PORTLAND — The tradition of releasing balloons at weddings, birthdays and memorials may soon get deflated by lawmakers in more than half a dozen states. Critics say the helium-filled balloons pollute the environment, and threaten birds and other wildlife when they fall to earth. “People don’t really realize that it’s littering. That’s why we want to bring […]
2019
Posted inNation & World, Uncategorized
Trump’s latest Charlottesville comments cast spotlight on white nationalist violence
Joe Biden raised the issue in his announcement video and the president doubles down.
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Posted inSouthern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Spring cleaning for Scarborough Marsh
Kerry Hall of Scarborough picks up trash in the Scarborough Marsh on Sunday, April 28, during the annual Earth Day Cleanup organized by Maine Audubon with help from Friends of Scarborough Marsh and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Linda Woodard, director of the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, said approximately 100 volunteers participated […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
The Universal Notebook: Time to take back our deaths
Once again this year, the Maine Legislature is considering a death with dignity bill (LD 1313) to allow terminally ill people to request life-ending medications from a physician under very strict conditions. It should pass, probably won’t, and we’ll keep chewing on it until the law catches up with public opinion. A 2017 poll found […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Politics & Other Mistakes: The dealers behind the deal
According to a 2018 news release, Western Mountains & Rivers Corp. is an environmental group focused on “conservation, outdoor recreation and economic development.” Actually, WM&R is more like a wholly owned subsidiary of Central Maine Power Co. That explains why Western Mountains is such an enthusiastic supporter of CMP’s proposal to build a 145-mile transmission […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Here's Something: In praise of plastic bags
As much as some argue a statewide ban on so-called “single-use” plastic bags would help Maine’s environment, ban proponents fail to talk truthfully about one of the greatest inventions of the 20th Century. Plastic bags, the kind you get at the grocery store with the clever built-in handles, are neither single-use nor morally evil, as […]
Posted inTimes Record
Missing Wiscasset man found dead inside car
Police on Saturday found the body of a missing Wiscasset man inside his car, which was pulled from the Back River. Casey Main, 36, was reported missing Thursday after he failed to return home from work. Police were concerned because he had regular medical issues, although they didn’t specify what they were. “This is out […]
Posted inTimes Record
Public remains quiet on Bath-area school budget
BATH — It’s turning out to be another smooth budget season for Regional School Unit 1. Monday’s second public hearing on a $33.7 million spending plan – a nearly 12% hike over the current fiscal year – elicited no public comment, similar to the first hearing March 25. The RSU 1 Board of Directors is due May […]
Posted inTimes Record
Judge to reveal verdict in killing of 4-year-old girl
WISCASSET (AP) — A Maine judge is set to reveal his verdict in the murder trial of a Wiscasset woman charged in the death of a 4-year-old girl. The announcement is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in the trial of Shawna Gatto, who’s accused of fatally beating Kendall Chick. Gatto asked for the emotionally charged testimony […]
Posted inTimes Record
Brunswick chief: Fire Department ‘severely understaffed’
BRUNSWICK — Firefighters continue to be worried about inadequate department staffing as negotiations over the fiscal year 2020 municipal budget continue. Those who are concerned include Fire Chief Ken Brillant, who proposed increasing his staff next year by four crew members, or one firefighter per shift. That would ensure that eight firefighters are on duty at […]