Nov. 5, 2013 Elections: Municipal and state referendums, ordinance changes, candidates
Voters go to the polls Nov. 5 to consider five statewide ballot questions, and various individual municipal warrant articles. Following are election previews and recent issue stories for Knox and Waldo counties, as well as a rundown of the bond issues voters across the state are being asked to decide.
View a list of polling places and town contacts here: Knox County, Waldo County
As polls close election night, results will be posted on PenBayPilot.com as they are reported for Knox and Waldo counties. Stay tuned.
Monroe surfboard maker finds perspective in a state not known for the sport
MONROE - When he was in college, Josh Moody went with a friend to a skateboard shop in southern Maine. In the back of the store, there were a handful of surfboards. Moody thought it was joke.
Some years later, after he’d caught the bug for surfing in far-flung locales known for big waves, his skating buddy from college divulged that he’d been surfing in Maine all along.
“And you didn’t tell me?” Moody said.
He recreated the scene while walking up his driveway from the… Read more
Private group airs plan for Veterans Memorial on town land in Lincolnville Center
LINCOLNVILLE — In addition to listening to a budget overview and summary for the Five Town CSD, the Lincolnville Board of Selectmen Monday night learned about upcoming Recreation Commission projects and a proposed Veterans Memorial on the former Millington Property, at the corner of Route 173 and Norton Pond Road.
Three of the town’s selectmen were in attendance at the May 12 meeting, including Rosey Gerry, David Barrows and Jason Trundy. Absent were Julia Libby, chairman, and Ladleah… Read more
Waldo County divorces
BELFAST — The following divorces were recorded recently in Waldo County Superior Court.
Cherie L. Ingerson of Frankfort and Dennis P. Ingerson of Thorndike, married Sept. 25, 2004, in Thorndike. Divorce granted April 10.
Heather J. Boynton-Blood of Belfast and Amos E. Blood of Morrill, married Aug. 13, 2005, in Morrill. Divorce granted April 10.
Paul M. Dyer of Belfast and Laura L. Leeman of Unity, married March 31, 2012, in Oakland. Divorce granted April 7.
Jeffery R… Read more
Monday afternoon crash knocks out utility pole, closes Route 1 in Searsport
SEARSPORT - An driver was allegedly distracted when she drove into a utility pole in downtown Searsport, Monday. In addition to damage at the scene, the accident set off a cascade of disruptions in the area: to traffic, to utilities and reportedly to good manners.
Searsport Police Chief Dick LaHaye said Kelly Hynd, 44, of Cushing was traveling west on Route 1 in a 2005 Ford Escape SUV just before the accident. She reported that she was abiding the 25 mph speed limit when her cell phone… Read more
In Camden, learning how to cut car doors and roofs off to save people
CAMDEN– Members of the Thomaston, Hope, Waldoboro, St. George and Camden fire departments assembled at Camden Exxon, 1 Union Street, Saturday, May 10, for training in extrication. The Camden Fire Department conducted the training exercises on safe and effective ways to remove doors, hoods and tops of cars.
Camden’s Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Lowe said the training was about basic extrication training for a Firefighter I and II program that’s run through the Knox County Fire Training… Read more
For summer, businesses expand in, and into, Belfast
BELFAST - Whether you’re stretching your legs after a long winter’s hibernation or riding in from somewhere warmer, you’ve likely noticed some new businesses around the city. We visited a few of them in recent weeks to find out more about what they do and why.
Greenville gourmet wholesaler tests retail on the coast
In the lower-than-street-level space recently, North Woods Gourmet… Read more
Belfast Harbor Committee to reconsider slip fees; Council wants closer to market rate
BELFAST – For years the city has charged a nominal rate for slips at Thompson’s Wharf pier with priority given to renters from previous years. Last week both of those practices came under scrutiny by members of the City Council and the fee schedule was sent back to committee.
The Harbor Committee proposed changing the rate from a variable, per slip amount to a flat per-foot fee of $70. The change, according to Harbor Master Katherine Pickering would have no effect on the overall cost… Read more
Camden police to begin summer parking enforcement rules May 12
CAMDEN — It’s that time of year now, when busy tourist towns in Maine have to begin preparing for increased traffic from visitors and summer residents.
And in Camden, that means putting a traffic enforcement officer on the streets downtown to step up enforcement of the two-hour parking rule. There are of course other parking rules that require enforcement, like parking in “No Parking” zones, parking too close to a fire hydrant, parking left wheel to the curb, parking in “Permit Only”… Read more
Delivering Mother’s Day flowers with Camden, Rockport fire and police chiefs
ROCKPORT — Mother’s Day is the single busiest day for Hoboken Gardens, busier even than Valentine’s Day.
“Everybody has a mother,” said Lisa Farley retail manager for Hoboken Gardens. “It seems that’s the time of year people want to send… Read more
Fire Marshal’s Office said fires at Stockton Springs property were arson, intentionally set
STOCKTON SPRINGS – Town firefighters put out a fire that consumed a shed Wednesday night. A hour-and-a-half later, they were called back to the same Route 1 property for a fire on the porch of an adjacent home.
Stockton Springs Fire Chief Harry Patterson Jr. said the pair of fires were initially deemed “suspicious” and reported to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. An investigator subsequently visited the scene.
Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Sgt. Ken Grimes of the state Fire… Read more
Coastal Farms looks to keep Belfast food hub going
BELFAST – Last month Coastal Farms and Foods representatives announced plans to close the two-year-old food processing and storage business. The reasons: debt and a poor blueberry season in 2013. Tenants of the facility’s commercial kitchen were asked to leave by the end of April. The company’s website displayed a notice… Read more
Eric Walker, former Waldo County DA, is sworn in as Maine judge
AUGUSTA — Belmont's Eric Walker, formerly deputy district attorney for Waldo County, was among five freshly appointed Maine judges sworn in at a robing ceremony in Kennebec County Court Friday, May 2.
