Rachel Ohm
Kennebec Journal
Waterville, ME, United States
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Past articles by Rachel:
Union representing state employees files complaint alleging labor law violations
The Maine Service Employees Association says the state has refused to negotiate unless the union agrees to limits on the size of its bargaining team and on whether other members can observe negotiations. → Read More
Portland City Council seeks public feedback on clean elections ordinance
The ordinance is being developed after voters in November required the council to establish and fund a clean elections program. → Read More
Proposal to eliminate a Portland rent cap qualifies for June ballot
The proposal would eliminate the 5% cap on rent increases after an apartment voluntarily turns over. The City Council will now vote to put the question to voters, adopt it outright or offer a competing measure. → Read More
Portland Planning Board approves 162 units of affordable housing in North Deering
Lambert Woods, which will include rental housing and a limited equity co-op, is being developed on a site the city put up for sale in 2020 to develop more housing. → Read More
Portland receives more than 60 applicants for open city manager job
The City Council will review applications between now and April, when they plan to bring finalists in for interviews. → Read More
Portland council approves rezoning for Roux Institute development
The vote is a critical step toward building a new graduate school and research center at the site, along with housing and other development. → Read More
Portland to open temporary shelter as Maine braces for extreme cold
With dangerously cold wind chills predicted, the city will operate an emergency shelter at the Salvation Army's gymnasium on Friday and Saturday nights. → Read More
One month after Edgecomb toddler killed, neighbor remembers ‘perfect kid’
Maine State Police have not released a cause of death for Makinzlee Handrahan, 3, who was found unresponsive Christmas morning, or filed any criminal charges despite ruling her death a homicide. → Read More
Lawmakers consider changes as state’s General Assistance program shows strain
Several proposals call for higher state reimbursement, as well as other changes to rental rates, eligibility and administrative support. → Read More
Jon Jennings, Portland’s former city manager, fired from new post in Florida
In a 3-2 vote Thursday night, the Clearwater City Council voted to dismiss Jennings from his job as the city's manager, saying he wasn't "a good fit." → Read More
From Mozambique to Portland: City’s new public health director brings global perspective
Dr. Alfredo Vergara, who opened the U.S. CDC's first office in Mozambique and until recently served as the agency's country director there, arrived in Portland in August. → Read More
Abuse alleged in home of Edgecomb toddler who was killed Christmas Day
Two days after the death of Makinzlee Handrahan, her mother filed paperwork seeking protection from a man she described as "verbally, mentally and physically abusive." → Read More
Portland seeks public feedback on search for new police chief
The city is running a survey that will be open through Jan. 5, and is looking to advertise for the job in early 2023. → Read More
High Street reopened, Congress Square work put on hold during winter
Crews completed work outside the Portland Museum of Art and reopened all lanes of traffic on High and Free streets Thursday night. → Read More
Bullets found in child’s bedroom after gunfire in Kennedy Park
No injuries were reported after bullets were fired into an apartment at 11 Kennedy Park around 10 p.m. Wednesday, police said. → Read More
New projects may soon begin to ease housing burden for asylum seekers
Up to 175 units may be available in three communities by spring, with some expected to open as early as this month. → Read More
Police investigate shooting outside Portland strip club
A 39-year man was struck by a bullet and received non-life threatening injuries early Sunday morning outside Rick's Cabaret, police said. → Read More
Portland prepares to implement new rent control ordinance, charter revisions
Changes to the city's rent control ordinance approved by voters last month will take effect Thursday, and the approved charter revisions will go into effect July 1. → Read More
Portland City Council postpones action on Payson Park music festival until June 2023
Councilor Andrew Zarro, whose district includes the proposed site of the festival, said the organizer has agreed to move the festival to July 2024. → Read More
Portland City Council to vote on spending $12.85 million in pandemic relief funds
A proposal includes $5 million for the city's housing trust fund as well as other allocations for employee retention bonuses, mental health and homeless services. → Read More