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
June 12, 2020

Augusta man arrested on arson charge for fuel pump fire

Police say Brian Dyer, 30, set fire to a fuel pump outside an Augusta convenience store early on May 17.
Published
June 11, 2020

Kennebec County Budget Committee endorses budget proposal

The proposed budget, with its largest requested increase in nearly two decades, includes additional funding for the jail normally sought from the state Legislature, and to hire three additional deputies.
Published
June 10, 2020

Gardiner city officials send proposed budget to next read in two weeks

A split council denies a credit enhancement agreement to the developers of Central Maine Crossing.
Published
June 10, 2020

Gardiner plans outdoor ceremony and fireworks to celebrate graduation

Every year, the Gardiner Area High School graduation brings hundreds of people to watch the annual rite of passage. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, technology will bring the ceremony to the audience both near and far.
Published
June 9, 2020

Kennebec County officials invite public to weigh in on budget

Winthrop resident Joe Pietroski questioned the need for increases in spending in the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office at a time when people are out of work and can’t afford increasing taxes.
Published
June 9, 2020

Gardiner officials continue budget talks

City officials are soliciting public input on the proposed $6.3 million city budget after seeking spending cuts in a bid to minimize property tax increases.
Published
June 5, 2020

Randolph voters consider ordinance changes for solar array

A special town meeting is scheduled for Monday to consider changing the town’s Land Use Ordinance to allow for the development of a solar array.
Published
June 5, 2020

Public hearings scheduled for Kennebec County budget

The Kennebec County Budget Committee will hold virtual public hearings on Tuesday and Thursday before voting on a proposed spending plan that’s up nearly 8.5% more than the current year.
Published
June 4, 2020

Pittston Fair canceled for this year, sets sights on 2021

Pittston is the latest fair to announce its cancellation for this year due to ongoing concern about the spread of COVID-19 in Maine. Organizers say they hope to hold some sort of event in the fall.
Published
June 3, 2020

Gardiner officials mull scaled back budget

The budget proposal that moves forward shaves spending and leaves the door open for grant funds for additional firefighters.