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jili macao cc United States 7-Year Note Auction: 4.183% vs previous 4.215%MONACO — Canadians Alex Tessier, Sophie de Goede and Laetitia Royer have been named to World Rugby's Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year. Canada sevens captain Olivia Apps, meanwhile, was selected to World Rugby's Women’s Sevens Dream Team. The women's 15s world all-star squad also featured six players from top-ranked England and three from No. 2 New Zealand. The other three came from the U.S., Ireland and France. Tessier was also a finalist for the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year award won by England fullback Ellie Kildunne. France's Pauline Bourdon Sansus and England's Alex Matthews were the other finalists. Tessier won her 50th cap in 2024 and, playing at inside centre alongside fly half Claire Gallagher, led the Canada women to a historic first-ever victory over New Zealand to win the 2024 Pacific Four Series in May. The 22-19 comeback victory lifted Canada into second place in the women’s world rankings, its highest position since November 2016. Tessier's strong kicking game was also key for Canada. The 31-year-old from Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, Que., scored 27 points in starting all six matches for Canada in 2024 to up her career total to 48 points (including five tries) in 54 appearances. Tessier plays professionally in England for the Exeter Chiefs. De Goede made the all-star team despite tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in training in June. A finalist for the Women's Player of the Year award in 2022, the Victoria back-rower plays in England for Saracens. Royer, from Loretteville, Que., is a second-row forward who plays in France for ASM Romagnat. Top-ranked South Africa dominated the men's 15s all-star squad with seven players represented. Ireland had four players with New Zealand three and Argentina one. --- World Rugby's 15s Dream Teams of the Year Women 1. Hope Rogers (U.S.); 2. Georgia Ponsonby (New Zealand); 3. Maud Muir (England); 4. Zoe Aldcroft (England); 5. Laetitia Royer (Canada) ; 6. Aoife Wafer (Ireland)' 7. Sophie de Goede (Canada) ; 8. Alex Matthews (England); 9. Pauline Bourdon Sansus (France); 10. Holly Aitchison (England); 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (New Zealand); 12. Alex Tessier (Canada) ; 13. Sylvia Brunt (New Zealand); 14. Abby Dow (England); 15. Ellie Kildunne (England). Men 1. Ox Nche (South Africa); 2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa); 3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand); 4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa); 5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland); 6. Pablo Matera (Argentina); 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa); 8. Caelan Doris (Ireland); 9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland); 10. Damian McKenzie (New Zealand); 11. James Lowe (Ireland); 12. Damian de Allende (South Africa); 13. Jesse Kriel (South Africa); 14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa); 15. Will Jordan (New Zealand). World Rugby Sevens Dreams Team of the Year Women Olivia Apps (Canada) , Michaela Blyde (New Zealand), Kristi Kirshe (U.S.), Maddison Levi (Australia), Ilona Maher (U.S.), Jorja Miller (New Zealand), Séraphine Okemba (France). Men Selvyn Davids (South Africa), Antoine Dupont (France), Aaron Grandidier Nkanang (France), Terry Kennedy (Ireland), Nathan Lawson (Australia), Ponipate Loganimasi (Fiji), Matías Osadczuk (Argentina). This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024. The Canadian Press

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged his cabinet to approve a temporary U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement that would put a pause to the fighting with Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. On Tuesday, Scripps News spoke with former U.N. Ambassador and former National Security Adviser John Bolton about the possible agreement and its implications. Bolton said he didn't believe the agreement would cause long-lasting changes in the conflict. "The duration of the cease-fire is 60 days, meaning that it takes the government of Israel out of the Biden administration, into the Trump administration, where they expect to have a more favorable audience," Bolton said. "The provisions of the cease-fire agreement do allow Israel to take military action during this 60-day period if Hezbollah tries to infiltrate back into southern Lebanon, which I think is very highly likely." RELATED STORY | Israel's Netanyahu voices support for ceasefire deal with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon "There's some optics here, there's some American politics involved, because Netanyahu and the Israelis fear that the Biden administration may do something negative on their way out the door," Bolton told Scripps News. "I think it's a temporary accommodation and one that's really very shaky, even from the beginning." It’s not clear if the ceasefire could affect the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which is a separate conflict. Also in the interview, Bolton spoke about the possibility of new North American tariffs under the incoming Trump administration, as well as the national security implications of some of President-elect Trump's cabinet nominations. Watch the full interview with Bolton in the attached video.Vanquishing Bears, Thanksgiving losing streak tops Lions' holiday list

Mum and son were doing what they loved before tragedy struckA federal judge has blocked Kroger ’s $24.6 billion acquisition of Albertsons on Tuesday (Dec. 10) , citing concerns that the deal would reduce competition in the U.S. grocery market, Bloomberg reported. U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson ruled in favor of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which had argued that the merger would harm consumers by reducing competition, particularly through inadequate divestitures of stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers . Nelson found that the divestitures were not substantial enough to replace the competitive loss and warned that some of the divested stores could close or lose sales. “There is ample evidence that the divestiture is not sufficient in scale to adequately compete with the merged firm and is structured in a way that will significantly disadvantage C&S as a competitor,” Nelson wrote . “The deficiencies in the divestiture scope and structure create a risk that some or all of the divested stores will lose sales or close, as has happened in past C&S acquisitions.” Despite the setback, Kroger shares rose 6.1%, while Albertsons’ stock dropped 10%. The ruling likely signals the end of the two-year-long merger attempt , with Kroger and Albertsons likely turning their attention back to improving their existing operations. Kroger, which has about 2,750 stores, will focus on investing in its network, while Albertsons may seek other strategic options, including potentially becoming a new acquisition target. The proposed merger, which was first announced in 2022 , sought to create a formidable competitor to nonunion rivals like Walmart . The deal, however, faced pushback from politicians, unions, and consumer groups, Bloomberg reported . Critics argued that it would harm consumers by reducing grocery store options and increasing prices. The FTC contended that the merger would lessen competition in the supermarket sector, which the judge agreed with, rejecting the companies’ argument that the market extended to online retailers like Amazon . When Kroger announced its third-quarter earnings Dec. 5, CEO Rodney McMullen was adamant the merger would receive approval. “The food industry has always been competitive and will continue to be after this merger,” McMullen stated . “We are committed to closing this merger because bringing Kroger and Albertsons together will provide meaningful and measurable benefits — lower prices, secure jobs and expanded access to fresh, affordable food — for customers, associates and communities across the country.”None

