So far, efforts to create a viable syrup industry in southern Jersey ‘have been very sweet,’ says the director of the university project.
News
Local, state and national news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Feds search Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ properties as part of sex trafficking probe, AP sources say
Two law enforcement officials said properties in Los Angeles and Miami were searched by federal Homeland Security Investigations agents and other law enforcement.
New York City owl Flaco was exposed to pigeon virus and rat poison before death, tests show
Flaco crashed into a building and died last month. A pair of medical conditions may have been a factor.
UN demand for Gaza cease-fire provokes strong clash between U.S. and Israel
The United Nations Security Council issued its first demand for a cease-fire in Gaza, with the U.S. angering Israel by abstaining from the vote.
Kennebec Journal, Morning Sentinel and Sun Journal win New England recognition for ‘Homeless in Maine’ project
Awards included investigative reporting, solutions journalism and newsroom collaboration.
Maine House advances bill to end 3 strikes law for thefts
Republicans warned that removing a possible felony charge for a 3rd conviction would embolden organized retail crime, while Democrats say the policy is outdated, and that most theft crimes don’t warrant a felony conviction.
Kennebec County budget proposal calls for 44% increase for taxpayers
Costs are going up, county officials said, and revenue that has been used in the past to offset spending is no longer available, meaning residents will have to make up the difference.
Family still not satisfied with Maine attorney general’s probe into 2007 police shooting
The attorney general’s office reopened an investigation into the shooting in 2020, but the family says it is still awaiting the report on the death of Gregori Jackson, 18, of Waldoboro.
Psychological examination requested for Waterville man arrested by FBI over online threats to kill Biden, immigrants
The lawyer for Benjamin Brown, 45, said he is concerned Brown might not be competent to undergo initial proceedings, stand trial or assist in his defense.
Photos: Johnson Hall Opera House before and after renovations
The Reehl Stage, the 400-seat theater at the newly renovated Johnson Hall Opera House to set to host its first public show Tuesday. That sold-out show featuring The Robert Cray Band, will be followed by former Men at Work lead singer Colin Hay on April 9 and Shawn Colvin and KT Tunstall on April 23. For more information about upcoming shows, see johnsonhall.org. Nearly four decades after Denise Reehl first saw the theater, which was opened in the 19th century as a livery stable, was transformed into an opera house and became home to department stores, a roller-skating rink and a movie theater, she said she is pleased with its ongoing transformation. “With hindsight, I realize there were a lot of years when it was very disappointing and we made no progress,” she says. “But now I think about it, and it was right to do it now because of everything we have in the world and ways to solve problems and materials. It’s just the right time now, and I am sorry (her late husband, Benny Reehl) didn’t get to see it.” All photos by Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal