Jessica Lowell

Kennebec Journal

Jessica Lowell covers business and economic development and general news in the Gardiner area. After short but intense aspirations to be an opera singer (age 4) and a deep-sea diver (age 6) her most enduring passion has been telling stories. A University of Maine graduate, she worked for newspapers in New Hampshire, upstate New York and Wyoming, where she has won awards for investigative and explanatory journalism. She’s a fellow of the Knight Center for Specialized Journalism and the Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources. After several years out of journalism, she returned to Maine and to writing, where she spends her free time enjoying both trees and the ocean, two commodities that Wyoming lacks.

Latest

Published
August 8, 2022

After car hits Chelsea Town Office, officials pursue repairs, not replacement

For the next several weeks, town board meetings are to be held at alternate locations as town officials seek estimates on fixing hole created when car hit building last Wednesday.
Published
August 4, 2022

Drought conditions worsen across central Maine

Lower snowpacks over the past few winters and the earlier start to the spring have contributed to drought conditions that are worsening across central Maine.
Published
August 4, 2022

With events like Saturday’s Brewfest, Augusta’s downtown is drawing more visitors

With an expected draw of 500 to 800 people on Saturday, the fifth Kennebec River Brewfest is the latest event to attract visitors to Augusta’s historic downtown.
Published
August 2, 2022

Inmate health care provider abruptly stops Kennebec County jail services over bill dispute

Correctional Health Partners, which has also terminated services at the Androscoggin County jail, is seeking to recoup what is says are about $350,000 of additional costs, but county officials say the Colorado-based company has provided few details to justify the bill.
Published
August 2, 2022

Kennebec County, sheriff’s deputies settle new contract with 9% raise

The pay increase brings Kennebec County from the bottom third in deputy pay to the top third at a time when law enforcement agencies are dangling incentives like sign-on bonuses to fill vacancies.
Published
July 31, 2022

Ironman 70.3 Maine draws athletes, volunteers and fans to Augusta

Competitors and spectators converge Sunday on central Maine, the first time the half-triathlon has been hosted in the region.
Published
July 30, 2022

Richmond Days returns with nostalgia and a bang

The annual event, organized and put on by the town of Richmond, brought people out to celebrate summer with games, food, music and a dip in the Kennebec River Saturday, after a two-year break.
Published
July 30, 2022

West Gardiner Rod & Gun club honors Mert Hickey with range dedication

In appreciation of the donation of land that made a new and improved shooting range possible, the members of the West Gardiner Rod & Gun Club dedicated its range to Mert Hickey, the longtime selectman and community supporter who died in January.
Published
July 28, 2022

Ironman 70.3 competition in Augusta expected to be economic boon for central Maine

Although the figures will not be tallied until after Sunday’s event, estimates are that the half-triathlon will generate between $8 million and $10 million in direct and indirect spending in the capital region.
Published
July 28, 2022

Weeks of preparation, training lead to logistical challenge Sunday for Augusta-based Ironman 70.3 triathlon

Local agencies and organizations have been making plans and working out the details to ensure Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 runs, bikes and swims smoothly for the many athletes expected to compete.