Departments across state government are resorting to reductions in services and changes in what they do to balance their budgets in an economic climate that dredges up memories of the early 1990s.

Central Maine Power Co. reports that an estimated 100,000 customer accounts are without power this morning and that number is expected to increase.

The public’s chance to weigh in on the proposed 2009 supplemental budget begins at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5 when the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee is scheduled to oversee three days of hearings in room 228 of the State House.

Waldoboro Police Chief William Labombarde first raised the idea for a Citizen’s Police Academy to the Board of Selectmen in an effort to build improved communication between Waldoboro citizens and the police department.

As part of its holiday promotion this season, the Nobleboro Antique Exchange is offering Free Lobsters for every $50 of merchandise purchased between Dec. 13 and 21.

Roland Abbott slept six hours in three days working as the Emergency Management Agency Director for Wiscasset in the aftermath of ice storm 2008.

The double murder trial of John A. Okie opened in the Kennebec County Courthouse in Augusta earlier today. Okie is accused of murdering a former classmate in Wayne and his father John S. Okie in Newcastle in July, 2007

At a time when the lobster industry is in decline, one local boat builder has managed to adapt to the change in tide.

The state budget shortfall has trickled down to Two Bridges Regional Jail with the new unified system under the Dept. of Corrections that could mean layoffs and pod closures.

The National Weather Service (NWS) upgraded a Winter Storm Advisory to a Winter Storm Warning as an icy storm advanced on Lincoln County Thursday night.

The storm is forecast to bring a mix of ice and rain to Lincoln County, according to the NWS, which has issued several alerts for what forecasters have described as a “dangerous winter storm.” The latest forecasts indicate that Lincoln County may fare better than some neighboring areas – with the possibility of more rain and less ice – especially for the coastal areas and peninsulas.

The First Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNLC), held a Special Meeting of shareholders at which the company’s Articles of Incorporation were amended to authorize the issuance of preferred stock.

Lincoln County residents who heard the rumble of thunder during the Sun. storm may have experienced an event so rare that it is only reported on average three times a year in the United States.

Justin Bailey, 33, of Damariscotta was found guilty of violation of probation and was fined $300 and sentenced to 12 hours in jail.

Adam Kennard and Brittany Barbour of Washington are pleased to announce the arrival of a baby girl, Arianna Mae Kennard.