Canton dam fix may be permanent

CANTON — Work on the temporary dam on Whitney Brook is holding well and the dam might be classified as permanent, Board of Selectmen Chairman Scott Kilbreth told fellow board members Thursday night.

Permits would be required, he said.

Malcolm Ray, chairman of the Dam Core Committee studying remedies for the failed dam, said taking out the rocks and boulders used to fix the dam breach would cause environmental damage downstream.

The town took ownership of the dam last summer after the state ruled it a danger and the private owner failed to make repairs. The structure regulates the water level in Lake Anasagunticook.

Other business

• The board voted to take the school carryover funds of $10,158 over two years. Town Administrator Kathy Hutchins said the school increase from Regional School Unit 10 was $14,334. She said last year the increase in school cost was $60,000.

• There will be an auction of two properties from the buyout program in the old village Wednesday, July 15, at the Municipal Building. The buyers will be able to salvage materials but not move the buildings, which will be demolished.

• Toni Wilson has resigned from the Planning Board and the town will be seeking another member.

• The River Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Lakehill Styles Salon on Friday.