The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department has received a grant again this year to purchase bulletproof vests.

The grant covers up to $1,150 in vests, which is matched by the department, said Sheriff Dennis Pike. Vests, he said, can be upward of $600 apiece, often more, and each officer is issued one.

Currently, the county replaces vests about every five years, but may start doing it more often, Pike said.

The grant came from the Maine Municipal Association’s Risk Management Services. Pike said the county is awarded money annually.

– Samantha DePoy
Phillips:

Water District office gets railing

The Mount Blue Standard Water District will be installing a railing by the three cement steps leading into its Main Street office sometime soon.

That’s a good thing, said resident Donald Roberts. Roberts, who is 73 and walks with a cane, is concerned that for elderly people, it’s tough to get into the brick building.

“Somebody is going to fall and break a hip,” Roberts explained.

Cindy Dixon, office manager for the district, says she realizes the steps “aren’t exactly user-friendly.” She said the board has been wanting to install a railing for some time. “It’s more than stepping up onto a curb,” she said. “But kids can climb them.”

The water district has been at the Main Street location for less than a year. Many Phillips and Avon residents go there to pay their quarterly water bills.

Dixon said that many people call ahead or honk their horns, and she goes outside to get their payments.

But for those who want to come inside, a railing will be up within a few weeks, she hopes.

“I am happy with that,” said Roberts.

– Samantha DePoy

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