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State DEP says Milbridge violated monitoring rules involving discharges into river
The town of Milbridge violated rules regarding monitoring of treated wastewater discharged into the Narraguagus River earlier this year, according to state environmental regulators. In a “Notice of Violation’’ issued to the town on July 30, the state Department of Environmental Protection said Milbridge failed to complete required effluent monitoring, failed to report the missing monitoring and failed to report “exceedances’’ into the river.
Leader in Maine's Deaf community leaving Baxter School
As deaf people in Maine continue to struggle with the Lewiston mass shooting that killed four members of their community, they’re about to face another loss — the departure of the well-known head of the Baxter School for the Deaf. Karen Hopkins, the executive director of The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing/Governor Baxter School for the Deaf, will leave Dec. 1 to head up the Beverly School for the Deaf in Massachusetts.
Shattered … heartbroken: Deaf community reels from a tragedy
The Deaf community in Maine has been reeling since the Lewiston mass shootings. Four deaf people were among the 18 killed: Joshua Seal, 36; Billy Brackett, 48; Steve Vozzella, 45; and Bryan MacFarlane, 41. They had gathered with a group that night at Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston for a cornhole game.
Mass shooting turns spotlight on Maine’s sparse gun laws
Mass shootings at a bowling alley and bar that left 18 people dead in Lewiston on Wednesday evening have brought Maine’s complicated relationship with guns and how to regulate them to the forefront once again. In the past three years, state lawmakers have proposed nearly four dozen bills to regulate the sale, carry and liability of guns in Maine, but most have not passed the Legislature.
An important announcement from The Maine Monitor's editor
Dear Maine Monitor Reader, When I started as The Maine Monitor’s editor in April 2022, I pledged to deliver on the organization’s mission and grow the newsroom in order to bring you even more of the in-depth news Maine deserves. In the 18 months since, we’ve doubled the output of the newsroom, more than doubled our readership, launched three new newsletters, dramatically increased our fundraising, and added two reporters and two business-side employees.
Pembroke woman summonsed on child endangerment accusation after death of her teenage grandchild
A 73-year-old Pembroke woman has been summonsed on two counts of child endangerment after the death of her teenage grandchild, in a case that alarmed the state’s transgender community and also raised questions about the role of the state’s social services agency. Michael-Lanna Susko, a student at Washington Academy who was also known as “Milo,” died in late June 2022, immediately prompting suspicions among members of the transgender community and their allies.
Walgreens fined for violating closure requirements
Walgreens has been fined $10,500 by the state because two of its Washington County pharmacies closed without notification, as regulators continue cracking down on unreported closures and the chain begins to shutter other locations in Maine and around the nation.
Maine state senator calls for scrutiny of Maine DHHS
A Republican state lawmaker said the state’s top social services agency “deserves all the scrutiny we can muster” in light of a Maine Monitor investigation that found eight people in public guardianship died under unusual circumstances. In the Republican party’s weekly radio address, state Sen. Stacey Guerin on Friday criticized the Department of Health and Human Services for not alerting lawmakers about the deaths, despite a law requiring notification.
Cobscook Shores adds 25-acre Pembroke parcel to its holdings
Cobscook Shores, a nonprofit organization run by a millionaire philanthropist from New York, has purchased another piece of coastal property in Washington County, the latest in a series of parcels in the area bought by the group over the past eight years. Cobscook Shores purchased the former Leighton farm, consisting of 25.5 acres along Leighton Point Road and the Pennamaquan River in Pembroke, on Aug. 31, according to real estate records.
"Unexpected" plan to wind down Dragon Cement plant in Thomaston surprises town, but enforcement actions will continue
The Dragon Cement Company, a prominent fixture on Route One in Thomaston for decades, has announced it will wind down its operations starting at the end of the year, surprising town officials and leaving several pending enforcement actions in its wake. Dragon, which employs 65 people, is a subsidiary of South Carolina-based Giant Cement Holding Inc.