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Syrian rebels topple President Assad, PM calls for free electionsLIVERPOOL: Arne Slot can seemingly do no wrong as Liverpool manager but uncertainty over the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold is casting a shadow over a spectacular season. Liverpool head into Wednesday’s heavyweight Champions League clash against Real Madrid top of the table in Europe and eight points clear in the Premier League thanks to a near flawless start from Slot. The Dutchman has won 16 of his 18 matches to make light of a predicted hangover after Jurgen Klopp’s emotional farewell at the end of last season. Salah, 32, has spearheaded the flying start with 12 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. Yet the Egyptian further fuelled speculation over where he will be next season after scoring twice to beat Southampton 3-2 on Sunday, saying he is “more out than in”. Salah, captain Van Dijk and homegrown hero Alexander-Arnold, 26, are out of contract at the end of the season and can begin speaking to foreign clubs in just over a month’s time. Van Dijk, 33, revealed last month he has started talks about extending his deal. Alexander-Arnold could be facing his future employers in midweek, with Madrid understood to be keen on making him their next big-name signing to arrive for free. Score to settle Rather than destabilizing Slot’s start to life at Anfield, the chance for potentially one last shot at glory has galvanized Liverpool’s old guard. “I’m just playing, focusing on the season and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well,” said Salah. The Egypt international is among those with a score to settle with the Spanish giants, who have won the competition 15 times compared with Liverpool’s tally of six. Liverpool have failed to win in their past eight meetings with Madrid, including two Champions League finals, in 2018 and 2022. Salah was forced off with his arm in a sling after being wrestled to the ground by Sergio Ramos in the 2018 final and denied several times by the brilliance of Thibaut Courtois in Paris four years later. This time Liverpool appear primed to exact their revenge against a Madrid side beset by injuries and struggling to find the right balance since the arrival of French superstar Kylian Mbappe. A hamstring injury to Vinicius Junior has added to Carlo Ancelotti’s woes, with defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao ruled out for the season. The European champions are far more desperate for the points after losing two of their four games so far. Liverpool are sitting pretty with a perfect return of 12 points. Madrid’s visit may not even be the biggest game at Anfield this week for the hosts as struggling Premier League champions Manchester City are next up on Sunday with the chance for Slot’s men to land a fatal blow in the title race. Yet there is a thirst on Merseyside for their new manager to do what Klopp failed to achieve in six matches against Madrid and get one over on Real’s superstars. “We indeed have incredible fixtures coming up,” said the former Feyenoord boss on facing Madrid and City over the course of five days. “They are two teams who have dominated football the last few years.” With an uncertain future, Liverpool are thriving off living in the moment.- AFPNone

Traffic citations against Dolphins' Hill dismissed after officers no-show at hearingBy LOLITA BALDOR and FATIMA HUSSEIN WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has chosen Keith Kellogg, a highly decorated retired three-star general, to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, who is one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an “America First” national security agenda for the incoming administration, will come into the role as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year in February. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social account, and said “He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” Kellogg, an 80 year-old retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , was chief of staff of the National Security Council and then stepped in as an acting security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned. As special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Kellogg will have to navigate an increasingly untenable war between the two nations. The Biden administration has begun urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilization laws to allow for the conscription of troops as young as 18. The White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more to Kyiv before Biden leaves office in less than months. Trump has criticized the billions that the Biden administration has poured into Ukraine. Washington has recently stepped up weapons shipments and has forgiven billions in loans provided to Kyiv. The incoming Republican president has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. As a co-chairman of the American First Policy Institute’s Center for American Security, Kellogg wrote several of the chapters in the group’s policy book. The book, like the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” is a move to lay out a Trump national security agenda and avoid the mistakes of 2016 when he entered the White House largely unprepared. Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” Related Articles Trump’s proposed national security advisor U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) tweeted Wednesday that “Keith has dedicated his life to defending our great country and is committed to bringing the war in Ukraine to a peaceful resolution.” Kellogg was a character in multiple Trump investigations dating to his first term. He was among the administration officials who listened in on the July 2019 call between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which Trump prodded his Ukrainian counterpart to pursue investigations into the Bidens. The call, which Kellogg would later say did not raise any concerns on his end, was at the center of the first of two House impeachment cases against Trump, who was acquitted by the Senate both times. On Jan. 6, 2021, hours before pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Kellogg, who was then Pence’s national security adviser, listened in on a heated call in which Trump told his vice president to object or delay the certification in Congress of President Joe Biden ’s victory. He later told House investigators that he recalled Trump saying to Pence words to the effect of: “You’re not tough enough to make the call.” Baldor reported from Washington. AP writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.

