Ben Hanstein

5 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: benjamin@themainemonitor.org

Language(s) Spoken: English

exterior of the franklin county courthouse.

A county employee was placed on leave after her dog allegedly bit someone at the office. Now she’s suing.

The complaint fits into broader concerns about Franklin County’s workplace culture, which one commissioner called “the elephant in the room.”

ByBen Hanstein

April 5, 2025

a view inside the emergency communications center in Franklin County.

In Franklin County, ARPA funds going toward new emergency communications system

The new software will replace a system that’s more than 30 years old, and include data gathered through specialized aerial photography.

ByBen Hanstein

February 9, 2025

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

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