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The past week in Franklin County felt like a little of everything at once: ice-cold temperatures, a major snowstorm that tested patience and plow schedules, and renewed attention on illegal immigration and federal enforcement activity as ICE continues operations across Maine.
Like many families, we found ourselves balancing serious conversations with the simple need to get outside, take a breath, and make the most of winter. At the same time, there’s still plenty to look forward to locally, with upcoming skijoring events, the local winter festival, ice skating and sledding, and the full Snow Moon expected to light up the winter sky on Feb. 1.
I also just picked up my snowshoes and will be practicing locally at French Falls in Jay before heading to Mount Washington, where we’re planning to ride the SnowCoach up the Auto Road to about 4,200 feet and snowshoe back down as part of our 33rd anniversary celebration.
That connection to the land is reflected again this week through a closer look at tourmaline, the vibrant Maine state mineral that has drawn collectors, curiosity seekers and geologists to Franklin County for generations and continues to shape the region’s story today. From its wide range of colors to its role in putting western Maine on the world mineral map, tourmaline remains one of the area’s most distinctive natural treasures, a legacy now highlighted inside Maine Mineral and Gem Museum in Bethel, where experts say Maine tourmaline continues to influence regional culture and identity through exhibits, scientific research, jewelry, education and local commerce.
Also in this week’s newsletter: Another look at homeschooling and why some families turn to alternative education when traditional school doesn’t fit; an update on RSU 9 budget planning; Maine eCourt rollout update; and a winter feature on how to play in the snow and more.
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MORE NEWS |
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A thin slice of Maine watermelon tourmaline from young mineral dealer Jonah Palumbo is held up to the light atop Mount Washington in the summer of 2025, revealing a pink core encircled by a green rind and a distinctive internal inclusion resembling the letter “B” near the center. (Rebecca Richard/Staff Writer) |
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AROUND TOWN |
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For some western Maine families, homeschooling is about having choice, often emerging not as a first option, but as a response to an education system that doesn’t always meet individual needs, beliefs or learning styles.
Residents of Jay have reached an agreement to purchase the Hidden Circle mobile home park, citing rising rents and missed maintenance and securing local control from out-of-state ownership.
Community Regional Charter School in Skowhegan is taking part in the 2026 WinterKids Winter Games, a monthlong statewide outdoor learning and wellness challenge for Maine schools.
A small fire caused by a piece of clothing catching in a print-screening dryer forced the evacuation of a classroom at Foster Career and Technical Education Center in Farmington.
An illegal immigrant from Ecuador was arrested in Bethel after previously being removed from the United States in 2022 and was one of nine people who allegedly attempted to evade federal agents two weeks ago.
The Wilton Select Board fielded questions about its rescinded ATV route policy, explaining that it is not enforceable.
Maine’s judicial branch is continuing its phased rollout of the Maine eCourts system, moving closer to statewide digital court operations in 2026.
Middle school skiers from Farmington, Waterville, Bethel, Oxford Hills, Dirigo, and Maranacook competed Jan. 17 in a Nordic relay. |
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The photo shows the Sparling children of Fayette when they first began homeschooling together. Today, they are all grown, with only one still in high school. For their family, homeschooling was about flexibility, connection and learning side by side. Across western Maine, many families continue to choose homeschooling to meet individual needs and values. (Courtesy of Molly Sparling) |
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A vividly colored slice of Maine watermelon tourmaline at the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum in Bethel shows an intense magenta-to-raspberry core encircled by a translucent emerald-green rind, a striking natural color contrast that defines the state’s most iconic tourmaline. At the museum, the state’s geologic history comes to life through interactive exhibits, the nation’s largest collection of Maine gems and minerals, major meteorite holdings, and a tourmaline-centered narrative that connects historic mining with modern craftsmanship and design.(Courtesy of Maine Mineral & Gem Museum) |
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Use the buttons below to see news from a specific community. |
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THINGS TO DO |
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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.
Hillside Sports Club will host its ninth annual ice fishing derby on Feb. 28 on Long Pond in Livermore, featuring cash prizes, raffles and a full day of ice fishing fun.
The Franklin County Children’s Task Force will hold its annual Children’s Festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 7 at the Mt. Blue High School campus, offering free entry and activities including hands-on exhibits from local organizations, a gym full of play areas, cookie decorating, music, entertainment, balloon animals, a low-cost food court and dedicated spaces for infants, toddlers and gross motor play. |
| VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR |
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THE WAY IT WAS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY |
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June 2, 1990: Volunteers at the Farmington Public Library got together to celebrate 100 years since the Farmington Public Library Association was organized.
Click here to read more of this story from 1990. Subscribers enjoy exclusive access to search and browse our digital archives on Newspapers.com. |
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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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