RICHMOND — The town’s bid for a grant to help pay for a new public library has been rejected, leaving barely more than $220,000 to replace the former Umberhine Public Library torn down in March.

AUGUSTA — City councilors, in response to concerns expressed by the city’s largest car dealers, sent noise ordinance changes, including a proposed ban on outdoor speakers at any businesses other than drive-through restaurants, back to the drawing board.

AUGUSTA — City councilors may vote tonight on controversial proposals to ban outdoor speakers at some businesses, pave a section of Western Avenue the state plans to rebuild in 2013 and replace bleachers at Cony High School’s Alumni Field.

RICHMOND — A third incident in recent weeks of someone scrawling a message about a bomb at Richmond Middle/High School has police, school officials and students increasingly determined to halt the disruptions.

RICHMOND — The Richmond Police Department won a $165,000 federal grant to hire an additional officer for the next three years if the town agrees to keep the officer on for at least a fourth year.

AUGUSTA — School officials hope to pick up additional instructional time by having all elementary school students end their school day, and start their bus rides home, at the same time.

AUGUSTA — After 12 years mowing someone else’s really hilly lawn that abuts her Winthrop Street residence, Jane Adams isn’t going to mow it anymore.

AUGUSTA — To neighbors, the suggestion stinks.

AUGUSTA — Parents of students attending three city elementary schools that have not met federal progress standards can send their children to the one elementary school that does.