York County Sheriff Maurice Ouellette stands behind a table of evidence from an investigation of a drug conspiracy involving members of motorcycle group Iron Horsemen at a press conference Monday at the York County Sheriff’s office in Alfred. (LIZ GOTTHELF/Journal Tribune)

Michelle Stivaletta spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance to ban commercial extraction of water in Wells, at a Town Meeting on Saturday at the Wells Elementary School. The proposal lost overwhelmingly. (DINA MENDROS/Journal Tribune)

WELLS — Wells residents overwhelmingly voted down a “rights-based” water ordinance at a Town Meeting at the Wells Elementary School on Saturday. If passed, the ordinance would have prohibited commercial water extraction in Wells. It also would have granted ecosystems, including water sources, with the “unalienable and fundamental rights” to exist and flourish. The proposed […]

WELLS — With a vote set for Saturday on a controversial water extraction ordinance, supporters and opponents are both urging Wells voters to get to the polls. A special Town Meeting is set for 9 a.m. Saturday at Wells Elementary School. Only one issue will be considered: Whether to enact the Wells Water Rights Ordinance. […]

Kennebunk residents will soon see signs in busy areas like Main Street, pictured here recently, and at the beaches to let them know about the town’s new No Idling Policy. The Board of Selectmen officially adopted the policy Tuesday and appropriated funds for signs and educational materials. The Energy Efficiency Committee recommended the policy in […]

KENNEBUNK — The town’s Energy Efficiency Committee hopes to lessen carbon dioxide and other air toxins through a new policy and education campaign. The Board of Selectmen officially adopted a “No Idling” policy on Tuesday to endorse the idea. “The committee did a good job,” said Selectman Bob Higgins Tuesday. The committee was before the […]

BIDDEFORD — Both proponents and opponents spoke out at a public hearing Wednesday on a bill that would require a potential buyer of the Maine Energy Recovery Company’s waste-to-energy incinerator in Biddeford to apply for a new solid waste facility license. The hearing took place in the state Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee. The bill, LD […]

The Maine Energy Recovery Company incinerator cooling stack in Biddeford, as seen in this undated file photo. (JOHN SWINCONECK/Journal Tribune File Photo)

BIDDEFORD — City Councilors gave initial approval to the city side of the budget on Monday. By approving expenditures at $23.2 million ”“ higher than the figure they started the night with ”“ it’s unclear how the budget will affect the new tax rate. Due to current economic conditions, prior to budget discussions councilors had […]

BIDDEFORD — As the Franco-American festival La Kermesse gets ready for its 27th celebration next month, there are significant changes underway due to the economic downturn. The biggest change is that the free block party and fireworks will not be take place this year. For approximately 15 years, the block party has taken place in […]