Attorney General Frey files civil rights complaint against Jonesboro man
Maine’s attorney general has filed a civil rights complaint against a Jonesboro man who allegedly threatened an interracial couple as they were on a walk with their children and two dogs. Dale O’Brien, 52, of Jonesboro, allegedly fired a gun while the family was walking near O’Brien’s house. The complaint says O’Brien quickly put the gun away when one of the victims started recording him with a phone.
A note about Gender Queer: a memoir
Gender Queer: a memoir, is a 2019 graphic novel by Maia Kobabe. It has been praised by the American Library Association, among others, but also it is the most frequently challenged book in school libraries here in Maine and around the country by people who find it overly explicit. The book is an illustrated narrative about Kobabe’s journey of self-discovery about gender identity and sexuality. In telling the story, Kobabe does not use he/him, she/her, or they/them pronouns.
Jim and Deb Fallows talk strengths and struggles of small towns
In 2013, James and Deborah Fallows began an odyssey looping through the US in their single engine plane to uncover the big and small truths of small-town communities, including Eastport — a town that so enchanted the journalists returned at least a half-dozen times while collecting interviews for their 2018 national bestselling book, Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America.
Cobscook Shores park to expand with 38-acre purchase
The Cobscook Shores Park System recently purchased about 38 acres in Wesley along the East Machias River that will be used for a canoe and kayak launch next year. It’s the latest acquisition for the waterfront park, which was created by the Butler Conservation Fund, a nonprofit started by New York philanthropist Gilbert Butler. Cobscook Shores, opened in 2020, comprises 20 park lands. Its holdings total roughly 1,300 acres in Washington County.
Federal officials find nearly three dozen violations at Thomaston cement company
Federal mine safety officials found 33 violations at the Dragon Products cement company in Thomaston during an inspection in May, the latest in a string of violations that have led to tens of thousands of dollars in fines over the past several years, federal records show.
OSHA again fines Worcester Resources — nearly $24,000 this time
Worcester Resources has been fined nearly $24,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for two recent reporting violations, the latest in a series of penalties levied against the Washington County business. OSHA fined Worcester $22,101 in April for failing to publicly post a report on work-related injuries and illnesses earlier this year, records show. In addition, OSHA penalized Worcester another $1,878 for failing to submit the injuries information to OSHA in March.
US Fish and Wildlife Service considers a new refuge in Maine's western mountains
The US Fish and Wildlife Service is exploring the creation of a new national wildlife refuge in the High Peaks area of the western Maine mountains, a proposal aimed at protecting wildlife and preserving access to recreational areas — but also one raising concerns among some area residents.
Nationally known nonprofit news advocate urges readers to support The Maine Monitor
One of the nation’s leading advocates for nonprofit news came to Maine last week to consult with The Maine Monitor and urge Mainers to support nonprofit news and the Monitor in particular as the solution to threats to a healthy democracy. Evan Smith, the co-founder of the Texas Tribune, told a crowd in Augusta that the Monitor is part of a nonprofit news movement that is vital in an era of widespread misinformation.
Dollar General parent company faces $321K fine for Enfield location
Dollar General’s corporate owner is facing up to $321,419 in fines for safety violations at a Penobscot County store, the latest in a series of hefty penalties levied against dollar stores commonly found in small towns and urban areas in Maine and around the country.
Northern Maine Medical Center dealing with financial, community concerns
Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent is battling “very significant financial challenges” and working to close a deficit that was projected at $9.4 million at the start of their fiscal year, hospital officials said Wednesday. Hospital officials said Wednesday they have closed the deficit by about $6 million by increasing revenue-making services to patients and taking some cost-cutting measures.
Northern Maine Medical Center to close obstetrics unit
Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent announced Tuesday that it is closing its obstetrics unit, citing the continuing decline in the birth rate and staff shortages at the hospital. The closure of the obstetrics unit at the hospital on the Canadian border will be effective May 26, the hospital said, becoming the latest OB clinic in Maine to close.
