Piscataquis Observer

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom 10,000 MEALS — Volunteers from Kiwanis New England & Bermuda District 2 organizations and area Key Clubs came together at the Hampden VFW on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 24 to pack more than 10,000 rice and bean meals to help fight food insecurity in the area. The Kiwanis district partnered with End Hunger New England, an organization helping to remedy food insecurity by organizing meal packaging events.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom 10,000 MEALS — Volunteers from Kiwanis New England & Bermuda District 2 organizations and area Key Clubs came together at the Hampden VFW on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 24 to pack more than 10,000 rice and bean meals to help fight food insecurity in the area. The Kiwanis district partnered with End Hunger New England, an organization helping to remedy food insecurity by organizing meal packaging events.

Volunteers pack 10,000 meals for Kiwanis’ End Hunger Project

January 28, 2026

HAMPDEN — Dozens of volunteers representing Kiwanis New England & Bermuda District 2, made up of 11 clubs from Augusta north to Milo/Brownville and Greenville, and high school Key Clubs from across the region came together on Saturday morning, Jan. 24 to pack 10,000 rice and bean meals to help end hunger.

News BrowseNews

Mid Maine Dental Hygiene celebrates new location with open house, Chamber ribbon cutting

MILO — Mid Maine Dental Hygiene LLC will welcome the community to its new location with an open house from 10 a.

Shahin earns Vermont State University president’s list honors

RANDOLPH CENTER, Vermont — Vermont State University is pleased to recognize Maia Shahin of Guilford for earning a place on the president’s list for fall 2025.

Penobscot County funds diversion program to keep people out of overcrowded jail

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff Penobscot County will use an online diversion program this year to keep people out of its overcrowded jail.

Nearly 100 educators receive outdoor learning project funding with the Maine Environmental Education Association

Maine students are kelp farming in Belfast, making honey to study pollinator health in Bath and studying why the Bloomfield School in Skowhegan is home to one of the largest colonies of endangered cliff swallows in Maine.

Greenville board signs 2026 county tax papers

GREENVILLE — While the town is exploring ways to reduce its share of the Piscataquis County tax, the Greenville Select Board formally signed the 2026 assessor’s return for the county tax during a Jan.

Sangerville town clerk appointed interim town manager

SANGERVILLE — With Sangerville Town Manager Brian Mullis on medical leave, Town Clerk Michelle Nichols will serve as interim town manager until Mullis is able to return.

Sports BrowseSports

Michael Burnham MPA 012926.jpg

Maine’s top high school athletics official is retiring

January 29, 2026

By Matt Junker, Bangor Daily News Sports Editor The Maine Principals’ Association is in charge of high school athletics across the state. And for the last seven years, Mike Burnham has been at the helm of the Augusta-based organization’s interscholastic sports division.

Dexter wrestling finishes second at PVC championship

DEXTER — The Dexter Regional High School wrestling team finished as the runner-up at the 2026 Penobscot Valley Conference championship on Jan.

Dexter, Foxcroft cheer at PVC championships

MILLINOCKET — Dexter Regional High School and Foxcroft Academy were among the 19 teams taking part across two classes at the 2026 Penobscot Valley Conference championships on Jan.

Opinion BrowseOpinion

Beware the erosion of our constitutional rights

To the Editor; Shortly after ratification of our Constitution in 1788, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, or Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791.

I hate winter and this is what I do about it

By Al Raychard There’s an old saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words.

Don’t forget the music

By Nancy Battick When we’re writing our family history we focus on dates, vital records and names of family members.

In the Maine woods, humans are the deadliest predators

Moose hunt changes would harm local economy

Opposition to proposed expansion of moose hunt in zones 8, 9, 14

By Angela Arno, Piscataquis County Economic Development Council executive director Dear Commissioner Judy Camuso and members of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, I am writing to formally oppose the proposed expansion of the moose hunt in Wildlife Management Districts 8, 9 and 14, specifically the addition of hunting days during peak foliage season.

Living BrowseLiving

Calendar of events

Recurring Events Mondays DEXTER: The Abbott Museum is open 10 a.

Parent/Family Member Lunch at Milo Elementary

Photos courtesy of Milo Elementary School FAMILY LUNCH — Milo Elementary School hosted a Parent/Family Member Lunch on Jan.

Inaugural Ski Plane Fly-In lands in Dover-Foxcroft on Saturday

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Winter aviation meets live music and local flavor at the first annual Ski Plane Fly-In, taking place Saturday, Jan.

Barnard Forest snowshoe event

BARNARD TOWNSHIP — The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District is excited to be teaming up with the Appalachian Mountain Club for a fun, family-friendly snowshoeing event.

Dover Low Vision Group meets Feb. 6

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Dover Low Vision group will be meeting at the Central Hall Commons, 152 E Main St.

Turn and face the change with Thompson Free Library

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library Change wears many faces.