FALMOUTH—As the summer rush of beachgoers begins, the state-endangered and federally threatened piping plover is already having an especially tough year reproducing on Maine’s sandy beaches.  Biologists say only 19 piping plover pairs currently are nesting on southern and midcoast Maine beaches — down from 35 pairs last year and a high of 66 in 2002. 

by Gina Hamilton
Coastal Journal staff

WARREN - An inmate at the Maine State Prison took two people hostage on Monday afternoon, but surrendered later that night after a seven-hour standoff.