NEWRY – Selectmen learned that as long as the town has fire-fighting equipment available, it is required under state law to provide fire protection.

Administrative Assistant Sylvia Gray said selectmen asked her to check into the status of the town’s liability regarding fire protection. After contacting the Maine Municipal Association’s legal department, she learned that it is a responsibility of the town as long as it has fire trucks.

“I contacted Bill Lidergood of the MMA and he told me the town doesn’t have to provide fire protection, but if the town has a ladder truck or any fire truck, it is liable,” she said.

Newry has a fire department with stations near the Sunday River Ski Resort access road and adjacent to the town office in Bear River. As a result, it has the responsibility to providing fire protection.

Rumford:

Several sign up for metals course

RUMFORD – A fifth group of displaced workers and others are signed up to begin a course in the precision metal trades.

Diane Dostie, Central Maine Community College’s liaison with the River Valley Technology Center board, said that several have signed up for the no-charge course, and a few openings still exist.

With classes offered at several sites in the River Valley area, students can complete the one-year certificate program in about nine months. This round of classes begins on Jan. 14.

Scholarships are available to assist students in completing an associate’s degree from the Maine Metal Products Association, as well, said Lisa Martin, director of the trade association.

Rumford:

Baseball coach bound for Iraq

RUMFORD – The war in Iraq has caused the resignation of a Mountain Valley Middle School baseball coach.

SAD 43 Superintendent James Hodgkin said the resignation of Anthony Mazza from the position was announced at Monday’s board meeting. Mazza is also a full-time educational technician in the district. That position will be held for him until he returns from an 18-month tour of active duty.

Hodgkin said Mazza’s call-up is the first for the district.

Rumford:

Update at mountain highlights chairlift

RUMFORD – A new chairlift to carry skiers up the novice and intermediate trails at Black Mountain will be ready when the ski area opens later this month.

That was but one part of a comprehensive update of the work and new services now under way at the mountain that was recently purchased by the nonprofit Maine Winter Sports Center.

Peter Phillips, director of skiing at the mountain, told the River Valley Growth Council board of directors Wednesday night that the renovation and expansion of the facility will most likely be an economic boost for the region.