Piscataquis Observer

PO-riverfestgagnon-31-25

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom GRAND MARSHAL — The annual Piscataquis River Festival returned to Guilford on Saturday and the day included a mid-morning parade. Maine singer Julia Gagnon of “American Idol” fame served as the grand marshal. That evening Gagnon took to the music stage to perform for festival attendees.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom GRAND MARSHAL — The annual Piscataquis River Festival returned to Guilford on Saturday and the day included a mid-morning parade. Maine singer Julia Gagnon of “American Idol” fame served as the grand marshal. That evening Gagnon took to the music stage to perform for festival attendees.

2025 Piscataquis River Festival

Observer photo/Stuart HedstromGRAND MARSHAL — The annual Piscataquis River Festival returned to Guilford on Saturday and the day included a mid-morning parade. Maine singer Julia Gagnon of “American Idol” fame served as the grand marshal.

News BrowseNews

1 dead and 1 seriously injured in Alton crash

By Leela Stockley, Bangor Daily News Staff One person has died and one has been seriously injured following a crash on Route 16 in Alton on Tuesday morning.

Foxcroft Academy to dedicate court to 1975 Class B championship team

Observer file photo/Stuart HedstromA HALF CENTURY LATER — Many of the members of the 1975 Class B championship-winning boys basketball team from Foxcroft Academy were present for a book launch on the season at the Center Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft in February.

Northern Light Health names new president and CEO

BREWER — Following a national search, the Northern Light Health Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Guy Hudson, MD, MBA, has been unanimously selected as the next president and chief executive officer of Northern Light Health.

Small-town divides force a 3rd school budget vote in rural Maine

GUILFORD — A school district based in Piscataquis County is heading back to the drawing board after voters in six towns narrowly rejected a proposed budget for the second time last week.

Foxcroft Academy field hockey raises $3,600 for Partners for Peace

WATERVILLE — On Saturday, July 26 the Foxcroft Academy field hockey team took part in the Victories over Violence tournament, hosted by Skowhegan Field Hockey at Thomas College.

30,000 Mainers in limbo as Northern Light Health and Anthem dispute drags on

By Annie Rupertus, Bangor Daily News Staff Connie Kousman’s Medicare plan with Anthem has gotten her through open heart surgery, breast cancer surgery and many stage four cancer scans without any out-of-pocket expenses.

Sports BrowseSports

riverfest 5k start pic 2025

Photo courtesy of Friends of Community Fitness RIVERFEST 5K RUNNERS — More than 50 entrants took part in the 2025 Friends of Community Fitness RiverFest 5K on Saturday morning, July 26, starting and finishing in downtown Guilford. The 18th annual 5K kicked off the Piscataquis River Festival.

Photo courtesy of Friends of Community Fitness RIVERFEST 5K RUNNERS — More than 50 entrants took part in the 2025 Friends of Community Fitness RiverFest 5K on Saturday morning, July 26, starting and finishing in downtown Guilford. The 18th annual 5K kicked off the Piscataquis River Festival.

Friends of Community Fitness holds annual Riverfest 5K

GUILFORD — Friends of Community Fitness’ Riverfest 5K kicked off the 2025 Piscataquis River Festival on Saturday morning, July 26 with more than 50 runners taking part. The 18th annual Riverfest 5K featured the following results: 1.

Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union sponsors Pine Tree Hospice Charity Golf Tournament

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Kristen Wortman, executive director for Pine Tree Hospice, announced that Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union has become the major sponsor of their Annual Charity Golf Tournament.

Mackenzie Holmes and Cooper Flagg make Maine history in WNBA and NBA at same time

By Matt Junker, Bangor Daily News Sports Editor What a time to be alive, and to be a Maine basketball fan.

Opinion BrowseOpinion

No on ‘Voter ID For ME’

To the Editor; In 2024 a campaign known as “Voter ID for ME” collected signatures for a referendum question to change Maine’s voting laws.

Social Security’s 90th anniversary

To the Editor; “Social Security’s Legacy and Its Future”, AARP’s recent article in the Bangor Daily News, highlights some of the key challenges that are being faced by Social Security.

There’s more to harvesting Maine’s wild native fish than ethics

By Bob Mallard In a recent column, V.

Social Security tax deduction means less money for trust fund

To the Editor; If you are part of the 20 percent of Penobscot County residents who are 65 or older, I expect you will embrace the new, temporary federal income tax deduction for seniors in President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill.

AARP Maine’s News You Can Use

By Joyce Bucciantini, AARP Maine community outreach volunteer Getting ready for our second 50.

Better alternatives than a new jail in Penobscot County

To the Editor; I am writing in strong support of the recent opinion column, “A new diversion program is a better solution than a bigger jail in Penobscot County.

Living BrowseLiving

Panstorm in concert Saturday

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The beloved steel drum group Panstorm returns to the Thompson Free Library Pavilion, 186 East Main St.

August HJ Crosby Band concerts

Leave the planning to us at Thompson Free Library

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library I was trying to nail down the details of a post-work visit at a friend’s camp on the lake.

UMaine Extension presents 4-H goat workshop at Dover-Foxcroft farm

DOVER-FOXCROT — University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H will host a goat workshop on Sunday, Aug.

Indie-pop band Honest Mechanik hits the Wayside Grange & Theatre stage Saturday

DEXTER — Wayside Grange & Theatre is pleased to continue the 2025 Concert Series on Saturday, Aug.

Civil War presentations Aug. 6

GUILFORD — The S.