In Friday’s paper there’s a story about what Auburn schools will cut to make up for $440,000 the school department will not receive from the state because of the recession.

Among the cuts listed were “bus parts.”

There was no further explanation. There should have been.

A few bloggers wondered which bus parts would not be purchased. Would Auburn buses be safe?

Superintendent Tom Morrill said Friday that the bus parts account is being cut after looking at what’s being spent so far this year. Officials estimate less money will be needed than earlier projected.

“But if anything is wrong with a bus, we’ll fix it,” Morrill said. Buses will be maintained and kept safe, he said.

Auburn operates 22 buses. Every year the city buys two new buses, and the cost is reimbursed by the state. Having a healthy fleet has paid off with fewer repair costs, Morrill said. And newer buses get improved gas mileage.

– Bonnie Washuk
The sew must go on

Employee Natalie Simard and husband-wife silent partners are buying Cote’s Sewing & Fabric Center, saving it from a shutdown next week.

The newly named sewing shop, Natalie’s, will stay in the same spot at Auburn Plaza.

Ron and Lisa Blake announced earlier this fall that they were closing the store, citing a rough economy and no one in the family to pass it to. Lisa’s father and his brothers founded Cote’s 52 years ago to service the area’s thriving shoe shop industry.

Ron will continue with Natalie’s, offering service work three days a week and by appointment. The liquidation sale at the store will continue until the third week of January when she takes over and new stock comes in, he said. Brother and Bernina sewing machine lines will continue, and so will class offerings.

He and his wife are happy and relieved, Ron Blake said. And from what he’s hearing, so are customers. Once Several have already volunteered to help out in the store when Simard takes over.

“They really want this to work for her,” Blake said.

– Kathryn Skelton

Dr. Mills: Flu is here

Influenza has officially arrived in Maine, said Dr. Dora Mills, head of Maine’s Center for Disease Control.

The first confirmed cases were reported this week: a young adult from Androscoggin County and a youth from Cumberland County both tested positive for influenza A.

It’s important that everyone heed three basic strategies to avoid getting the flu, Mills said. They are: 1. Cover your coughs and sneezes; 2. Wash hands frequently; 3. Stay home if you’re sick, especially if you have a fever.

It’s not too late to get a flu shot, Mills said. Flu shots are recommended for those age 6 months to 18 years; 50 and up; and anyone who is pregnant or has a chronic disease.

For more information, including flu posters for downloading and printing: www.mainepublichealth.gov or www.maineflu.gov.

– Bonnie Washuk