Portland Water District cut a ribbon and hosted a tour Dec. 6 at its new pumping station, 69 Wards Hill Road, Gorham. The district says the new station improves fire protection and development capability in Gorham and Windham. Pictured, from left, are Gorham Town Council Vice Chairwoman Suzanne Phillips, Gorham Fire Chief Robert Lefebvre, Water Services Plant Chief Operator Joel Anderson, Portland Water District Trustee Louise Douglas, Gorham Town Councilor Lee Pratt, Portland Water District Trustee Guy Cote and Windham Fire Chief Brent Libby.

Giving Tree

Baxter Memorial Library, 71 South St., is  again welcoming  donations for its annual Giving Tree. Donors may take unwrapped gifts for teens and “tweens” (ages 10-18) to the library during regular library hours through Monday, Dec. 17.

All gifts collected under the Giving Tree will be distributed to Gorham families in need.

Appropriate gifts include movie passes, gloves and hats, scarves, board/card games and toiletries.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service reported on Dec. 6 that the U.S. public debt was $21,851,519,415,475.75.