PORTLAND — The state’s plan to widen the northbound and southbound ramps at Exit 7 of Interstate 295 will be the subject of a public hearing next week. The project is aimed at relieving traffic jams coming on and off of Franklin Arterial, but opponents say the state’s plan could block Bayside pedestrian access to […]

FALMOUTH — A coalition that hopes within the next few years to have a contiguous trail in place joining Sebago Lake to Casco Bay has scheduled a public meeting next week to discuss ideas for the Falmouth-Portland portion of the project. The Sebago to the Sea Coalition represents more than a dozen organizations and towns […]

Arlene Hall, 9, of Windham, tests the acidity of three water samples as Anne Hewes, ecomaine environmental manager, explains how the facility helps monitor water quality. The demonstration was one of several on Saturday, Oct. 10, during an open house at ecomaine’s 240-acre landfill off outer Congress Street in Portland.

CUMBERLAND — Town Council Chairman Ron Copp plans to draft a public letter stating the council’s opposition to the proposed motor vehicle excise tax reduction and second so-called Taxpayer Bill of Rights on the Nov. 3 ballot. Several councilors on Monday evening spoke against the excise tax initative, Question 2, following a presentation by Councilor Michael […]

PORTLAND — Several neighborhood organizations are pooling their expertise and resources to throw a block party on Oct. 17 for the city’s Parkside residents. Saturday’s party will take place from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Sherman and Mellen streets, next to the Sacred Heart/St. Dominic’s Parish church. There will be live music, a bounce house […]

YARMOUTH — The Town Council last week unanimously opposed Question 2 on the statewide referendum ballot, which would reduce the motor vehicle excise tax and provide tax exemptions for owning or buying new energy-efficient vehicles. In a letter to The Forecaster, councilors said passage of the referendum will result in property tax increases, cuts in municipal […]

PORTLAND — After adopting a report on the programming and space needs of the city’s school buildings, the School Committee last week wasted no time taking the next steps toward drafting work plans for the city schools. The committee passed two resolutions on Oct. 7 calling for an assessment of capital needs in the elementary […]

CUMBERLAND — Luke Booth no longer groans when gas prices rise. Early this summer the 17-year-old Greely High School senior installed a device onto his 2000 Volkswagen Jetta that allows the vehicle to run not just on diesel fuel, but on vegetable oil. He’s been getting the liquid inexpensively – sometimes at no cost. And it […]

FALMOUTH — A Falmouth man who teaches at The REAL School on Mackworth Island received a $25,000 Milken National Educator Award in a surprise assembly at the school Tuesday morning. Richard Meserve, 43, is in his sixth year as an alternative education teacher at the school, which is a regional program for grade 7-12 students […]

SOUTH PORTLAND — Police say they have tentatively identified a man who has allegedly been cashing checks stolen in recent burglaries. Based on tips received from the public, Sgt. Steven Webster said police are looking for 40-year-old Kenneth Jackson, who was described as being 6 feet 4 four inches tall and weighing 190 pounds. Webster […]