GARDINER — This is the last week the city will offer Earth Machine Backyard Compost bins to residents at a reduced price.

The bins sell for $45. They and other composting equipment items are offered by the Gardiner Recycling Advisory Committee.

Orders can be placed by calling 582-4460 or through the city’s online store at www.gardinermaine.com.

Seasonal change topic in Monmouth

MONMOUTH — The University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Sea Grant will conduct a training program on the Signs of the Seasons Program from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Cumston Public Library.

Participants will learn about the history and science of phenology, which is the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals, and will learn how to observe and record plant and animal life cycles in their backyard or other community locations. Participants will then learn how to add their data to the national online database hosted by the USA-National Phenology Network.

There is no cost. To register, call Esperanza Stancioff at 832-0343 or 800-244-2104 or email Pamela Doherty at [email protected].

For more information, visit www.umaine.edu/signs-of-the-seasons.

Jury convicts woman on liquor law violation

AUGUSTA — A jury in Kennebec County Superior Court recently convicted Krista Carey, 20, of Waterville, on a charge of allowing a minor to possess or consume liquor.

She was fined $1,000. The offense occurred Nov. 13, 2011, in Waterville.

Compiled from staff reports