Perhaps the pine tree should be replaced on the state seal. The pine tree was apt and fitting as the emblem of Maine when the British Navy depended on Maine’s giant pines to dominate the world’s oceans. Along with its forest sisters, it deserved its place on the state seal. However, the “Kings Pines” are […]

Westbrook residents will gather in Riverbank Park Monday to remember those who have died serving the country, but some local veterans are honored there year-round. About five years ago, through donations from the city and the Cornelia Warren Foundation, a memorial was erected in the park, where veterans with ties to Westbrook can have their […]

The Friends of the Walker Memorial Library have launched their annual Book-Basket Raffle. Come to the library’s lobby to view the two dozen baskets filled with goodies. Dozens of titles are bundled in colorful baskets that have very gently used books packaged with hand lotion, CDs, knitting needles, tea, soap, golf balls, bookmarks, candles, games, […]

Gorham has filed a response to a citizens’ lawsuit seeking reversal of the town’s approval of a quarry. The defense of the town’s action was “just mailed yesterday to Superior Court,” Gorham’s attorney, William Dale, said Wednesday. At issue is the Planning Board’s approval in March of a request by Shaw Brothers Construction Inc. for […]

Grange guests The May 5 meeting at North Scarboro Grange was Guest Officers Night, and the hall was full with 23 members and guests present. North Scarboro officers are Adrian Griffin, master; Philip LaBrecque, overseer; Martha Varney, lecturer; Stanley Douglas, steward; Linwood and Martha Varney, steward and lady assistant steward; Margaret Farrar, chaplain; Cheryl Walls, […]

A lit cigarette fueled by an oxygen tank was the cause of an early morning fire Tuesday that killed an elderly woman in her home at 81 Evergreen Drive in Gorham. Elinor Downes, 78, died after the cigarette she was smoking ignited her clothing, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Downes was tethered to […]

Funding for crisis services provided by Youth Alternatives Ingraham and a new teen services position at Walker Memorial Library were added to Westbrook’s city budget Monday, before it received preliminary approval from the City Council. With the two new items – $3,500 for crisis services and $20,440 for the library – the total budget is […]

Buxton’s third fire chief in less than three years has quit abruptly. Larry Straffin handed a letter of resignation to Jean Harmon, chairwoman of the selectmen, May 14 and left the job the same day. Straffin gave no notice. “It was a surprise,” Harmon said. “He just gave his resignation, and we accepted it.” Selectman […]

Alpaca farm open house Long Plains Alpacas farm, 301 Long Plains Road in Buxton, will be holding an open house and education day on Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors can learn about what alpaca ownership is all about. There will be several alpaca farms on hand presenting their breeding programs, as well as shearing […]

A federal grant will allow the Gorham food pantry to move to a larger space to accommodate the growing number of families the pantry is serving. Plans call for the food pantry, which has worked out of cramped space in the basement of St. Anne’s Church, to have its own building located on church property. […]