Few things wrench the heart of a family like the loss of a child.

CARRABASSETT VALLEY — It was a perfect day for skiing at Sugarloaf on fresh powder left by a December snowstorm the day before. Something seemed amiss, however, as Rick Tonge and his son rode a chairlift up the mountain. First he heard some banging and clanging. Then the lift stopped and started several times.

VASSALBORO — Selectmen next year will sell a Cushnoc Road lot — acquired for failure to pay taxes — to the highest bidder, provided that the bid is more than $10,000.

AUGUSTA — As lawmakers seek to close the estimated $221 million Medicaid budget gap, it’s clear that other state spending, including tax breaks for business, will be scrutinized as the state’s budget problems are expected to grow in January with other shortfalls in state agencies and potential reductions in federal funding.

SOUTH PORTLAND — An early start meant more convenience and fewer headaches for Mike Malloy of Auburn.

SKOWHEGAN — The following cases were closed Nov. 1-18, 2011, in Skowhegan District Court.