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As much as Scott Drew wants his team to get fully healthy — and he actually said he was putting that on top of his Christmas wish list — he’s grateful to have depth. Baylor point guard Jeremy Roach missed the Bears’ 88-57 home win over Abilene Christian on Monday, as he hasn’t cleared concussion protocol following his head injury in the UConn game. Roach has been dubbed day-to-day by Baylor basketball staffers, but with a quick turnaround for the Bears’ next game against Norfolk State on Wednesday morning, it might be a surprise if he saw the court in that one, too. Drew has repeatedly preached the importance of having all his guys back in the mix. The veteran coach believes that in order for the Bears (6-3) to maximize their potential, they need time on the practice court and in games playing together. That said, if Roach misses Wednesday’s game, Baylor shouldn’t experience much dropoff with freshman Robert Wright III manning the point. Wright hasn’t looked like a shaky freshman this season. The 6-1 guard out of Philadelphia, who played his senior year of high school at the prestigious basketball prep school Montverde Academy in Florida, exudes a cool, calm demeanor. He’s especially adept at getting around defenders and finishing at the basket with floaters and finger rolls, aiding his 12.6-point scoring average. Baylor senior guard Jayden Nunn said he didn’t notice much difference on Monday night, with Wright starting in place of Roach. “I would say with Rob, I know he’s young, so just trying to give him confidence all the time, encourage him,” Nunn said. “When you’re young sometimes you make mistakes and get down on yourself, but Rob is a great guy. I love him. That’s my guy, and I like playing with Rob, so I feel like there was no difference for me. He’s a great guy, and he brings it in practice all the time.” Drew loves what he’s seen from Wright all season. The blue-chip guard is shooting 49.4% from the field and has an assist-to-turnover ratio of better than 2-to-1. However, the coach said that RW3’s greatest growth spurt has come on the other end of the court. “Rob’s been really good for us all year,” Drew said. “The area that people might not see as much in improvement that we’ve noticed seeing him day in and day out in practice is his defensive rotations, his off-ball defense and his on-ball defense. He’s become more disruptive on the ball, and off the ball he’s in the right gaps. He’s getting to help, so he’s doing a great job affecting the game on both sides of the court, so hopefully that continues.” While Roach missed the ACU game with an excused absence, Baylor benefited from the return of freshman guard VJ Edgecombe. While Edgecombe’s perimeter shot remains a work in progress — he’s shooting only 24.2% on his 33 attempts from 3-point range — his overall energy and hustle could never be denied. Against the Wildcats on Monday, Edgecombe scored 14 points, snatched six rebounds and scooped up four steals, while delighting the home crowd with a couple of flashy dunks. “On the fast break every time he dunks the ball I’m celebrating for him, because I feel like that’s what the fans come to see and that’s what our team and coaches want, because that’s a momentum play for us,” center Josh Ojianwuna said. “It keeps us motivated to keep going.” “Bet,” chimed in Nunn, which could be translated as “Agreed” in the parlance of Gen Z. Norfolk State (6-4) isn’t an entirely unfamiliar foe for Baylor, even coming from the MEAC. The Bears and Spartans actually played in the first round of the 2022 NCAA tournament, with Baylor taking an 85-49 win. Then they faced off again in November of the 2022-23 season, with the Bears capturing an 87-70 victory at the Ferrell Center. Baylor will mark the second Power 4 opponent that Robert Jones’ team has played this season. The Spartans fell to Stanford, 70-63, on Nov. 20 in California. (Formerly a Pac-12 school, Stanford has since moved to the ACC.) The Bears will try to put the clamps on Norfolk’s Brian Moore Jr., which may be easier said than done. The 6-2 graduate student guard averages 20.0 points per game while shooting a staggering 60.2% from the floor. Moore has scored in double figures in all 10 of the Spartans’ games and has hit fewer than half of his shots in only two of those games, one of which was a 7-for-15 effort (46.7%) against Grand Canyon. Wednesday’s game will tip at 11 a.m., Baylor’s earliest scheduled start time of the season. It isn’t a so-called “Scream Game,” where the elementary students take over, but it should still have a school’s-out-for-winter-type feel. Baylor is billing it as a “Study Break” game for its students who are going through their semester final exams. “We’ve just got to get off to a great start,” Nunn said. “We’ll be early that morning, an early workout, just getting up early, getting the sleep out of our eyes. I remember when we played Houston (last season), it was no different, so we’re going to treat it the same way. Come out here and play hard, just be thankful that we’re playing in the Foster against them.” Bear Facts Baylor’s win over ACU Monday gave Drew his 450th career win at Baylor. He also won 20 games in his one year as Valparaiso’s head coach, likely putting him within reach of his 500th head coaching win sometime next season. ... Nunn is shooting a career-high 52.9% on 3-pointers, aided by an offseason where he said he shot upward of 500 3s per day. ... Following the game against Norfolk, Baylor won’t play again until Dec. 27 against Arlington Baptist, its final nonconference game. Tipoff: 11 a.m. Wednesday Site: Foster Pavilion Records: BU 6-3, Norfolk 6-4 TV: ESPN+ Radio: 92.3 FM/1660 AM Series: BU leads 4-0 Last meeting: BU 87-70, Nov. 11, 2022 in Waco Be the first to know Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

