News

Steel drums soothe busy students with mellow music

FALMOUTH — With the popularity of steel drum bands on the rise, Falmouth High School band director Jim Horwich said he used to hear, "how do we get one started at the high school?" This year the question was answered with a $10,000 grant from the Falmouth Education Found...

Peggy Roberts • News •
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Anti-poverty protest

Elizabeth Ortiz demonstrates for the homeless in Portland's Monument Square on Monday, part of a week-long effort to bring economic human rights to the public's attention. Behind her is national anti-poverty organizer and housing rights activist Cheri Honkala, a former homeless single mother who now...

Mo Mehlsak • News •
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 10:08 am
School budget reduces Portland tax burden

PORTLAND — The School Committee on April 1 unanimously approved a $91.36 million budget. The fiscal 2010 budget, which takes effect on July 1, is an increase of $1.86 million, or 2 percent, over the current $89.5 million budget. Next year's budget eliminates 17 positi...

News •
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Not your typical family heirloom

Bomb squad called to Falmouth to destroy Civil War cannon ball FALMOUTH — A routine visit to the Police Department Monday quickly morphed into an episode that could rival some action films – with a plot line that Stephen Ryder and his wife, Helga, of Edgewater Road, will...

Peggy Roberts • News •
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Dean's Sweets helps take the sting out of tax day

Despite the tumbleweed atmosphere gripping Exchange Street in the Old Port, there is no shortage of new restaurants and bars opening up around Portland. But first – Dean's Sweets at 82 Middle St. is giving away truffles. Go in, tell them you heard about the "Tax Day T...

News •
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Freeport teens to present a curious version of 'Alice'

FREEPORT — A handful of creative Freeport High School students, in collaboration with Carol and John Farrell and Ian Bannon of Figures of Speech Theater, have created an adaptation of the Lewis Carrol books "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass."

News •
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Portland council gets $189M budget proposal

PORTLAND — The city manager presented a $189 million budget to the City Council this week, a 2.2 percent increase over the current budget. The schools, meanwhile, presented a $91.3 million budget that actually seeks less in local tax money than this year, because of an increase in...

News •
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Workshop teaches woods safety to children

SOUTH PORTLAND — Jim Bridge, a volunteer with Maine Search and Rescue Dogs, began his woods safety workshop In the basement conference room of the South Portland Public Library by asking parents and young children, "what is the most important thing to take with you in case you get lost in the...

News •
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Chickens: The ultimate spring accessory

Classes, orders for chickens fill up PORTLAND — Paris Farmers Union will receive 800 live chickens next month, and some of them may end up in a backyard near you. "We've seen a great increase in orders for chickens," said Clint Farnham, manager of...

News •
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
SAD 51 board, public seek spending cuts

Employees asked to consider renegotiations CUMBERLAND — Despite a few positive financial surprises, including an increase of $231,000 in state aid for next year, School Administrative District 51 is still working to draft a budget palatable to taxpayers. The C...

News •
Tuesday, April 7, 2009