Bob Neal

53 posts

Bob Neal is a seasoned journalist, having worked for daily newspapers in Kansas City, Montreal, Allentown (Pa.), Warren (Ohio), Bangor and Waterville. He reports on western Maine for Monitor Local, an initiative of The Maine Monitor.

As a farmer, he raised turkeys for 30 years in New Sharon. He has taught at UMaine and UMF and has served on the Mount Blue School Board and the New Sharon Select Board. He is a deacon at Shorey Chapel Congregational in Industry.

Contact Bob via email with questions, concerns or story ideas: boMEMONbneal myfairpoint net

RSU 73 board hears gender lawsuit update, learns about possible delay in ruling

Justice Michaela Murphy said she may delay ruling on a dismissal request until the Maine Supreme Judicial Court decides whether signatures for a related referendum are valid.

June 26, 2026

seal for the town of wilton.

Wilton Board of Selectpersons restores broader Main Street closure for Blueberry Festival

A June revision was dropped after business owners and safety officials pushed to keep the street fully closed during the event.

June 25, 2026

exterior of the wilton public safety building.

Wilton voters approve 64 of 65 warrant articles with little debate at town meeting

Residents rejected a proposal to add $89,504 for Fire Department staffing, opting to revisit the per diem plan next year.

June 24, 2026

Town of Jay seal.

Jay takes next steps on rent control ordinance for mobile homes; Police Department seeks new Tasers

Town faces an Aug. 24 deadline to finish the ordinance for the Nov. 3 ballot.

June 12, 2026

seal for the town of wilton.

Riders urge Wilton Board of Selectpersons to open roads to ATVs; others urge restrictions

Town begins drafting its first ordinance to regulate off‑road vehicle use.

June 12, 2026

seal for the town of wilton.

Father and son unseat incumbents in Wilton elections

Voters opted for change, electing Nathan Hiltz to the Board of Selectpersons and his father, Douglas Hiltz, to the RSU 9 board of directors.

June 10, 2026

exterior of the wilton public safety building.

Jay, Wilton voters reject police merger in nonbinding referendums

Wilton’s vote reversed an April straw poll, while Jay’s broke from its Select Board’s preferred option.

June 10, 2026