JANUARY

National wildlife refuge plan put on hold

A decision announced Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS] to pause its plan to designate part of the High Peaks region in western Maine as a national wildlife refuge has been met with favor by some. The federal government had been considering making between 5,000 and 15,000 acres in the High Peaks into a refuge. Earlier in the year USFWS held listening sessions in Rangeley, Farmington, Carrabassett Valley and at Sugarloaf.

At the Sept. 26, 2023 Farmington Select Board meeting, former state Senator Tom Saviello of Wilton and Farmington resident James Cote [who is a representative for several Maine recreational organizations] spoke against the project. At that meeting, Cote said he, Franklin County Commissioner Bob Carlton of Freeman Township, Saviello and others got together to discuss the proposal.

“We are all believers in conservation,” he said then. “We have all worked on conservation efforts at the State House, here in Franklin County and elsewhere. Obviously that place is a gem of a natural resource and we all want to see that protected.”

The group is not opposed to conservation, Cote told the Farmington board. “The problem, the concern that many of us have is when you inject sort of sweeping federal ownership into a working forest, into areas that are seeking to grow, whether that’s ski mountains or anywhere else, it becomes problematic. It only takes a simple Google search to be able to see the amount of litigation that gets tied up with these national wildlife refuges, the amount of recreational access that gets altered over time.”

“Avon, Phillips, Strong, Kingfield, Stratton, Rangeley and Wilton have already voted against this,” Saviello said at that meeting. Farmington Selectmen agreed to write a letter opposing the refuge.

From the Jan. 5, 2024 edition: As a “Giving Tree” annual tradition, Rainbow School decorates a Christmas tree at the Franklin Savings Bank. This year’s ornaments were snow globes with each child’s photo. Pictured left to right: Dylynne Gage, Eva Gurney, Matilda Kolze, Cece Grierson, Melody LeMoine, Loretta Watkin, Luke Peters.

Route 16 bridge opens for two-way traffic

The bridge on state Route 16 over Nash Stream reopened to two-way traffic from Rangeley to Eustis on Tuesday, Jan 9, according to a state official. The bridge abutments washed out in heavy rains and flooding Dec. 18, 2023, forcing motorists and others to seek alternate routes.

Jordan Excavation of Kingfield was hired by the state Department of Transportation to make repairs and finished Tuesday night.

“Route 16 in Coplin is now open to two-way traffic,” according to a DOT email between employees provided by department spokesman Paul Merrill. “It is still a construction zone and after the storm they will be back working with alternating one way traffic with flaggers,” the email said.

It is one of many bridges and roads damaged by washouts in December 2023. Snowmobile trails and bridges were also washed out and damaged. Crews of volunteers, land owners and others worked diligently throughout the year to repair damage.

FEBRUARY

Board of Selectmen nix bridge expansion for now

The focal point of the Feb. 5 Board of Selectmen meeting was the Oquossoc Village Transportation Study, a cornerstone in the town’s endeavor for downtown revitalization and enhanced pedestrian and traffic safety. Matt Drost, a key figure in the project, presented options to the board, including the contentious issue of bridge expansion. The consensus leaned towards a pragmatic approach—defer the bridge enhancement until the Department of Transportation’s anticipated upgrades in the distant future. The discourse also revolved around the design of sidewalks, with considerations for flush alternatives over raised ones, aiming for a cohesive and safety-oriented streetscape. The Board of Selectmen approved a motion that the town will not apply for congressional funding and will revisit this project and develop a plan to break it down into pieces.

Meanwhile, the Oquossoc Park Project and Boat Ramp Improvement initiative echoed the town’s commitment to recreational amenities. Plans to refurbish basketball and tennis courts, including provisions for pickleball enthusiasts, underscored Rangeley’s dedication to fostering active lifestyles within its community. The proposed changes for the Rangeley Lake boat ramp in Oquossoc aimed at maximizing space efficiency and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations demonstrated a balanced approach to development and conservation.

