SKOWHEGAN — Next week, Skowhegan Area High School students will return to a building that looks a little different than it did when they last occupied it. The large mural — of a Native American spearfishing — on the gymnasium’s wall is now a canvas of white cinder blocks. No longer will a “Home of […]

A federal judge soon will decide whether to allow two lawsuits against Biddeford police to go forward based in part on new information that police previously declined to disclose in a case that stems from a 2012 double murder.  The lawsuits allege that two Biddeford police officers were negligent for failing to arrest or detain […]

FREEPORT — A local woman is leading an effort to get municipalities to collaborate and share ideas and resources to improve shellfish practices around the region.  Jessica Joyce, principal of Tidal Bay Consulting,which works with clients on fisheries policy, ocean planning and conservation, and environmental impact assessments, began meeting with industry officials in other other municipalities in March to […]

BATH — Detective Sgt. Andrew Booth, a member of the Police Department for 17 years, has been promoted to deputy chief, effective Aug. 16.  The West Bath resident’s rise in rank follows the Aug. 1 retirement of former Deputy Chief Bob Savary, who concluded a 27-year career to become a command evaluation review officer with the U.S. […]

App allows butterfly finders to contribute to conservation  ORONO, Maine (AP) — Nature lovers who encounter fluttering butterflies might also be able to contribute to research about the colorful insects.  Researchers at the University of Maine say residents can use a mobile app to provide details about areas where butterflies are likely to be found. […]

AUGUSTA (AP) — It can be hard to keep smiles healthy in rural areas, where dentists are few and far between and residents often are poor and lack dental coverage. Efforts to remedy the problem have produced varying degrees of success. The biggest obstacle? Dentists. Dozens of countries, such as New Zealand, use “dental therapists” […]

TOPSHAM — Walking into the fairgrounds beneath overcast skies, surrounded kilts, caps and highland regalia with the sound of bagpipes closing in, it was easy to imagine that Scotland itself was a few steps away.  The 41st annual Maine Highland Games and Scottish Festival on Saturday drew people from all over to participate in and […]

FREEPORT — Fifty years ago, Jacob Watson and his wife Sharon built a school on the idea that children should have the freedom to decide what was best for them. Collins Brook School opened in Freeport in 1969, the same year as Woodstock, in the midst of what Watson said was a “free school movement,” […]

Some Mainers are having trouble buying beer, picking up a prescription or cashing checks with their new state identification cards. The problem is rooted in Maine’s Real ID law, which allows residents to choose between a conventional driver’s license or identification card, or a new version of a license or identification card that meets federal […]