LEWISTON — Democratic state lawmakers on the budget-writing Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee are saying they were misled and misinformed when they agreed to back Gov. Paul LePage’s proposal aimed at preserving about $17 million in federal funding for the Riverview Psychiatric Center. Despite passage of a law change expanding the staff and treatment capacity […]
Maine
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine blueberry crop expected to be above average
Before the harvest began in early August, growers were bracing for the tiny spotted drosophila, a native of Asia that arrived in the U.S. five years ago and poses a threat to fruit growers. But in the end, the fly didn’t cause as many problems as expected, said David Yarborough, a blueberry specialist for the […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Ridership up on Amtrak Downeaster
DURHAM, N.H. (AP) — Amtrak said ridership was up in two of its three northern New England routes in the last fiscal year. Amtrak said Monday that ridership increased 3.5 percent on the Downeaster, which travels from Boston to Maine and includes stops in New Hampshire. Ticket revenue grew 6 percent during the year. The […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine gas prices fall, down 20 cents in past month
AUGUSTA (AP) — Gas prices continue to fall in Maine. Price-monitoring website MaineGasPrices.com reported Monday that gas in Maine fell nearly 3 cents last week, to $3.48 a gallon. That’s 20 cents lower than a month ago and 40 cents lower than a year ago. Senior petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says prices could be volatile […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Five rescued after fishing vessel capsizes in Wells Harbor
WELLS (AP) — Five people were rescued from the water at the entrance to Wells Harbor after their fishing boat capsized. The boaters were pulled from the waves Sunday afternoon by the Wells assistant harbor master, who also towed the fishing vessel to shore. The Wells Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services were called to […]
Posted inFranklin, Maine, sj-web
Maine group marching against drones to visit Farmington this week
SKOWHEGAN (AP) — A group of Maine residents are taking their opposition to unmanned aerial surveillance drones to the streets. The Maine Drone Peace Walk made its way through Skowhegan on Sunday after starting in Limestone last week. The marchers are scheduled to pass through Farmington, Waterville and Augusta this week en route to Bath. […]
Posted inLocal Sports
A stream of fond memories and endless tales
Fall has come to Grand Lake Stream, one of Maine’s most famous hamlets and legendary places. It is late September. There is a cold north wind blowing down West Grand Lake and the sky is laden with layers of dark clouds. At the dock, two lake fishermen trailer their big Lund boat and ready it […]
Posted inMaine
Top LePage consultant worked on failed Lewiston casino campaign
LEWISTON — A top political consultant who is the campaign spokesman for Gov. Paul LePage was heavily involved in a failed 2011 attempt to bring a casino to downtown Lewiston. The Sun Journal has learned that Brent Littlefield was hired by a pair of Maine political action committees to buy airtime on Maine television and […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Land deal allows Sugarloaf to open ‘most challenging terrain’
CARRABASSETT VALLEY — Skiers and snowboarders will have exciting new terrain to explore at Sugarloaf this season, thanks to a land deal with Plum Creek Timber Company that will allow the resort to open new section of the mountain. The land acquisition was completed this summer, bringing roughly seven acres of terrain on the backside […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Cole Haan leaving Maine as new parent consolidates operations
SCARBOROUGH — Less than a year after being acquired by a global private equity firm, Cole Haan is packing up and leaving Maine, which has been the company’s home for decades. Cole Haan is moving its corporate headquarters from Scarborough to Greenland, N.H., Kimry Blackwelder, Cole Haan’s director of public relations, told the Bangor Daily […]