PORTLAND — Maine Medical Center has hired a new chief operating officer and vice president. Jeff Sanders, a Millinocket native who grew up in Gray, most recently worked as the operating officer at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah. He will join Maine Med June 7. “We are very happy to have Jeff join us. […]

YARMOUTH — The School Committee will hold a second public hearing May 6 on its proposed $19.5 million budget. The committee previously approved the fiscal year 2011 school budget and held its first public hearing Thursday, April 8. The proposed spending plan represents a zero percent increase from this year. The property tax rate for education […]

YARMOUTH — Police Department officers have been trained to operate Tasers and will be carrying the electric devices as soon as May 1.  About a year ago, Police Chief Mike Morrill applied for a $15,000 federal Byrne Grant. In addition to three Tasers, the department used the money for ballistic helmets and shields, night-vision goggles, […]

FALMOUTH — The debate over vernal pool protections will continue. A Town Council vote on the proposed Resource Protection Ordinance has been delayed so changes can be made to wording and definitions. Last week the Planning Board voted unanimously to send the Resource Protection Ordinance to the council with a recommendation of ought not to […]

Maggie Truman of South Portland has her hands full during Healthy Kids Day in the gym at the Portland YMCA on April 17. The Y marked the day with a variety of activities designed to encourage active youngsters.Henry Ginsberg, 2, of Scarborough, enjoys leaping off the play mats during Healthy Kids Day in the gym […]

FREEPORT — The Regional School Unit 5 board delayed a decision about the future of the middle school program in Pownal at its April 14 meeting. Instead, the School Board decided to poll Pownal parents about their middle school preferences for next year. After the data is collected, the board is expected to make a decision […]

PORTLAND — In response to a proposal in the fiscal 2011 budget to reduce maintenance and flower planting at city parks, the Parks Commission is trying to bolster volunteer efforts at the city’s green spaces. A “Green Space Gathering” is scheduled for April 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ocean Gateway Terminal, […]

FREEPORT — In honor of more than 400 volunteers in town, a flag will be flown at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 18-24. Deb Daggett, the volunteer coordinator for Freeport Community Services, said this is one way volunteers can be honored for their generosity. She said the volunteers […]

PORTLAND — School Committee Chairman Peter Eglinton said he plans to submit a proposal to trim about $109,000 from next year’s budget that does not directly affect students. Eglinton said he will propose cutting the School Committee’s contingency fund for contracted services in an effort to avoid making a last-minute decision to cut programming. His […]

FALMOUTH — A personal finance website says Falmouth Foreside is one of the top 20 places for a “dream” retirement in the U.S. AOL’s WalletPop.com ranks the neighborhood 12th, with a score of 87 out of 100 possible points, just after Wheeling, W. Va. Towson, Md., is listed as the No. 1 “Retirement Dream Area,” […]