Whitefield’s new rules and regulations for firefighting “take all the fun out of it,” said town fire chief Jim Brann.

After selectmen Steve McCormick and Kurt Miller approved the guidelines at their regular meeting Jan. 5, the chief also said the “politically correct” rules and job descriptions “protect us in the future. It’s insurance that we’ve done everything the way we’re supposed to do it.”

Sheriff Todd Brackett reports the following:

On Dec. 30, 2008, Bryan L. Perkins, 21, of Damariscotta was issued a summons for operating while license is suspended or revoked, on Back Meadow Rd., Damariscotta, by Deputy Mark Bridgham.

Sweeping power outages resulting from an ice storm in December contributed to a presidential declaration of disaster for Maine, leading to making Federal Emergency Management Agency funding available for towns around Lincoln County.

Carpentry Cashs Custom, Bristol, failure to register vehicle, $100.

Martin J. Cunic, 49, Derry, N.H., assault, $300, Two Bridges Regional Jail, 9 months, all but 48 hours suspended, probation 2 years; violating condition of release, Two Bridges Regional Jail 48 hours.

Waldoboro public leader, fisherman and father figure Art Tainter passed away on Fri., Jan. 16 following a battle with esophageal cancer.

Sigrid & Associates LLC Real Estate are pleased to welcome a new sales representative, Betsy Ferguson, to the agency.

Midcoast Energy is proud to announce a new employee technical training facility at its Rt. 1, Damariscotta campus, with completion is set for early this year.

State veterinarian Dr. Don Hoenig said all seems in order at a Whitefield farm that prompted December complaints from the neighbors about possible animal abuse.

Maine’s Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap administered the oath of office to Lincoln County’s most recently elected officials during a brief ceremony in the Lincoln County Superior Courtroom Jan. 5.

Employees of The First recently donated a check in the amount of $634.34 to People to People in Damariscotta. The funds were collected by The First employees in exchange for the privilege of dressing casually each Friday. All 14 branch offices of the bank participated in a month-long fundraiser.

Legislators made quick work of passing the 2009 Emergency Supplemental Budget Tuesday while congratulating each other for the bipartisan spirit in which it was vetted.

Daryl and Darcy Fraser of Damariscotta are proud to announce the birth of their baby girl, Carmella Sarah Fraser.

The march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965 was on Alice Lacy’s mind this week as President Barack Obama was sworn into office.

She showed up to march for Civil Rights nearly 44 years ago.

Rhonda Flagg, Jefferson, launched her new business “Everything in its Place” on Jan. 11 with a brunch for family and friends at the Damariscotta River Grill. Flagg provides a professional organizing service for homes and small businesses throughout the Midcoast area. “You can take control of your life again, and not have to do it alone,” Flagg said of creating “order out of chaos.”