Advertiser Democrat features news from
Norway,
Paris,
Oxford,
Hebron,
Buckfield,
West Paris,
Otisfield,
Waterford,
Harrison,
and surrounding areas.
Explore more town news
Watch: Santa arrives on a fire truck in West Paris
Area children listened to after school Explorer’s Program Director Eileen Storck read stories then saw Santa light the Christmas tree at Town Office.
New members join Paris Select Board at end of tumultuous year
Scott Buffington is a former selectman who has been critical of Paris’ budgets and finances. Rob Federico Sr. is Norway’s former police chief.
More than 4 years after closing, West Paris Post Office set to open in 2026
Despite pressure from U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, the USPS has delayed the reopening of a new West Paris Post Office until ‘after the first of the year.’
Six Paris candidates square off in Dec. 2 special election
After two resignations, Paris’ select board was left with the minimum needed for a quorum to conduct business. A special election to fill out the five-member panel will be held…
After recent teen suicides, Oxford Hills puts new emphasis on prevention
A recently planted ‘yellow tulip project’ garden and an upcoming free educational dinner and workshop are just two ways community stakeholders have partnered to support at risk youth, family and…
Oxford Hills eyes old Bessey Motors for future bus garage
The school district is pursuing due diligence to transform the former dealership to a bus garage, storage, office space and classrooms for adult and alternative ed programs.
As backcountry rescues rise, some Maine first responders turning to location app for help
A simple 3-word code can help pinpoint emergencies in remote terrain, yet dispatchers and wardens caution that no app can replace planning and backcountry know-how.
Sharon Jackson to stay on as Bethel town manager
Jackson offers stability for Bethel — a town with a poor record for retaining town managers
Spotty internet, lack of options frustrate residents of rural Maine township
In Albany, neighbors say internet service is unreliable and other choices have been promised but not delivered.
West Paris acquires Agnes Gray school in decisive vote
Residents spoke up for, and laid claim to, a shuttered elementary school during a weekend meeting.
Paris to hold special election Dec. 2 to fill 2 vacant select board seats
The Select Board needs to fill the seats vacated by Matthew Brackett in September and Michael Bailey in October in order to continue management of town affairs and finances.
Following suspension, Paris highway director resigns
James Hutchinson was placed on paid administrative leave Oct. 20 after the Maine Department of Environmental Protection cited Paris for erosion of repaired roads.
Oxford Hills goes for status quo on absentee voting and voter ID, passes red flag law
Six of eight Oxford Hills School District towns report that a majority rejected changes to Maine’s absentee voting laws. Oxford and West Paris bucked the trend.
Oxford Hills votes to seek state funding for new middle school
With all 8 towns reporting referendum results, 63% of voters in Maine School Administrative District 17 voted to move forward with a new $88 million state-funded middle school in Paris.
West Paris water officials to survey residents as part of federal grant process
Residents will be asked about household income, which may qualify the town for a $1 million grant for a new water tank.
The Nelsons step into the Grays shoes as funeral directors
Cliff and Mimi Gray are retiring; Eric and Erin Nelson will serve Gray’s families.
Oxford County budget starts out with a tax decrease, but unknown costs remain
The draft spending plan represents a $14.5 million tax assessment, which is 4.7% less than the current year. But ‘significant changes’ are likely.
Here’s where to vote and what issues are on the local ballots in western Maine
In addition to state referendums, there will be additional ballot questions in communities from Rangeley to Rumford to Paris.
Advertiser Democrat reporter recognized for community journalism
Nicole Carter was honored by Maine Press Association for reporting on the topics of business/economics and courts, and for scenic photojournalism.
West Paris debates future of Agnes Gray property
More than 50 residents attended a public hearing to give input and ask questions about the town acquiring the vacated elementary school from Maine School Administrative District 17.
Another Paris select board member quits as road commissioner suspended
Personnel turnover continues as the board grapples with lack of quorum at future meetings.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Sustaining sponsor: Informing communities by supporting local news
Contact Us