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DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of ordinary shares of ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ: ASML) between January 24, 2024 and October 15, 2024 , both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important January 13, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. So what: If you purchased ASML Holding N.V. ordinary shares during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the ASML Holding N.V. class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31159 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 13 , 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the issues being faced by suppliers, like ASML, in the semiconductor industry were much more severe than defendants had indicated to investors; (2) the pace of recovery of sales in the semiconductor industry was much slower than defendants had publicly acknowledged; (3) defendants had created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to customer demand and anticipated growth, while also downplaying risk from macroeconomic and industry fluctuations, as well as stronger regulations restricting the export of semiconductor technology, including the products that ASML sells; and (4) as a result, defendants' statements about ASML's business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the ASML Holding N.V. class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31159 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asml-investors-have-opportunity-to-lead-asml-holding-nv-securities-fraud-lawsuit-302327940.html SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.

JANUARY Skaters from around the region are seen Saturday afternoon, Jan. 6, at the ice skating rink at Kineowatha Park in Wilton. It is the first outdoor rink to open this winter after flooding and winds from the December storm damaged rinks in Farmington and Weld. File photo/Livermore Falls Advertiser The year began with rainy weather. Weather conditions at the beginning of 2024 impacted ice skating rinks in the area, with two opening later than usual. “The wind was powerful, blew off the siding of the ice rink,” Mt. Blue State Park Director Casey Smedberg told The Franklin Journal. The rink was scheduled to open two weeks later. Farmington selectmen on Jan. 9 approved using $35,444.46 in funds carried over from the 2023 Police Department’s personnel budget to purchase and install security cameras in the interview room at the police station at 116 Franklin Ave. The department’s previous cameras were inherited from Walmart and were no longer functioning correctly. They invested the money in a cloud-based system. Erica LaCroix, the new town manager for Farmington. Submitted photo The Franklin Journal asked several questions of Erica LaCroix , who took over as Farmington town manager in mid-December 2022, regarding her decision to seek the position and what she brings to it. LaCroix said that she liked the appeal of the town, the community and diversity. She was nervous to work in a town meeting style of government for the first time, but she brought many strengths and goals to the table. The Maine Department of Transportation announced that the bridge on Pond Road going over Wilson Stream in Wilton would be getting a replacement sometime in 2025. The project was estimated to be completed starting in June and ending sometime in November. The age and condition of the bridge were large factors in the decision. Farmington selectmen on Jan. 9, approved transferring Recreation Department funds to two other accounts and accepted a $100 donation to be used by the department for supplies. The Hippach Field Reserve Account received $1,800 and Vehicles and Equipment received $2,000. Some of the money was used to make reparations after flooding. Farmington selectmen were given an overview of the draft budget for 2024 , initially up $762,719 or 5.3% over previous spending at their meeting on Jan. 23. The proposed budget with county and school taxes was about $15.15 million. The Regional School Unit 9 [RSU 9] board of directors voted on Jan. 23, not to pursue the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate program , which would provide a rebate towards electric school buses for every diesel bus that meets the criteria of the program. “The district would have to come up with $671,000 and my recommendation would be not to do this,” Elkington told the board. “It’s just too cost prohibitive at this time, especially when we’re looking at this future budget.” FEBRUARY The Town of Farmington hired KRT Appraisal to complete a full revaluation. Two public information sessions were set to be held in early April on the revaluation that will reflect market value as of April 1, 2025. The plan included five steps, one of which was collecting data from homeowners. Joel Smith, left, interim principal of Mt. Blue High School, shares his administrative report Jan. 23 with directors of Regional School Unit 9. