A proposal would hike penalty for drivers using mobile phones from $50 to $500 for a first offense.
public safety
Posted inLocal & State
Somerset County cuts 911 answering service for Kennebec County, citing staffing challenges
Kennebec County officials are now considering what steps they can take to fill the gap in emergency communications after Somerset County commissioners voted to not renew contracts with 16 communities across northern and western Kennebec County.
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Posted inTimes Record
Brunswick’s new fire station brings key comforts, safety upgrades
After more than 100 years at Town Hall Place, the Brunswick Fire Department is adjusting to its new station, designed with firefighters’ comfort and safety in mind.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
Augusta City Council expresses concerns about short-term housing rentals
Officials question whether the city’s ongoing housing shortage could be worsened if more housing were converted into short-term vacation rentals.
Posted inNorthern Forecaster
Yarmouth opens new $8.5 million public safety building
The new headquarters will help Fire-Rescue units get to emergencies quicker as calls for service have increased in recent years.
Posted inThe Forecaster
Portland Racial Equity Steering Committee accepting written comments
PORTLAND — The city’s Racial Equity Steering Committee is looking for additional public input between now and April 21 when its recommendations are due to the City Council. The committee has hosted two public comment sessions in its effort to address racial and public safety inequities in the city, but it would like “to hear […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Portland firefighters get grant for training, PPE
PORTLAND — The Portland Fire Department has received more than $215,000 in federal funding to improve safety within the department. The department was awarded $216,600 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which helps provide funding for training, emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment and emergency vehicles. Departments in Old Orchard […]
Posted inLocal & State
Augusta firefighter tests positive for COVID-19, prompting quarantine of others
The Augusta city emergency services worker is now resting at home, while five others have been placed on a 14-day quarantine, according to the fire chief.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Benefits should reflect sacrifices of Maine’s crime analysts
To ensure justice for others, they deal with disturbing evidence of the ugliest crimes our state sees.
Posted inNorthern Forecaster
Falmouth told to close fire station, hire more firefighters
A consultant says the town has immediate staffing needs that must be addressed.