Baby American eels providing huge profits and big headaches in Maine

BREWER, Maine - A tiny translucent eel that sells for nearly $2,000 a pound has created a modern gold rush along Maine’s rivers and streams, generating millions of dollars for once-struggling fishermen, a surge in illegal fishing, and a debate about how long the economic boom can - or should - ...

Oversight of Maine restaurants diminishes just as complaints rise

rbillings@mainetoday.com Staff Writer Maine’s guidelines for overseeing restaurant safety were quietly scaled back last year, even as the number of health-related complaints about Maine restaurants has been on the ...

Maine inspection rule among least restrictive in U.S.

Statewide online database In Massachusetts, the standard is twice a year, a frequency considered to be the national average. In Georgia, restaurants have to post health inspection reports next to their front doors, and in St. Louis, Mo., every restaurant must post a letter grade from its last inspection or face a $500 fine. In Maine, meanwhile, restaurants are supposed to get routine inspections ...

Maine Turnpike toll hike pays off

erussell@pressherald.com Staff Writer In the first six months since the Maine Turnpike Authority increased tolls at various spots along the 106-mile highway, revenue increased by 16 percent even as the number of cars on the turnpike dropped by 4 ...

Hats off to graduates of colleges and universities in Maine

From staff reports Several colleges in Maine held commencement ceremonies on Saturday. Southern Maine Community College graduated its largest class in the school's 67-year history during ceremonies at the South Portland campus athletic fields. A total of 1,074 students from 17 states and eight countries were expected to receive their degrees. The Class of 2013 also included 33 students who ...