PORTLAND — Chronic staffing shortages have led Police Chief Michael Sauschuck to approve offering $10,000 signing bonuses for 10 new officers and four new dispatchers. Sauschuck announced the bonus program May 5 at police headquarters on Middle Street. “We found it necessary at this point to step up our game and offer these bonuses,” he said […]

PORTLAND — Will Zinn was wondering how he might use some North Deering land he bought. Rob Korobkin was wondering how he might help people who come to the city to recover from substance use disorders become better integrated into the community. Each weekend, their collaboration is now taking root as the Portland Recovery Community Garden at […]

PORTLAND — Dawn Wade said she loves the practical element at her new home in Huston Commons. “There is no more hurry up and wait, no line for the toilet, showers or lockers,” she said May 4. Wade is one of 30 new residents at the 72 Bishop St. apartments built as a “housing first” project […]

PORTLAND —In order to enjoy recess, the youngest students at Riverton Elementary School have to take a long walk to a playground that’s not really designed for them. To help raise the $50,000 needed for a new playground, a GoFundMe page has been set up and the school is also hosting an art gala and silent […]

PORTLAND — They came with canals, tidal barriers and a multi-tiered park. But it was city-based Aceto Landscape Architects that went away May 3 with the prize for the best design idea in the Bayside Adapts Design Challenge, created by the city Sustainability Office. The contest sought concepts to protect Bayside from projected increases in the […]

PORTLAND — Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and while protection from the sun’s UV rays is important year-round, it’s especially important when being outdoors for longer periods in the warmer months. That’s why the Maine Cancer Foundation, the Portland Sea Dogs Double-A baseball team and Portland’s Public Health […]

PORTLAND — Site work has begun on the $29.7 million Hall Elementary School project and school officials are planning to hold a ceremonial groundbreaking before the school year ends in June. The School Board was scheduled to get an update Tuesday night on the project, which is expected to be completed by September 2018. The new […]

PORTLAND — A lot was said Monday during the 3 1/2-hour City Council meeting. Very little of it had to do with the fiscal year 2018 municipal and school budgets facing May 15 council votes. Councilors did approve adding $125,000 to federally funded social service programs; the funds came from proceeds after the sale of the […]

PORTLAND — When asked what they’d like to see added to their playground at Peaks Island Elementary School, students made some outside-the-box suggestions, including a candy or pizza shop. Unfortunately for the students, it’s unlikely the $2,000 School Ground Greening Grant that Peaks Island Elementary has received would cover the costs of such suggestions, or […]