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Re: MAINE REPORTS...
by Outspoken on Sun Oct 26, 2008 6:51 am
MAINE REPORTS: Pellet panic hits stove stores
Portland Press Herald
ELLSWORTH — Pellet panic brought about by stove owners stocking up in anticipation of a price increase has emptied pellet pallets in big box stores and smaller stove shops.
Dealers say consumers not only rushed to buy pellet stoves last spring as oil prices rose, they also stocked up on pellets – at times buying much more than they needed.
"The suppliers are having difficulty trying to keep up with demand," said Jane Moon, retail manager at EBS Building Supplies. "The early panic button in the summer certainly got things in a mess."
Wood pellets are burned in pellet stoves for heat. The pellets are made from compacted sawdust and other byproducts of sawmilling. Dealers say most homeowners burn about three tons of pellets each heating season, or about one bag each day.
– The Ellsworth American
www.ellsworthmaine.com
LUBEC
Reorganization of schools wins approval by state
Good news came this month to those who have toiled over developing the Central Washington County School System that includes MSAD 19 in Lubec.
On Oct. 15, Education Commissioner Susan Gendron wrote John Sprague, who chairs the regional planning committee, that the school reorganization plan submitted "is complete and in compliance with the law."
In addition to Lubec, system aims to encompass the school departments of Cutler, East Machias, Machias, Machiasport, Jonesboro, Marshfield, Northfield, Roque Bluffs, Wesley, Whiting and Whitneyville, all to be known collectively as the plan's member school units.
The school reorganization plan describes an alternative organization structure with a proposed start-up date of July 1, 2009. A central office will be established to administer a core curriculum. At the same time, the plan envisions a wide range of local control for each of the units to preserve.
– The Quoddy Tides
www.quoddytides.com
MOUNT DESERT
Selectmen invite community input on fire safety ideas
Selectmen are looking for citizens to serve on a Public Protection Committee in order to help decide where things should be improved when it comes to police and fire protection, according to Town Manager Mike MacDonald.
After the devastating fire in downtown Northeast Harbor on July 29, the board debated ways to increase fire protection, specifically the need for a bypass valve on the water tank in Northeast Harbor.
Now selectmen are looking to the community again to help them assess opportunities and effectively allocate funds. Potential areas for review include fire safety, renovating the public works garage and expanding the town office.
– Mount Desert Islander
www.mdislander.com
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=218179&ac=PHnws
Portland Press Herald
ELLSWORTH — Pellet panic brought about by stove owners stocking up in anticipation of a price increase has emptied pellet pallets in big box stores and smaller stove shops.
Dealers say consumers not only rushed to buy pellet stoves last spring as oil prices rose, they also stocked up on pellets – at times buying much more than they needed.
"The suppliers are having difficulty trying to keep up with demand," said Jane Moon, retail manager at EBS Building Supplies. "The early panic button in the summer certainly got things in a mess."
Wood pellets are burned in pellet stoves for heat. The pellets are made from compacted sawdust and other byproducts of sawmilling. Dealers say most homeowners burn about three tons of pellets each heating season, or about one bag each day.
– The Ellsworth American
www.ellsworthmaine.com
LUBEC
Reorganization of schools wins approval by state
Good news came this month to those who have toiled over developing the Central Washington County School System that includes MSAD 19 in Lubec.
On Oct. 15, Education Commissioner Susan Gendron wrote John Sprague, who chairs the regional planning committee, that the school reorganization plan submitted "is complete and in compliance with the law."
In addition to Lubec, system aims to encompass the school departments of Cutler, East Machias, Machias, Machiasport, Jonesboro, Marshfield, Northfield, Roque Bluffs, Wesley, Whiting and Whitneyville, all to be known collectively as the plan's member school units.
The school reorganization plan describes an alternative organization structure with a proposed start-up date of July 1, 2009. A central office will be established to administer a core curriculum. At the same time, the plan envisions a wide range of local control for each of the units to preserve.
– The Quoddy Tides
www.quoddytides.com
MOUNT DESERT
Selectmen invite community input on fire safety ideas
Selectmen are looking for citizens to serve on a Public Protection Committee in order to help decide where things should be improved when it comes to police and fire protection, according to Town Manager Mike MacDonald.
After the devastating fire in downtown Northeast Harbor on July 29, the board debated ways to increase fire protection, specifically the need for a bypass valve on the water tank in Northeast Harbor.
