Statewide
News From Across The State
Lawmakers may make it easier to prosecute stranglers
Published Date: 03/12/2019
Auburn Sen. Ned Claxton’s proposal would drop requirement that prosecutors prove intent.
…Franklin County Farm Creates Maine’s Only Commercial Birch Syrup
Published Date: 03/12/2019
What may be the only commercial birch syrup operation in Maine, and one of the few in New England, is run out of a family farm in the Franklin County town of Temple.
…It’s Election Day if you live in Orono and part of Bangor. Here’s what you need to know.
Published Date: 03/12/2019
There’s a special election to fill a Maine House vacancy representing parts of Bangor and Orono. If you live in House District 124, you’ll decide between Democrat Joe Perry and Republican Thomas White. The election is to fill the vacancy left by Aaron Frey, who became Maine’s attorney general earlier this year.
…Bangor-area voters choose veteran Democrat to fill open House seat
Published Date: 03/12/2019
Bangor Democrat Joe Perry is heading back to Augusta after winning an open seat in the Maine House of Representatives on Tuesday.
…Parents, bus drivers bring concerns to RSU 16 board
Published Date: 03/11/2019
Contracting service, student safety and radio communications raise questions.
Westbrook Planning Board OKs removal of 2 spillways
Published Date: 03/10/2019
A fishway will be installed on the southern section of Saccarappa Falls to facilitate fish passage.
…Emerald Ash Borer found in a third town in southern Maine
Published Date: 03/08/2019
In late February, Maine Forest Service, with support of landowners and assistance from Central Maine Power and Lucas Tree Experts, collected branches from ash trees along roadsides in Acton, Lebanon and Berwick. Forest Service staff peeled the bark off these branches to look for signs of emerald ash borer (EAB).
…Governor Mills Testifies in Support of Equal Rights Amendment to Maine Constitution
Published Date: 03/07/2019
Governor Janet Mills appeared before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee during a public hearing Thursday to testify in support of legislation to amend the Constitution of Maine to prevent discrimination based on an individual’s sex.
…How did Maine officials reach deal to accept CMP transmission line? This document sheds light.
Published Date: 03/07/2019
The filing with utility regulators reveals some of the thinking of Gov. Janet Mills and the people who negotiated the controversial $258 million deal.
…Maine Port Authority chief highlights Portland terminal’s growth prospects
Published Date: 03/06/2019
Jonathan Nass, CEO of the Maine Port Authority, on Wednesday urged Maine businesses to consider shipping from Portland if they’re not already doing so amid an international trade boom and “serious talks” about starting short-sea shipping to New York.
…Greater Portland METRO proposes changes to fares, payment structure
Published Date: 03/06/2019
The Greater Portland METRO bus service plans changes in both the cost of riding the bus and how people pay for it, and has scheduled a series of meetings across the seven communities that use the service for input.
…Bangor airport reports record year, picks up new Delta service
Published Date: 03/06/2019
Weeks after Portland International Jetport announced it had its all-time busiest year in 2018, Bangor International Airport has announced that 2018 was a record-breaker there, too.
…Committee on Transportation Mulls Penalty Increases
Published Date: 03/06/2019
The Committee on Transportation has voted ought not to pass LD 656, An Act to Increase the Penalty for Passing a School Bus With Red Lights Flashing. The committee has yet to issue an official decision regarding LD 546, An act that increases the penalty for passing a stopped emergency vehicles with emergency lights on.…
Governor Mills Signs Executive Order Establishing Task Force Charged with Studying Effects of PFAS Prevalence in Maine
Published Date: 03/06/2019
In response to reports nationwide regarding the prevalence of a perfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, Governor Janet Mills today signed an Executive Order creating a Governor’s Task Force to mobilize state agencies and other stakeholders to review the prevalence of PFAS in Maine and put forward a plan to address it.
…Committee Disagrees On An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Political Party Representation of Election
Published Date: 03/05/2019
There are disagreements between members of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee regarding LD 514 and a Divided Report is expected for the legislature.…
Wilton voters show strong opposition to CMP project
Published Date: 03/05/2019
Nearly 200 residents were nearly unanimous in rescinding the selectpersons’ letter supporting the $950 million transmission line from Quebec to Massachusetts.
…An Act To Implement the National Popular Vote for President Divides Committee
Published Date: 03/05/2019
Both LD 418 & LD 816 were near identical bills. The Veterans & Legal Affairs Committee voted to not pass LD 418. But they disagreed on LD 816 and a divided report is expected for the legislature.
–TMP
UPDATE: Divided Report…
Franklin County Democratic Party meeting
Published Date: 03/04/2019
The next meeting of the Franklin County Democratic Committee (FCDC) will be on Sunday, March 10, 2019, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mallett School in Farmington. Troy Jackson, President of the Maine State Senate, will be the featured speaker
Governor Mills Taps Energy Expert Dan Burgess to Lead Governor’s Energy Office
Published Date: 03/04/2019
Governor Janet Mills announced today she has selected leading energy expert and Maine native Dan Burgess to direct the Governor’s Energy Office.
…Heed Maine history’s warning on today’s CMP transmission deal
Published Date: 03/04/2019
The utility should fulfill the benefits that it promises up front.
