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 5, 2020

COVID-19 cases in Kennebec County spike after three outbreaks reported

In the last five days, the number of reported COVID-19 cases in Kennebec County has nearly doubled, from 66 on Oct. 31 to 127, echoing the growth in the number of cases identified across Maine.
Published
November 4, 2020

Kennebec County chooses Ken Mason for a second term as sheriff

Mason was challenged by Michael Sayers of Rome, a former deputy in the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office who now works for the Oakland Police Department.
Published
November 4, 2020

Elizabeth Mitchell wins second term as Kennebec County probate judge

Elizabeth “Libby” Mitchell and Kevin Sullivan squared off in a repeat of the 2016 race, with Mitchell winning the seat for a second time.
Published
November 4, 2020

Cusick, White reelected to Gardiner at-large seats; newcomer Sergent takes third seat

Tim Cusick and Maryann White are elected to their third terms on the Gardiner City Council; Penny Sergent wins the third at-large seat in her second try at a City Council seat.
Published
November 3, 2020

Richmond voters reject all three proposals to change subdivision regulations

The proposals centered around how subdivisions are regulated in Richmond. Now, the Board of Selectmen is expected to take up the issue in 2021.
Published
November 2, 2020

Gardiner bridge shift set to begin

Sometime this week, Reed & Reed is expected to shift a prefabricated bridge deck into place over Cobbosseecontee Stream, replacing the decades-old bridge that was demolished last week.
Published
October 29, 2020

Gardiner officials seek funding for Cobbossee Trail

While the project has taken longer than anticipated to develop, city officials are still committed to finding funding to extend the trail along Cobbosseecontee Stream west from downtown Gardiner.
Published
October 27, 2020

Veteran Gardiner firefighter named new fire chief

Rick Sieberg, who has spent his career as a Gardiner firefighter/paramedic, has been serving as interim chief since Al Nelson retired earlier this year.
Published
October 24, 2020

Kayaker pulled from Kennebec River Friday in water rescue by Augusta, Gardiner fire departments

The man, who was wearing a life jacket, was alone in the kayak when it overturned, Augusta Fire Department Batallion Chief John Bennett said.
Published
October 23, 2020

As Augusta considers shooting range regulations, committee members tour facilities

An ad hoc committee is charged with finding the best path forward, balancing the interests of residents and the needs of shooting facilities in the city.