The Portland Press Herald has announced the Damariscotta River Grill earned the 2009 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence with a special designation earned in the “affordability class.”

Rising Tide Community Market is seeking applications from local groups needing funds for projects. Grant money is available for projects that are focused on the environment, community, food and hunger, and/or cooperatives.

The following property transfers were recorded recently at the Lincoln County Courthouse in Wiscasset:

Alna: Melissa Coombs (Pr.) and Sewall L. Pearson (Est.) to Philip R. Trowbridge and Laura M. Bonk;

Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI), headquartered in Wiscasset, has been selected to receive a Rural Development IRP loan in the amount of $750,000. Funds will be used to provide low-interest loans to public and non-profit organizations to re-lend for business and community development. This investment is anticipated to save or create 72 jobs and assist 12 businesses.

A tax rate soaring to 22.5 mils spells shocking news for Alna taxpayers who paid 16.75 mils last year, but selectmen blame school costs as the reason.

Alphonse Alley II, 31, Albion, possession of marijuana, $350.

Lincoln County Superior Court closed several criminal cases from Aug. 24 to Sept. 3 during the recent criminal session of court.

In a machinegun like presentation, South Bristol entrepreneur Richard Munson rattled off the virtues of his par/PAC treated cellulose insulation product Thursday, hoping to convince a congressman to arrange funding to produce it in a Maine paper mill.

The staff from About Face Skin Salon and Cosmetics Boutique spent a recent weekend in Boston attending a SkinCeuticals advanced esthetic training seminar.

For the third time since June, RSU 12 voters nixed a spending plan for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

The executive director of Maine Leads testified he attempted to emulate the “political left” when he raised more than $419,000 from national nonprofit organizations and used more than half to help fund citizen initiatives in 2007 and 2008.

Kelley E. Bennett of Jefferson was granted a divorce from Brian J. Bennett of Wiscasset on Aug. 28. They were married in Jefferson on Sept. 3, 2003. Shared parental rights of two minor children.

A tough growing season for hay, rising costs of fuel, electricity and other animal feed have forced some Lincoln County farmers to either sell their herds or change business strategies.

A scheduled appearance by murder suspect Corina Durkee in Lincoln County Superior Court Aug. 27 was postponed as her case has been continued.