http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=960&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com News stories by the Kennebec Journal - updated every hour en-us MaineToday Media Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:27:12 GMT 2012-02-08T02:27:12Z en-us MaineToday Media http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138866159&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FPortland-smokers-to-get-fined-for-tossing-butts.html The city's ordinance prohibiting littering now includes tobacco products among the trash that can't be thrown into the public way. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:27:12 GMT 2b40cda483affff8c005d2e150167cc9 Angie Muhs 2012-02-08T02:27:12Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138855734&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FCollege-vending-machine-dispenses-morning-after-pill-.html The machine at Shippensburg University's health center provides the Plan B emergency contraceptive along with condoms, decongestants and pregnancy tests. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:47:33 GMT 4e13af24f6af43662f2f64fd380cfd29 Rick Wakely 2012-02-08T01:47:33Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138839119&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FLong-awaited-ruling-on-Calif-gay-marriage-ban-due-.html Same-sex marriage moved closer to the Supreme Court on Tuesday when a federal court ruled California's ban unconstitutional, saying it serves no purpose other than to "lessen the status" of gays. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:43:18 GMT 3bcbbf3abd43b28ee0a09e2c075c8543 Rick Wakely 2012-02-08T01:43:18Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138897944&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FMaine-bill-seeks-to-ban-tax-zapper-programs.html Rep. Seth Berry's bill would ban computer programs that falsify sales records, which allows businesses to underreport their income and lower their taxes. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:34:29 GMT 127298e6595b8e4e77bb3e55ca4f7d64 Angie Muhs Only 2012-02-08T00:34:29Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138851744&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FKomen-official-quits-over-Planned-Parenthood-dispute-.html Karen Handel, the charity's vice president for public policy, says she supported cutting off funding for Planned Parenthood. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:26:49 GMT b4c97502068da05970e05906ee2ad842 Rick Wakely 2012-02-08T00:26:49Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138867204&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FMaines-high-court-upholds-decapitation-conviction.html The Maine Supreme Judicial Court rejects Chad Gurney's appeal of his conviction for brutally killing 18-year-old Zoe Sarnacki on May 25, 2009. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:59:00 GMT 1d81a45ed4b1953cec4d291ebecee7ef Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T22:59:00Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138865919&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FMaine-teacher-pleads-no-contest-to-sex-charge.html Dianne Leach, 47, of Steuben, is convicted on two counts of gross sexual assault involving an eighth-grade student. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:46:35 GMT 9d797a546a1d262c6919fe2a3efb729c Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T22:46:35Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138838099&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FBillboards-seek-tips-on-missing-Maine-toddler-.html The group has put up eight billboards in Philadelphia and one in New Jersey and is working to get billboards in Boston and New Hampshire. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:43:38 GMT 8deccdca9f7ad55b3885a6f2be3741d3 Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T22:43:38Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138890194&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2F7th-suspect-arrested-in-five-state-burglary-ring.html The group is suspected of committing 60 burglaries in Vermont, 30 in New Hampshire, four in Massachusetts and four in Maine. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:39:40 GMT 10dd6b113a803835341ee6ffbca712e7 Angie Muhs Only 2012-02-07T22:39:40Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138871024&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FLift-span-from-Maine-NH-bridge-to-be-removed.html Workers had planned to remove the 2-million-pound lift span on Tuesday between 8 p.m. and midnight, but the preparation work is taking longer than expected. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:35:42 GMT 9d8c26bbbac9977a498fc9f268429cab Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T22:35:42Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138881189&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FNH-rally-supports-same-sex-marriage-repeal.html Supporters say the proposed repeal bill would replace the current law with civil unions for any unmarried adults. and wouldn't affect gay marriages that have already occurred. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:41:59 GMT fc8c133d35032255827eddf03bba0b82 Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T21:41:59Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138875869&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FDow-nears-13000-Record-to-come.html It was just last summer that the Dow Jones industrial average shed 2,000 points in three terrifying weeks. Now the Dow is within reach of the rarefied 13,000 mark — a level it hasn't seen since May 2008. