The RSU 5 School Board OKs a $35.4 million budget for FY '21, now due to go to two district-wide votes. However, it's uncertain whether the votes will go ahead as scheduled amid concerns over the pandemic.
The first principal bond payment on the new Morse High School, largely offset by state subsidy, accounts for most of the 13% spending hike.
Lack of a wharf and the impact of coronavirus are two reasons the Bath organizations cited.
The coronavirus pandemic has so far not delayed progress.
Of the 9% spending increase, 7.5% comes from debt service toward the new Mt. Ararat High School.
Threat of coronavirus infection has made the police even more cautious about how they initiate physical contact with the public.
United Way of Mid Coast Maine looked to distribute more than 130,000 diapers this year, up from about 23,000 in 2014, but the coronavirus pandemic is posing challenges.
Restaurants are forced to either restrict operations to pick-up or delivery services, or shut down altogether.
Alek Gideon, a sophomore at Freeport High School, is one of Maine's two 2020 Congressional Art Competition winners.
Some events planned for Cuba Week could be rescheduled for later this year.
The town could operate at 2019 budget numbers until it has approved a new budget, if legislation being discussed in Augusta is approved.
Construction on the home, to be located at the corner of Old Brunswick Road and U.S. Route 1, could begin in June.
People Plus has suspended programming, but the agency's volunteer transportation network for the elderly will continue and Harpswell Aging at Home's communication program is ramping up.
The decisions come as 30 Mainers are confirmed as having COVID-19, and 13 have tested positive but require validation.
The city plans to hold a meeting on the redesign late this month or early April.
The Neighborhood church plans this spring to install solar panels to reduce its carbon footprint.
A bean supper scheduled at the campus for March 14 has been canceled.
Regional School Unit 5's proposed $35.4 million budget could raise district-wide taxes 4.77%.
Midcoast Community Alliance and Bath officials are working out a timeline and purchase price.
Residents will also vote on accepting an anonymous donation toward renovating an administration building at Mitchell Field.
The Age-Friendly Freeport & Pownal network launched the effort this winter, helping many seniors stay safe outside their homes.
Input gleaned from four recent public input sessions is informing the town's update of its Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan.
Mela Heestand plans to incorporate her research into this summer's tours.
Nelson Frost of Brunswick, a trapper most of his life, says it's a more humane way to deal with animal overpopulation, and resultant sickness and starvation.
The spending plan, which goes to a town vote March 14, includes funds for town office and recycling center improvements.
A ceremony around the P-3 aircraft on display at Brunswick Landing is planned for August.
The town plans to build a hand-carry boat launch and improve the parking lot at Head of Tide Park.
The school department plans to continue making gradual improvements in the next few years to the 1959 building.
The city will offer two more rounds of funding in the next two years.
Freeport's Carol Kaplan Fuel Assistance Fund could help about 60 households this winter.
A New Hampshire company will remove hazardous material in the original school before it's demolished later this year.
The students worked with the Portland-based Telling Room to write and publish "Somehow I Knew What to Do: Personal Narratives from Harpswell Coastal Academy."
"State of Maine" is on display both at the Hawthorne-Longfellow Library and online.
The arts center, built as a church in 1847, is forced to relocate shows elsewhere in the winter and summer.
Arts & Cultural Alliance of Freeport has submitted design plans to the town’s Project Review Board and it’s expected that renovations at the First Parish Church will begin in April.
"Maine’s Lithographic Landscapes: Town & City Views" runs at Bowdoin College through May 31.
In Sagadahoc County last year, 35.7% of students reported feeling hopeless or sad, and 19.3% said they had seriously considered attempting suicide.
Ann Flannery's course, still open to new students age 9-16, runs through May.
A series of regional meetings culminates Feb. 27 with a town-wide gathering.
The department now has three full-time female officers among its 16-member roster.
Kate McBrien, a Union historian, has been researching the 1911-12 relocation of the island's population for nearly 20 years.
The Beacon Residences could be built on two lots off Desert Road.
The square comprises the land around Bath's Customs House, on which King's home was once located.
Mark Griffin's "All that Heaven Allows" is on its way to becoming a film.
Chamber Choice Award winners will be announced on Jan. 9 at the Shine Bright Like a Diamond gala.
Maine's most iconic business had contemplated a move from Freeport before deciding to increase its downtown footprint.
'Children's Tales and Cartoon Classics' will take to stage in Topsham on Saturday, Jan. 12.
Bath-based nonprofit says dialogue crucial in preventing suicide.
Tontine Mall is donating $5,000, plus about $500 in food boxes, to the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program.
The original pinnace was built at Popham Colony in 1607-08.
A grant from Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund will supply telescopes to 12 Maine parks, including Bradbury State Park in Pownal.
Interior and exterior work on the venerable structure could continue through the summer.
Susana Hancock was a Rhodes Scholar, qualified for the Olympic Trials, plays the cello - and knows magic tricks.
The Midcoast Youth Theater show runs Jan. 9-12.
Tyler Inman and Ryan Bisson, both Morse High grads, have teamed up to create Trinken Brewing Co.
The funds, which come from a tax increment financing district and not taxes, will be available in the next 3 years.
Allison Smith took the reins of the Congregational Church in Cumberland in October.
The approximately 700-foot pipeline is about 50 years old.
The design process for the Maine Department of Transportation lot is half complete.
A reader's poll declared the singer-songwriter Maine's best for six consecutive years.
The new clerk will replace Mary Howe, who resigned Nov. 22 following an injury.
"African/American: Two Centuries of Portraits" runs through Feb. 9, 2020.
The Saco resident started as Topsham's planning director in 2002, and became town manager in 2014.
The life of Russell Williams, who was found dead in a sleeping bag Nov. 23, was celebrated Dec. 5.
Bath police say Saturday "smash and grab" at South End Park may be related to similar Nov. 21 break-ins
After the Ordinance Rewrite Committee weighs in, the council could eliminate a longtime lottery system used to assign sites, formalize the policy, or take no action.
A state-owned gravel pit is to be graded and paved, with 110 parking spots created.
Main Street Bath and the Brunswick Downtown Association host a variety of activities over the next few weeks.
The park commission recommends doing away with a decades-old lottery that awards campsites in perpetuity.
A new collective will help students gain access and real-world experience.
The organization will spend several months analyzing data received from more than 500 to a questionnaire.
Les Paul named the New York musician one of his five most-admired guitarists.
Cows at Wolfe's Neck Center in Freeport will be fed a seaweed supplement and studied to see if it decreases the production of methane gas.
The organization owns and manages 185 moderately priced apartment units, primarily for older adults and the disabled.
"Perk" Ramsay, a longtime employee of Roger's Hardware, now Rocky's Hardware, has run a fundraiser there since 1996.
The Chocolate Church Arts Center hosts the David Sedaris play from Nov. 29-Dec. 8.
The Beacon Residences could receive final approval as early as next month.
The City Council is due next month to vote a second and final time on the bond.
The district has expanded its language services to meet the needs of the 26 new students from Africa.
Front Street is a hub for the city's arts scene, according to msn.com.
A new steering committee is working on ways to better support seniors.
Freeport High will compete with other schools at Cumberland County Courthouse Nov. 16 and 23.
The 74-seat independent theater is changing with the times, and has new ownership.
The Midcoast chapter raised $1.68 million by its Nov. 6 campaign finale.
Tilly Laskey is co-editor of "Precious & Adored: The Love Letters of Rose Cleveland and Evangeline Simpson Whipple, 1890-1918."
The new plantings are part of Maine Maritime Museum's "First Impressions" facelift along Washington Street.
The change will allow the city to entertain solar power agreements.
Newcomer Matthew Nixon drew 1,013 votes and incumbent Marie Brillant trailed behind with 866 votes in the three-way race for the two seats.
Sarah Ward and Bill Keleher beat out Jane Quirion and Donald Koslosky for two unfinished terms on the school board.
The West Bath resident said she sees an opportunity for growth in the town.
The study will ensure the town has the capabilities it needs, Fire Chief Charles Jordan said.
