AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine lawmakers have endorsed proposed guidelines for local school districts to create teacher evaluation systems. They were written in response to state law passed in 2012 that requires school districts to develop and implement teacher evaluation systems based on things like student growth. The Democratic-led House voted 118-20 on Monday in support […]
Maine
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Cost of gas up slightly in Maine
AUGUSTA (AP) — The average retail cost of a gallon of gas in Maine has gone up slightly in the past week. Price-monitoring website GasBuddy.com reported Monday that the price at the pump averaged $3.62 per gallon in the past week, 7 cents above the national average. Even though prices in Maine are 2.4 cents […]
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Group examining Maine rail service to meet
PORTLAND (AP) — An advisory group looking at whether expanded passenger rail service should be offered in Maine is holding its second meeting this week. The 13-member Maine Passenger Rail Advisory Council is scheduled to meet Wednesday. The council was established by the administration of Gov. Paul LePage to help the state establish criteria for […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Maine DEP plans cleanup of former dry cleaner in downtown Auburn
AUBURN — State officials will brief downtown residents Monday about cleaning up dangerous chemicals left behind by a pre-1985 dry cleaner. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled an information session for residents at 6 p.m. April 7 at the Webster School, 95 Hampshire St. The meeting involves the discovery of two chemicals, tetrachloroethene […]
Posted inMaine
Abandoned-road bill fails in Maine House
AUGUSTA — The Maine House on Friday voted 92-50 to reject a bill that would have pushed towns to look closely at abandoned roads and rights of way. Battling landowners over rights and responsibilities involving abandoned roads or public rights of way has been a regular problem for towns across Maine for decades. That’s why Sen. […]
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Harvard Pilgrim may join ACA marketplace in Maine
PORTLAND — Mainers will likely get another option under the Affordable Care Act insurance marketplace next year. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care told the Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/1i7pi52 ) that it plans to join a co-op, Maine Community Health Options, and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, in the marketplace. An official said Harvard Pilgrim, which […]
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Medical marijuana offered in edible form at Maine dispensaries
PORTLAND — The Wellness Connection of Maine doesn’t look like a cannabis cafe. But starting this month, customers can indulge in pumpkin blueberry loafs laced with pot to ease their pain. The Portland-based medical marijuana dispensary is collaborating with Slates Restaurant and Bakery in Hallowell to offer “medibles” to its 5,000 certified patients in addition […]
Posted inMaine
Maine House sends welfare reform measure to state Senate
AUGUSTA — In a series of party-line votes Thursday, the Maine House sent to the Senate a slate of bills aimed at reforming Maine’s welfare system, including how state-issued electronic benefit transfer cards could be used. Four bills offered by Republican Gov. Paul LePage were either watered down into legislative resolves or defeated outright by […]
Posted inMaine
Committee approves bill to tidy Maine interstate signs
AUGUSTA — A legislative committee on Thursday unanimously approved a bill that would help align the state’s interstate landscape with federal rules by moving and removing dozens of signs. The Transportation Committee also made several changes to the bill to allow several signs to stay on the Maine Turnpike and to allow others to purchase […]