Lewiston Sun Journal

Haunted trails and trunk-or-treats: Western Maine readies for Halloween fun

Communities across Western Maine are gearing up for Halloween with haunted attractions, costume events, trunk-or-treats and other seasonal activities for all ages.

Kingfield to hold election for vacant Select Board seat

In December, voters will elect a fifth member to the board, after two meetings’ worth of debate.

Rangeley downtown sidewalk work to restart

Work will begin Oct. 5 and is expected to last for three weeks.

Kingfield weighs pros and cons of leaving 4-town school district

Community members discussed the pros and cons of withdrawal from MSAD 58, including the future of Mt. Abram High School and Kingfield Elementary School.

Red, yellow and gold paint the Sandy River in Phillips

Fall colors are near their peak in the Rangeley region.

Kingfield bans large gatherings at campsite after complaints linked to religious group’s music, chanting

Town officials say Deer Farm violated town zoning rules by hosting a large men’s religious retreat in August without required approval.

Rangeley hears updates on housing, archway projects

Workforce housing, an arch for the snowmobile club and more were discussed at the Sept. 21 board meeting.

Rangeley pickleball players to get tips from professional competitor

Clinics with Glenn Jordan will offer local players instruction on technique, strategy and shot selection.

Fall colors make first appearance on Saddleback Lake

Although foliage isn’t set to peak until early October, a healthy mix of reds and yellows has found its way into the Rangeley region’s landscape.

Phillips congregation buys back historic downtown church

Former members of the church transferred ownership of the shuttered church to the historical society.

Could Arctic char be restocked in Rangeley Lake? Officials say it’s a long way off.

While a return to Rangeley Lake remains unlikely, wildlife officials are looking to conservation and smaller waters as a path forward for the species also…

Rangeley, plantations reach deal on fire resources funding

The communities will continue ongoing discussion about how each town is represented in the funding formula.

Rec Rangers build bridges, blaze trails across western Maine

A seasonal Rec Ranger crew spent 12 weeks improving trails, bridges and public access across western Maine in 2026.

Rangeley resident raises thousands for school overseas

With the help of the community, Sue Downes raised over $15,000 for a primary school in Botswana.

Third time’s a charm: Rangeley voters OK budget for code enforcement, planning department

More than 70 residents gathered at Rangeley Lakes Regional School and quickly approved funding for the department at a special town meeting.

Eustis uses undesignated funds to correct tax commitment error

A $270,000 budget shortfall due to a typo is being covered by other town funds.

Rangeley voters will decide ordinance updates in November

The four changes focus on outdoor lights, signs, administration and licenses for waste haulers.

Strong, Kingfield school withdrawal plans draw mixed feedback

Both communities held public hearings to discuss their separate plans to form new school districts on Aug. 20 and 21.

Date set for critical Rangeley planning budget vote

The board decided on an open-floor special town meeting on Aug. 31 to put the planning department budget, which is due to run out of…

Take in the views from these western Maine lookout towers

Explore Maine’s outdoors from 5 fire towers on mountains in Oxford, Franklin and Somerset counties.

Fall field trip guide takes learning across western Maine and beyond

Western Maine and destinations across the state offer fall field trips exploring history, science, agriculture, wildlife, the arts and Maine’s changing landscape.

Rangeley to vote on a planning budget for third time

The town is running out of money to operate the planning and code department as residents push back on rushing to a new special town…

Rangeley board votes to accept FAA grant

The $425,000 grant will cover runway apron reconstruction at Stephen A. Bean Municipal Airfield.

Oquossoc Day 2026 makes a splash

The village’s annual celebration brought locals and visitors alike into Rangeley to watch a boat parade, car show, dog contest and more.

Ski glades coming to Bald Mountain in Oquossoc

The development will bring the first publicly maintained ski glades in the Rangeley region.

3 rescue calls in 1 week in rugged Franklin County take toll on responders

A fatal drowning at remote Tumbledown Pond adds to the mental toll, responders say.

Residents OK new plow at Phillips town meeting

Voters also approved the purchase of a command vehicle for the fire department and a full-time clerk position.

Voters approve budget for Phillips-area schools

The vote was the second attempt to pass a budget after a lower one was rejected in in June.

Rangeley Townhouse Meal Site brings new chef on staff

The nonprofit, serving free weekday meals to residents and community members, brought a new full-time cook to the kitchen.

Special town meeting planned for Phillips

Voters will be asked to approve funding for new town vehicles and a town office position at the Aug. 8 meeting.