PORTLAND — The city will receive nearly $1.6 million from the $16.5 million awarded to the state from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The funds were authorized through the CARES Act. Portland will receive a $1.1 million Community Development Block Grant to help in its response. […]
Forecaster briefs
Posted inThe Forecaster
School closure in Portland extended until May 4
PORTLAND — Superintendent Xavier Botana has extended the closure of Portland schools until at least May 4. Schools were potentially set to reopen April 27 after the scheduled April break, but Botana said the extension is in response to Gov. Janet Mills extending the state-wide stay at home order through May 1. “I will caution […]
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Posted inThe Forecaster
John T. Gorman Foundation gives $500K to local groups
PORTLAND — As part of its COVID-19 response, the John T. Gorman Foundation has awarded $500,000 in grants to 11 Maine non-profits working to provide food and shelter to Mainers in need during the outbreak, including Preble Street Resource Center, Wayside Food Programs and Southern Maine Boys and Girls Club. Preble Street received $75,000 to […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Local chambers of commerce launch Pay It Forward Maine
PORTLAND — As businesses and employers try to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce and other chambers of commerce across the state have launched Pay It Forward Maine. “In this unprecedented time, we know everyone is feeling the financial impact, especially our small businesses–who make up 99% of our […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
County Emergency Management Agency seeks personal protective equipment
PORTLAND — The Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency is seeking new, unopened boxes of personal protective equipment for emergency medical technicians, firefighters and law enforcement officers responding to COVID-19. “Cumberland County residents, businesses, nonprofits and whole community partners can help our first responders fight COVID-19 by donating (personal protective equipment) that they may have in […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Casco Bay Lines makes more cuts to ferry service
PORTLAND — Casco Bay Lines has made another reduction in its ferry schedule in light of the city’s stay at home emergency order issued to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. The altered schedule can be found on the schedule page of the Casco Bay Lines’ website and is available on the vessels. It is […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Public transit eliminates fares, reduces hours
PORTLAND — Greater Portland METRO, Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit, South Portland Bus Service and the Regional Transportation Program have suspended fares and cut back on some service in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Bus fares have been suspended to eliminate the cross-handling of cash and paper receipts between bus drivers and passengers in […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Yarmouth police investigate cemetery thefts
YARMOUTH — Police are looking into the thefts of several items from graves at Holy Cross Cemetery. The department received a report the morning of March 19 of Jesus and Mary statues being stolen from the Smith Street graveyard. The approximately 2-foot-tall statues had last been seen there about 10 days prior, according to Police […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Portland Water District assures customers water is safe
PORTLAND — The Portland Water District assures its customers that water from the tap is safe to drink during the coronavirous pandemic. The district uses dual water treatment, ozone and ultraviolet light to kill pathogerns and inactive viruses. COVID-19, which is caused by the virus, is primarily spread through close contact between people or infected […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Portland Rising, new professional ultimate Frisbee team announces roster
PORTLAND — Portland Rising, a new all-women professional Ultimate Frisbee team, has officially set the roster for the 2020 season. Twenty seven women, including eight who have earned medals on USA National Teams at the World Championships and 14 who have earned titles at National Club Championships or College Championships, are on the roster. Local […]