Jessica Lowell
Kennebec Journal
Maine, United States
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Past articles by Jessica:
Nor’easter expected to bring up to 1 foot of snow, high wind gusts in central Maine
A late winter nor'easter is expected to blow through the state Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing strong winds and up to a foot of heavy snow across the region, the same day that brought snow to the region in 2017 and 2018. → Read More
Man dies when fire destroys house in Newport
Allen Easley, 54, was killed Sunday in the blaze at 578 Mullen Road. His mother, who owned the house, survived, according to officials. → Read More
Short-term solution possible for Kennebec County communities in need of 911 dispatch service
While a plan has emerged to handle 911 calls across northern and western Kennebec County by splitting the duties between Waterville and Androscoggin County, the county's Emergency Management Agency director is working to identify whether a different long-term solution is possible. → Read More
Justice orders demolition of downtown Gardiner building damaged by fire
Maine Superior Court Justice Thomas McKeon ordered the demolition Wednesday of 235 Water St. after Gardiner city officials evacuated the adjacent building in February after fears of its catastrophic failure. → Read More
Kennebec County commissioners endorse $19.3 million budget with 5% increase to taxes
The budget reflects nearly an 11% increase in county spending, in part to pay for unfunded state requirement to provide medication-assisted treatment at the county jail. → Read More
Environmental group alleges Casella Waste Systems manufactured sludge crisis
Defend Our Health officials say Casella, which contracts with 30 wastewater treatment plants for sludge removal, says company data shows the situation for Casella is not as dire as portrayed, but Casella characterizes the allegation as insulting and dishonest. → Read More
Near-record sale in Augusta puts large office building in new hands
The Central Maine Commerce Center changed hands earlier this month for $18.5 million, the largest commercial real estate transaction in the Augusta area since 2019. → Read More
Bail denied to man charged in 2019 Richmond murder
Tyon Shuron, who is accused of fatally shooting a Richmond man, has spent three years in jail awaiting his trial. → Read More
Somerset County cuts 911 answering service for Kennebec County, citing staffing challenges
Kennebec County officials are now considering what steps they can take to fill the gap in emergency communications after Somerset County commissioners voted to not renew contracts with 17 communities across northern and western Kennebec County. → Read More
Avian flu detected in Kennebec County prompts more vigilance
Evidence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in Kennebec County means more vigilance on the part of those raising domestic poultry and relying on measures already in place. → Read More
First cases of avian flu reported in Kennebec County
Both wild birds and a domestic flock in Kennebec County have been found to be infected with highly pathogenic avian flu this year. → Read More
Gardiner secures nearly $71,000 in federal funds for extrication equipment
The money from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant is planned for improved extrication equipment and tools to outfit a Gardiner Fire Department engine and its three ambulances. → Read More
South China bottle redemption center helps sort through problems in the system
Amanda and Tom Roddy bought their redemption center on Route 3 nearly five years ago and they're hoping that this year, lawmakers will be able to make changes to the state's bottle redemption program. → Read More
Gardiner orders evacuation of Water Street building after report finds dangerous instability
The order to evacuate 247 Water St. came after an engineering review commissioned by Gardiner city officials found the fire-damaged building at 235 Water St. to be at risk of catastrophic failure, which the mayor says is the result of "stubborn inaction" by the owner. → Read More
Winthrop brothers, first responders, rescue distressed ducks trapped in downtown stream
Connor Perkins, a Winthrop firefighter, and his brother Cody Perkins, a Winthrop police officer, rescued three ducks trapped against a grate in the mill stream that flows under Main Street, and hey also found several dead ducks. → Read More
Three awards cap off annual business celebration at the Kenney Awards
More than 800 people turned out for the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce's annual Kenney Awards at the Augusta Civic Center. → Read More
Buildings collapse in Washington, Union after wet, heavy snow hits region
The two collapses were among those reported in Maine in the aftermath of a storm Wednesday that brought snow and rain to the region. → Read More
Affordable housing complex for older adults in Augusta to begin leasing in February
As construction on Senior Living at the Marketplace wraps up, leasing is expected to start for the affordable units targeted at those 55 or older. → Read More
Kenney Awards to celebrate business accomplishments of business community in Kennebec Valley
The Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce's Kenney Awards returns to a live, formal event at the Augusta Civic Center on Friday, where members will honor award winners for their accomplishments. → Read More
Gardiner names interims to fill in for departing department heads
Detective Sgt. Todd Pilsbury was named interim police chief and Assistant Library Director Dawn Thistle was named interim director Wednesday as the city works to fill those department head positions. → Read More