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Copyright 2011, John Swinconeck. Work previously appearing elsewhere created by John Swinconeck and reproduced with kind permission.

Protesters again converge at KennebunkportKennebunkportProtest.html
For a while, it looked like things could have gotten a little ugly,. Counter protesters on Saturday on Ocean Avenue had briefly attempted to block an anti-war march led by long-shot Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich. A few police officers kept the peace and allowed the … KennebunkportProtest.html
'15 years is nothing…'Attacker.html
Michelle speaks in calm, almost matter-of-fact tones. The story she relates, though, is anything but. "I can sit here, and I remember the day. I remember the song playing on the radio," she said, relating events from 15 years ago. "I clearly remember what he made me do to him."Attacker.html
Baert sentenced to almost 6 years in prisonSentence.html
Family and friends of John C. Baert wept quietly Tuesday as the former Saco payroll processor was sentenced to almost six years in prison in U.S. District Court. Under the sentence handed down by Judge Brick Hornby, the maximum under federal guidelines, Baert, 59, will serve 71 months.Sentence.html
Biddeford Blankets to close; more than 200 jobs to be lostBlanket.html
A year and a half after it survived its second brush with failure, Biddeford Blankets is shutting down. Microlife Corp, of Taiwan, the white knight that has financed the former Biddeford Textile Corp. since May 2001 and rescued it from bankruptcy in May 2002, told 240 employees Wednesday that …Blanket.html
'It hits so close'Mosul.html
When he heard there had been an attack in Mosul resulting in the deaths of two Maine soldiers from his battalion, Tony Romano's first question to himself was, "Was it anyone that I knew?" Several families in York County have friends, family and co-workers in the 133rd Engineering Battalion …Mosul.html
When dieting doesn't workBipass.html
Lorie, 42, works as a registered nurse in public schools. She can attest to the fact that it's easier to preach healthy eating than it is to practice. For her, obesity and overeating have been lifelong issues. About a year ago she had gastric bypass surgery, and has since lost 90 pounds.Bipass.html
Guy Dusseault will likely remember June 27 for the rest of his life. Tha was the day his son died in an ATV accident in Lyman. Bill A. Dusseault, 28, of Biddeford, was killer after he failed to stop at a posted stop sign at South Waterboro Road and Frost Road, lost control of the ATV and struck a tree. … Roadsidereminders.html
'The bars have to change'Bars.html
Rich Redmond looks like someone who could work security on "The Jerry Springer Show," He's heavyset and completely bald, and with his large arms, looks as though he'd have no problem tossing trouble makers out of one of his bars. But strong-am tactics to keep the peace in Old Orchard Beach bars are… Bars.html
Think About IT slams door on indicted investorInvestor.html
Casino proponent group Think About It has warned off a Hudson Valley investor who was indicted on 39 criminal counts, including grand larceny in New York State. On Monday, the political action committee sent Francis A. Zarro, J., a letter, warning him to make no representation of any kind …Investor.html
Why is this man pursuing a $650M casino?Dana.html
Penobscot Nation Chief Barry Dana, 44, sat in the kitchen of the oldest living Penobscot, Valentine Ranco. As Dana briefly recalled some of his history, Ranco, who has run the Route 1 Indian Moccasin Shop for 50 years, interjected memories of her own growing up. At times, they spoke …Dana.html
O'Neil: Program's goals unrealisticDirigo.html
Will Dirigo Health be the panacea for the uninsured of York County and the rest of Maine? Not really, according to Saco State Rep. Chris O'Neil, who sponsored the legislation and helped make the so-called universal health care plan a reality. This week O'Niel took Dirigo Now!, the group drumming …Dirigo.html
Trash fee raises stink on OOBTrash.html
Residents of two mobile home parks are angry about paying a trash-dispoisal surcharge. But where they should direct their anger is unclear and has left the town manager and parks' manager trading barbs. According to Town Manager James Thomas, Seagate Limited Partnership. which owns Old Orchard … Trash.html
Roadside remindersRoadsidereminders.html
Teacher spending soarsTeacher.html
With payments on a bond to pay for a new Wells Elementary School coming home to roost, Wells-Ogunquit tax payers could feel the pinch of an 8 percent increase in the district budget. While the taxpayer could be spending more, elementary school and junior high teachers will continue to spend money …Teacher.html
Voters reject RacinoRacino.html
Forget about ringing in the New Year with plans for a racetrack in Saco. Voters in all seven wards roundly rejected a referendum Tuesday that would have allowed Scarborough Downs to relocate to a northern portion of Route 1, with up to 1,500 slot machines. The vote was 2,306 to 3,750, or 38 …Racino.html
Protestors converge near Tellier homeWaterboro_Protest.html
About two-dozen people demonstrated next to the home of Joseph Tellier on West Road in Waterboro Saturday, protesting the proximity of the convicted violent sex offender’s current residence to two schools. “It’s a feeling of unsafe-ness,” said Casey Wickham, 14, who attends Massabesic High …Waterboro_Protest.html

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