Bill Bilodeau

Today marks the sixth national observance of Juneteenth; our nation's newest official federal holiday was signed into law in 2021.

HANCOCK — Those who came to Saturday’s town meeting — and there were fewer than in recent years — seemed to have the welfare of those around them on their minds. That generosity of spirit even extended to town spending. The mostly subdued meeting finished after three hours and a plea for residents to sign up to help those who need assistance during the coronavirus outbreak. That crisis was apparent throughout.

Operating budget: After much discussion about rising taxes, Hancock voters passed the town’s $2,568,394 operating budget intact by a voice vote at Saturday’s annual town meeting at the Hancock Meetinghouse. That number is up $245,834, or 10.6 percent, from the $2,322,560 budget Hancock voters approved last year.