News Center Maine - All public schools in Maine will be required to have a bell-to-bell cell phone ban in the fall, similar to ones some schools already have in place. "It's amazing the difference it can make for the students,” Eric Hutchins, a graphics arts teacher at Bangor High School, said. Even though there's a lot to look at in Hutchins’ classroom, he said students would choose to look at their phones instead.
"I didn't enjoy teaching as much as I used to because of things like the cell phone distractions," Hutchins said. He found phones in class were distracting more than just students.
"I just was constantly 'No this! No this! This! Put that away!' and I couldn't actually do my job,” said Hutchins.
Many teachers shared the same frustrations, prompting Bangor High School to enact a cell phone ban at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
"The grades are up for all my classes. Students are focused,” said Hutchins. “They are paying attention. They are actually asking questions. They are talking."
"I would describe it as a resounding success," Paul Butler, the principal of Bangor High School, said. Butler said students have done a good job adjusting to the new rules.
News Center Maine - A new text scam, seemingly originating from the Maine Secretary of State, has been circulating around Mainers' phones. Messages arrive by text and often claim to be court summonses, collection notices, or fines, according to a post from the Clinton, Maine, Police Department. Officials advised against scanning the QR code or sending money. They said important notices usually arrive by other means.
Officers reported that scammers often create a sense of urgency with phrases like "Act immediately or face the consequences" to pressure victims into responding quickly, without allowing them time to think or discuss with someone else.
"Take a breath and take the time to confirm a situation before acting," officers stated. They stressed the need to look up the phone number rather than just call the one in the message.
Cumberland-North Yarmouth school staff union reaches contract (pressherald.com)
Press Herald
Deep in the Maine woods, a decades-old partnership between the federal government and the nation’s most forested state is at risk of coming undone during a sweeping reorganization and budget overhaul of the U.S. Forest Service. Agency Chief Thomas Schultz suggested that states like Maine have developed enough expertise that the federal government’s “paternalistic” role is no longer necessary.
Current and former servers at Boda have filed two lawsuits accusing the Portland Thai restaurant’s owners and managers of a slew of unlawful practices. The suits claim the business violated the Maine Whistleblower’s Protection Act, Maine Human Rights Act, and various federal laws. Among the dozen alleged violations, the servers also claim that Boda leadership changed pay rates without notice and knowingly sold spoiled rice “in order to save costs.”
Portland middle school students walk out in protest of teacher’s nonrenewal
Janet Mills says she opposes attempts to stop funding Israel’s defenses
Lawmakers approve rate hike that will improve access for dental proceduresHow Susan Collins and Republicans are handling Trump’s Federal Reserve threat
JOBS
First Atlantic Health Care posted a job opening for Transportation Support in Freeport. Apply here.
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FREEPORT HISTORY
Sam Smith - In 2011 ago Bow Street Market moved to its present location. In honor of this event your editor wrote this song.
EVENTS
APR 18
APR 19
Stained Glass Suncatcher Workshop - 138 Bayview St, Yamouth 9 am
Two Day Metalsmithing Workshop - 138 Bayview St, Yarmouth 930 am
APR 21
Municipal Facilities Commitee - 30 Main St, 7:45 am
Tonic, 7 Dunlap St., Brunswick: Open mic with Rexy Dinosaur, 6-8
Town Council Meeting - 30 Main Street, 6 pm
APR 22
APR 24
Friday, April 24 • 10:30 AM
@ Bradley Room at Freeport Community Center
Age-Friendly Freeport & Pownal is hosting the Art Van every second and fourth Friday. Join us in the Bradley Room to make art and see what the Art Van has in store. Free and open to all!