PORTLAND (AP) — FairPoint Communications and more than 1,700 striking workers reached the 100-day milestone on Saturday with workers marking the occasion with events across the region and expressing hope that the two sides will soon reach an agreement. Striking workers said they’re hopeful because mediated negotiations have continued for three weeks without breaking down. […]
Maine
Posted inMaine
Maine’s new state treasurer wants to show you what the money buys
AUGUSTA — If you get any kind of check from state government, you are going to see Terry Hayes’ signature on it — at least for the next two years. Hayes, an independent who was recently elected state treasurer, said that’s one of the weirdest things about her new job. A former Democratic state representative […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Chat archive: Should Maine tax its nonprofits?
Live Blog Taxing Nonprofits in Maine AUGUSTA – A tax reform plan by Gov. Paul LePage as part of his 2016-2017 two-year budget proposal is drawing plenty of attention. Among other things the plan would allow cities and towns to apply a property tax to nonprofit organizations that hold more than $500,000 in property. […]
Posted inMaine
Get out of jail free? Auburn senator suggests low-profile suspects pay no bail
AUGUSTA — Eliminating cash bail would dramatically reduce the number of inmates in Maine jails and dramatically lower taxpayer costs, according to state Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn. Brakey said Thursday he intends to introduce legislation that would do away with bail in Maine and replace it with a system that screens those charged with crimes […]
Posted inBusiness
More Maine stations drop regular gas price below $2
PORTLAND — More than a dozen Maine gas stations have set the price of a regular gallon of gas below $2 as the statewide average price fell another 8.5 cents, to $2.16, according to price tracker GasBuddy.com. The latest dip brings the statewide average to about $1.35 less than one year ago, a drop caused […]
Posted inMaine
Lawmakers hear from Maine’s conservation commission on ranger restructure
AUGUSTA — Maine’s agriculture Commissioner Walter Whitcomb on Tuesday shared new details of a plan that would restructure the state’s Forest Service, including the elimination of between 12 and 13 forest ranger positions. Whitcomb told a joint meeting of the Legislature’s budget-writing Appropriations and Agriculture committees that the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Conservation wanted […]
Posted inMaine
Maine jails are pressed for cash and facing funding crisis
AUGUSTA — The outgoing executive director of the state Board of Corrections, Ryan Thornell, confirmed for lawmakers Tuesday that Maine’s county jails are indeed facing critical funding shortfalls and public safety could be at risk. Thornell and Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry told a joint meeting of the Legislature’s Appropriations and Criminal Justice and Public […]
Posted inBusiness
Wilton CareerCenter lists February programs
WILTON — The Wilton CareerCenter will offer programs for job seekers in February. Gateway to Employment: 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, Feb. 4 and 18. Vocational Rehabilitation Orientation: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5. Registration is not required. Essentials of College Planning for Adults: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12. To register, […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Website ranks Maine as a good state for wrecking your car
According to one research website, if you have to crash your car, you should consider crashing it in Maine. On Sunday, the Sun Journal ran an article by Lindsay Tice, examining the perils of driving on Route 202. Meanwhile, freezing rain was creating the world’s largest bumper car arena of the state, sending cars into […]
Posted inAdvertiser Democrat, Maine
North to Augusta: Delegation split on pipeline expansion, hayride safety on State House docket
Pipeline or no pipeline? In a sharp divide, the two junior members of Maine’s U.S. Congressional delegation made arguments for and against the now famed Keystone XL oil pipeline expansion proposal. In speeches earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, and 2nd District U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin, a Republican, offered countering views on the […]