Ben Hanstein

3 posts

Ben Hanstein is a freelance contributor to The Maine Monitor, and writes the weekly Western Maine Monitor newsletter.

He lives in Farmington, where he runs a used bookstore and reports on stories that matter to western Maine.

Contact Ben with questions, concerns or story ideas: benhanstein@gmail.com

After last December’s floods, one western Maine town dredged the river. Now they must undo it.

State officials say the town of Phillips went too far in its response to the flooding, damaging an Atlantic salmon habitat. Town leaders deny they did anything wrong.

ByBen Hanstein

December 21, 2024

A view of an intersection in Downtown Farmington.

Farmington’s only homeless shelter closed in 2020. Efforts to open a new one have failed.

In western Maine, services are provided through a decentralized patchwork of nonprofits, school liaisons and other assistance programs.

ByBen Hanstein

September 21, 2024

exterior of the franklin county court house.

Commission board grows in response to changing Franklin County

Proponents say the increase from three to five commissioners will better represent residents in northern Franklin County.

ByBen Hanstein

June 8, 2024