PORTLAND — The ad hoc committee working on a nearly $71 million bond to repair four aging elementary schools may try to reduce the cost. At City Hall meeting Nov. 17, the committee considered an alternative plan to make significant upgrades at Longfellow, Lyseth, Presumpscot and Reiche schools that is smaller in scope than past […]
Portland Forecaster
City-wide news from The Forecaster.
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Portland School Board OKs teachers contract
PORTLAND — The School Board approved a new, three-year agreement with the Portland Education Association at its Nov. 15 meeting. Members of the PEA voted for the new contract Nov. 14, with approval from 92 percent of teachers, according to a press release from the School Department. The contract runs retroactively from Aug. 26, 2016, to Aug. […]
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Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Dinosaurs take spotlight at Portland Science Center
PORTLAND — Millions of years ago, dinosaurs ruled the earth. Now they rule Maine Wharf, in the latest exhibit at the Portland Science Center. “Dinosaurs Unearthed” offers visitors a chance to see – and hear – prehistoric creatures come to life. This is the first time the exhibit, which opened Nov. 18, has come to New […]
Posted inNorthern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Dermatologist guilty of tax, drug, fraud charges
PORTLAND — A Falmouth doctor was found guilty of tax evasion, drug distribution and health-care fraud in U.S. District Court on Friday. Joel A. Sabean, 69, was found guilty Nov. 18 of five counts of tax evasion, 52 counts of drug distribution for other than legitimate purposes, and one count of health-care fraud. He was […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Portland tree lighting to launch holiday fun
PORTLAND — The city’s Christmas tree will be lit Friday, Nov. 25, as the annual Light Up Your Holidays Festival kicks off at 5 p.m. in Monument Square. The 40-foot blue spruce was donated by David and Barbara Ripley of 43 Harris Ave., and will be the centerpiece of a party that includes a visit from Santa […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
South Portland eyes timeout for marijuana discussion
SOUTH PORTLAND — The City Council next week is expected to take an initial vote on a six-month moratorium that would temporarily halt licenses for retail marijuana businesses. All but two councilors at a Monday, Nov. 14, workshop supported the moratorium, proposed in the wake of the statewide referendum vote Nov. 8 to legalize the possession, […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Developer may scale back proposed Portland condo project
PORTLAND — Plans for a proposed condominium complex on Sheridan Street will be revised again as city councilors consider a moratorium on developing the land. Patrick Venne, an attorney working with developer Bernard Saulnier, Tuesday said the new plans could reduce the building height for the 34-unit project to four stories, and eliminate any encroachment on […]
Posted inCoastal Journal, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Falmouth-Cumberland siding project may lead to more Downeaster trains
FALMOUTH — A nearly $9.4 million railroad track project that would allow the addition of two passenger-train round trips daily between Brunswick and Boston is slated to begin in 2017. The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority presented plans to the Town Council Monday night for the 4-mile construction project that would extend from Field Road […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Overdose deaths rise; Portland looks to expand services
PORTLAND — Overdose statistics released Monday by the state show a need for the city to expand measures to fight opioid use, a Portland official said Tuesday. “I think they are shocking, tragic and one more piece of evidence what we are doing is what we should be doing, said Dawn Stiles, who directs the city […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Portland council to return to pot, housing questions
PORTLAND — Monday, Nov. 21, will be the last time the current City Council meets. It could also be one of the council’s longest meetings, with moratoriums on marijuana sales and development on Munjoy Hill, and zoning amendments that will affect housing all expected to be on the agenda. The 5 p.m. meeting will be the […]