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Plus: Rangeley Birding Fest, Carrabassett Valley shooter makes court appearance, Mt. Abram HS seniors graduate.
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October 14, 2026


Hello readers,


As some of you may know, I studied photography as a minor in college. One of my required courses was a history of photography course. Through that class, I learned about the history of "amateurs."


Amateur is a French word meaning "lover" or "someone who loves." It describes someone who does something simply for the joy of doing it. 


I was thinking about that term last week as I was out on the Rangeley River teaching myself to fly fish. I was a mess, tripping and falling in the water or tangling my line in every branch within 20 feet. I was having the time of my life, though. I even caught my first three trout, so I must have done something right!


When you start to embrace the title, you can truly be free to try new things. I am an amateur, and that is okay.



In today's newsletter: Mt. Abram class of 2026 graduates, Kingfield voters to decide budget at town meeting; Accused shooter from Carrabassett Valley appears in court.


Thanks for reading,

Quentin Blais

A group of birders point their binoculars to look for a black burnian in the trees June 6 during the Rangeley Birding Festival. (Quentin Blais/Staff Writer)

LOCAL NEWS

Mt. Abram High School seniors graduated in a packed gym on Friday. Principal Jodi Ellis emphasized that no matter where the students went, their upbringing in Western Maine lent them a unique perspective.


Austin Doucette, the man accused of shooting Makayla Rose DeSantis in March, pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday.


Kingfield voters will decide their budget and an update to a budget committee ordinance during their annual town meeting on June 13.


The Wilhelm Reich Museum in Rangeley is seeking to identify a group of workers seen in archive footage of the construction of the main building in the 1940s.


From Farmington to Bangor, here's a list of agricultural fairs across Maine this summer.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“One of the real gifts of the festival is finding your people. Your enthusiasm and love can grow when you're sharing it with people who also share the same level of love and appreciation.”

— Kristi Dranginis, Rangeley Birding Festival guide, on the importance of birding events bringing people together.

THINGS TO DO

Historic Rangeley will host its Lupine Festival this Saturday, June 13, at the Outdoor Heritage Museum in Oquossoc. Shop local crafts and antiques from Maine vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the festival is free.


The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is holding its Rangeley Rendezvous June 19-21. Take part in guided trips, sunrise paddles and kids' activities on the beautiful waters of Rangeley.


Rangeley Friends of the Arts has an open call for its 12th annual Western Mountain Photography show. The theme is "history." Photographers may submit up to three images to earn cash prizes in two categories. The Juried Exhibit will be on display on Saturday, Sept. 12, through Tuesday, Oct. 13.

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THE WAY IT WAS IN RANGELEY

June 19, 2015: Rangeley Outing Club students pose while working on trail maintenance at Grafton Notch State Park.


Click here to read more of this story from 2015. Subscribers enjoy exclusive access to search and browse our digital archives on Newspapers.com.

EPAPER  |  GUIDES |  HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS |  GAMES  |  CALENDAR

Quentin Blais is the community reporter for the Rangeley Highlander. He covers Rangeley and the surrounding towns in northern Franklin County. An Illinois native, Quentin studied photography and journalism at DePaul University in Chicago. He's excited to venture into Maine's outdoor recreation opportunities and dig a bit deeper into rural Maine life. You can support this newsletter by encouraging friends and family to sign up. Reach out to Quentin and explore our other newsletters here. 

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