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to name him principal of the school. File photo/The Franklin Journal Multiple RSU 9 principals, reported the continued success of BARR [Building Asset, Reducing Risk] in their academic programs to the RSU 9 board of directors at their meeting on Jan. 23. Noticeable improvements were seen throughout the district, however there was a slight increase in failure rates. Farmington selectmen, at their Jan. 23 meeting, authorized Town Manager Erica LaCroix to write a letter of support for Community Concepts’ affordable housing program. “Community Concepts, through the USDA-Rural Development program they provide funding for first time homeowners,” LaCroix said. “Specifically for low-income type housing. It doesn’t obligate the town to anything, adds our name as supporting the effort.” Discovery of a brain tumor, unknown connections and a feel good story resulted from one stranger’s concern for someone he didn’t know. On Jan. 28, Jeff Mumma, 51, of Mercer wrote a post on the Farmington, Maine Area: News & Community Facebook page hoping to find the individual. “On April 18, 2022, you followed me from Farmington where I work to Mercer to inform me that you called me into the police for erratically driving my truck. It shook me that that would happen so I had my wife take me to the ER because I was sober and was going to get my daughter,” Mumma wrote. A brain tumor pushing on the part of the brain that controls balance and judgment was discovered, he wrote. RSU 9 Director Rich Ruhlin addressed the board at the meeting on Feb. 13 , regarding previous discussions with the Mt. Blue High School All Sports Boosters in their efforts to fundraise money to replace the grass surface on Caldwell Field with synthetic turf, among other efforts. Ruhlin continued to say the boosters were “disappointed” and are “frustrated by the lack of clarity and direction” coming from the RSU 9 board of directors as to what they should be doing moving forward. The board voted to allow fundraising to begin. Richard Johnson of Industry gases up Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the Irving/Circle K, 309 Main Street in Farmington. Flooded during the December 2023 storm, only those using cards are able to get gas. An attempt to learn when the store might reopen was not successful. File photo/Livermore Falls Advertiser Businesses along stretches of Main Street and Wilton Road in Farmington where flooding took place during the December 2023 storm experienced a wide array of damages and possible re-opening plans. “There was probably well over four feet of water out back, eight to ten inches inside the store and garage,” said Jill Davis Boulette, one of the owners of Good Times Unlimited. Farmington selectmen on Feb. 13 moved to pay $66,000 for a skid steer and $49,751.56 for a plow truck for the sewer/wastewater department after the flood damaged them. A plow truck also had to be replaced. The town was to receive $19,996 from insurance for the truck. Farmington selectmen at the meeting on Feb. 13, heard Community Center roof restoration updates and discussed alternative uses for American Rescue Plan Act [ARPA] funds in case the roof project did not meet required deadlines. As the board figured out prices and searched for companies, time was running out. MARCH A request for a Credit Enhancement Agreement [CEA] for a proposed housing project would be considered at a future Selectboard meeting , it was decided at the Feb. 27 meeting. Avesta Housing was planning an affordable senior housing project called Edgewater at 126 Willow Springs Drive in Farmington. The request was put on hold. RSU 9 Superintendent Christian Elkington shared a growing concern with the number of children in the care of their grandparents with the board of directors on Feb. 27. He shared an article that stated that grandparents that are in care of their grandchildren are met with high rates of food insecurity and SNAP participation, as well as having double the poverty rate of the general population of older adults. Elkington said that the school needs to be mindful of this. Charlie Woodworth of the Franklin County Broadband Initiative told the Wilton Select Board on March 5 that joint investments in broadband were “coming to fruition.” Wilton closed a deal with Consolidated Communications Inc. [CCI] which would allow the company to take over the grant from the Maine Connectivity Authority [MCA] from Matrix Design Group. CCI announced it would be building the Fidium Fiber network in Wilton as well as Livermore, Livermore Falls, Chesterville, Dixfield, Fayette and Jay regions. Elliott MacGregor and his grandfather Cliff Boynton, both of Jay pet Bill Saturday afternoon, March 9, during the Fire and Ice Festival in Farmington. Bill is owned by Jesse Seavey of Seavey Farm in North Anson. File photo /Livermore Falls Advertiser Lack of snow forced cancellation of some events planned for the Farmington Fire and Ice Festival. Sledding, tubing, sleigh and dog sled rides had to be deleted this year, John Moore, owner of Narrow Gauge Cinemas texted on March 5. “Just not enough snow,” he noted. Some planned events that still went on included cookie decorating, an ice sculpture demonstration, and a free movie. The RSU 9 board of directors voted unanimously after an executive session on March 12 to name Joel Smith as the principal for Mt. Blue High School [MBHS] for the 2024-2025 school year. He was interim principal for a year after previous Principal Monique Poulin stepped up to become assistant superintendent of instruction, curriculum, and grants. Smith signed a two year contract. Farmington selectmen on March 12 took no action on local contributions to a state retirement program for part-time firefighters . Length of Service Award Program [LOSAP] is a state and federal retirement program for part-time firefighters that municipalities may contribute to. Selectmen wanted more information before pursuing. Selectman Stephan Bunker was concerned that the longer they waited, the less benefits part-time firefighters would receive. The Wilton Board of Selectpersons voted on March 19 to increase the sewer rates for the town by 8% . Water and Wastewater Superintendent Dalton Plante stated at the meeting the rate increase could be attributed to three factors; union contract negotiations, the allocation of an additional $15,000 to offset PFAS sludge