Celtic Woman to Perform at Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside Saturday, May 7
Celtic Woman has been moving audiences with traditional Celtic melodies for years. One of their original members, Chloe Agnew, is back with Celtic Woman and ready to perform at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside Saturday, May 7. In anticipation of Celtic Woman's upcoming performance, KVCR’s David Fleming spoke with Chloe to learn more about how the group began. Tickets and more information at riversidelive.com
Moment in time: Lalor Clan rally in 2008
The Lalor name has a long and proud association with Laois and when the clan held its rally 10 years, ago photographer Alf Harvey was on hand to capture the event. It certainly was a momentous occasion as a former paratrooper and homicide detective was unanimously elevated to the position of Chieftan of the O’Leathloblair clan. The Leinster Express reported that Tom Lawlor, a native of Shanahoe now living in Abbeyleix, was appointed as Chieftain at the 16th annual clan rally.
Proposal to use old phone boxes as community defibrillator points
Old phone boxes have been proposed as the ideal storage location for defibrillators in Laois. Eoin Barry, local area representative for the Labour Party is calling for increased access to defibrillators around county Laois. “Easy access to defibrillators is an important public health priority. We know that when someone experiences a cardiac arrest or heart attack, a defibrillator can be the difference between life and death.
Armed gardaí called to deal with terrifying incident in Portlaoise estate
Armed gardaí were on duty at an estate in Portlaoise over the weekend where violence erupted, resulting in one woman being hospitalised with head injuries. A motion before Today’s meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District from Cllr Mary Sweeney asked the council to address the concerns of some residents at Hillview Drive. She said the situation is very “upsetting for genuine residents”. Due to antisocial behavour, she said it was necessary to have a large garda presence there.
Tender advertised for building of new school
A contractor is being sought for a local school project which has faced delays of 16 years. Fiona O’Loughlin has expressed her delight that a contractor is now being sought for the construction of the new building for St. Paul’s Secondary School in Monasterevin. “This project has been delayed for almost 16 years and it’s great to see considerable progress being made in the last number of months,” she said.
Public meeting to hear of water pollution concerns over ESB substation
Concerned residents will hold a public meeting on Thursday June 21 in Ratheniska Community hall at 8.30 pm to outline their concerns over what they say is an imminent threat of pollution to their local water supply. “The public need to be made aware of the imminent threat of pollution by the developer, Eirgrid, to our source of water supply.
Penalty shoot-out heartbreak for Rosenallis AFC in CCFL Cup final
Rosenallis 1 Birr Town 1 (Pens: Birr Town 4 Rosenallis 1) Combined Counties Cup Final Rosenallis lost out cruelly on penalties to high-flying Birr Town in the CCFL Counties Cup final in Leah Victoria on Saturday evening. The sides were level after extra time and only penalties could separate them after an entertaining encounter. Birr… This article is for Premium Sports Content members only. Subscribe now for €6.99 per month Already a member? Login here App users login here.
Our Pick of the Top Stories of the Week
NEWS Scam The week began with a sophisticated phone scam using a local number. Report of gun seizure There was shock in Portlaoise after reports of a gun being seized from a car by gardaí. Astroturf plans There was a positive news story for the Mountrath area as the local GAA club sought planning permission for an astroturf pitch Portlaoise to gain from Dublin’s housing shortage? Auctioneers claimed that Dublin’s pain could be Portlaoise’s gain on housing.
Local credit union staff all set for Portlaoise Couch to 5K
Work colleagues from People First Credit Union can’t wait to complete their first Couch to 5K in Portlaoise tomorrow, after months of training. In the process they will also be raising money and awareness for Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), a cause close to their heart. Carol Murphy, marketing and business development executive with People First Credit Union, explains how it all came about.
