By Tammy Wells, York County government media ALFRED, Maine – York County government is taking the concept of antiquated out of old – forging ahead with initiatives to meet today’s demands while keeping an eye on lessons from its 390-year history. Over the last several years, the county government – the oldest in Maine, dating to 1636 – has been examining needs and ways to make life better for its diverse population of 220,000-plus residents – providing a regional approach i

ork County Government is joining forces with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on July 30 and is looking for folks to make the commitment to donate a pint, by reserving a time and following through on the day. The blood drive will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 30 in the drill hall at York County Regional Training Center, 79 First County Way ( take Layman Way off Route 4, First County Way is the first right) in Alfred.

And on June 2, 17 newly minted Emergency Medical Technicians graduated from a 16-week program offered by York County Community College and held at York County Regional Training Center in Alfred. The EMT course began in early January, with four hours of classroom work and eight hours of hands-on training in the lab each week and are now eligible to take the National Registry of EMTs certification exam.

Following a June 3 public hearing that drew little comment, the York County Budget Committee unanimously voted to transmit the $31.2 million budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 to York County Commissioners, thus approving the spending plan.

U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) stopped by the York County Regional Training Center Wednesday, May 27 for a tour, to see firsthand the facility York County government built largely with federal ARPA funds, county money, grants, and Congressionally Designated Spending that makes exactly that sort of training possible.

The 2025 York County Government Annual Report is ready - two months earlier than the prio year's version - and contains interesting and important information for all York County residents.

Should York County government, which employs a finance director and finance team, abolish the elected treasurer’s position? Voters will decide that matter Nov. 3 after York County Commissioners on May 6 agreed to put the referendum questions to voters countywide.

ALFRED, Maine – A longtime vision became reality when the York County Regional Training Center opened its doors to its first training class Jan. 3 and on Friday, May 1, first responders, municipal officials, and others – including U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins – stopped by to mark the Grand Opening Ceremony. Building it took just over a year. Planning it took 3-4 years. First responders have been dreaming of having such a facility for decades. And, pointed out YCRTC director

When York County Commissioners approved the proposed $31.64 m county operating budget for the next fiscal year April 8 and turned it over to the York County Budget Committee, they did so after learning that some state funds for Maine’s 15 county jails would not be forthcoming and reduced by more than $400,000. Then five days later, Commission Chair Richard Dutremble said he'd received word that the Leglislature had found enugh cash to restore state funding. Read more.

On a recent Thursday, about 20 people who had signed up for a courthouse tour through Marshwood Adult Education got to see some early documents – some dating to the mid-1600s like the Roles-Chadbourne transactions – and learn how they’re being carefully preserved for the future. They got to examine the stately second floor courtroom, toured the Registry of Deeds, and more.

A couple of classes of the Citizens Police Academy conducted by York County Sheriff’s Office this winter included law and the US Constitution. It was part of the nine week program that saw students learn everything from how to conduct a traffic stop to the role of police dogs – typically called K9s – to crime scene processing and use of force. The graduates were recognized on March 6, at the sheriff’s office annual awards ceremony.

York County Sheriff’s Office Police Services, Corrections Division and Civil Process divisions were recognized for it on Friday, March 6 at the YCSO Annual Awards Ceremony

York County Jail has earned a 100 percent score on their recent biennial state inspection. York County Sheriff William L King Jr. said Maine Department of Corrections officials emphasized how rare it is for a facility to achieve a 100 percent compliance rating. The standards encompass every facet of the jail operation, from specifying clothing items issued to inmates to control center operations, documentation of inmate counts, facility searches for contraband, medical care,

Folks in the senior citizen age bracket are invited to a totally free Senior Safety Fair on March 13 to listen and learn. The event will be hosted at the brand new York County Regional Training Center at 79 First County Way, off Route 4 and Layman Way in Alfred.

Bishop Robert Deeley is retired from his administrative work for the Diocese of Portland but remains a Bishop and priest, and says Mass once a month at York County Jail.

L.D. 2124 proposes taking funds from the Maine counties, rather than state funding, to support the unhoused in shelters.

Partners Bank and Kennebunk Savings each contributed $150,000 to First County Foundation, Inc. earmarked for the York County Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Center. The Recovery Center is currently under construction in Alfred, ME.

York County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Matthew Cummer is among those taking part in this, the second year of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Super Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Maine.

Senior Safety Fair York County Regional Training Center 79 First County Way, Alfred, ME Friday, March 13, 2026 8:30a - 12:30p

The decades-long dream of a centralized location for all manner of first responder training is now a firm reality.