removal costs, and inflation. Some maple producers had noticed a lower sugar level in sap , which was resulting in more sap used during production and darker maple syrup. Wilton Selectperson David Leavitt, owner of Long Drive Acres Maple Farm, noted that the sugar levels in the sap were lower than usual. Typically, it takes roughly 40 gallons of maple sap to produce the normal yields, Leavitt said. This year, however, he used 70 gallons to match their normal sugar content. Farmington selectmen on March 26 approved using $20,000 in American Rescue Plan Act [ARPA] funds for a construction service agreement to determine cost and scope of repairs for the Community Center roof. In February 2022, selectmen approved using ARPA funds that had not been committed, about $700,000 for roof repairs. In October 2023, two bids for the work were rejected , the second time bids were requested for the project. There were concerns about replacing the roof between cost and risk of interior damage. The Farmington town meeting on March 25 saw a report of municipal election results, two people recognized for their years of service to the town, and all articles passing with only a few questions raised . Matthew Smith received 159 votes for a three-year term on the Select Board. For the RSU 9 director positions, Gloria McGraw received 164 votes for a three-year term and J. Wayne Kinney 163 for a one-year term. Bunker was recognized and thanked for 52 years of service to Farmington. Lloyd Smith received an award and gift upon his retirement from the Budget Committee. He was a member for 25 years. APRIL Farmington selectmen at their March 26 meeting approved renewing two agreements with Industry , one for fire services and one for bulky waste/recycling. The agreement, which runs from April 1 to March 31 [to coincide with annual town meetings] included payments from Industry of $10,000 to cover administrative services plus $20,000 to provide emergency response to calls and daily duties. Mt. Blue senior Levi Bogar, seen here on Tuesday, April 2, is the school’s recipient of the Maine Principals’ Association Principal’s Award. Bogar shared that his dad, Foster CTE pre-engineering teacher Jake Bogar, also won the award in 1993. File photo /Franklin Journal Mt. Blue High School chose Levi Bogar to receive the 2024 Principal’s Award , an honor he shares with his father Jake Bogar, who won the same award in 1993 at Mt. Blue. Principal Joel Smith shared the announcement on March 29, and he, Bogar, and the other award recipients with their respective principals were to attend an honors luncheon at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer on April 6. Bogar was “a well-rounded student, demonstrating both academic excellence and athletic prowess” according to Smith. After another lengthy debate, the RSU 9 board of directors voted on April 9 to form a Turf Committee with the purpose of updating Caldwell Field. A report estimated costs for the field at $1,672,697.72. The cost included $694,479.98 for site preparation and landscaping work, $97,227.20 for construction, and $880,990.55 for material costs. It also stated in the report that the turf committee has a completion goal set for 2026. Farmington selectmen on April 9 approved using $10,000 from the Judith Bjorn donation to convert Philbrick Park in Farmington Falls to a multi-use Little League and softball field. The need for a municipally owned softball field was brought to the attention of Matthew Foster, director of Parks/Recreation. Foster said the three available fields at University of Maine at Farmington, Mt. Blue High School and the middle school are heavily used, those teams have priority. Foster said the project would be easy. The RSU 9 administration presented the budget for the 2024/2025 fiscal year at a district budget meeting on April 11 . The proposed budget came to a total of $45,155,670, an increase of $3,445,002 from the previous year’s budget. Elkington emphasized the use of Balance-Forward funds that would be used to offset certain increases among the different budget items. The Balance-Forward plan is made of previous budget savings by applying a three-year system-plan to reduce possible tax increases. Volunteer Sherry Jenckes, at right, helps sign out medical equipment Tuesday from the medical lending effort at the Old South Church in Farmington. File photo Old South Church of Farmington houses Annie’s Beanpole , a medical equipment lending library, it was reported. Through this service, the church supplies medical equipment free of charge to those in need. Borrowers sign the waiver and the equipment can be used for as long as needed. Sherry Jenckes, a volunteer, said the inventory includes crutches, walkers, hospital bed rails, wheelchairs, ramps, shower seats, grab bars, tub rails, glucometers and more. Farmington selectmen on April 23 approved crosswalk art to be applied in 2025 as part of the local Rotary’s centennial celebration . Rotary would supply the paint in accordance with any rules and regulations from Department of Transportation or the town, Lisa Laflin, a Rotarian and owner of Wears and Wares, said. “One specially designated crosswalk would be designed and painted by youth,” Said Laflin. The Wilton Board of Selectpersons voted unanimously on April 23, to accept a correction that was made for the water budget that was submitted earlier this year. The correct total for the water department’s budget for the upcoming 2024/2025 fiscal year is $713,879. The total was originally set for $711,580 and was accepted by the Select Board at a meeting in February . According to Town Manager Maria Greeley, the incorrect number was a clerical error and did not affect any of the items budgeted for the water department. MAY Farmington