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Plus: Cannabis license fee review, UMF art exhibit opens semester, Spruce Mountain planning updates and more
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March 03, 2026

Trying snowshoeing recently reminded me that sometimes the things we call "new" are really familiar experiences seen from a different angle. Snowshoeing was new, but it quickly felt comfortable since it shares many similarities with hiking. With Jay's town manager recently announcing that 3.1 miles of cross-country ski trails have been groomed on the Jay Recreation Trails behind Spruce Mountain High School, I am tempted to try another winter first. With local free ski days happening at Titcomb Mountain and Spruce Mountain Ski Area, it feels like a good time to try something new. Any tips for a first timer?


Farmington residents will soon be asked to weigh in on a six-month interim budget as the town transitions from a calendar fiscal year to a July-to-June cycle, aligning its financial schedule with county and school systems. The proposal, totaling about $5.9 million, represents a key step in reshaping how the town plans and manages finances moving forward, and it will play a central role in upcoming budget discussions and voter decisions.


Also in this week's newsletter: Farmington officials continue to examine a proposal that could lower cannabis license fees before deciding whether to place the measure before voters; the Spruce Mountain school district has begun early budget planning discussions, including updates on facility improvements and technology needs as the district prepares for the upcoming fiscal year and more.

Thanks for reading,

- Rebecca Richard

MORE NEWS

From left are Amanda Barker, Cyndi Pratt, Dennis O'Neil, Lisa Lindsay and Joel Smith as Mt. Blue Campus presents a $2,000 donation to the Farmington Area Ecumenical Heating Fund. (Courtesy of Mt Blue Campus)

AROUND TOWN

Maine's electronic court system is expanding, requiring users to accept a private vendor agreement as new judicial rules governing eFiling begin.


Farmington officials are continuing to examine a proposal that could lower cannabis license fees before deciding whether to place the measure before voters.


With snowstorms expected to bring school closures, families can make the most of a snow day by knowing how to build better snowballs and snowmen, choosing the right sleds, and dressing properly for cold conditions.


RSU 73 has begun budget planning as officials review technology needs and prepare to install newly arrived bleachers at Spruce Mountain High School.


The Emery Community Arts Center at the University of Maine at Farmington is opening the semester with "Spaces Places Traces," a mixed-media exhibit featuring work by 10 New England artists.


The Farmington Select Board reviewed updates from the town manager and town clerk as the town prepares for upcoming budget work and the June primaries.


Farmington Select Board members received an update on Phase 1 of the Main Street improvement project, including planned design and aesthetic upgrades, as well as updates on utilities and a retaining wall.


Mt. Blue schools will assume responsibility for special education services for 4-year-olds beginning in the 2026-27 school year, as RSU 9 Superintendent Christian Elkington said the pre-K special education program will transition to district management as part of a statewide change.

Readers' pick: The most-clicked story in last week's newsletter was about Maine's tourmaline legacy and a look inside Bethel's mineral museum, where the state's gemstone history continues to influence culture, education and local commerce.

MORE COMMUNITY NEWS

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THINGS TO DO

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust is hosting its Fresh Tracks Winter Event Series, offering free, guided outdoor activities on conserved lands throughout the Rangeley region. Upcoming events include a snowmobile trailside rest stop on Saturday, Feb. 14; daytime and lantern-lit snowshoe walks on Tuesday, Feb. 17; and a wildlife tracking walk on Saturday, March 21. Some programs require advance registration. Full details are available at rlht.org/events.


The High Peaks Alliance has launched the High Peaks Naturalist Series, a free monthly program of guided walks and talks led by certified Maine Master Naturalists on conserved lands across the High Peaks region. On Feb. 11, a "Mammals of Maine Tracking" program will be held 10-11:30 a.m. at Bigelow Preserve on School Street in Stratton.  


Titcomb Mountain in Farmington will host a free ski night on Feb. 13, offering an evening of skiing and riding open to the community. The event is open to all ages and provides a chance to enjoy the slopes at no cost. More information is available at titcombmountain.com.


Spruce Mountain Ski Area in Jay will host a free ski day on Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., sponsored by RCCM Cleaning Services. The event is open to the public and offers a full day of skiing at no cost.

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

THE WAY IT WAS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

Feb. 14. 2012: Mt. Abram student Trent Rosenberg leaves the stadium area at Titcomb Mountain while competing in the Mountain Valley Conference ski championships classical pursuit. 


Click here to read more of this story from 2012. Subscribers enjoy exclusive access to search and browse our digital archives on Newspapers.com.


EPAPER  |  GUIDES |  HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS |  GAMES  |  CALENDAR

Rebecca Richard is a reporter for the Franklin Journal and the creator of this newsletter. Send feedback and suggestions to Rebecca. Read more Franklin County news at sunjournal.com. You can support this newsletter by encouraging friends and family to sign up. Explore our other newsletters.

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