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:10:57 GMT d977ee34f7c658ec39972f8b177a4615 Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T21:10:57Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138839579&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FLooking-for-work-There-may-be-an-app-for-that-.html The demand for applications for everything ranging from games to quantum physics has created 466,000 jobs in the U.S. since 2007, according to study released to today. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:19:28 GMT 2c012310d4a7ea812ca8e0c1e63b3cca Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T20:19:28Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138859659&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FTop-source-of-salt-in-US-diet-may-surprise-you.html The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says just 10 foods account for 44 percent of the sodium in the American diet. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:35:53 GMT 7dd246b0189cb6a7e4c117f6bb25c75d Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T19:35:53Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138863784&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FDapolito-details-his-actions-after-wifes-slaying.html Testifying in his murder trial today, Patrick Dapolito says he borrowed some real-life elements in crafting his original story. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:06:50 GMT 0bdb9dc756a2d8f5ea7a1ae9586fcd1d Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T18:06:50Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138858659&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FLast-known-WWI-veteran-dies-at-110-.html Born in London on Feb. 19, 1901, Florence Green joined the Women's Royal Air Force in September 1918 at the age of 17. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:08:58 GMT 4b3518ec3ba7144f859f043771fb002b Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T17:08:58Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138854319&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FJob-openings-near-a-3-year-high.html The number of available jobs in the United States jumped in December to 3.38 million, supporting other data that show a brighter outlook for the economy. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:06:35 GMT d8c83ac99b24e49ea77c02afb7c377cf Angie Muhs Only 2012-02-07T17:06:35Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138856769&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FNH-considers-immigration-status-check-for-arrests-.html The U.S. Supreme Court announced last week it will begin hearing oral arguments on a similar law in Arizona. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:41:08 GMT 4c11993e1c1a45e15b8e4ba832b6e06d Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T16:41:08Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138850939&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FMcDonalds-pulls-ad-after-pit-bull-owners-outrage-.html The ad said eating a Chicken McBite was less risky than petting a stray pit bull, shaving your head, naming your son Sue or giving friends your Facebook password. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:20:08 GMT 2357e52b8988e8a1eac7f85ee1d25f9a Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T15:20:08Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138753124&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2Fmainegeneralnew-facilityahead-of-schedule_2012-02-05.html AUGUSTA -- A 310-foot crane swung two large steel beams slowly toward the workers who added them to the skeleton of the emergency department. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:14:32 GMT 038e6a970c4d248b6ced5b2c447a4fb8 BY BETTY ADAMS Staff Writer 2012-02-07T15:14:32Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138848974&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FBattles-over-gay-marriage-heat-up-in-several-states-.html Meanwhile, public opinion appears to be changing. In May, a Gallup poll showed that, for the first time, a majority of Americans approve of gay marriage. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:02:59 GMT c93855e0db75d2d110697ee8ea7f8e47 Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T15:02:59Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138818889&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2Flepage-vowsveto-if-his-plan-not-okd_2012-02-06.html AUGUSTA -- Gov. Paul LePage said Monday that he will veto any budget proposal that would not eliminate health insurance fully for childless adults who are now in Maine's Medicaid program. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:54:37 GMT 2f22be3a116d1f15e93d518d42b71eed BY SUSAN M. COVER 2012-02-07T14:54:37Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138845884&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2F-Maine-fuel-company-overwhelmed-by-donations.html A Dixfield oil-delivery company says it has received $100,000 in donations since a heartbreaking New York Times article about Mainers struggling to keep their homes warm. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:26:40 GMT 02d04dc7ed52ec7ece012620ef404344 Angie Muhs Only 2012-02-07T14:26:40Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138840269&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FOxford-Casino-under-fire-for-hiring-out-of-state-.html The Oxford Casino posted 22 openings on casinocareers.com, including security officers, dealers, a human resources clerk and management positions. