AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Education has released a series of surveys to help it provide guidance to local school districts as they plan for the 2020-2021 school year. The separate surveys for parents, educators, school support staff and administrators come after the department released a set of preliminary guidelines for districts to follow […]
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City rolls out rent assistance program for those impacted by COVID-19
PORTLAND — Some renters who have been impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for temporary assistance in paying for rent and utilities. Through $500,000 in funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the city will provide up to $2,250, or $750 per month for three months, and a maximum of $250 […]
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City hires new public health director
PORTLAND — Bob Fowler has been hired as the city’s new public health director. Fowler has served as the executive director at Milestone Recovery since 2014, and prior to that worked at Sweetser and Community Counseling Center and operated a private mental health and consulting practice. “Bob is a skilled and respected leader in our […]
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Public input sought for Peaks Island ferry study
PORTLAND — The city and Casco Bay Lines are teaming up to look at ways to improve the Peaks Island ferry landing and are seeking public input. The project, according to the city, would improve safety, comfort and efficiency. An online survey is underway now through July 23, and a public meeting will be held […]
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Racial equity webinar series planned for municipal leaders
PORTLAND — Greater Portland Council of Governments will hold seminars on racial equity for municipal leaders this summer in light of the national and local protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd while in custody of police in Minneapolis, Minnesota, May 25. Topics will include policy areas in which cities and towns play a […]
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Collaborative project provides masks for those in need
PORTLAND — Fikiria Makerspace has launched a project to employ immigrants and make cloth masks for vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial batch of 250 masks will be stitched by women originally from Iraq and Pakistan and will be donated to Portland’s General Assistance Office. An additional 250 masks will be donated to […]
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City’s marijuana business rules now on the books
PORTLAND — Portland’s marijuana ordinance, which establish the types of marijuana businesses that can operate in the city, are now in effect, and retail store applications are being accepted. The ordinance sets regulations for business operations, caps retail marijuana stores at 20 and requires a 250 foot buffer between retail stores. It also allocates retail […]
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High school co-op teams off table for now in Portland
PORTLAND — Portland Public Schools will not pursue cooperative sports teams for the fall season, but will continue to monitor the participation levels of indoor and outdoor track at Portland High, football and swimming at Portland High and Deering High, baseball, softball and tennis at Deering High. The district had hoped to have a cooperative […]
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Portland athletic fields reopen by reservation
PORTLAND — Athletic fields across the city, closed for months to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, can now be used by making a reservation. Groups using the fields are required to follow Maine Center for Disease Control guidelines related to the virus, and they must submit a an outline of how they will adhere […]
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Summer meals sites announced for Portland
PORTLAND — Portland Public Schools will continue to serve breakfast and lunch to students this summer, but sites will be changing. Meals will be served Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon at Deering High School, King Middle School, Lyman Moore Middle School, Presumpscot Elementary School, Riverton Elementary School at Reiche Community School. They […]