Officials and residents from communities along the corridor that runs along the Kennebec River say its use could bring significant economic benefits.
Keith Edwards
Staff Writer
Keith Edwards covers the city of Augusta and courts in Kennebec County, writing feature stories and covering breaking news, local people and events, and local politics. He has worked at the Kennebec Journal since 1995, having previously worked at the Camden Herald. He was born and raised in Winthrop and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a degree in political science. He is married and has a dog and cat. A lifelong Mainer, he enjoys skiing, hiking, canoeing, camping, and cooking out but spends most of his “off” time restoring and maintaining his 170, or so, year-old home in Richmond.
Court ‘blitz’ underway in effort to tackle backlog of criminal cases in Kennebec County
The caseload in Kennebec County courts is 67% higher than it was pre-pandemic, with 2,343 cases pending.
Central Mainers help homeless community through new sleeping bag swap
Augusta-area volunteers wash the wet, dirty sleeping bags at their homes, then return them so the clean, dry bags can then be recirculated back to other homeless people who turn in their bedding.
Augusta officials, building owners reach deal that highlights difficulty of providing safe, affordable housing in city
Code violations at the Edwards Inn at 53 Water St. have prompted discussion about code violations and providing much-needed low-income housing in Augusta.
‘Only logical conclusion’ or ‘no evidence’? Closing arguments delivered in Waterville murder trial
The trial judge is expected to issue a verdict next week in the case of Jashawn Lipscombe, 23, of New York City, who is on trial for the 2020 shooting death of Joseph Tracy, 33, of West Gardiner.
Gardiner man sentenced to 65 years in prison for murder, attempted killing with machete
Dylan Ketcham, 23, was sentenced Tuesday for the murder of Jordan Johnson and attack on Caleb Trudeau in January 2020.
Augusta officials say property owners can host homeless campers
Officials also say many of the homeless people who had been staying at a now-closed overnight warming center are receiving help.
Proposal to create lodging for lawmakers criticized as self-serving amid housing crisis
Sponsored by a Portland state representative, the bill aims to save money while providing legislators with a place to stay while doing the public’s business in Augusta.
Augusta considering campsites for homeless people when overnight shelter closes
Some worry providing a place for homeless people to camp could create an influx of people from other parts of the state that would overwhelm local resources.
Homeless in Maine: New policing protocol shifts focus to assisting homeless people who need help
Local police agencies are grappling with a new protocol established by the Office of the Maine Attorney General that calls on authorities to not charge homeless people with minor crimes but instead focus on connecting them with service providers who may be able to help.