Neighbors try to keep an eye on others, but that can be challenging in a rural state where a third of the people over 60 live alone.

Investigators say the two-story house was being heated by portable heaters.

Police made several previous well-being checks but didn’t enter the home until numerous factors – her unpaid taxes, returned mail and disconnected phone – gave them sufficient cause.

During the height of the storm, snow fell at a rate of up to 6 inches an hour.

The founder sees great potential in a Saco farm, and a zoning change has support, but a governing land trust and neighbors are concerned.