selectmen on April 23 approved the Wastewater/Sewer Department’s $1.24 million budget for 2024 and voted to use the same rates as the previous year. The rate per quarter was $48 for a minimum of 500 cubic feet and $9.60 per 100 cubic feet thereafter. “The overall budget increase is 2.02%,” Town Manager Erica LaCroix said. As was done for other departments, some capital reserve accounts were moved, she noted. That lowered the operating budget for non-personnel by three percent, she stated. “Most of the budget is largely status quo,” she added. Pay rates for employees were about the only thing that changed, Director Stephen Millett said. RSU 9 and GATE teacher Sandra Jamison, center, talks about H.E.L.P. project, which got Brennan Tibbetts, Emily Roy and Maple Corey an honorable mention from ExploraVision competition. From left to right, Toshiba Rep. Tim Strange, Jamison, Tibbetts, Roy and Corey. File photo /Franklin Journal Seven Cascade Brook School [CBS] students were recognized in a ceremony at the school on April 25 for their participation in ExploraVision, a science competition that challenges kids to come up with viable solutions to real world problems. Designed for students K-12, ExploraVision engages students to tackle problem solving in the real-world using STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics]. One of the projects done by CBS students was titled H.E.L.P, which stands for ‘Helping Everyone Live Perfectly’, an earpiece that a user would wear and receive active medical data and relay that information to them. The group’s project earned them an honorable mention for placing in the top 10% of the 2,000 teams that entered nationally. Farmington selectmen at their meeting on April 23 accepted the $24,235 bid from Fowler’s Roofing of Gardiner to replace shingles on 11 buildings at Hippach Field. For the project, $18,667.82 was available from the Peter Mills Hippach Trust, Foster said. The remaining balance of $5,567.18 would come from the Hippach Field Capital Reserve Account which had a balance of $19,499.85, he said. The Kingfield Selectmen meeting on May 6, was packed as Superintendent Laura Columbia presented the proposed 2024-25 budget for Maine School Administrative District [MSAD] #58. Columbia presented goals for reading levels, communication, and facilities. “This year’s budget, we are looking at an overall increase of 3.06%,” Columbia said, which also included adult education. The total including the adult education cost of $22,439 was $11,907,914. Franklin County Teacher of the Year Vickie Lailer stands with her second-grade class next to the W. G. Mallett marquee on Monday, May 13. Lailer said her class was very supportive of her throughout the process. Submitted Photo Vickie Lailer, second-grade teacher at W.G. Mallett School, was named the Franklin County Teacher of the Year . Lailer and the other 15 teachers, chosen out of 630 nominated teachers, were honored at the Maine State House on Thursday, May 9, where she and her colleagues received a plaque from Gov. Janet Mills and got one-on-one time with Education Commissioner Pender Makin. Lailer taught for 15 years before receiving the award. Police and Fire Rescue personnel were recognized at the Farmington selectmen meeting on May 15 for efforts undertaken during a fire at 513 Holley Road on Feb. 23. Homeowners Mary and Doug Dunlap were asleep when the fire broke out , were awakened by fire detectors. Neighbors called in the fire and then-police officer Rex Schweighofer was first on the scene. There was some damage, but the house was saved. RSU 9 had the $45 million budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year approved at the annual budget meeting on May 21 . Presented were 22 articles and all passed. The overall budget saw an 8.26% increase over the previous year. However, taxpayers were only accountable for 4.45%, with the remaining increases covered by the district’s Balance-Forward account. Hudson Ramos, 10, of Cub Scout Pack 585 and Tim Callahan of Roderick-Crosby American Legion Post 28 in Farmington place a wreath Monday, May 27, in front of the veterans’ honor roll at Meeting House Park in Farmington. Four wreaths were placed at veterans’ monuments in the park. Paul Harnden played taps during the Memorial Day ceremony. File photo /Franklin Journal Despite consistent rain, over a hundred Franklin County residents were in attendance at Farmington’s Memorial Day services held at the Teague World War I Memorial Arch and Meeting House Park on May 27. Services included speeches from members of the Farmington community and four ceremonial wreathes that were placed at the WWI Memorial Arch, the World War II Veterans Honor Roll, the Civil War Monument, and the Monument to All Wars by members of Roderick-Crosby American Legion Post 28, Cub Scout Pack 585, and Boy Scout Troop 546. The Village Enhancement Committee [VEC], established in 2011 by Cynthia Orcutt through the Village Enhancement Plan, met with the Kingfield Select Board on May 20 to discuss its responsibilities. Town Manager Leanna Targett addressed recent issues surrounding communication and protocol within the VEC. “As you know, you all got an email from me talking about rights and responsibilities, to sort of ‘reign’ them [VEC] in,” Targett said. Referencing an instance where the committee demanded the use of a particular contractor, Targett said, “Mark’s great and all, but that is just not professional.” Better communication was a highlight of the meeting. JUNE The Wilton Select Board on June 4 discussed a request from Dixfield Town Manager Alicia Conn for police services . “We just need more information before we are going to spend any more time on researching and putting numbers together and presenting to you