From the Feb. 2 edition: Jeff Zapolsky leads members of Rangeley’s T.R.A.C. group as they complete their snowshoe hike. (File photo)

Small towns plan for totality; see big tourist opportunity 

Several communities in the rural and northern parts of the state, located in the path of totality, were looking forward the the April 8 eclipse in anticipation of an astronomical tourist boom.

Maine was one of 13 states where the April 8 total solar eclipse was expected to be visible.

Since 1850, Maine has fallen in the direct path of totality only once, not including the April 2024 event. In 1963, the sky temporarily went dark throughout parts of Maine. That eclipse passed through Milo, Bangor, Deer Isle and Stonington, according to a Downeast Magazine story published that year. This time around, the eclipse traveled from southwest to northeast and passed through a stretch of less-populated communities.

The town of Rangeley and Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust prepared to explore the universe with International Dark Skies Week leading up to April 8. During the eclipse all businesses and residents were encouraged to turn off their lights for the full experience.

The Rangeley Inn & Tavern, which had been promoting its own slate of events and eclipse packages, was nearly fully booked by early February. In an ordinary April, the Rangeley Inn sees few visitors. In 2023, on April 8, just 13 of the 42 rooms were filled.

Owner Travis Ferland said he had been getting inquiries for three years. In January, he said 37 rooms booked for the entire weekend, and he expected to have to start turning people away before long.

MARCH

Rangeley earns Silver in Winter Games

The 2024 Winter Kids Winter Games wrapped up their competition on Feb. 2 and, on Feb. 13, Rangeley Lakes Regional School found out they placed silver for the second year in a row!

This marks the 4th year that RLRS has participated in the games, completing four weeks of WinterKids outdoor learning challenges and competing against 16 other schools.  Lindsay Richards, RLRS Physical Education/Health Teacher had this to say- “Every year we have participated, we have finished in second or third place.  We look forward to the adventures and challenges of next year and aim to reach 1st place and take home the gold for 2025.”

From the March 1 edition: Winter Kids Family night hockey game

Funding rolls in for childcare facility

The Beth Brunswick Memorial Fund for Children (BBMF) was notified of approval to receive a Childcare Infrastructure State Grant of $250,000. This grant is managed by Coastal Enterprises, Inc (CEI), and they will be working with the BBMF Board of Directors as the construction for the new Childcare Center begins later this year. The State of Maine has designated the expansion of childcare services as a priority.  They have placed significant importance on this goal and have been instrumental in working with the BBMF Board to further this objective in the Rangeley Region.  In addition, Senator Susan Collins announced $750,000 for the Rangeley Region Childcare Facility had been secured.

Interviews expected for interim chief

The town was ready to interview two candidates for interim police chief after applications were due Friday, February 8, according to Town Manager Joe Roach. Three applications were received for interim police chief, but one of the applicants withdrew, Roach said Tuesday. Former police Chief Russell French, a veteran police officer, resigned Feb. 13. He had worked for the town since January 2016.

RLRS Student participates in 97th New England Music Festival

Rangeley Lake Regional School student Eric White traveled to Boxborough, MA on Thursday, March 21 to participate in the New England Music Festival, working for 3 days with the prestigious Dr. Anthony Trecek-King. At the time, White was a senior. Dr. Trecek-King is a highly acclaimed choral conductor, scholar, pedagogue, and media personality with a career spanning over 20 years. He is an active guest conductor and serves as a Resident Conductor with the Handel and Haydn Society. RLRS is one of approximately 80 different schools that participate in this festival, and the only school that participates from Maine.

APRIL

Stars Align for Rangeley’s Path of Totality Solar Eclipse

Leading up to the event in Rangeley, pretty much every organization in town planned something fun or educational, or both. This included the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust who hosted a well-attended paint night by local artist Sonja Johnson, The Rangeley Public Library who hosted an event that helped with the practical matters of viewing safely, and The Rangeley Inn who hosted a Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust trivia night. The Rangeley Friends of the Arts had a great exhibit featuring stunning works of astrophotography by Nick Leadley and Ben Pearson and just next door at Rangeley Adventure Company was a unique and lovely melodic event entitled “Sound Bathing under the Stars.”

