19 Oxford Hills high school students suspended over harassment
School administrators say they responded to an incident involving the students ‘coming together as a disruptive and potentially dangerous group.’
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A 120-year-old romance rekindled in cache of letters found in West Paris home
The 1907 courtship between 14-year-old Elinor Tuell and 19-year-old Leland Dunham has been rediscovered and is being brought back to life.
Oxford County sets lower tax rate for 2026
The rate set by commissioners Thursday is nearly $1.03 per $1,000 of property valuation, which is about 13 cents less than last year.
Buckfield man arrested in connection to explosion in Sumner
‘Several items capable of being used to manufacture explosives’ were at the suspect’s home, state fire investigators said.
Paris resists school district proposal to move bus garage
A 10-year, $3.8 million bond referendum will be held Feb. 24. Objections to the proposed bus garage include traffic congestion, loss of property tax revenue and increased pressure on taxpayers.…
Old Advertiser Democrat building in Norway stands, for now
As the owner of 1 Pikes Hill aims to demolish the dilapidated building, the Planning Board agreed to a four-month waiting period so a new developer can be found.
Demolition at former Oxford mill underway
Some buildings at the former Robinson Manufacturing Co. are being razed to redevelop the site into 77 senior housing units in Oxford.
Norway fire that destroyed home caused by heater used to thaw pipes
No one was injured, though two cats were unaccounted for, authorities said.
In field dominated by men, Otisfield code officer brings her skills, perspective to the job
Otisfield’s Kate Matthews — one of just a few, but growing number of women in the state to work as a code enforcement officer — says she is ‘always learning.’
Middle school skiers compete in Bethel
Skiers from Farmington, Waterville, Bethel, Oxford Hills, Dirigo and Maranacook competed Jan. 17 in a Nordic relay.
Frozen pond in Sumner makes for a pleasant winter stroll
The young deer was nearly all by itself Friday on Pleasant Pond, with the only other sign of life an ice fishing shack.
Western Maine trails struggle through another low-snow start to winter
Clubs are also facing shrinking seasons, fewer registrations and costly repairs, officials say.
West Paris seeks funds to replace drinking water tank
The cost for a new reservoir system is estimated to be $2.64 million. The project must be completed before Dec. 31, 2027.
Talk at West Paris Library to explore conversation amid conflict
A Jan. 31 workshop aims to help people converse through conflict to common ground.
Oxford Hills teens guiding teachers on equity, inclusion
A student-led group from the Paris high school spoke Monday at Bates College about how they help create workshops for teachers and their peers on matters of diversity, acknowledgement and…
Harrison Elementary kicks off 9th WinterKids Games
With kids from Harrison and Waterford now joined into one school it is the first time pre-K through second grade students from both towns will participate together.
Oxford Hills marked by intertown disputes, local politics and loss of community leaders in 2025
Here are more of last year’s memorable news and events reported by the Advertiser Democrat.
Oxford Hills ‘ICE Out!’ protest draws locals to speak out against violence
Dozens attended the rally to protest after a mother in Minnesota was shot to death by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.
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 access and control on snow.
West Paris crash sends man to hospital with life-threatening injuries
Alcohol is likely factor in the crash reported on Bethel Road at about 6:30 a.m. Friday, the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office said.
Oxford County emergency calls to be transferred temporarily to Cumberland County
Oxford County’s 911 system will be updated over five hours early Tuesday morning.
Just two days into the new year, Oxford Hills’ newest baby arrives
The stork made its first delivery of the year to MaineHealth Stephens Hospital on Jan. 2
West Paris boil water order lifted
Parts of West Paris were put on a boil water order after a water main pipe burst late Monday night.
Closing schools, police department upset, animal rescues among top Oxford Hills news in 2025
Here are some of the news and events we reported on in the first half of the year.
Heading up to Maine’s western mountains? Fuel up at these on-the-way coffee shops
Hitting the trails or slopes in the Bethel area this winter? This guide will lead you to coffee, cappuccino, tea, hot cocoa and more along the way.
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