Centralmaine.com

CHELSEA — The Board of Selectmen voted to create a series of qualifications contractors must meet before entering the bid process for snowplow contracts following the contract controversies that have embroiled the town.

WASHINGTON — Rural America now accounts for just 16 percent of the nation’s population, the lowest ever.

PORTLAND — Renee Sandora called 911 on Monday to report that her boyfriend had shot her and a friend. She spoke for 35 seconds before the call went dead.

AUGUSTA — State officials remain concerned about the state’s economic future despite ending the fiscal year with a nearly $50 million revenue surplus. They said high fuel prices and the unresolved federal debt-ceiling standoff are to blame for the uncertainty.

AUGUSTA — A Fairfield man who almost succeeded in getting out of jail earlier this month by impersonating a soon-to-be released inmate was ordered to serve nine months for that and also two other offenses.

FREEPORT — A non-stinging wasp that likes to build its nests in baseball diamonds is helping Maine entomologists detect an insect that has decimated millions of ash trees in the Midwest.

RICHMOND — Richmond is rolling out the red carpet — as well as a 40-foot outdoor movie screen — for this year’s Richmond Days festivities.