From the April 12 edition: Rangeley Eclipse Paint Night with Sonja Johnson Wendy Buckley

RLRS senior receives Maine Principal Association award

, Principal Seth Laliberte announced Lily Shaffer of Rangeley a senior at Rangeley Lakes Regional School was selected to receive the 2024 Principal’s Award. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association, is given in recognition of a high school senior’s academic achievement and citizenship.

Workforce Housing Presentation at April Board of Selectmen Meeting

The Rangeley Board of Selectmen addressed key issues impacting the community’s development and infrastructure during the April 12 meeting. The meeting commenced with a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Credit Enhancement Agreement Public Hearing, featuring Matt Teare’s presentation and Jim Damicis from Camoin Associates joining via Zoom. The project discussed aims to provide moderate-income attainable workforce housing, catering to teachers and firefighters to construction and hospitality workers. Notably, the development is designated as a total rental community, hopefully, financed by the Maine State Housing Authority’s Rural Rental Program, targeting individuals with incomes ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 annually.

MAY

Lakeside Dance Academy Spring Recital

Lakeside Dance Academy’s Spring Recital is a perennial favorite of Rangeley’s and the two overflowing audiences that attended this year’s performances provided ample evidence of this fact. Family and friends squeezed together in The Lakeside Theater to marvel in awe at the dancers’ talent and delight in the cuteness of the Littles’ prancing and cavorting. For 38 years Pam Ellis has provided dance instruction to local students. She’s able to keep the fees at an affordable rate thanks to supplemental aid from The Rangeley Friends of the Arts.

Donations Accepted for Recreation Improvements

The Board of Selectmen accepted donations from Rangeley Lakes Builder’s Supply $5,944 for Dugouts and Concession upgrades; and for Cal Ripken Uniform Contribution; Vining $2,000 for Baseball Diamond Materials, and Cousineau’s $1,800 for Safety Wood Chips at Town Park Playground.

From the May 10 edition: Lakeside Dance Academy performance delights audiences. Averie Flewelling choreographed and danced to “You’re Gonna Go Far” by Noah Kahan. Stephanie Dellavalle

Maine Author visits Rangeley

All through the bustling halls of the Rangeley Lakes Regional School, excitement filled the air as students welcomed Maine author, Mr. Chris Van Dusen. The author/illustrator, known for his humorous tales featuring Mr. Magee and his little dog, Dee, and an infamous Circus Ship, graciously accepted the invitation to share his insights and inspiration with RLRS students of all ages.

JUNE

Congratulations to the Class of 2024

Each year The Rangeley Highlander sends students in the Rangeley Lakes Regional School graduating class a series of questions. Answers to the questions they select are published. When asked about future plans, Angelica Chavaree said, “I will be attending Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences in the fall as a microbiology major. I plan to enroll in the dual-degree program that will earn me both my bachelors in micro and a master’s degree in molecular biosciences. From there I hope to begin working on my Ph.D. in virology.” Lily Shaffer said the RLRS experience she valued most was, “Definitely the teachers, they are like my best friends. Having such a close connection with them is not only important to me because of my education, but also getting to know them on a personal basis.”

From the June 21 edition: Kayla Brewer gets a congratulations from Matt Clark for winning a brand new fat bike in the Rangeley Masons annual Bike for Books event. Stephanie Dellavalle

Interview with Parks and Recreation Director

It has been a year since Patrick O’Neil assumed the title of Rangeley’s Director of Parks and Recreation, having started in mid-June of 2023. “There’s a lot of stuff going on; working on grants, we have all of these projects going on out around town, plus we got spring clean-up going on. We’re trying to bring everything back to life for the summer,” he said. Besides the changes to the town beach area, the baseball diamond had a facelift complete with dugouts and all the basketball hoops were replaced.

Art imitating Sonja

Sonja Johnson retired from Rangeley Lakes Regional School where she taught art and mentored students for 32 years. Her legacy spans generations and will continue well into the future. In fact, one of Sonja’s first students in Rangeley, Liz Thompson, is now be the art teacher for grades 6-12, while Skyela Burgess will be stepping into Liz’s role as the K-5 art teacher.