Central Maine News: Inmate Returns to Kennebec County Jail after Error Lead to Release

These are some of the stories central Maine is talking about today.

President Obama has declared a major disaster in Maine following the severe winter storm that brought snow and flooding to the state Jan. 26-28. That will allow the federal government to help state, local and tribal governments to repair or replace facilities damaged during the storm or pay for cleanup efforts. The declaration is for Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties. FEMA says additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted because of damage assessments. Maine was among the states hit by a blizzard in January that brought more than 2 feet of snow to portions of the state, along with flooding. (AP)

Union workers are calling on lawmakers to support measures they say will improve wages and tackle economic inequality in Maine. About 200 workers packed the halls of the Statehouse Thursday to lobby lawmakers to raise the $7.50 per hour minimum wage and ensure that employees have predictable schedules. They're also urging legislators to oppose Gov. Paul LePage's budget and efforts to make Maine a right-to-work state. Right to work has been a priority for LePage and some Republicans, but attempts to pass the bill have repeatedly failed. Republicans say  the state should focus on policies that attract good job paying jobs. (AP)

An inmate is back in the Kennebec County Jail after a clerical error lead to his release. The inmate turned himself back in to officials. According to WMTW he appeared to be apologetic and told the deputy that he realized he needed to serve his time. He had been serving time on a drug related charge. He was been taken to a court appearance and when they returned to the jail was accidently released. (WMTW)

Another sure sign of spring, the potholes are starting to show up. March is typically the start of the pothole season, and road crews for the state and municipalities have begun temporarily patching holes when they can and posting weight limits on rural roads to prevent further damage. According to the KJ, any permanent fixes have to wait until the temperatures warm up more and crews can begin actual road reconstruction. The ground still hasn’t thawed, so the region hasn’t reached the peak time of roads breaking up from warmer temperatures. (centralmaine.com)

The IRS says approximately 4,500 Maine taxpayers are owed about $3.7 million in unclaimed tax refunds. Mainers are among a million taxpayers around the country who haven't claimed an estimated $1 billion in refunds for the 2011 tax year. Taxpayers have until April 15 to file their tax returns. IRS Commissioner says taxpayers who did not file a 2011 federal income tax return are running out of time to claim the refund. He says refunds could be "substantial" for people such as students and part-time workers. The IRS says the average unclaimed Maine refund is $645. (AP)