Staff photo by Andy Molloy

SPRING AIR: Michael Fortin runs across bare ground Wednesday while floating a kite over Capitol Park in Augusta. Fortin and other children were playing outside in unseasonably mild weather during a school vacation program hosted by the YMCA. Despite overcast skies in the overcast, temperatures are expected to reach 40 degrees this weekend.

Sardine cannery closing in Prospect Harbor
PROSPECT HARBOR -- Bumble Bee Foods said Wednesday that it will close the nation's last sardine cannery in April, putting 130 people out of work.

Wescott enjoys his golden moment
Cool ease guided Seth Wescott in his stunning charge to gold in the finals of the men's snowboardcross at the Vancouver Olympics.

Robber now accused of swiping $30K worth of tools
AUGUSTA -- A Pittston woman convicted of a convenience store robbery was indicted last week on charges of stealing thousands of dollars' worth of tools from her grandfather while she was out on bail.

COPS: TODDLER AT CRIMES
A Richmond couple is facing charges in connection to a string of burglaries that the couple allegedly committed with their toddler in tow.

WASHINGTON Clucks over land rules
WASHINGTON -- Villagers would be allowed to have roosters, under a newly revised land-use ordinance to be discussed at a public hearing March 3.

An eye toward retirement
AUGUSTA -- Dr. William "Ed" Atlee saw opportunity in the Augusta area 39 years ago.

Abortion foes to brandish graphic imagery
AUGUSTA -- Madelyn Fijalek hardly cuts the picture of a protester.

BRIEFS
WASHINGTON -- The town only has uncontested races this year.

Europe coming to Maine schools
Maine will join seven other states in a pilot program that aims to increase high school graduation rates and college readiness by instituting a "European model" of instruction and assessments.

Fans excited about Snoop Dogg show in Lewiston, fo'shizzle
LEWISTON -- Risqué rapper Snoop Dogg sells in Lewiston.

Liberals air long wish list for Washington
AUGUSTA -- A group of advocates led by the Maine People's Alliance gathered Wednesday at the State House to urge Maine's Congressional delegation to take steps to improve life in Maine.

Casino back on ballot
AUGUSTA -- Proponents of an Oxford County casino proposal have collected enough signatures to move the measure forward, Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap said Wednesday.

Study finds Kennebec County health average
Franklin County is Maine's healthiest county while neighboring Oxford County is the least, according to a set of new reports that rank all the counties within their states.

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