The prospect of a waiting cruiser can be a powerful deterrent for would-be drunk drivers. Prevention, the saying goes, is the best cure. It’s not dramatic or glamorous, but on a cool Saturday night in July, prevention will have to do.

About 10 years ago, a group of friends at Dave Stackhouse’s Shop in Bristol challenged each other to a hot dog eating contest. It started as an “I bet I can eat more than you” comment and has grown since that initial gurgitation, as competitive eating is called, into an event attended by close to 200 people July 1.

During a brief ceremony July 1, Miles Memorial Hospital was presented a plaque in recognition of sustained superior performance by Maine State Executive Director for Employee Health and Benefits Frank Johnson.

Julie Allen, 64, Fort Myers Beach, Fla., operating motor vehicle under the influence, dismissed.

As the space shuttle Atlantis touched down in Cape Canaveral July 21 for its final mission, the former director of orbiter production for NASA, and current Wiscasset Selectman Ed Polewarczyk said he was filled with emotion.

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the recent theft a truck from a Waldoboro gas station. The story garnered attention when it was discovered that the victim’s dog was in the truck when it was stolen.

Latia Leigh Abbott of Jefferson is pleased to announce the arrival of a baby girl, Aleah Marie Abbott.

The annual Fourth of July Round Pond Parade in Bristol characteristically mixes cutting sociopolitical satire and creative, often elaborate floats with squirt guns, fire trucks and candy throwing.

The Bus. Rt. 1/Rt. 215 Damariscotta exit ramp, when traveling Rt. 1 north, is closed to traffic due to a “hung up” tractor trailer truck that reportedly downed some telephone wires.

Julie Allen, 64, Fort Myers Beach, Fla., driving at imprudent speed, $200.

Mary Jane McLoon, of South Bristol, was elected vice president of the state American Legion Auxiliary at the organization’s annual conference in Bangor June 17.

Patrick Leeman, 35, of Bristol, a long-time bookkeeper for Damariscotta Auto Repair, faces a charge of Class C theft by unauthorized taking in connection with allegations he stole from the company.

Amber Deren of Edgecomb is pleased to announce the arrival of baby girl, Kayla Mae Brown.

Hundreds of people flocked to the Damariscotta downtown July 4 to witness the annual fireworks display and enjoy a town-wide celebration of America’s birth.