A computer programming error at Maine Revenue Services caused about $22 million in tax revenues to be double-counted over a two-year period, a problem that the state’s finance chief recommends covering with an anticipated influx of federal economic stimulus cash.

Consolidation of school districts, expected cuts in state funding and the rising cost of health insurance are some of the factors school officials are considering in the development of fiscal year 2009-2010 budget.

Two Lincoln County men are in custody and facing a variety of charges including kidnapping, terrorizing and criminal restraint as the result of a local investigation.

Gov. John Baldacci’s budget plan for the next two years would decrease overall spending for the first time in at least 35 years while changing or reining back services across state government.

Eden Hutchins and Garret Mathews of New Harbor are proud to announce the birth of their baby girl, Kayla Alexandra Penny Mathews, born on Dec. 10 at 6:44 p.m.

Healthcare advocates from across the state and corrections officers from Charleston warned the Legislature Monday that proposed funding reductions would decimate the social safety nets they provide.

House and Senate leaders this morning expressed optimism that they might be able to enact the 2009 Emergency Supplemental Budget by the end of the day.

There were school and business closings and cancellations, but otherwise no major incidents were reported following a winter storm that began tracking through Lincoln County Weds. morning and finally left town after nightfall with some gusty winds and mixed precipitation.

The families of Jaime Brewer and Shayne McFarland, together with the couple’s children, are happy to announce their wedding engagement.

Proposed cuts in state funding for hospitals will be mostly avoided for now if the Appropriations Committee and Legislature accept recommendations from a subcommittee which has been working on the issue since last week.

Rep. Joan Nass, (R-Acton), sees a clear path to some solutions to many of society’s problems. That path, she said, leads through high school classrooms.

For the second year in a row, Nass is sponsoring a bill that would strongly urge public schools to teach what she calls “critical life skills” to young people.

A two-part storm on Sun. left a blanket of snowfall over inland areas of Lincoln County and a mix of snow, sleet and rain on coastal areas. A total of 7.5 inches of snow had fallen in Newcastle by 5 p.m. on Sun. during the first stage of the storm, and then another 4 inches fell overnight during the second stage of the storm, leaving a total accumulation of 11.5 inches of snowfall for the event, according to Arlene Cole, a weather observer for the National Weather Service (NWS).

A proposal for the federal government to assume oversight duties related to forest sustainability has been canceled by the Baldacci administration, which deems the program too valuable to not be done in-state.

Kenneth and Jessica Bickford of Bristol are pleased to announce the arrival of a baby girl, Shannon Louise.