PORTLAND ( AP) — Preliminary findings from University of Southern Maine researchers have linked wood stoves and pellet stoves with potential indoor air quality problems. The team of faculty and students began its work last spring, examining indoor airborne smoke and ash particles from firewood and wood pellets. Researchers found traces of at least 10 […]

MANCHESTER ( AP) — Maine’s first retail fireworks store is scheduled to open this week. Pyro City is expected to open Thursday in Manchester, just outside Augusta. The state last year voted to allow the retail sale and use of fireworks in Maine for the first time in decades. The law took effect Jan. 1, […]

PARIS (AP) — The Oxford County Sheriff ’s Office is working on a new policy for answering burglar alarms after hundreds of false alarms cost the county more than 1,000 man hours in 2011. Chief Deputy Dane Tripp says of the 327 burglar alarms answered by deputies last year, just three were actual break-ins. The […]

AUGUSTA (AP) — As a planned casino in Oxford moves toward hiring dealers and a Bangor casino expands its offerings to include table games, Maine lawmakers took a small step Monday toward a statewide gambling regulation policy. A subcommittee of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee recommended that the full committee consider a casino policy […]

AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine State Police suspect some kind of crime connected to the disappearance of a Florida firefighter, and they want to talk more with a Bangor man as the investigation intensifies. Meanwhile, family and friends of Jerry Perdomo held out hope the 31-year-old Seminole County, Fla., firefighter will turn up. He’s been missing […]

BATH — The Bath Area Family YMCA will hold its annual members meeting from 5: 30 p. m. to 7 p. m. Wednesday at Mae’s Café, 60 Centre St.

TOPSHAM — The Planning Board is scheduled to hold a workshop at 7 p.m. today to discuss the sign ordinance, which is undergoing a revision. A draft of the sign ordinance can be viewed by visiting the town’s website ( www.topshammaine.com) and selecting the news updates link. The meeting will be held in the municipal […]

TOPSHAM — School Administrative District 75’s Finance Committee will meet today at 6 p.m. at Mt. Ararat High School. The Finance Committee will hear presentations on Mt. Ararat athletic programs, food service, Region 10 Technical High School and Merrymeeting Adult Education. Discussion of potential adjustments will follow the presentations. The meeting will be held in […]

BATH — The following cases were closed in Sagadahoc County Superior Court from July 1, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2011. Christopher Chavoustie, 23, of Brunswick, July 1, 2011, operating under the influence, $500, license suspended 90 days. Shawnda L. Coffin, 35, of Orr’s Island, Feb. 11, 2011, operating while license suspended or revoked, $750, jail […]

LISBON — The Town Council is scheduled to convene for a workshop at 7 p.m. today at the town office. The council is slated to discuss the ongoing revaluation update and the tax rate valuation. The council will then continue with its municipal department analysis, this time focusing on the fire department and the economic […]