September 26

THE MAINE STREAM

Kennebec Journal - The agency that administers heating assistance programs in the region has already received 4,000 applications for help, and expects to break last year's record before the heating season is over. . . Last year, KVCAP processed 11,800 applications, about 2,000 more than ever before. People in need of heating assistance may schedule an appointment by calling 1(800) 542-8227.

WCSH - Another Maine school department is considering offering contraceptives to students, this time at Noble High school in North Berwick. . . Under the proposal, the center would offer pregnancy tests, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, mental health counseling and contraceptives including the morning after pill. Two years ago in a controversial move, the Portland School Committee approved offering birth control perscriptions to students enrolled in King Middle School health center. . . Students must have their parents permission to be enrolled in the school's health center and parents can disenroll their child at any time.

Maine Public Broadcasting - Census figures [say] the Pine Tree State, for the fourth year running, has the second highest percentage of households receiving welfare . . . 4.8% of Maine households last year received some form of cash public assistance . . . Only Alaska had a higher number, with six percent of households receiving welfare. . . Families in Maine also earn less than any other New England state, with a median household income of less than $47,000 a year.

Boston Globe - Hundreds of people attended a 10,000-pound food giveaway in Biddeford organized by a Christian ministry. The food was donated to the mission by the Good Shepherd Food Bank. The food bank received a grant of food to use in communities, like Biddeford, that have experienced mill closings and layoffs. WCSH-TV reports Thursday's giveaway was supposed to happen on Tuesday, but the truck carrying all the food was sent to the wrong town sending people home empty handed.