CANTON — The problem of dogs running loose on Canton Lake beach has been solved, according to Administrative Assistant Tina Cagle.

She told residents Thursday night that the Maine Department of Transportation has owned that land since the inception of Route 140.

“They have instructed us that no dogs are allowed on the beach and we are to write an ordinance that states no dogs allowed on the beach,” Cagle said.

The MDOT will put up a sign with the message and will serve as law enforcement, if needed, she said.

During a selectmen meeting in September, residents Gus and Molly Elliott complained that an ordinance allowing dogs at the beach was causing safety and health issues such as urine and feces on the beach and dogs getting loose and running into the road.

The couple has been cleaning and taking care of the beach for the past 12 years and they want to see more families enjoying it, they said.

In other business, selectmen approved the purchase of two sets of firefighter turnout gear at a cost of $4,000. Fire Chief Jason Vaughan told selectmen that the grant he had applied for to buy the gear had been denied.

“We budgeted for one set of turnout gear in our budget, and I need to get four,” Vaughan said. “So we can buy one and the Firemen’s Auxiliary said they would buy one, and that leaves us two more (to purchase),” Vaughan said.

The cost for all four turnout suits is $8,375, Vaughan said.

Selectmen also accepted bids to purchase or lease:

• Insulation for the highway garage on Jewett Hill Road for $10,200;

• A front-end loader for the Highway Department for a five-year lease not to exceed $130,000; and

• A standby generator for the Highway Department building for $11,200.

USO-STYLE PARTY

The selectmen approved a liquor permit for a 1940s USO-style dance party to be held Friday, Nov. 9, at the Canton Historical Society building. Tickets are on sale for $10.

“In addition to the salute to the veterans (party), the museum will be transformed into a whole display of Canton people who have served in the wars,” Historical Society member Phyllis Ouellette said. “So, we’ve got something from the Civil War, something from World War II, and World War I.” 

The weekend festivities will include a special presentation Sunday, Nov. 11, titled “What They Carried,” a talk about the equipment used in World War II, she said.

mhutchinson@sunmediagroup.net

Canton Selectmen Carole Robbins, left, Chairman Russell Adams, Brian Keene and Rob Walker meet Thursday. (Marianne Hutchinson/Rumford Falls Times)

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