A community forest group is hoping to get more trees in older Lewiston-Auburn neighborhoods through an urban forestry grant.

The Lewiston-Auburn Community Forest Board is taking applications from people who want to get one of 40 trees planted on their property.

Applications are available at the Lewiston Public Library, the Auburn Public Library, Auburn Hall and Lewiston City Hall.

The group hopes to plant 20 trees per community. The seedlings of about 2-inches grow into 8- to 10-foot trees.

Property owners will be responsible for $100 in costs after the trees are planted. Arborists from both cities will select which properties will get trees. They are hoping to put them in neighborhoods that are at least 50 years old.

Applications need to be submitted to the board by April 29. Winners will be awarded during the week of May 16.

– Scott Taylor
Lewiston-Auburn: Lead safety class being offered

The Twin Cities will offer a course for contractors on keeping homes safe from lead poisoning during construction projects.

The “Lead Smart Renovators” refresher class is scheduled for Friday, April 8. Contractors can sign up by calling Lewiston’s community development department at 784-2951, ext. 313, or Auburn’s department at 333-6600, ext. 1334.

“There are many techniques for working with lead and unless you work with it frequently, you forget how to work lead-safe,” said Steve Carr, Auburn’s rehabilitation coordinator.

The cities have offered the course since 2001. It demonstrates safe ways to work on pre-1978 properties, keeping lead dust from becoming a danger to residents.

The half-day session is supported by several area hardware suppliers, who have provided gifts for door prizes.

– Scott Taylor

County Commission: New jail uniforms on order

Androscoggin County commissioners have approved two contracts to outfit jail inmates for the coming year.

The county is restocking the jail’s inventory of orange, blue and khaki inmate uniforms and shoes. The commissioners authorized three purchases from two venders totaling $3,295. Uniform colors vary, depending on whether an inmate is classified as maximum, medium or minimum security.

In other business, Sheriff Ronald Gagnon told commissioners that other Maine counties had paid this county $24,905 for boarding prisoners during January and February. He said the March total had not been calculated.

– John Plestina