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:

Chairlift tops mountain update

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.

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.

Lisbon:

Voters OK bond, 20-year TIF

LISBON – Voters approved a 20-year tax increment financing plan for Enterprise Electric along with a $350,000 bond for the treatment plant.

The measures were approved overwhelmingly in a 20-minute special town meeting. Voters also made changes to the parks code that will apply to all eight municipal parks. The changes include no smoking. Amendments to the street name code will include mobile homes in parks.

All but five of the 47 voters approved establishing the 20-year Municipal Development and Tax Increment Financing District for Enterprise Electric, a local electrical contracting company that has been in business here since 1968.

Former Advisory Board Chairman Herbert “Pete” Reed objected to the public hearing on the TIF article and the town meeting being held right after.

He said in the past the town has “never had a public hearing on any article, at, or prior to a town meeting before. It’s not right, it should have been held prior to selectmen calling a special town meeting.”

Town Attorney Roger Therriault said it was permissible under state statute and everything was “procedurally correct.”

Auburn:

Police chief investigates charges

AUBURN – The police chief is conducting his own investigation into the Aug. 4 arrest of Mayor Norm Guay.

Police Chief Richard Small will look into his department’s actions leading up to and after the mayor’s drunken-driving arrest. City Manager Pat Finnigan said Small’s investigation is different than the one performed by Portland attorneys in August.

“They both have very different tracks, with very different purposes,” Finnigan said. “The first was to determine what actually happened on Aug. 4. Now that the chief has read that report, he has some concerns of his own. He’s looking at those concerns now.”

Police union officials reacted harshly to the second investigation. Attorney John Richardson, who represents the Auburn police union, said the city was trying to harass and intimidate its officers.

Minot:

Selectmen praise snow removal work

MINOT – The highway department crew was praised by selectmen for its performance in the recent snowstorm.

“They did a super job; kept the roads open even on the tops of hills,” said Selectman Eda Tripp.

Tripp, who reported seeing drifts 5 and 6 feet high, expressed amazement that Pottle and Center Minot Hill roads were kept open throughout. She noted some neighboring towns had to close some roads at the height of the storm.

Winds blew the near 20 inches of snow that fell during the two-day storm into drifts.

With the praise came a cautionary note that perhaps some of the plowmen were pushing themselves too hard.

Greene:

Station’s final payment delayed

GREENE – The contractor that built Greene’s new fire station will have to wait a little longer for a final payment, at least until selectmen are satisfied the roof will not leak again.

Selectmen voted 4-1 not to pay a $43,825 bill to the general contractor Monday night. Selectman Kevin Mower cast the dissenting vote.

The board will revisit the matter. The town owes $72,486 to the general contractor, Glen Builders of North Conway, N.H.

The Fire Department recently dedicated the new station.

The roof recently leaked and the contractor repaired the roof.

Several selectmen supported removing a check to Glen Builders from the warrant authorizing bill payments. Some board members said they want to see what happens with the forecasted rain and melting snow later this week.

Lewiston:

Misson will bar sex offenders

LEWISTON – Pastor Paul McLaughlin has dedicated his life to providing food and shelter for people who have nowhere else to go. As long as there is room at Hope Haven Mission, McLaughlin opens his doors to anyone who needs to come in out of the cold.

With a few new exceptions, that is.

Child molesters and rapists are no longer welcome at the Lincoln Street shelter.

“We’re concerned about the safety and well-being of the rest of our clients,” McLaughlin said. “We cannot put them at risk while they are taking refuge in our facility.”

Hope Haven has room for 25 people. On any given night, the shelter is filled with men, women and children. Entire families will wander through the doors, homeless and hungry.

“We don’t want them to feel threatened when they stay here,” McLaughlin said.

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