PORTLAND — Combined with an anticipated $2.7 million loss in state subsidy, the Portland Board of Education vetted a school budget Tuesday night that would bring a 4.5 percent increase in property taxes, or an increase of $46 per $100,000 of valuation. The Portland Board of Education voted unanimously March 7 to pass on the proposed […]
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Posted inNorthern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, The Forecaster
PACTS to host Yarmouth and Portland forums
PORTLAND — As its regional transportation plan nears completion, the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System will host area forums for final public input this month. A Yarmouth forum is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, at the Yarmouth Community Room, 200 Main St. On March 22, PACTS will host a 7-9 p.m. forum in Portland […]
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Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Local psychiatrist faces censure
PORTLAND — A local psychiatrist has been put on probation due to alleged unprofessional conduct. The Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine entered into a consent agreement with Dr. Reinaldo de los Heros, who last practiced in Portland on Feb. 29. He will be on probation for at least sixth months. According to the consent […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Mercy Hospital CEO to step down in Portland
PORTLAND — Eileen Skinner, president and chief executive officer of Mercy Hospital, and a senior vice president of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, will resign her positions effective March 31. The announcement was made Monday by EMHS CEO M. Michelle Hood, who said EMHS chief operating officer Jay Eckersley will oversee Mercy Hospital on an interim […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Portland Council approves new department, firefighter contract
PORTLAND — A new department dedicated to permitting and inspections was approved Monday night in a two-hour City Council meeting. “This is the first step along the path of reorganizing city government,” City Manager Jon Jennings said after the approval that will also see an increase in building permit fees. The approval was the last […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Portland seeks employers for GA recipients
PORTLAND — A new city initiative to create employment opportunities for General Assistance recipients is showing early success. City spokeswoman Jessica Grondin said Tuesday the Helping Individuals Regain Employment, or HIRE, program has drawn 54 people receiving General Assistance vouchers since Jan. 1. Of those enrolled, Grondin said five have found full-time work, 12 have found part-time […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Maine sees 31% increase in overdose deaths
PORTLAND – In a record year for overdose deaths in Maine, 17 percent occurred in the city. On Monday, Maine Attorney General Janet Mills said there were 272 overdose deaths in 2015 across the state, with 46 reported in Portland. The death toll is a 31 percent increase from the 208 reported in 2014. Mills […]
Posted inSouthern Forecaster, The Forecaster
In reverse: SoPo council approves two-way street in Knightville
SOUTH PORTLAND — Despite pleas from local business owners to keep the one-way in place, the City Council decided Monday night to return Ocean Street in Knightville to a two-way street. Councilors supported the switch 4-2, with Councilor Linda Cohen and Mayor Tom Blake opposing. Brad Fox was absent after leaving the meeting during an earlier […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Volunteers wanted at Portland recovery center
PORTLAND — Steve Cotreau will not be posing for recruitment posters anytime soon, but he and city officials want help. Help in the form of licensed social workers and counselors to volunteer at the Portland Recovery Community Center at 468 Forest Ave. “I keep on saying there is a cap somewhere; I don’t know where it […]
Posted inNorthern Forecaster, The Forecaster
SAD 51 school board revises grad policy with eye toward disabled students
CUMBERLAND — The School Administrative District 51 Board of Directors on Monday unanimously approved a revision to its graduation requirements that offers alternative standards to special needs students so they can complete high school. The revised policy is a challenge to how the Maine Department of Education interprets state statute, and the Drummond-Woodsum law firm […]