LEWISTON – The Maine Fair and Independent Courts Coalition is holding an “urgent” meeting tonight for community members to voice their opinions about the confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The forum will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lewiston-Auburn College. Questions raised at the meeting will be forwarded to U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, who will vote on Alito’s nomination.

“This lifetime appointment could have an impact on the lives of Maine people for decades to come,” organizer Sarah Standiford stated in a news release.

The Fair and Independent Federal Courts Coalition, founded in 2004 to monitor appointments to the federal bench, comprises members from 40 groups, including Common Cause, the Maine AFL-CIO and the Family Planning Association of Maine, among others.

Voters approve furnace purchase

GREENE – Voters this week gave a green light to purchasing a new furnace for the town’s highway garage.

Selectmen and one town resident decided it was time to retire the more than 20-year-old, rusty furnace and make the environment for highway workers safer.

Town Manager Charlie Noonan said the current furnace emits hazardous fumes into the garage, and it’s time to get a newer unit.

Selectmen and the Budget Committee recommended pulling $17,000 from capital reserves to pay for the furnace and electrical hookups.

Selectmen said the money was placed in the account last year by taxpayers to help remedy the plumbing and water problems in the garage.

“We were able to resolve the matter for less than we expected,” Chairman Ron Grant said.

The town appropriated $30,000 last year to fix the water problems and because only $7,000 was used, voters agreed the funding for the furnace should come from the capital reserves account.

The issue was brought to selectmen’s attention two weeks ago when the furnace stopped putting out heat. After having it inspected, it was decided that making repairs was not be cost efficient.

– Nick P. Angelides

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