AUGUSTA — Governor LePage signed An Act Regarding the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry into law Friday.

The emergency legislation simplifies the saltwater recreational fishing registry requirements for Maine that were passed last legislative session. The new legislation also eliminates the fees passed last session associated with the striped bass endorsement, creating an entirely free registry system with minimal agent fees.

The new law also creates a free recreational fishing operator’s license. If an individual holds that license, then the anglers who fish with that recreational operator from a charter boat, a smelt camp, a privately owned dock, pier or wharf, or with a registered Maine Guide, are also exempted from registering. Maine residents fishing in salt water on July 4th, Labor Day weekend or Memorial Day weekend likewise will not need to register. Finally, nonresidents who are registered in another state, or with the federal registry, will not need to register in Maine.

Individuals wishing to register to go saltwater recreational fishing should visit www.maine.gov/saltwater. Registration will also soon be available through electronic agents of the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Bathrooms onWinthrop agenda

WINTHROP — Bathrooms at Norcross Point and the Dexter Pond Bridge are two of the items on the agenda for Monday’s council meeting.

The meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Town Office, also will feature a discussion about the Comprehensive Plan and a presentation by Donald Beattie on the Winthrop gala.

Councilors also will hear a request for a new boiler and a new chimney lining for the Winthrop fire station.

Topsham park & ride to close Friday

TOPSHAM — The Park and Ride lot in the Topsham Fair Mall off Route 196 and Interstate 295 is scheduled to close Friday, after a tenant opted not to renew the state’s parking lease.

MaineDOT officials said in a news release it has been working with the town of Topsham, GoMaine and area businesses in order to find a replacement lot.

MCA seeks nominees for Giraffe Awards

AUGUSTA — The Maine Children’s Alliance is seeking nominations for its 17th annual Giraffe Awards, given to those who “stick their necks out for kids.”

Categories include a president’s award, outstanding individual award, youth award, business award and organization award. Past winners have included people working in children’s mental health, youth camps, Maine businesses that have been generous to young people, volunteers, educators and many more.

Winners are honored at the organization’s an annual event, Champions for Children on Nov. 10 in Freeport.

To request a nomination form, visit www.mekids.org and click Events; call 623-1868, ext. 202; or email Mainekids@mekids.org.

Nominations must be received before Aug. 15.

For more information, call 623-1868, Ext. 201.

Car wash to benefit Gardiner library

GARDINER — A car wash to benefit the Gardiner Public Library will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 23 at the Gardiner Fire Department, 6 Church St.

The car wash is sponsored by the Sons of Maine, a local chapter of Men’s Division International.

Anne Davis, director of library and information services for Gardiner, said the chapter is using the car wash as a way to introduce the men’s group to the community. She said there are chapters of Sons of Maine in Portland and Lewiston.

Ken Martin, owner of Major Appliance in Farmingdale, is event coordinator.

Martin said he has always been a huge supporter of libraries and wants to highlight the needs of the library as it begins the final phase of the interior renovations.

Davis said the money raised at the car wash will be used to restore the Community Archives Room, which stores local history for the lower Kennebec Valley.

“I’m thrilled that the Sons of Maine group has chosen a library as the organization that deserves their assistance,” she said. “Libraries always have budget shortfalls and this car wash helps illustrate our need for community involvement.”