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
November 30, 2020

As season turns stormy, central Maine officials consider public shelter options

Local emergency managers are making plans to provide shelter for residents this winter if needed as COVID-19 continues to sicken people across the state.
Published
November 26, 2020

Thanksgiving fellowship available to go at Augusta church

With some planning and organization this year, Green Street United Methodist Church was able to continue its tradition of serving Thanksgiving dinner to more than 100 people and providing moments of connection.
Published
November 22, 2020

Turkey supply meets Thanksgiving demand in central Maine

Despite fears of shortages, turkeys remain available across central Maine in a variety of sizes in a year when smaller gatherings are encouraged.
Published
November 21, 2020

Central Maine communities rethink winter holiday celebrations

With a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in Maine, communities and families are finding new and less risky ways to celebrate the holidays.
Published
November 19, 2020

Kennebec County jail continues to limit inmate population

Kennebec County Sheriff Ken Mason, who faced criticism in the wake of a Department of Corrections inspection that showed the jail was not following most protocols it identified, said the jail has had no cases of COVID-19 infection.
Published
November 18, 2020

Maine officials hoping federal relief efforts will help state

The director of the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future stressed the importance of continuing to focus on economic growth even as Maine struggles with widespread COVID-19 infections.
Published
November 17, 2020

Readfield man turns historic interest and creativity into a card game

For years, David Matson has been toying with developing a game around gladiator fights. With some time on his hands this year, the Readfield man has been able to perfect the game that others may have a chance to enjoy.
Published
November 17, 2020

Richmond officials consider options following rejection of subdivision petitions

The Board of Selectmen is expected to meet with the Planning Board early next year to talk about residential growth in town, including how subdivisions should be regulated.
Published
November 12, 2020

As COVID-19 continues to spread, who enforces mask mandates in central Maine?

Local officials continue to rely on education and voluntary compliance with public health orders to wear face coverings, even as rallies against wearing masks continue.
Published
November 11, 2020

Public hearing set on Augusta’s Melville Fuller statue

During a year when statues and monuments tied to the United States’ racist past are being taken down or removed, the state’s judicial branch is asking Kennebec County officials to consider moving statue of Maine judge involved in “separate but equal’ ruling.”