Lewiston Sun Journal

Government dismisses gun, threatening case against Rangeley’s Lucas Sirois

Sirois, 45, was arrested in Farmington in October after he was accused of retrieving firearms and making threats against law enforcement while out on bail.

Mobile kitchen to save Franklin County thousands when grease traps replaced

The mobile kitchen idea will allow the county to keep the inmates at the Farmington jail and not board them out.

Court dismisses wrongful death lawsuit in 2021 crash that killed Mt. Abram students

The lawsuit was filed on the behalf of Michaela Morgan, 15, who died along with Thomas Deckard-Madore, 17.

Rangeley’s pond hockey tourney draws friends and family in Maine and beyond

Pond hockey festival blends rivalry, reunion and subzero temperatures.

Summer feels so far away among snow-covered canoes in Rangeley

Canoes rest under piled-up snow on Rangeley Lake where temperatures hovered around zero over the weekend.

At Saddleback everyone knows Jack

Jack Cuva, 9, has become part of Saddleback’s personality and family atmostphere.

Sun Journal hires new community, sports writers; promotes education reporter

Longtime Central Maine reporter Emily Duggan joins new hires Quentin Blais and Jimmy James on the Sun Journal group’s writing staff.

Western Maine ski resorts take dining up a notch

Stand in line cafeteria-style or try something different. Food and drink choices are aplenty at Maine’s three largest ski mountains: Saddleback, Sunday River and Sugarloaf.

Western Maine school competes in WinterKids Winter Games

Community Regional Charter School in Skowhegan is taking part in the 2026 WinterKids Winter Games, a monthlong statewide outdoor learning and wellness challenge for Maine…

Carrabassett Valley youth named to national snowsports team

A Carrabassett Valley Academy student has been named to the 2026 National Brotherhood of Snowsports national development team.

Go inside Bethel’s mineral museum, where Maine gemstone history shines

Experts say Maine tourmaline continues to shape regional culture and identity, from museum exhibits and scientific research to jewelry, education and local commerce.

Border Patrol agents detain 9 who fled into Bethel woods

Officials said chase started when federal agents attempted to stop a van associated with ‘suspected illegal activity.’

Guided winter activities to show off Rangeley-area conservation lands

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust is hosting a series of free activities for all g experience levels throughout February and March.

Franklin County’s deputy administrator to take job with the state

Tiffany Baker of Wilton has worked for the county for over four years.

WinterKids Winter Games growing across Maine

Community Regional Charter School in Cornville is taking part in the 9th annual Winter Games, as outdoor facilities add programs to the WinterKids event calendar…

Amy Safford to bring Dead River Valley stories to Carrabassett Library

The event highlights local history, storytelling and community connection tied directly to western Maine’s landscape and past.

Jay woman’s 20 years of homeschooling built around family

Lisa Berry reflects on more than 2 decades of homeschooling in Maine, emphasizing family relationships, flexibility and long-term growth over rigid curriculum.

Historic Rangeley exhibit showcases western Maine’s earliest human history

Historic Rangeley is highlighting the Vail Site exhibit, which documents the earliest known human presence in western Maine nearly 13,000 years ago through rare archaeological…

3 women who drowned in Flagstaff Lake were trapped under boat, report says

None of the 7 passengers on the boat were wearing life jackets but there were 8 flotation devices stored under seats at the bow of…

Sugarloaf replacing transformer after outage at ski resort

Some downed operations, including snowmaking, will resume ahead of the holiday weekend, officials said.

Kingfield Cares working on plans for withdrawal from school district

The Kingfield Cares School Options Committee is developing a draft school withdrawal plan using Maine Department of Education guidance and plans to share it once…

As skijoring grows in Maine, locals say it’s all about the partnership

From dog-powered trail runs to horse-drawn fairground races, skijoring is taking shape in western and central Maine as a winter sport built on preparation, shared…

Hiking with a dog this winter? Here’s what you need to know.

As winter continues and spring approaches, dog owners can enjoy Maine trails safely by planning ahead and following basic trail etiquette.

Phillips-based schools weigh new district model as withdrawal talks continue

Superintendent Laura Columbia said withdrawal updates are moving slow while a new pre-K to grade 12 model is considered.

Rangeley to hold special town meeting on omitted warrant article

An article authorizing selectmen to approve reserve account spending was left off the June town meeting ballot, Town Manager Joe Roach said.

Walking into winter: Safety paramount to hiking around Franklin County’s frozen ponds

Winter recreating is Maine’s bread-and-butter. But knowing how to stay safe in icy conditions on trails or in unstable weather on lakes can make the…

Carrabassett Valley fire chief retiring after nearly 50 years

Carrabassett Valley Fire & Rescue honored Chief Courtney Knapp on Dec. 6 as he prepares to retire after more than three decades as fire chief.

High Peaks Alliance prepares for leadership change, launches 2026 naturalist series

Vice President John Rogers will take over for founder Lloyd Griscom as president, as the group continues its mission of collaboration and public access through…

Farmington group notes 41 species for 126th Christmas Bird Count

Local birders surveyed nine western Maine areas Dec. 14, logging 41 species and contributing data to the nation’s longest-running community science bird project.

Maine Huts & Trails offers free guided winter programs starting Jan. 3

Maine Huts & Trails will launch a series of free, guided winter outdoor programs on its trail network beginning Jan. 3, offering snowshoeing, skiing, fat…