Mali Obomsawin, a 2013 Mt. Blue High School graduate and member of the Abenaki Nation at Odanak, Quebec, will join world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma for a sold-out performance titled “We Are Water: A Northeast Celebration” at Portland’s Merrill Auditorium on Oct. 20.

After an HVAC contractor accidentally cut power at the Franklin County Regional Communications Center, officials said the outdated battery backup failed, prompting county commissioners to pursue an urgent replacement using reserve funds.

Following a major revaluation that roughly doubled the town’s overall valuation, the Farmington Select Board on Oct. 14 set the 2025 tax rate at $9.81 per $1,000 of value, less than half of last year’s rate, as property owners prepare to receive their tax bills.

Julia Edwards of Bridgton, a music teacher at Poland Regional High School, was named the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year and celebrated during a ceremony at the school on Thursday.

The Fayette Select Board voted unanimously on Sept. 30 to set the 2025-26 tax rate at $12.75 per $1,000 of valuation, reflecting increased assessments and infrastructure investments.

In 2018, voters agreed to explore building a substation in the East Livermore area, which is more than 5 miles from the town fire station.

Lead dust and pigeons are the culprits behind officials being unable to schedule trials for August and October at Franklin County Courthouse, officials confirmed this week.

Boothby’s Orchard in Livermore and Rustic Roots Farm in Farmington share a deep commitment to feeding their communities and sustaining Franklin County agriculture.

Chesterville Poetry Night returns Friday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. at the Chesterville Center Union Meeting House, 3 Borough Road. Local poets of all ages and experience levels are invited to share their work or simply enjoy listening in the cozy 19th-century setting. The event is free and open to the public, with light snacks and drinks provided. The building is ADA accessible. More information is available online or by calling 207-779-0660.

The Jay-Niles Memorial Library will host storyteller Phyllis Blackstone from Western Maine Storytelling on Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. at 983 Main St. Blackstone will share a selection of family-friendly spooky — but not too spooky — tales to celebrate the Halloween season. The event is free and open to the public, and no sign-up is required. 

Boo Bash returns to French Falls Park in Jay on Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon, offering a Halloween celebration where children and families can enjoy seasonal fun, treats, and community together.

Treat Memorial Library will host a special Story Time Tea Party on Oct. 29, at 10:30 a.m. Families are invited to enjoy a reading of “Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party” by Erin Barker, along with tasty treats, coloring and crafting. The event is free and open to the public.

Halloween festivities will take place Oct. 25, beginning with Trunk-or-Treat at the Fayette Fire Station from 2-4 p.m. The celebration continues from 3-5 p.m. at Fayette Central School, where the library and school staff will host ghoulish games, activities, and a haunted bus.