The town's current regulations are too restrictive, the owners of Maine Wicked Goods Merchantile say.
The high school will be repurposed after Regional School Unit 1 moves to its new facility.
The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority also honored three businesses for innovation.
Shemekia Copeland, daughter of Blues legend Johnny Copeland, has won eight Blues Music awards.
The amendment would enable the city to enter into a 25-year solar energy power purchase agreement.
The new school on Eagles Way in Topsham is due to be complete next summer.
Toby McGrath of Water Street and Jim Trusiani of Pleasant Street are running for the post being vacated by Jane Millett.
Faith is necessary when you face a blank computer screen wondering what the next word should be.
Save your body some energy this winter by sticking with warm vegetables.
Susan Preece has led the Topsham Public Library since 2005.
The proposal would include mandatory registration, penalties for non-compliance and a limit on the number of people allowed.
The famed writers interests in conchology, photography and cryptography are also highlighted.
The owners want to increase the destination's presence as an education and artistic resource.
Incumbent Alan Walton of Bath faces a challenge from Lorna Ryan of Woolwich.
Discussion about replacing Dike Newell and Fisher Mitchell is in the early stages.
Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program seeks to broaden its outreach to older students through more discreet methods.
The lantern-lit walks are held along several Mid Coast communities.
Who needs to call for take-out when you have this recipe for Cashew Chicken on hand?
Bill Keleher, Don Koslosky, Jane Quirion and Sarah Ward are vying for two seats with partial terms ending next year.
About 450 students spent Sept. 10-13 at the Flying Point Road center.
A large antique house, a rocky shore for a front yard, and clear views of Popham Beach. Who could ask for a better location?
I know that he will work hard, listen openly, and best of all, in my opinion, Matthew will be open to discussing new ideas and ways of doing business that will ultimately make Topsham a better place to work and to live.
Growing to Give has donated fresh produce to food banks and other organizations since 2017.
The event will focus on Citizen Involvement Day, with a host of events offered for all ages.
The Freeport Historical Society invites the public to the historic saltbox on Oct. 6.
Supporters say the annual cost is worth what the city and its students get in return.
William Lederer seeks to strengthen the center's educational focus.
Robert Breen, who spent two decades as a Boston firefighter, to share new book Sept. 28
Maine Preservation looks the Tallman House to change hands so that a new owner can make the improvements.
Current and former students marked the occasion with speeches and song.
Mark Westrum of Bath was first charged with operating under the influence in 2016.
Kevin O'Leary, who teaches drama and English at Morse High School, launches the play next week.
A fundraiser for the Bath/Brunswick chapter will be held at Flight Deck Brewing on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Matthew Henson was the only other American to stand at the top of the world for the first time in 1909.
John Zittel has spent four decades involved in ocean science with the U.S. Navy.
Seacoast Management looks to build 48 cottages and an assisted living facility.
Brunch combines the best of both worlds - here's where to enjoy this in-between meal in the Midcoast.
Four newcomers are running for two partial-term seats on the Topsham-area School Administrative District 75 board.
This year's fundraiser concludes Nov. 6.
Maria Morris is a Jobs for Maine's Graduates specialist at Morse High School.
The Bath City Council has also delayed a decision on retail marijuana locations.
The district hopes to eventually serve as many as 120 pre-K students in four designated pre-K classrooms at the new 70,900-square-foot Kate Furbish Elementary School, which recently cleared the halfway mark and is expected to open next fall.
John Rensenbrink was a co-founder of the Green Party, and active in Maine conservation.
This weekend's show launches the Chocolate Church's 42nd season.
Nsiona Nguizani is building a network of resources to help newly arrived asylum-seekers acclimate to the community and school system.
The $20.3 million project has cleared the halfway mark with no major setbacks.
Gerald Brann pulls out all the stops with an array of songs and costumes.
Candidates for offices in Topsham, RSU 1 and SAD 75 must file by early September.
The new Mt. Ararat High School is scheduled to open on the Topsham campus in fall 2020.
The three departments are tailoring volunteer opportunities to suit the town's changing demographics.
