilbur was hospitalized after police shot him in the shoulder 3 times in July 2025. Officials said he was threatening to shoot a landscaper working at a Wilton home.
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news from surrounding communities
Farmington Rotary to host annual youth fishing derby
Farmington Rotary’s annual youth fishing derby will return May 23 with age-group competitions and prizes for young anglers.
UMF class of 2026 celebrates budding careers rooted in service
From archaeology in Scotland to Maine CDC research, University of Maine at Farmington graduates Saturday described experiences shaped by public service, hands-on learning and deep community connections.
Concerns raised about communication dead spots, safety for emergency responders in Franklin County
The director of the county’s Emergency Management Agency has asked county commissioners to fund a study to help improve the system.
Farmington proposes $16.6M budget ahead of May 11 vote
The $16.58 million budget would an increase of 4.65% , with rising school, county and fixed assessment costs driving much of it.
Franklin County sends $13M budget to advisory panel
The proposed budget for 2027, which is nearly $1.5 million more than the current budget, moves forward for more approvals.
Music and theater in Lewiston, improv in Monmouth, ‘canoe dancing’ in Bethel, and more |Get out
Here are highlights of things to do in the area in the next week.
High Peaks Alliance expands board, launches guided walks
High Peaks Alliance added three directors and announced a free summer-fall walk series.
Farmington-area schools expecting 1-time state funding boost in July
The funding is part of an $8 million ‘bridge payment’ included in the state’s supplemental budget.
Rain can’t stop fiddlehead fun at festival in Farmington
Crowds turned out May 2 for the Maine Fiddlehead Festival at UMF despite cool, drizzly weather.
Auburn police charge 3 who allegedly returned to liquor store for dropped bag of drugs
‘The timing, while unfortunate for the suspects, was ideal for our officers,’ police said.
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