The University of Maine women’s basketball head coach attempted to grab the wheel of a team bus when the driver was stricken Tuesday night, but the vehicle crashed into trees off Interstate 95 north of Boston. The unidentified John T. Cyr & Sons Inc. driver was seriously injured and was being treated at a Massachusetts […]
Maine
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine lawmakers mull 70-plus age jury waiver
AUGUSTA — Mainers who are 70 and older would be allowed to opt out of jury duty if a bill before the Legislature passes. The sponsor, Rep. Windol Weaver, told the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday that health issues make it difficult for a lot of people in their advanced years to serve. The York Republican […]
advertisement
Posted inMaine
Bill seeks to regulate drones in Maine airspace
AUGUSTA — The buzz of high-flying police surveillance drones in the airspace above Maine is not yet common, and that’s why state Sen. John Patrick hopes the Legislature will support a bill that regulates the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. “This is a real opportunity for us to be proactive on something,” the Rumford Democrat said Tuesday […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Portland man can whistle, but he must keep moving
PORTLAND — A man charged with disorderly conduct for his loud whistling in downtown Portland has reached a deal with the city — he can whistle, but he can’t linger in one spot. Robert Smith, of Westbrook, has been cited by police twice in the past year after businesses complained. He pleaded guilty last summer […]
Posted inOur View
A history of open access to permits
Last week, as debate swirled in the House regarding emergency legislation to temporarily conceal the personal identifying information printed on concealed handgun permits, there were a lot of questions about why the 112th Legislature defined these permits as public records way back when. A lot of questions, but no answers. So, in our effort to […]
Posted inMaine
Proposal to change estate taxes in Maine once more raises concern
AUGUSTA — The Legislature’s Taxation Committee took a look at a bill that would roll back changes made two years ago to the state’s estate tax. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Christopher Johnson, D-Somerville, would allow only the first $1 million of an estate to be exempt from state income taxes. The measure is co-sponsored […]
Posted inBusiness, Maine
Legislators debate tax credit for electric cars
AUGUSTA — A bill that creates up to a $1,000 tax credit for those who purchase a plug-in electric vehicle by 2017 is working its way through the Legislature. It’s the second time in as many years that lawmakers have seen a bill that would replicate in state tax law, a credit also available under […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Caroline Zimmerman: Oral health access an issue for many Mainers
Dr. Michelle Mazur-Kary, president of the Maine Dental Association, wrote in her guest column (Feb. 3) about Maine’s “A” grade from the Pew Center on the States for dental sealants. We wholeheartedly agree that the dental sealant grade is an important indication that Maine is doing well on prevention. However, in a separate evaluation, Pew […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Inside Maine: Governor’s bond moves ‘incoherent’
When Gov. Paul LePage took office, he made it clear he doesn’t like debt – really doesn’t like it. Rather than the routine financial transaction it is for most states, businesses and families, LePage spoke as if borrowing money were morally damaging. Still, at the time no one knew how far he’d go to slay […]
Posted inLocal Sports
College Roundup
GORHAM – Senior forward Jordan Grant scored a game-high 23 points to lead four players in doubles figures as the nationally-ranked University of Southern Maine Huskies defeated the UMass Dartmouth Corsairs 90-66 to earn their 20th Little East Conference Tournament Championship Saturday at Hill Gymnasium. With the win, ninth-ranked Southern Maine improves to 27-1 and […]