all,” Wilton police Chief Ethan Kyes said. Farmington selectmen on May 28 approved a new tree ordinance which voters would consider when the next town meeting was to be held. The ordinance was brought up multiple times at previous meetings before gaining approval. “It is one of those things,” Selectman Matthew Smith said. “We have to have one in order to keep the Tree City USA [designation].” At the Farmington Select Board meeting on June 11 Town Manager Erica LaCroix said she would set a special meeting prior to the strategic planning meeting for Franklin County scheduled for June 25 to go over topics that should be addressed at that meeting. LaCroix discussed roles and expectations placed on the county and town. Select Board members from left, Justin Vachon, Kenneth Bubier, Janet White, Eugene Caton and town manager Maureen Haley vote Saturday at the annual town meeting in Phillips. File photo /Franklin Journal Voters weighed in on the local school district budget June 11 , and also agreed to zoning changes that would pave the way for new housing to be built. The proposed Maine School Administrative District 58 budget of $11,885,475 represented a 3.06% increase from the previous budget. Kingfield’s portion was $2,107,864, which amounted to a $228,946 – or 12.19% – increase from the 2023-24 budget. Kingfield voters also reviewed Jordan Ventures’ contract zoning application for two proposed four-unit apartment buildings at 47 West Kingfield Road, which necessitated changes to setback and density regulations. Voters approved the measure 143 to 52. More than 60 residents of Phillips gathered at the Phillips Area Community Center on June 15 to vote on a proposed $1.4 million municipal budget and the future of the town’s fire station, passing all 41 articles. The budget, which represented a 3.4% increase from the previous year passed without significant opposition. An expensive research buoy that went missing from its usual location on Wilson Lake sometime last winter was found . The buoy was connected to cables with sensors that recorded data about water quality. The information showed changes in the lake’s health, which could impact plant and fish life, Sandy Muller, president of Friends of Wilson Lake said. The buoy was located at the very far end of the lake where Wilson Stream comes in, Muller said. Farmington selectmen on June 25, approved $5,081.59 for purchase of a software system that would help track performance of new hires, provide a direct link to department policies/procedures and track performance evaluations. Police Chief Kenneth Charles said the new program could help mitigate risks, there could be cost savings in the long run. Gov. Janet Mills, left, participates in the ribbon-cutting ceremony June 25 at The Bjorn Center for Career and Technical Education at Mt. Blue Middle School in Farmington. The $3.17 million facility will allow students to begin exploring careers in the trades and developing lifelong skills that they can continue to strengthen at the Foster CTE Center at Mt. Blue High School. From left are Mills, Regional School Unit 9 Superintendent Christian Elkington behind Mills, namesake Dick Bjorn, school board Chairwoman Dee Robinson and Middle School Principal James Black. File photo /Franklin Journal Gov. Janet Mills attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 25 to celebrate the opening of the new Bjorn Center for Career and Technical Education [CTE] at Mt. Blue Middle School. The event marked a significant milestone for the local community, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities in trades such as wood and metal work, robotics and culinary arts. The Bjorn Center , named after Farmington businessman Dick Bjorn , was made possible through his generous $2.8 million donation. Comments are not available on this story. 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NYC judge excuses Rudy Giuliani lawyers, refuses to delay trial amid courtroom outburst from ex-mayorBoeing is resuming production of its bestselling plane, the 737 Max, for the first time since 33,000 workers began a seven-week strike that ended in early November. The company said Tuesday that plane-building resumed at its plant in Renton, Washington, after going through a process of training workers and identifying and fixing potential problems. Boeing shares rose 4.5%, their best single-day percentage gain in nearly four months. Production and deliveries of Max jets and another airline plane, the 787 Dreamliner, have been stopped several times in recent years to fix manufacturing flaws. “Our team has worked methodically to restart factory operations in the Pacific Northwest. We have now resumed 737 production in our Renton factory, with our Everett (Washington) programs on plan to follow in the days ahead,” the company said in a statement. Boeing builds its 777 and 767 jets in Everett, north of Seattle. Separately, the company said it took orders for 49 planes in November but lost an order by U.K. carrier TUI for 14 Max jets. It delivered 13 planes, down from 56 a year earlier. Ever since a panel called a door plug blew off a Max operated by Alaska Airlines in January, the Federal Aviation Administration has capped Boeing’s production of Max jets to 38 per month. Boeing hopes to convince regulators that it has corrected quality and safety issues and can raise that number to 56 planes per month. Boeing has been losing money since 2019, after two Max jets crashed, killing 346 people. It needs the cash it earns from delivering new planes to begin digging out of a deep financial hole. New CEO Kelly Ortberg has announced plans to lay off about 17,000 workers and sell new stock to raise cash and prevent the company’s credit rating from sliding into junk status.