Now selectmen are looking to the community again to help them assess opportunities and effectively allocate funds. Potential areas for review include fire safety, renovating the public works garage and expanding the town office.
– Mount Desert Islander
www.mdislander.com
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=218179&ac=PHnws
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
Re: MAINE REPORTS...
by Outspoken on Sun Nov 02, 2008 6:50 am
MAINE REPORTS: A 'Grand' marriage proposal
Portland Press Herald
ELLSWORTH — A love story that started at The Grand culminated with an engagement last Sunday. Assisting were the theater staff and marquee at The Grand on Main Street.
Ellsworth City Councilor Pamela Perkins said James Emmert lured her downtown on the pretense of buying a birthday card at The Grasshopper Shop. They walked down Main Street, where Perkins saw the marquee with the big question: "PAM WILL YOU MARRY ME?"
Emmert proposed to Perkins on bended knee on the sidewalk in front of the marquee. She said "yes."
"It was great," Emmert said. "It was one of those moments, obviously, that you never forget."
Downtown shoppers and passers-by considered themselves part of the happy occasion. "There were cars honking and people taking pictures," said the bride-to-be.
Emmert said The Grand has been a part of their history from the start. Emmert had a friend in the October 2006 production of "The Full Monty" who introduced them.
"The first time I saw her, she was in 'The Full Monty' at The Grand," Emmert said. "I saw her perform there. And also the first time we went out on a date, we had dinner and we went to The Grand to watch a movie after."
The couple has been dating for a little over a year.
– The Ellsworth American
http://ellsworthmaine.com
WISCASSET
Primary school hosts weekly fruit, vegetable snack time
Twinkies and peanut butter buddies have lost their appeal at least one day a week for snack at the Wiscasset Primary School.
This year, thanks to a $19,000 federal grant, the school offers veggies and fruits for a snack once a week to students, either in the morning or afternoon or both.
Principal Cheryl McKeagney arrives at school early Wednesdays when the produce arrives. Along with help from the support staff, she washes the items and cuts them up if necessary.
It all began last year when school food service director Lorie Johnson approached the principal about the idea for the snack program to provide students with something nutritional, unlike the kind of snacks some ordinarily take to school.
McKeagney said she and Johnson wrote a grant for the innovative program. Originally, the request was for funds to provide the primary school with enough food for twice a month but it has been possible to provide more.
– The Lincoln County News
http://www.mainelincolncountynews.com
BASS HARBOR
Ferry-slip ramp damaged, service temporarily on hold
The ferry terminal here had to suspend service Wednesday after bad weather caused part of the ramp on the ferry slip to collapse, according to Bonnie Hopkins of Maine Homeland Security.
Terminal employees were able to recover most of the collapsed ramp from the water, but were concerned that some debris that may have fallen to the ocean floor could damage the ferry if it tried to exit the terminal. A team of divers was dispatched to the terminal to ascertain whether the ferry was at risk from debris.
– Mount Desert Islander
http://mdislander.com
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=219649&ac=PHnws
Portland Press Herald
ELLSWORTH — A love story that started at The Grand culminated with an engagement last Sunday. Assisting were the theater staff and marquee at The Grand on Main Street.
Ellsworth City Councilor Pamela Perkins said James Emmert lured her downtown on the pretense of buying a birthday card at The Grasshopper Shop. They walked down Main Street, where Perkins saw the marquee with the big question: "PAM WILL YOU MARRY ME?"
Emmert proposed to Perkins on bended knee on the sidewalk in front of the marquee. She said "yes."
"It was great," Emmert said. "It was one of those moments, obviously, that you never forget."
Downtown shoppers and passers-by considered themselves part of the happy occasion. "There were cars honking and people taking pictures," said the bride-to-be.
Emmert said The Grand has been a part of their history from the start. Emmert had a friend in the October 2006 production of "The Full Monty" who introduced them.
"The first time I saw her, she was in 'The Full Monty' at The Grand," Emmert said. "I saw her perform there. And also the first time we went out on a date, we had dinner and we went to The Grand to watch a movie after."
The couple has been dating for a little over a year.
– The Ellsworth American
http://ellsworthmaine.com
WISCASSET
Primary school hosts weekly fruit, vegetable snack time
Twinkies and peanut butter buddies have lost their appeal at least one day a week for snack at the Wiscasset Primary School.
