SOUTH PORTLAND — The city manager on Monday gave the City Council a budget proposal that eliminates jobs, but doesn’t include layoffs. But the $27.1 million budget is also about $152,000 larger than the one requested by the council, which sought a spending plan that would not increase taxes. The budget was handed over to […]

SCARBOROUGH — The Planning Board gave advisory approval March 15 to the town’s plan for a small park and beach access path at Pine Point Beach. The plan is part of a larger project that included a land swap between the town and the Lighthouse Inn, which was completed in late December 2009. Owners of […]

FREEPORT — Cherie White, principal of Morse Street School for the past 20 years, announced her retirement to administrators, her colleagues and parents on Feb. 23. “It’s been a wonderful career,” she said. “I’ve found something to smile about almost every single day.” Superintendent of Schools Shannon Welsh said White does an exceptional job leading the […]

SOUTH PORTLAND — At the age of 18, Dennis Fitzgibbons sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down. But thanks to a program similar to the one being offered at Alpha One, a South Portland-based center for independent living, Fitzgibbons was able to maintain his independence, continue driving and be […]

CAPE ELIZABETH — The Finance Committee completed its initial review of the 2011 municipal budget on Monday, March 15, and canceled workshops for March 16 and 23. Councilor Sara Lennon, the committee chairwoman, said the panel – a committee of the whole council – reviewed the proposed 2011 Capitol Improvement Plan and made minor adjustments to the overall […]

CUMBERLAND — The Town Council will vote April 12 on Brian Bickford’s appointment as community education and recreation director. Bickford, who will also remain in charge of golf operations at the Val Halla Golf & Recreation Center, will replace Bill Landis as recreation director. Town Manager Bill Shane said he offered Bickford the position after a […]

FALMOUTH — Students in Jennifer Merrifield’s fourth-grade class at Plummer-Motz School  recently entered the America’s Greenest School contest with a video depicting ways the district’s schools can be greener. Out of hundreds of entries, the video was chosen as one of 10 finalists. Now, the students need people to vote for their entry, which will […]

YARMOUTH — The Yarmouth Playmakers took first place in the Class B regional competition of the Maine Drama Festival and will compete in the state finals this weekend. Winners from the Class A regional division include Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth and Falmouth. They will compete at Camden Hills Regional High School. Eighteen high schools and more […]

BRUNSWICK — A war of words between former School Board Chairman Byron Watson and a member of the state’s Legislative delegation escalated this week, just days after the board stripped Watson of his leadership role. The board’s 6-3 vote came during a heated March 10 meeting, where Watson said the effort to remove him was […]

TOPSHAM — After 3 1/2 hours of discussion and comment Tuesday, the Planning Board decided to wait until at least May 4 before making a decision about a cellular communications tower proposed for the Heights neighborhood. The meeting room at the Municipal Building was packed, with many residents opposed to the tower. Mariner Tower must receive […]