Selectmen ask for patience following New Vineyard resignations

Remember when Maine Maple Sunday Weekend was one day? Always Sunday. In 2007, the event expanded to include Saturday in an effort to bring even more visitors to Maine’s sugarhouses – and it worked.

The Maine Maple Producers Association estimates about 100,000 visitors stopped at one or more sugarhouses across the state last year, up from 60,000 visitors when the event was held on a single day. This year – the 43rd anniversary – there are more than 100 sugarhouses participating, offering tours, tastings and so much more.

At Schanz Family Maple in New Vineyard, visitors will see a wood-fired evaporator at work and can sample maple syrup over vanilla ice cream. How sweet is that?

Sounds like the perfect event to welcome spring, so check out the Maine Maple Producers Association searchable map to find a sugarhouse near you.

Dress warm. Wear boots. The syrup will be good, but the weather is going to be a little messy this weekend.

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Selectmen ask for patience following New Vineyard resignations: The town clerk and deputy town clerk resigned last week, leaving the municipality unable to collect or spend money. An interim clerk has since been hired. Read this story by Ben Hanstein

Waterville City Council considers new limits on Purnell Wrigley Field amid resident concerns: Suggested changes include setting firm hours of use and requiring one rest day each week to help reduce noise and on‑street parking problems. Read this story by Charley DiAdamo

Wilton Board of Selectpersons reaffirms ban on commercial trash haulers: Private haulers that pick up trash in Wilton must take it to the Waste Management Crossroads Landfill in Norridgewock. Read this story by Bob Neal

Rangeley considering updates to zoning maps to comply with state environmental laws: The town’s revaluation work is nearly done, with the final phase wrapping up the assessment of properties sold since April 2023. Read this story by Ashton F. LeCraw

Franklin County municipal elections and annual town meetings, March 28: New Vineyard

Oxford County municipal elections and annual town meetings, March 27-30: Gilead, Porter, Woodstock

Somerset County municipal elections and annual town meetings, March 21 to April 2: Harmony, Moose River, St. Albans

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Maine could help convert empty schools into housing. But it’s tricky. A former school near the Canadian border has been empty for 15 years. One in the Midcoast closed last year. Both are trying to figure out what’s next. Read this story by Caitlin Andrews.

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Chesterville voters chose two new candidates to serve on the Select Board | Livermore Falls Advertiser

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Sunday River has made technological improvements to its groomers to make up for warmer winters | Maine Public

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Monitor Local Editor Judith Meyer recognized for “extraordinary, decades-long commitment” to Maine journalism | The Maine Monitor

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