This year, thanks to a $19,000 federal grant, the school offers veggies and fruits for a snack once a week to students, either in the morning or afternoon or both.
Principal Cheryl McKeagney arrives at school early Wednesdays when the produce arrives. Along with help from the support staff, she washes the items and cuts them up if necessary.
It all began last year when school food service director Lorie Johnson approached the principal about the idea for the snack program to provide students with something nutritional, unlike the kind of snacks some ordinarily take to school.
McKeagney said she and Johnson wrote a grant for the innovative program. Originally, the request was for funds to provide the primary school with enough food for twice a month but it has been possible to provide more.
– The Lincoln County News
http://www.mainelincolncountynews.com
BASS HARBOR
Ferry-slip ramp damaged, service temporarily on hold
The ferry terminal here had to suspend service Wednesday after bad weather caused part of the ramp on the ferry slip to collapse, according to Bonnie Hopkins of Maine Homeland Security.
Terminal employees were able to recover most of the collapsed ramp from the water, but were concerned that some debris that may have fallen to the ocean floor could damage the ferry if it tried to exit the terminal. A team of divers was dispatched to the terminal to ascertain whether the ferry was at risk from debris.
– Mount Desert Islander
http://mdislander.com
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=219649&ac=PHnws
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
Re: MAINE REPORTS...
by Outspoken on Sun Nov 09, 2008 6:47 am
Maine Reports: Work on riverbank seeks to save houses
Portland Press Herald
WALDOBORO — Since October 2005, erosion along the Medomak River here has threatened to pull houses that are on the brink of the embankment into the water.
Harry C. Crooker and Sons Inc. started to shore up the riverbank Monday to keep three houses along Depot Street from washing into the river.
"It's been a long process to get to the construction phase because of permitting requirements," Waldoboro Town Manager William Post said. "I am pleased the construction has begun."
– The Lincoln County News
BOOTHBAY HARBOR
Town to seek cost estimates, grant options for pier fixes
The question of what to do about the deteriorating condition of buildings at the Fish Pier has been raised occasionally over the last two years.
During a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, Bill Haney presented his assessment of building conditions and repair options.
Based on Haney's report, the board decided to seek cost estimates and potential grant options for the repairs.
– Boothbay Register.
WESTPORT ISLAND
Privacy issue raised as officials present tax maps online
Town officials will soon offer residents, taxpayers and businesses digital tax maps and assessment data, possibly including the property owners' names unless they opt out of having them shown on the town's Web site.
The selectmen recently were given a demonstration of the new Web site, and it raised concerns about residents' privacy.
Westport Island is joining other towns and cities by putting their tax maps and assessment summaries on its Web site.
This is being done to reduce the cost of maintaining hand-drawn tax maps and providing useful information to people who might otherwise have to call the town office and have an employee take the time to dig up the information for them.
– Wiscasset Newspaper
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=221025&ac=PHnws
Portland Press Herald
WALDOBORO — Since October 2005, erosion along the Medomak River here has threatened to pull houses that are on the brink of the embankment into the water.
Harry C. Crooker and Sons Inc. started to shore up the riverbank Monday to keep three houses along Depot Street from washing into the river.
"It's been a long process to get to the construction phase because of permitting requirements," Waldoboro Town Manager William Post said. "I am pleased the construction has begun."
– The Lincoln County News
BOOTHBAY HARBOR
Town to seek cost estimates, grant options for pier fixes
The question of what to do about the deteriorating condition of buildings at the Fish Pier has been raised occasionally over the last two years.
During a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, Bill Haney presented his assessment of building conditions and repair options.
Based on Haney's report, the board decided to seek cost estimates and potential grant options for the repairs.
– Boothbay Register.
WESTPORT ISLAND
Privacy issue raised as officials present tax maps online
Town officials will soon offer residents, taxpayers and businesses digital tax maps and assessment data, possibly including the property owners' names unless they opt out of having them shown on the town's Web site.
The selectmen recently were given a demonstration of the new Web site, and it raised concerns about residents' privacy.
Westport Island is joining other towns and cities by putting their tax maps and assessment summaries on its Web site.
This is being done to reduce the cost of maintaining hand-drawn tax maps and providing useful information to people who might otherwise have to call the town office and have an employee take the time to dig up the information for them.