Storm Emma can't halt Mountrath St Patrick's Day plans
Storm Emma and the Beast from the East couldn’t stop the Mountrath Parade organisers, who have doubled their efforts in preparation for this years St Patrick Parade The organisers said that the Mountrath Parade Committee are leaving no stone unturned in preparation for St Patricks Day.
Laois has one of the lowest disposable incomes in the country
Laois has one of the lowest disposable incomes per person in the country, with the Midlands region recording the second lowest in 2015. According the CSO, the figure for Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford in 2015 was €17,846, €695 more than the previous year but still €2,595 below the national average. Figures show that Laois has the second highest income in the region, ahead of neighbours Offaly and also Longford.
New Portlaoise Library moves a step closer
Tender documents are almost ready for the long-awaited new library in Portlaoise. Laois County Council CEO John Mulholland confirmed the news at the monthly meeting of the council earlier this week. The library will be developed on the former site of Shaws, on Lower Main Street in the town. “The new library is high priority and every quarter that it is pushed out, the costs will get more expensive. We are now on the point of getting tender documents out for the new library.
Breaking: Controversial HSE strategy launch cancelled
The controversial launch of a HSE strategy which included the proposed downgrade of Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise is believed to have been cancelled. “I welcome the reported cancellation today of Dr.Susan O’Reilly’s launch of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group Plan, scheduled for Thursday,” said Deputy Brian Stanley.
Mountmellick flood relief committee issue warning on collections
The Mountmellick Community Flood Support group have asked people to be aware that they are not holding any door-to-door collections and will not approach people for donations. “We did have some reasons for concern,” said Annette Morris Keane who runs a Facebook page to co-ordinate fundraising. “We don’t have specific details but people did message us,” she said.
Jail repeat rural offenders - Renua Ireland
Renua Ireland leader John Leahy has warned the government it is time to fight back against the rise in rural crime, following several serious incidents in the midlands . Commenting on a recent series of assaults Mr Leahy warned: ‘‘Rural Ireland has become a playground for criminal gangs because of political indifference to the plight of rural communities. “The government has, over the last decade, staged a managed retreat from rural policing.
Star studded line-up for James Fintan Lalor School 2017
Diarmaid Ferriter and Senator David Norris will be just two of a host of high-profile speakers at this year’s James Fintan Lalor Autumn School. The event, organised by Laois Heritage Society, will take place on Saturday, November 18. The overall theme for this year’s school is – Creating Ireland: Conflict, Co-operation, Continuity. The event will take place in the Midlands Park Hotel and will run from 9.30 am, with a final address at 4.20 pm, followed by a short film.
WATCH: All systems go for Camross Charity Truck and Tractor run
The countdown is on to the Camross Charity Truck and Tractor run. After last year’s success with the charity truck and tractor run the organisers have decided to do it all again. This year they are hosting it in aid of St. Francis school portlaoise and the Laois Hospice Raffle tickets are on sale until tomorrow night! The draw will be held in Bergins The Camross Inn on Saturday 14th October. The generious prize is a lorry load of firewood (value €1,400).
Vandals damage Clover Utd clubhouse with chainsaw
Vandals targeted Clover Utd in Rathdowney over the weekend, causing damage with a chainsaw and digging up some of the pitch. Club officials admitted it could have been a lot worse as those who broke in used the chainsaw on a concrete wall and broke its chain. “They cut a chunk out of the wall,” said club treasurer Jack Daly. “Gardai said it could have been a lot worse if they went at the doors with the chainsaw,” he said. The hapless vandals could have injured themselves in the process, too.
Tradespeople warned following surge in theft of tools
Gardai have warned tradespeople to be wary as thefts from vans are on the increase in the Laois-Offaly garda division. The value of equipment and items stolen ranged from €1,000 to €10,000 in some cases. People engaged in various trades have been targeted, including carpenters, plumbers, fitters etc. People with vans containing equipment have been reminded to “secure vans, be vigilant and mark tools”.
