June 2014
SAD 17 budget passed; final vote Tuesday
PARIS — A move to add a half million dollars to the $37.65 million school budget was rejected by SAD 17 voters at Thursday night’s hearing at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. The amendment, offered by a man who declined to identify himself, asked voters to increase the recommended $3.8 million for facilities maintenance to […]
Hartford warrant gets hearing
HARTFORD — About a dozen people, most of them town officials, attended Thursday night’s hearing on the annual town meeting warrant. The 58 articles include budget requests totaling $2.12 million. This year’s budget was $2 million. Selectmen and the Budget Committee fielded questions Thursday from former road commissioner Bim McNeil. “When I was (road commissioner), […]
H.S. track: Shafer hopes for strong finish
NAPLES — It isn’t often that Will Shafer is running behind. That’s the way this track season has felt for the Gray-New Gloucester senior. Shafer, a favorite to win his events in Saturday’s Class B state meet in Brewer, has had other distractions conflict with his spring season. “I definitely feel like I’ve been playing […]
Mexico police chief says complaints on pace to surpass previous year
MEXICO — Police Chief Roy Hodsdon said the number of complaints his department has received this year are on pace to surpass 2013. “In 2013, we saw 1,938 complaints over the course of the entire year,” Hodsdon said Thursday afternoon. “Normally, we hit the 1,000 mark in complaints around September. This year, it’s June, and […]
Nine vie for seats on Canton board
CANTON — Voters will choose from among a total of nine people seeking two seats on the Board of Selectmen in Tuesday’s elections. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 10 at the Municipal Office. Seeking a three-year term are Russell Adams, former Selectman Lisa Cummings, Chris Dailey, Malcolm Ray, former […]
Oxford County Sheriff says coverage has improved
PARIS — Oxford County Sheriff Wayne Gallant said Thursday that there have been significant coverage improvements since a call-sharing agreement with Maine State Police was abandoned and a revised mutual aid agreement between county sheriff’s offices was implemented. Removing patrol coverage duplication, added resources and keeping calls for assistance local are some of the advantages […]
Mountain Valley High School graduates 78
RUMFORD — Sunshine peeked in the back door of Puiia Gymnasium early Thursday evening just as 78 seniors of Mountain Valley High School completed their graduation ceremony. Spirits were high as each descended the bleacher steps to receive their diploma from Principal Matt Gilbert. Before the ceremony, Gilbert was presented with tiny umbrellas and ponchos […]
Longley principal retiring from ‘challenging, rewarding’ job
LEWISTON — As school was being dismissed Wednesday, Longley Elementary School Principal Linda St. Andre conducted a meeting while glancing at students outside her front window. One student with fists up caught her eye, and her concern. St. Andre stopped the meeting, looked out, then relaxed, saying, “Somebody’s taking care of it.” Multi-tasking for her […]
Planting a ‘life lesson’ in Auburn
AUBURN — Seven bright little faces gathered around one raised garden bed behind Park Avenue Elementary School on Thursday morning. “Our seeds are in garden beds, and what do you do in bed?” asked Nick Geer, a Food Corps service member at St. Mary’s Nutrition Center. “Sleep!” piped up kindergartner Evan McCarthy as he knelt […]