The City Council is expected to decide next week whether to tighten quarry blasting standards, but company representatives say they might have to close their operation completely under the proposed rules.
Keith Edwards
Staff Writer
Keith Edwards covers the city of Augusta and courts in Kennebec County, writing feature stories and covering breaking news, local people and events, and local politics. He has worked at the Kennebec Journal since 1995, having previously worked at the Camden Herald. He was born and raised in Winthrop and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a degree in political science. He is married and has a dog and cat. A lifelong Mainer, he enjoys skiing, hiking, canoeing, camping, and cooking out but spends most of his โoffโ time restoring and maintaining his 170, or so, year-old home in Richmond.
Hastings re-elected to Augusta Board of Education
He defeated Holly Kiidli by a vote total of 2,823 to 2,666, according to unofficial results.
O’Brien, Wilson, Elliott win Augusta council seats
O’Brien believes his past council experience will be helpful, especially as three current councilors, Patrick Paradis, Cecil Munson and Dale McCormick, are coming off the board.
Augusta bonds, including $6 million for fire station expansion, approved
Voters also favored borrowing $1.3 million for street and sidewalk improvements, by a vote of 4,023-2,156.
Blasting companies resist proposed Augusta ordinance change
The proposal comes in response both to ongoing complaints from residents of the Grandview neighborhood and a city official describing a blast he observed from inside a home as startling and alarming.
Blasting problems in Augusta pit resurface
City officials propose lowering standards to 15 percent of what is allowed now in response to complaints from neighbors and an observation by a city official.
Augusta may limit yard sales to three days
Council proposal targets never-ending sales.
Augusta voters to decide on fire station, street work proposals
Ballot questions to borrow $6 million for fire station expansion, $1.3 million for street and sidewalk work, go to Augusta voters.
Augusta councilors express concern about zoning changes’ effect on churches’ ability to serve
The council will take up the issue again on Thursday next week.
Two seek Augusta Board of Education at-large spot
Incumbent Ed Hastings is seeking re-election, and substance abuse coordinator Holly Kiidli hopes to replace him.