Faced with mounting pressure from aggravated Mainers who had long blasted the state’s snack tax as far too complex, confusing and unfair, the Legislature dumped the tax in 2000. No longer would families have to pay more for lunch-box staples such as granola bars, crackers and pretzels, lawmakers promised. No longer would annoyed shoppers have […]
Maine
Posted inOur View
Outlook dire, says report on Maine PACs
A report issued last week raises serious questions about the future of campaign financing in Maine. While a recent survey shows Maine voters think reducing the influence of special interest money and leveling the playing field for candidates are very important, our state may be doing the opposite: * Increasing special-interest money and influence in […]
advertisement
Posted inObituaries
Patricia Ann Mucenski
WAKE FOREST, N.C. — Patricia Ann Mucenski, “Patti” departed from this world on June 1, to start a new adventure in heaven. As an angel she will begin to mend the broken wings of souls in need. Patti was born in Potsdam, N.Y., Sept. 13, 1977, daughter of Edward S. Mucenski and Nancy Shene Mucenski. […]
Posted inMaine
Only three in Maine’s U.S. Senate primary race have spotless driving records
A check of the driving records of the 10 candidates in the Democratic and Republican primaries for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat shows many may be lead-footed. While all have valid driver’s licenses, several in the race for retiring Sen. Olympia Snowe’s seat have been tagged a time or two for speeding in the past 10 […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Snack tax pop quiz
Maine’s snack tax is long gone but in its place is a tax on … snacks. Sometimes. And baked goods. Sometimes. And juice, poultry and ice cream. Sometimes. This Sunday, reporter Lindsay Tice will explore what’s taxed, what’s not, and what stores aren’t telling you that could save you money. Think you know what’s taxed […]
Posted inAdvertiser Democrat, Maine, The Franklin Journal
White Mountain National Forest: Fee-free day June 9 for National Get Outdoors Day
CAMPTON, N.H. — To celebrate National Get Outdoors Day, day-use fees will be waived Saturday, June 9, at national forests across the country, the White Mountain National Forest announced Wednesday. However, fees will remain in effect for overnight camping, cabin rentals, permits, reservations and activities offered by concessionaires, WMNF spokeswoman Colleen Mainville said. “On Saturday, June […]
Posted inOur View, sj-web
Turnpike rate increase simply unfair
With its upcoming rate hike, the Maine Turnpike Commission has an opportunity to make intra-state travel fairer in Maine. But a Turnpike staff rate recommendation does just the opposite, actually heightening existing disparities between western and coastal Maine. We have long complained that Maine has a two-tier highway structure: A free roadway for Portland and […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine’s Poliquin self-funds U.S. Senate campaign to tune of $109,000
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin is giving his Senate campaign treasury a boost. Documents filed with the Federal Election Commission indicate he’s raised more than $229,000 through May 23. And he provided nearly half of that himself. The FEC filings indicate Poliquin gave $109,000 to his campaign. The pre-primary flings from […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Chinese students pleased with Maine education, try to grasp concept of ‘free time’
BANGOR — More than 6,000 miles from home, Chinese students in Maine high schools are finding that the United States’ system of learning is worlds away from education in the People’s Republic. Reflecting on their first year of education in the United States, Chinese students from John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor and Orono […]
Posted inMaine
Toll hikes proposed for Maine Turnpike
LEWISTON — A proposal to increase tolls to generate an additional $26 million a year for the Maine Turnpike was presented to Gov. Paul LePage on Friday and will be rolled out to the public starting June 19 at Auburn Hall. Peter Mills, executive director of the Maine Turnpike Authority, said the proposal includes toll […]