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Coastal frontage in Biddeford preserved

BIDDEFORD ( AP) — An undeveloped coastal parcel of 98 acres in Biddeford that’s home to nesting eider and bobolinks, deer and foxes is being preserved.

The parcel, which also includes sandy beaches, rocky shores, wetlands and forest, is believed to be one of the last unspoiled coastal parcels under single ownership between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth.

The Journal Tribune of Biddeford says the Timber Point property, which has long been in the hands of private property owners, has been conveyed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to become part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. The transfer took place last Wednesday.

Witness testifies in coffee shop trial

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AUGUSTA (AP) — Prosecutors have rested their case against a 50- year- old man charged with burning down a coffee shop that featured topless waitresses.

A witness who finished a drug rehabilitation program last week testified Friday that he was present when Raymond Bellavance Jr. poured and ignited gasoline behind the Grand View Coffee Shop in Vassalboro in the early morning hours of June 3, 2009. Thomas Mulkern said Bellavance then became upset, telling him they could get life in prison because there were people inside the adjoining apartments.

Prosecutors say Bellavance burned down the shop because he was angry with his ex-girlfriend, who worked there and had a relationship with the owner.

The Kennebec Journal says the defense portion of the case is scheduled to begin Tuesday.

Maine parties plan presidential caucuses

AUGUSTA ( AP) — While the nation’s attention is focused on Iowa and New Hampshire, plans are taking shape in Maine for its presidential preference caucuses.

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Republicans, who have several candidates vying for the nomination, are encouraging town and city committees in Maine to hold their caucuses between Feb. 4 and 11. Party officials say that way the party can announce on Feb. 11 who the winning candidate is.

Local Republican committees generally gather by county to hold their caucuses.

On the Democratic side, municipal party caucuses will be Feb. 26, and the presidential caucus date will be March 18 or 25. With President Barack Obama the only party candidate, much of the business will focus on electing delegates to the June state party convention.

Coffee By Design makes Zagat listing

PORTLAND (AP) — A wellknown publisher of restaurant reviews is giving high marks to a Portland- based coffee company.

Zagat.com has named Coffee By Design one of the nation’s 10 coolest independent coffee shops in a blog on its website.



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