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:05:15 GMT dab65578457fcbf307e382e4757c6387 Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T12:05:15Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138839214&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FObama-to-seek-more-Alzheimers-research-money-.html The move comes as the government develops the first National Alzheimer's Plan to hunt effective treatments for the devastating disease. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:43:58 GMT 8aca6f4fcfc6558c98f0fc3d01395e82 Rick Wakely 2012-02-07T11:43:58Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138822534&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2FVerizon-Redbox-to-challenge-Netflix.html Phone company Verizon Communications Inc. will challenge Netflix and start a video streaming service this year with Redbox and its DVD rental kiosks. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:26:04 GMT 646ff586f8586c3f9d02ad5217c60108 Angie Muhs Only 2012-02-07T05:26:04Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138820534&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2Fobama-heading-to-maine-in-march-for-money-trip_2012-02-06.html WASHINGTON -- President Obama will visit Maine next month to raise money for his re-election campaign, according to the White House and the Maine Democratic Party. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:46:49 GMT 4fa1fd5c40381cac582ba06fd051f92d BY JONATHAN RISKIND 2012-02-07T02:46:49Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138819654&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2Freport-released-on-babys-death_2012-02-06.html WATERVILLE -- A baby boy who died last year at Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter died of sudden unexpected death in infancy, according to the state Medical Examiner's Office. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:44:19 GMT 3adb640c9624ac8191a84aab141c979d BY AMY CALDER Staff Writer 2012-02-07T02:44:19Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138818039&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2Faugusta-blaze-possibly-caused-by-a-toaster_2012-02-06.html A toaster may have sparked a blaze that badly damaged an Augusta home over the weekend, investigators said Monday. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:42:27 GMT 70c9a1138052fcaefa2e96522bfdb21f BY CRAIG CROSBY Staff Writer 2012-02-07T02:42:27Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138818059&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2Fchelseaquintal-selected-for-code-position_2012-02-06.html CHELSEA -- Gary Quintal beat out five finalists for the code enforcement officer position. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:40:08 GMT 760bf33bab0b1823e0a7cc43f8789c52 BY MECHELE COOPER Staff Writer 2012-02-07T02:40:08Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138818009&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2Fboard-ofselectmen3-seek-1-post-in-pittston_2012-02-06.html PITTSTON -- Three people are vying for a seat on the Board of Selectmen, including two with law enforcement experience. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:38:54 GMT eca9911c6a3ac8059d5346498ee14a5f BY MECHELE COOPER Staff Writer 2012-02-07T02:38:54Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138819639&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2Fprogram-helps-low-income-students_2012-02-06.html WATERVILLE -- Adam Lerette, who's studying hospitality at Thomas College, has been made to feel very welcome on the West River Road campus. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:37:04 GMT 11d959b2713b0d4856139ee900be23cd BY BETH STAPLES Staff Writer 2012-02-07T02:37:04Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138819649&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2Funcle-of-missing-child-summoned-in-assault_2012-02-06.html WATERVILLE -- The uncle of missing child Ayla Reynolds was summoned on an assault charge Monday Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:34:58 GMT ea1bed83efca0b42c767b6235f7b6273 BY BEN MCCANNA Staff Writer 2012-02-07T02:34:58Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138820544&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2Fwest-athensjuly-4-fun-takes-hit-over-booze-drugs_2012-02-06.html WEST ATHENS -- After 40 years of zany parades, children's kazoo bands, hippie flowers and political satire on stage at the Valley Road gravel pit, the Fourth of July in West Athens this summer will be like any other day -- quiet. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:33:52 GMT 8c11e4f21af32169f17c7d14fac2421c BY DOUG HARLOW Staff Writer 2012-02-07T02:33:52Z http://www.kjonline.com/r?19=961&43=563887&44=138821214&32=10357&7=622157&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kjonline.com%2Fnews%2Foccupy-portlandmost-tents-in-park-gone_-4-days-leftto-dismantle-rest_2012-02-06.html PORTLAND -- One of the first encampments inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement is well on its way to being dismantled, though Portland officials have decided to give campers four more days to remove the last of the tents. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:32:31 GMT 57bf4e07b2d5652dad750f4e7d8764e7 Kennebec Journal Staff 2012-02-07T02:32:31Z