Electric Picnic 2018 tickets to go on sale next week
Tickets for next year’s Electric Picnic are due to go on sale as early as next week, it has been revealed. As Electric Picnic draws to a close for another year, Festival Director Melvin Benn confirmed that tickets for next year’s festival will go on sale next week. Last week the Festival Director also confirmed that a contract has been signed for the Electric Picnic to continue at Cosby Hall grounds for another ten years. “Stradbally is its home,” he said.
Minister Halligan says he is 'powerless' over Laois school bus crisis
Minister John Halligan has said he is powerless to solve the problem of school bus place shortages just days before meeting a delegation from Laois. Around 15 families from Emo and Vicarstown have been left without school transport just days before their children return to school. Junior Education Minister John Halligan said he was powerless to solve the problem.
Auction battle as Ballylinan property sells for €366,000
In what he described as a ‘good battle’ Athy auctioneer Joe McDonnell sold a 19.5ac Ballylinan residential farm under the hammer at €366,000 in the past week. It exceeded its guide price by €116,000 and achieved a very strong €18,769/ac. Located just off the N78 at Rahin, Ballylinan in Co Laois, the farm is and 1km from Ballylinan and 6km from Athy. It consists of 19.5ac of tillage and grazing land in four fields, with one of the fields in a crop of barley.
Impressive Castletown equestrian property on the market
A fine equestrian property has come on the market in Castletown, complete with an impressive stone house. Located off the N7 south of Mountrath, near the golf club, Knockanina House at Castletown is 15 minutes from Roscrea and Portlaoise, and close to the M7 motorway. This beautiful stone house is surrounded by lovely stands of old trees on a beautiful undulating site. It offers a magnificent tranquil home that has been superbly maintained and appointed.
Over 800 Laois students to get Leaving Certificate results today
A total of 861 students will receive their Leaving Certificate results across Laois today. Of these, 423 are female and a further 438 are male. In addition to these a further 39 students – 26 female and 13 male – will receive results for the Leaving Cert Applied curriculum. target="_blank" rel="nofollow" Students can collect their results from the respective schools this morning.
Water rationing for thousands of Laois homes
Water rationing could affect thousands of houses in Laois unless there is more rain soon. Laois County Council informed cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fleming that the water levels are very low in the reservoir at Wolfhill, which could lead to the rationing. “If it remains the same for next 3 Days they will then have to ration water,” Cllr Fleming posted on social media. While there was some rain on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, Cllr Fleming confirmed that this was not enough, however.
20 things you will remember if you went to U2 in the '80s
Our reporter is a self-confessed U2 fan(atic), and has been going to their gigs since the Unforgettable Fire tour. Here are some of the things you will remember, or may want to forget, if you went to the Joshua Tree gigs the first time around in Croke Park. 1 – The actual music: There was no such things as recording the event on your smartphone, iPad etc. You actually had to watch and listen.
Brazen thieves steal cylinder from house
Gardai are investigating the theft of a water cylinder from a house in Harristown, Arles which they believe is connected to a similar recent theft from Arles Killeen GAA Club. The cylinder was taken from the house last week within days of the incident at the GAA club. A garda spokesperson said the thefts may be an indication that copper has risen in value recently.
Major drugs seizure in Portlaoise
Cannabis herb worth €10,500 has been seized at a house in Portlaoise. The drugs were found in Gandon Close, Fairgreen, on Friday July 7, following a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act at approximately 10 am. One man, a foreign national in his early 40s living in the area, was arrested a number of days later. He is due to appear before Portlaoise District Court on July 27. SEE ALSO – Smell at well-known Portlaoise street is ‘unacceptable – Cllr Lodge
In pictures: Abbeyleix hosts banquet for Entente Florale judges
Abbeyleix treated its European guests to the finest Laois hospitality on Friday night, after the Entente Florale judging had concluded. The heritage town flew the flag for Ireland in the European competition, with 7 of the jury visiting the town for four hours’ of adjudication earlier that day. When the serious business was over, the judges were treated to local entertainment and fine food at the local banquet.
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