The Boothbay Region Special Olympians have returned victorious from the Maine Winter Special Olympics Games held at Lost Valley / Norway Savings Arena, both in Auburn and Pineland Farms in Pownal, on Feb. 26 and 27.

Alpine events were held at Lost Valley and that was where Boothbay’s athletes competed. Pouring rain canceled the activities on the 27th so changes had to be made with the schedule.

Wiscasset Rod and Gun Club hosted its second annual free kids ice fishing derby Feb. 22. We had a great turnout of families that participated. Kids, parents and grandparents alike enjoyed the free cookies, hot dogs and hot chocolate.

Cash prizes were given out for the three biggest fish in each of the categories. Etta Stockford brought in the largest fish, a 3.66 pound smallmouth bass.

There was also many door prizes that were drawn and given out. The grand prize of an Eskimo double ice shelter,…

It’s not too early or too late to prune your apple trees!

Boothbay Region Land Trust invites you to join us on Thursday, March 20 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Oak Point Farm for Apple Tree Pruning 101. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to refresh your knowledge, this workshop will cover the essential skills for maintaining healthy, productive apple trees.

Wiscasset Middle High School senior Anna Strozier just learned she will be part of the next Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic, including a week's training camp at Central Maine Community College in Auburn, a game eve banquet and the July 19 game.

The Wiscasset Wolverines' Class D South Boys’ quarterfinal game Feb. 15 was all about missed opportunities. Too many turnovers and too many second chance points for Telstar/Gould received due to their offensive rebounds. But, in fact, it really came down to 16 missed free throws in regulation as the Wolverines lost 74-67 in overtime to Telstar/Gould Academy. For the game, Wiscasset made 13 of 29 free throws, and went 2-4 in overtime. 

The Wiscasset Wolverines hope it's "deja vu" all over again Saturday, Feb. 15 when they face No. 3 Telstar/Gould (13-5) in the Class D South Boys' Basketball quarterfinal. Last season, Wiscasset made the tournament for the first time in a decade and advanced to the regional semifinal after an upset quarterfinal win.

The Wiscasset boys' basketball team doesn't play a typical Class D schedule with games intermittently this season against much larger schools. On Jan. 6, Wiscasset lost, 65-64, to the Class C south sixth-place Richmond Bobcats in a road contest. On Jan. 22, Wiscasset lost to Class B Morse, in Bath, 54-31.

The following statement from Wiscasset schools' athletic director, Brandon Rogers, went out to parents, Wiscasset Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kim Andersson said:

"Effective Friday, Jan. 24, the Wiscasset Athletic Department has made the decision to part ways with (Girls Varsity Basketball) Head Coach Daniel Wall. This change comes as part of our ongoing commitment to uplift our athletic programs and support our student body in achieving their fullest potential.

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is looking for a few hale and hearty folks, who love sharing their joy for nature, to assist with education programs and events. Volunteers are needed to maintain an outdoor fire and serve hot cocoa to participants at weekend pop-up sledding events. 

The Coast Guard Academy’s women’s basketball team, the Bears, visited Boothbay Harbor on a snowy Saturday afternoon, Jan. 11, en route to an away game at Maine Maritime Academy. The team’s 14 players and two coaches were greeted at the Boothbay Harbor Coast Guard Station (BHCGS) where they received a tour of the facilities and spoke with active service members about their roles in the Coast Guard. Snow cut their tour of the harbor short, but the team enjoyed the footbridge before heading to the…

Midcoast Conservancy will offer a full moon hike (or snowshoe, if there is snow on the ground) at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson on Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hikers can enjoy a crisp evening illuminated by the glow of the Wolf Moon, named after the howling of hungry wolves lamenting the scarcity of food in midwinter, and discover a new way of being in the woods. At night, sounds become more pronounced; the group will listen for owls and the rustling of nighttime foragers along the trail.…

During school vacation in February, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is offering a three-day session of camp at Coastal Rivers’ Salt Bay Farm in Damariscotta for those who enjoy outdoor adventures such as exploring the outdoors, learning about wildlife, playing games, and building snow creatures. Vacation Camp runs from Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 18-20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

Salt Bay Farm is a favorite local destination for sledding. The big hill behind the parking lot offers a long, fast descent to those with a taste for speed, while the gentler hill behind the farmhouse is just right for a milder ride.

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust naturalist Sarah Gladu will lead a gentle winter walk at Pemaquid Pond Preserve in Bremen from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11.  

The wooded trail is mostly flat, and culminates at a lovely lookout on Pemaquid Pond. On the way, Gladu will point out animal tracks and signs of Maine mammals such as snowshoe hare, porcupine, weasel, white-tailed deer, and fox. 

To say Boothbay Region High School's first indoor track meet of the season went well is an understatement. At the Dec. 20 meet in Gorham, Seahawk athletes placed top five in 12 events, five studentsqualified for the state championships in 10 total events, and the Seahawks broke five school records.

The Seahawks indoor track team has high hopes this year thanks to the returning athletes and influx of fresh faces that bolster a robust roster. Coach Nick Scott said the season is off to a “tremendous start,” partly thanks to the over 30 students that make up the largest team ever.  

Midcoast Conservancy is providing affordable, quality cross-country ski leases of high quality skis, boots, and poles for kids and adults. After being sized for the gear at one of three fitting sessions, skiers keep their gear for as long as the snow lasts, so they can ski on great equipment wherever and whenever they want. 

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust naturalist Sarah Gladu will lead a hike at Keyes Woods Preserve in Bristol from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13.

The trail at Keyes Woods Preserve follows a meandering route through the forest, along a hemlock-shaded stream and down to the shores of the Pemaquid River. Gladu will offer tips on identifying trees in winter and point out signs of animals preparing for winter.

Former Boothbay Region High School standout basketball player, Bobby Deetjen of Boothbay Harbor, was recently inducted into the University of Maine at Farmington Hall of Fame. He and four others were honored at a ceremony on Nov. 22 at UMF.

Now that the trees are bare, and some mornings start off frostily, Midcoast Conservancy is offering a variety of ways to explore the changing landscape and light at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson.