Co-owner of Vena’s Fizz House Steven Corman speaks in favor of raising the minimum wage… Casco Bay High School’s Derek Pierce named Maine’s Principal of the Year… Jason Shedlock hired as Special Assistant to the Mayor… Troy Moon helps to return the Solar Belly trash can to Clark Street Park… Pingree slams Sweden for proposing to ban Maine lobster… Interfaith Washing of the Feet ceremony held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception… Hafid Lalaoui is leaving Portland to return home to Marrakesh, Morocco… Ethan Strimling driving a scooter down Congress St sans helmet… Paul’s Market sold to Portland Flea-For-All and many worry about the future of the only downtown market of its kind… Eddie Murphy remembered on St. Patrick’s Day… Peter Mills assures everyone that he is only a temporary resident of the West End… Emily Figdor is running for chair of the Portland Democrats… Jon Hinck fails to turn in signatures and won’t be on the ballot for State Senate… Chellie Pingree “determined to solve problem” of urchin and sea cucumber inspections… Rosanne Graef invites knitters and crocheters to join her Thursday mornings at the Book Nook to create scarfs, hats and gloves for those in need… Mark Wakefield nominated at the Green Party caucus to be an election clerk… Anonymous reader hopes to read local coverage of West End Mayor Ethan Strimling… Donors helps save Good Cause Thrift Shop from closing, proceeds from the store will benefit the McAuley Residence for single mothers… Christine McHale is Figgy’s first customer of the season… Bramhall Square gets electricity… Vinny O’Malley named interim director of Irish Heritage Center… Skyline Farm Carriage Museum celebrates Portland’s era of the horse with photographs of still existing West End carriage houses… Jenny Anastasoff spotted bargain hunting at Good Cause… After 20 years, Jack O’Brien announces that he will retire as Cumberland County Register of Probate… The S&P updates their outlook for Portland from “stable” to “positive,” let the bonding begin…