– Wiscasset Newspaper
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=221025&ac=PHnws
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
Re: MAINE REPORTS...
by Outspoken on Sun Nov 16, 2008 7:42 am
Maine Reports: DOT wants 'town cores' to develop along Route 1
Portland Press Herald
WISCASSET — The Department of Transportation has a new twist to its Gateway 1 project to reduce traffic congestion along Route 1.
The DOT is looking for voluntary local support for firmed-up commitments for the formation of "town cores," small villages within each community, for clustering both residential and commercial development along the length of the 100-mile project from Brunswick to Stockton Springs.
The concept represents a change in approach in the preparation for the Gateway 1 project. Until recently, discussions have centered around corridor-wide interventions rather than a region or specific towns.
DOT spokesperson Carol Morris discussed the concept with Wiscasset planning board members, representatives of the local transportation committee and conservation commission at a workshop Monday.
– The Lincoln County News
www.mainelincolncountynews.com
LUBEC
Superintendent resigns at meeting of MSAD 19 board
Maine School Administrative District 19 Superintendent Michael Buckley resigned, effective immediately, in an executive session during the MSAD 19 Board of Directors meeting on Oct. 30. Officials said only that Buckley resigned for "personal reasons" and provided no further details.
Board chairman Russell Wright said that Buckley's resignation was not connected to an advisory vote on Nov. 4 regarding closing Lubec High School. The superintendent's contract was due to expire in June 2009 and was, according to Wright, up for renewal talks in December. The contract states that it may be terminated by mutual agreement at any time.
The single school in the system has about 160 students from prekindergarten through grade 12. Residents will vote in early December on approval of consolidation with other school systems.
– The Quoddy Tides
www.quoddytides.com
ELLSWORTH
Season for shrimp extended 28 days to longest in years
With Maine fishermen reeling from an unremitting stream of bad news, there seems to be one bright spot on the horizon.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has announced that the northern shrimp season would open this year on Dec. 1 and continue without interruption through May 29. The 180-day period represents an extension of 28 days over last year's 152-day fishing season and is evidence that the shrimp resource appears to be in good shape.
The 2009 season will be the longest in many years. The 2004 season was just 40 days long, but evidence that shrimp were abundant in the Gulf of Maine has allowed the ASMFC to increase the season steadily over the past six years.
– The Ellsworth American.
www.ellsworthmaine.com
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=222219&ac=PHnws
Portland Press Herald
WISCASSET — The Department of Transportation has a new twist to its Gateway 1 project to reduce traffic congestion along Route 1.
The DOT is looking for voluntary local support for firmed-up commitments for the formation of "town cores," small villages within each community, for clustering both residential and commercial development along the length of the 100-mile project from Brunswick to Stockton Springs.
The concept represents a change in approach in the preparation for the Gateway 1 project. Until recently, discussions have centered around corridor-wide interventions rather than a region or specific towns.
DOT spokesperson Carol Morris discussed the concept with Wiscasset planning board members, representatives of the local transportation committee and conservation commission at a workshop Monday.
– The Lincoln County News
www.mainelincolncountynews.com
LUBEC
Superintendent resigns at meeting of MSAD 19 board
Maine School Administrative District 19 Superintendent Michael Buckley resigned, effective immediately, in an executive session during the MSAD 19 Board of Directors meeting on Oct. 30. Officials said only that Buckley resigned for "personal reasons" and provided no further details.
Board chairman Russell Wright said that Buckley's resignation was not connected to an advisory vote on Nov. 4 regarding closing Lubec High School. The superintendent's contract was due to expire in June 2009 and was, according to Wright, up for renewal talks in December. The contract states that it may be terminated by mutual agreement at any time.
The single school in the system has about 160 students from prekindergarten through grade 12. Residents will vote in early December on approval of consolidation with other school systems.
– The Quoddy Tides
www.quoddytides.com
ELLSWORTH
Season for shrimp extended 28 days to longest in years
With Maine fishermen reeling from an unremitting stream of bad news, there seems to be one bright spot on the horizon.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has announced that the northern shrimp season would open this year on Dec. 1 and continue without interruption through May 29. The 180-day period represents an extension of 28 days over last year's 152-day fishing season and is evidence that the shrimp resource appears to be in good shape.
The 2009 season will be the longest in many years. The 2004 season was just 40 days long, but evidence that shrimp were abundant in the Gulf of Maine has allowed the ASMFC to increase the season steadily over the past six years.
– The Ellsworth American.
www.ellsworthmaine.com
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=222219&ac=PHnws
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
Page 5 of 5 • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5