PERU – The Worthly Pond Association told selectmen the body of water has a clean bill of health after the group had the water tested by Scott Williams from Lake and Watershed Resource Management Associates in Turner.

The test showed that no algae growth or greening of the pond.

Dave Clement from the Worthly Pond Association says this is exactly why the group is concerned about how East Shore Road will be rebuilt in the future. Any soil movement during and after construction can quickly add phosphorus, which can promote algae. The road is not on the priority list of roads to address.

Absentee ballots available

Town Clerk Vera Parent again urges people to pick up an absentee ballot before the referendum vote on March 19 because there are 61 articles.

School officials discuss emergency plans

SAD 39 Superintendent Rick Colpitts, both school principals, other school officials, Oxford County Emergency Management Agency Director Scott Parker and Buckfield, Hartford and Sumner EMA Administrator Tom Standard met recently to discuss how the schools and towns can cooperate to best serve the students and residents.

While the existing plan was developed after the Columbine shooting and designed to protect students from criminal incidents, Parker says it needs to expand to include other hazards such as winter storms, tornadoes and pandemic influenza.

Parker recommended:

• Schools develop a list of hazards.

• Have representatives of law enforcement, fire and medical services participate in planning.

Colpitts said that not only were the schools available as shelters, but that school buses, supplies and equipment could be called upon in emergencies if needed by the communities.

Firefighters group to sponsor Hart

SUMNER – Fire Chief Bob Stewart introduced a new volunteer firefighter Maurice Hart, who is also a Maine guide. Hart has offered to donate a bear hunt by the association selling raffle tickets as a fundraiser. These funds would be used to buy uniforms, hats and personal fire equipment. The hunt will be scheduled in the fall.

Selectman Secretary Cyndy Norton opposed the hunt. Speaking to the firefighters she said, “It is unfortunate that you people who try to save lives would sponsor such an event.”

Stewart also brought to the attention of the selectmen that the town is in dire need of a new tanker. The one they presently have is actually a converted Pepsi truck and is too light to carry water, there is no pump and is too dangerous to drive with no buffers inside. He said, “The water sloshes around and makes controlling the truck difficult.” The town’s main fire truck has only a two minute supply of water.

Plan to be discussed

HARTFORD – There will be a public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 7.