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A chronological compilation of local news from all four editions of The Forecaster, covering 14 Maine cities and towns: Portland, Falmouth, Cumberland, Yarmouth, Freeport, North Yarmouth, Chebeague Island, South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Bath, Brunswick, Harpswell and Topsham.

Have a news tip for us? Call 207-781-3661 or e-mail the editor, Mo Mehlsak, editor@theforecaster.net.

News

  • Proposed school budget shrinks in Freeport, Pownal, Durham, but avoids job, program cuts

    Mar 10, 2010 8:00 am

    FREEPORT — The first budget presentation in Regional School Unit 5 was rolled out Tuesday night with a 2.7 percent reduction from last year.

    Superintendent Shannon Welsh said the $597,000 reduction projected in the fiscal 2011 budget was achieved without eliminating educational programs or personnel.

  • Portland Planning Board likes proposal for Old Port hotel

    Mar 10, 2010 7:20 am

    PORTLAND — A plan for a mixed-use development at the former Jordan's Meats property on India Street was fast-tracked Tuesday, when the Planning Board decided only minor changes are needed before the proposal goes to a public hearing in April. 

    Developers said they want to begin construction this spring with the goal of finishing in 2011 – a schedule compressed by Sebago Brewing Co.'s desire to include a 180-seat restaurant in the project.

  • Hearings set on Cumberland budget, higher trash bag fees

    Mar 10, 2010 12:00 am

    CUMBERLAND — The Town Council set public hearing dates on Monday for the fiscal 2011 budget and a proposed increase in trash bag fees.

    The budget hearing is set for Monday, March 22. Town Manager Bill Shane has proposed a $7.99 million budget for next year, a 0.3 percent drop from $8.01 million in fiscal 2010.

  • City Hall art wall

    Mar 10, 2010 12:00 am
     Liz and Joe DeCourcey of Portland take in the fourth annual exhibit of artwork by city employees and their families at Portland City Hall on March 5. The exhibit, sponsored by the National Arts Program, includes works by nearly 100 employees and family members. The display is open weekdays through March 19 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Freeport rocks: Former Wings, Hollies members to perform Saturday

    Mar 10, 2010 12:00 am

    FREEPORT — One worked side-by-side with Paul McCartney for 10 years. The other will be inducted with his band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Monday.

    And both will be performing Saturday night at the Venue Music Bar at 5 Depot St.

    Denny Laine, who co-founded Wings in 1971 and remained with the band until its 1981 demise, will take the stage with Terry Sylvester, who replaced Graham Nash in The Hollies in 1968 and stayed until 1981.

  • 4th candidate joins Senate District 11 race

    Mar 10, 2010 12:00 am

    GRAY — Chris Miller, a Maine Green Independent, announced his candidacy in state Senate District 11.

    Miller's candidacy creates a four-way contest in the district, which includes Cumberland, Chebeague Island, Long Island, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth, Falmouth and Gray.

    The Gray resident is an organic gardener, writer and activist focused on energy issues. He ran for governor in the Democratic Primary in 2006 and is a member of Peace Action Maine and the Second Maine Militia.

  • Barr raised: Yarmouth tech coordinator nominated for Teacher of the Year

    Mar 10, 2010 12:00 am

    YARMOUTH — Alice Barr, Yarmouth High School's Instructional Technology Coordinator, is  one of 13 teachers nominated for the 2011 Maine Teacher of the Year award.

    She will find out if she is a semi-finalist on Friday, March 12.

    A selection committee of past teachers of the year, principals, teachers, Department of Education staff, members of the state’s professional educator associations and members of the business community will screen the nominees and announce the winner in September.

  • School districts benefit from proposed increase in state subsidy

    Mar 10, 2010 12:00 am

    School systems in Portland's northern suburbs would lose less school funding in fiscal 2011 after Gov. John Baldacci last week proposed adding $20 million to general purpose aid for education.

    School Administrative District 51 had expected to receive $10.88 million in funding, a loss of more than $1 million from the current fiscal year. But the Cumberland-North Yarmouth district now may receive $11.14 million, a loss of nearly $800,000.

  • Falmouth panel seeks 'middle ground' on natural resource protections

    Mar 10, 2010 12:00 am

    FALMOUTH — The Community Development Committee has amended the work completed by the Long Range Planning Advisory Committee in its Natural Resources report.

    The panel introduced the document, described as an attempt to balance natural resource protections and property owners' rights, at Monday night's Town Council meeting.

  • Risky business: Les Otten and the rise and fall of American Skiing Co.

    Mar 10, 2010 12:00 am

    Editor’s note: This examination of gubernatorial candidate Leslie B. Otten’s role in American Skiing Co. by the non-profit Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting is the first in a series examining the claims and records of some of the leading candidates for governor.

    If you Google “American Skiing Co.” and “Otten,” you get 4,700 “hits.”

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