SOUTH PORTLAND — The City Council on Monday gave preliminary approval to a plan to increase funding for the city’s land bank, which is used to buy and maintain open space. Councilors also voted to make Thomas Street near City Hall one way in preparation for a new transit hub and bus routes that take […]

CAPE ELIZABETH — Melinda Johnson believes in bees. Johnson, a 31-year-old Portland resident, has rheumatoid arthritis. She was diagnosed with the painful joint disorder at age 20, and now keeps bees for the holistic health benefits of their venom. “The bee sting mimics a reaction the body has to a cortisone injection,” Johnson said. “The […]

SCARBOROUGH — Shoppers may soon enjoy the convenience of drive-through restaurants, see new signs and participate in special events at Gateway Plaza now that a fifth amendment to the contract zone has been approved. The Town Council voted 5-1 Wednesday to approve the amendment to the town’s contract zoning agreement with New England Expedition, the […]

SOUTH PORTLAND — A Cottage Road landmark ravaged by fire two months ago seems headed for the wrecking ball. Whether Red’s Dairy Freeze will be rebuilt remains unknown. Code Enforcement Officer Patricia Doucette said the owner of Red’s has obtained a city permit to demolish the popular, soft-serve ice cream shop that was scorched by […]

CUMBERLAND — The Homeless Animal Rescue Team, a shelter and adoption center for kittens and cats, is holding its annual yard sale next weekend at 302 Range Road. The sale will take place Friday, July 30, from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday, July 31, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shelter and foster homes […]

SCARBOROUGH — For most people driving along Route 1 through the Scarborough Marsh, the tall, fluffy grass that sways in the salty sea breeze is part of the beauty of the area, the serenity of living by the ocean, part of what it means to be from Maine. But Phragmites australis is not from Maine. […]

CAPE ELIZABETH — The Ram Island Ledge lighthouse needs a steward and is for sale to the highest bidder. Paula Santangelo, public affairs officer at the U.S. General Services Administration, said the property was first made available to government agencies, education institutions and non-profit organizations at no charge in 2008 under the National Historic Lighthouse […]

TOPSHAM — Voters will decide in November if the town should establish a retroactive ban on new cellular communications towers in the Urban Residential zone. The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously July 15 to schedule the Nov. 2 referendum, after receiving a petition that calls for the ban. The petition was spread by residents of the […]

Chef Chris Passett of the Azure Cafe selects vegetables and herbs for his eventual winning dish in the Top Chef competition of the L.L. Bean Food Festival on Saturday, July 17, in Freeport. Chef Eric Flynn of the Harraseeket Inn presents his dish to the judges, Betty Crush, left, of Freeport Community Services; Amy Morgan, […]

HARPSWELL — A week after holding a well-attended public hearing about the town’s pursuit of public access at Cedar Beach, the Board of Selectmen met with the town attorney Tuesday to discuss its next course of action. Board Chairman Jim Henderson said Tuesday that the closed-door meeting was prompted by several questions raised during the […]