Charles Crosby, mayor of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, addresses people gathered May 2 on the waterfront for the dedication of Portland’s Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal. The facility will be home to The Cat ferry and used by some smaller cruise ships. The city and ferry operators reached a new, five-year agreement earlier in the day. Story, Portland edition. - Michael Barriault photo
Northern Edition
Falmouth voters OK $25M school spending plan FALMOUTH – Voters approved the $25.1 million school budget Tuesday by a 2-1 margin. read story . . .
Ballot breakdown: Contested elections rare Mid-term local elections this year in Cumberland, Falmouth and Yarmouth are continuing a disappointing trend, with fewer candidates than there are offices up for grabs. read story . . .
Town Meeting faces choices on spending Tax rate may fall despite budget hike read story . . .
Theater may be possible in S. Freeport FREEPORT – Town councilors voted 6-1 Tuesday night to approve amendments to the zoning ordinance. An additional use may be added within the week. read story . . .
Survey: Voters undecided ahead of school budget vote PORTLAND – For the first time, voters next week will have the final say on school spending. read story . . .
Library plans to shut down Reiche branch PORTLAND – The West End’s branch library is slated to be closed as part of operational and staff cuts library officials say are required by the city’s 2009 budget. read story . . .
Police officer dies after accidentally shooting self PORTLAND – Police are mourning a 37-year-old sergeant this week, just days after two other officers were injured and a man killed during a traffic stop on St. John Street. read story . . .
Longtime director retires at art museum PORTLAND – Daniel E. O’Leary is stepping down as director of the Portland Museum of Art to become director of the museum’s Winslow Homer Studio project in Scarborough. read story . . .
$50M athletic club seeks town rezoning SCARBOROUGH – Developers hope to build a $50 million athletic club in Scarborough if the Town Council agrees to rezone the Running Hill Road area. read story . . .
Kennealy resigns from C.E. School Board CAPE ELIZABETH – School Board member Jack Kennealy resigned unexpectedly last week after serving only five months. read story . . .
Willard Beach conflict dogs City Council South Portland to form task force read story . . .
Vietnam vet finally receives his Silver Star SOUTH PORTLAND – In 1970, Sgt. 1st Class James Gibbons of Cape Elizabeth was in a military hospital in San Francisco when he received a letter informing him that he was to be awarded the Silver Star. read story . . .
City wants state to restrict Broadway truck traffic SOUTH PORTLAND – The city is opening up a new front in the battle for Broadway. read story . . .
Village Review panel opposes Walgreens plan BRUNSWICK – The board that safeguards the town’s historic and downtown district Wednesday opposed a proposed zoning change that would enable Walgreens to build a store at the corner of Stanwood and Pleasant streets. read story . . .
Metaphor for change Mitchell Field fence removal opens property, possibilities read story . . .
Regional business park gets spotlight May 14 TOPSHAM – Proponents say a regional business park could bolster the Mid-Coast economy in the face of the 2011 closure of Brunswick Naval Air Station, by diversifying the tax base and retaining and boosting the number of quality jobs in the area. read story . . .
‘Joy on a wall’ Brunswick prepares to celebrate sister-city mural read story . . .
Kids learn skills from the skillet Auburn Middle School has several after-school programs, all designed to encourage good study habits, exercise and peer interaction. Students can choose to go one, two or three days a week, but must attend the study hour prior to participating in any activities. Due to limited space, those who sign up for activities are encouraged to attend each week to avoid losing their spot. On Wednesday, April 29, the students in Sous Chef, taught by school resource officer Tom Poulin, held its last class of the session. It was a big event, as each student invited two people each and they prepared a five course meal with recipes that they voted on each week. read story . . .
BookReach visionary McPeake recognized Gov. John E. Baldacci and the Maine Commission for Community Service recognized the winners of the 2008 Governor’s Service Awards for their exceptional contributions to Maine communities. Twenty-seven individuals, organizations and companies were recognized for their exemplary service to their communities. read story . . .
Chamber’s ‘Not Your Normal Formal’ a big hit The Ramada Conference Center played host to another Chamber of Commerce “Not Your Normal Formal” Friday evening, May 2. read story . . .
See saw-whet Thirty Pettingill Elementary School students, grades K-6, and parents filled a classroom on April 15 in anticipation of meeting Chewonki Foundation representative Doug Soholt and three very special guests. The Pettingill PTO teamed up with the Wiscasset-based organization to present Owls of Maine, a one-hour presentation featuring slides, audio, diagrams, taxidermic .000displays, Q&A and live owls; all part of Chewonki’s outreach program, which brings an appreciation of nature to schools across the state. read story . . .
