PORTLAND — As the anniversary of last year’s devastating Haiti earthquake approaches, a group of Waynflete School students have begun reflecting on the things they’ve done to try to help the victims, and how best to keep helping those in need. “They needed a lot of help before the earthquake. Now it’s even worse,” sixth-grader […]

PORTLAND — When the Apple iPad was released last spring, Anja Hanson started thinking about how Portland Adult Education students lacked the necessary technology to compete in the 21st century. Understanding the challenge, Hanson, the program’s college transition adviser, quickly began considering solutions, acting upon even the most improbable of impulses. “I started out writing […]

PORTLAND — Three communities have submitted formal proposals to lure the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. and Museum from its home on the Portland waterfront. The city of Portland has submitted one of the proposals. The others are from Gray and Monson. The Narrow Gauge Railroad began soliciting proposals last summer. Officials said high rent […]

BATH — If it weren’t for Oliver Place, Cori Mullins said, she might not still be in school. The 17-year-old, who has been at the residential treatment facility at 55 Oliver St. since last summer, is a senior at Morse High School. She goes to school day and night to ensure that she will graduate […]

It takes surprisingly little to talk some Mainers out of their long johns and into a bathing suit for a quick winter dip into Casco Bay. Just come up with a good cause in need of a fundraiser, in this case South Portland High School Project Graduation, and – splash! – let the shivering begin. […]

SOUTH PORTLAND — Police said they have made an arrest in what was the only unsolved bank robbery in the city in recent years. Sgt. Steven Webster said police arrested Michael LaFollette, 29, of Portland, in connection with the Nov. 9, 2009, bank robbery. Police said LaFollette allegedly entered Gorham Savings bank on Gorham Road […]

BRUNSWICK — Nationally, the debate over subsidizing passenger rail has largely been a partisan issue; Democrats have supported it, Republicans haven’t. For the most part, that division hasn’t been evident in Maine. With a new Republican governor and GOP-controlled state Legislature, supporters of the Amtrak Downeaster and passenger rail advocates are hoping for the status […]

SCARBOROUGH — More than 80 people turned out for Wednesday night’s Town Council meeting on proposed parking changes at Higgins Beach. Many spoke during the public hearing, some in favor of aspects of a compromise plan proposed by Council Chairwoman Judy Roy and others opposed, particularly to a proposal to allow parking along the beach in […]

SOUTH PORTLAND — Police in South Portland and Cape Elizabeth are investigating a string of vehicle thefts that occurred over the holidays. Police Lt. Frank Clark said that three cars were stolen from Ferry Village last week, bringing the total vehicle thefts to six citywide. Although the total number of thefts is about average, Clark […]

SOUTH PORTLAND — On the heels of last year’s uncertain budget process, School Board Chairman Ralph Baxter pressed the City Council on Monday to provide a clear directive on an acceptable fiscal 2012 budget. “I may not like the number you give us, but we’re leaving here with a number,” Baxter said. “That’s the most […]