Shawn Lambert has more than 25 years of teaching and administrative experience.
Two organizations are reopening the Merrymeeting Project, which shut down after the terms of a state grant changed.
Kenneth Chutchian, a history teacher and former journalist, sees parallels to today's political climate.
Set for Success will be held Sunday, Aug. 25, for all Regional School Unit 1 students.
Classes are planned to begin at the new school in January 2021.
Nsiona Nguizani has been helping the immigrants since they arrived in Portland in June.
Charles Gordon intends to travel, spend time at his camp and "play a little more golf."
The Maine Highland Games and Scottish Festival packs in a full day of events for the whole family.
A day to celebrate the belief that everyone "deserves to be valued and shown love."
Detective Sgt. Andrew Booth has spent 17 years with the department; he will become deputy chief of the department Friday.
Second and final approval of the regulations is expected next month.
The town's new property tax rate is $6.70 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Curtis Memorial Library hopes to continue Read-to-Me Dogs into the school year.
A new plaque honors Tom Rhoades and his father, Guy Rhoades, for their decades running the Topsham Fair pulling ring.
Town councilors are optimistic about establishing a strong immigrant community.
Bob Savary has started a new job with the U.S. Navy's Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair.
The fair was first held in 2005; PeaceWorks hopes another organization will move it forward.
If approved, construction of a nearly 54,000-square-foot building at Brunswick Landing would begin by spring 2020.
The committee, which met for the first time July 24, hopes to establish a central resource center.
The 165th annual event returns Aug. 6-11 at the Topsham Fairgrounds off the Route 196 Coastal Connector.
A second local planning session is to be held Aug. 16.
An online survey is open until Monday, Aug. 5.
Lucky 777 Lab plans to produce edibles and provide medical marijuana to retail customers.
The Board of Selectmen authorized the projects, which will extend wireless communications and produce enough energy to power municipal buildings.
Members of George T. Files Post 20, founded the same year as the legion, hope to continue growing community programs.
The new Mt. Ararat High School remains on budget, but new baseball and practice fields suffered "winter kill" and won't be ready for use until 2021.
The town could hear by late August whether it receives the $55,000 grant.
Nomination papers are available for Bath City Council elections, and soon will be in Topsham.
The town manager hopes to use some of the money to reduce the tax rate.
A dozen people have moved into housing at Brunswick Landing, with another 10 expected by the end of the week.
The town has already addressed some concerns about traffic safety and speeding.
The property at 26 Summer St. has been vacant since 2012.
Carol McFadden has spent 12 years, and engaged thousands of kids, at Patten Free Library.
Maine Maritime Museum has surpassed its $3.3 million fundraising goal.
A local man has purchased the theater and plans to offer films that attract a more diverse audience.
The Town Council hopes events at places like the Town Mall will be safer and free of second-hand smoke.
The event that originated in Bath is back for this weekend's Heritage Days celebration.
The city will consult with its Transportation Committee on future steps for two streets.
Liz Stamey intends to continue donating proceeds from her massage therapy business to help those in need.
Mary Howe has been the interim city clerk since January.
Midcoast Elevated will offer sales of extracts, edibles, flowers, lotions and an array of CBD products.
The donation puts the plaza closer to its $250,000 fundraising goal, with the hope of opening in 2020.
bluShift Aerospace at Brunswick Landing has been awarded $125,000 to develop rocket engines.
Harpswell Heritage Land Trust built the pop-up play space, where visitors are encouraged to get creative.
The city seeks input from the public on the best reuse for the 90-year-old building.
A decision about taking the appeal over health reimbursement accounts to third-party mediation has not been made.
Volunteers and good weather are also vital to the annual event's success, its coordinator says.
Summer pasta and rosemary lemonade are opening acts for a fudgy ice cream dessert.
Among other places, artist Jim Stilphen's work can be found in a tunnel and on a post office wall.
The City of Ships celebrates its history and the birth of our nation with plenty to eat and drink.
The Cuddle Cot delays deterioration of a deceased child's body; it is a tool hospital staff hope they will never have to use.
“What we’re trying to do is mimic nature,” Joe Grady says.