Four Supreme Court Justices, including Leigh Saufley, looked on as Governor Paul LePage administered the oath of office in front of a filled courtroom.
Justice Saufley spoke before the ceremony began, recognizing Justice Donald Alexander, who recently broke the long-standing record… Read more
Walking with art in Rockland
ROCKLAND — The air was just about perfect Friday evening, May 2, for the first Rockland Art Walk of the season, as galleries downtown propped opened their doors and welcomed several hours worth of curious and friendly walkers into to see what was hanging on the walls this spring.
Arts in Rockland was established to promote Rockland as an arts destination for those who appreciate, respect and support the arts. Art walks are held the first Friday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m.… Read more
Draft Belfast budget is up, still one part of the pie
BELFAST - Even before Regional School Unit 20 hit major budget troubles, City Manager Joe Slocum regularly took pains to remind Belfast residents that only a fraction of their property tax bills — just under 29-percent last year — was to pay for city government. His 2014-15 budget message listed comparative figures for the county and school district, but on Tuesday he said this year he’s looking at the city’s budget on its own terms.
“I’m not even paying attention to the school budget… Read more
At Rockland meeting, RSU 13 board agonizes over positon cuts to reduce budget
ROCKLAND — At an RSU 13 budget meeting Monday, April 28, at the McClain School in Rockland, the school board struggled to fund budget cuts to try and make the finances work. The board debated cutting 11 positions within the school system, as well as saving money by purchasing only one new bus. They also talked about doing away with the business manager’s position, and placing an accountant in that office.
And, they considered cutting coaching positions for Junior Varsity boys and girls… Read more
Who’s running for office in Camden, Hope, Lincolnville, Rockport?
The town of Hope earns the distinction this spring with having the greatest number of citizens interested in serving as town leaders. Camden, Lincolnville and Rockport, on the other hand, seem to have shoe-ins on select boards, unless someone decides to initiate a lively write-in campaign.
The end of April was the deadline for filing nomination papers at the town offices in order to get names on the June Town Meeting ballot for various offices, including school, budget and library… Read more
Brooks teen recognized for work at Belfast’s Game Loft
BELFAST - In a time when high school students are encouraged to pad their college applications with eye-catching acts of community service, Tyler Cross, the recipient of the Governor’s 2014 Youth Volunteer of the Year award, is a unlikely standout.
The 17-year-old from Brooks was honored largely for his work at The Game Loft in Belfast where he has been a member and volunteer for six years. But according to several staff members, it was only… Read more
Rockland Fire Department’s Tower Truck 3 a big rolling toolbox
ROCKLAND — Every Thursday, come rain, snow or sunshine, the Rockland Fire Department pulls Tower Truck 3 out and Patrick Lowe takes the ladder up 97 feet to make sure it’s in proper working order. But, it is a lot more involved than that. Every system is inspected and every piece of equipment on the truck is checked to ensure it is ready if called into service.
At 46 feet, 11 inches long, RFD’s 2006 American LeFrance fire truck was purchased in November 2006 for $730,000. The behemoth… Read more
Rockland's budget reflects zero tax increase; city won’t fill vacant positions
ROCKLAND — The Rockland City Council will begin its review of the city’s budget for FY 2014-2015 this evening, April 28, at City Hall. The public safety department’s budget is under review, including fire and EMS service.
Presented to councilors at the regular meeting April 23, the city’s $10.7 million budget is now scheduled for a series of reviews of the different departments every Monday and Wednesday through May 28.
In a April 23 letter to the Rockland Council, Acting City… Read more
Peter Ott's reopens on the Camden waterfront
CAMDEN — Peter Ott’s Restaurant reopened April 18 amid great fanfare and patrons turning out to see its new location on Bay View Landing, complete with water views, a rich, warm, new interior and an expanded menu to reflect its upgraded location. But, some things never change. Like the attention to detail, the friendly staff and Peter Masin-Peters’ incredible understanding of what makes food work.
Masin-Peters purchased Peter Ott’s in 2006, located at 16 Bay View St. where it had been… Read more
Seahawks track season begins at Camden
For a small school with no track, Boothbay Region High School fields an impressive outdoor track and field team. This year’s roster boasts 49 athletes, 33 of them male.
Last year, the Seahawks tasted success at both the Mountain Valley Conference and state championships, and they are gearing up for more this season. Aiding them in that venture are two, new, young and talented coaches, whose skills will add depth and breadth to the program.
Coach Nick Scott said he is excited to… Read more
Why I love Maine: Let me count the ways
I enjoy traveling to Montana, Alaska, British Columbia and other destinations. At the conclusion of each trip though, I'm eager to return home to Maine. Following is a short list of reasons why I love Maine.
1. Weekly newspapers
The Irregular is a weekly newspaper printed in Kingfield. The April 2, 2014, edition included a piece about the farming community's annual spring banquet: "The Franklin County Soil and Water… Read more
Ice storm windfall supersizes spring clean-up in Belfast
BELFAST - After a week of warm weather, brush and organic debris from winter has been piling up curbside, here.
Thanks to the ice storm, those piles are significantly bigger than usual meaning a bigger job for the city’s Public Works Department.
The same has not been true everywhere in the Midcoast, but in Belfast city officials extended the area eligible for brush pick-up this year to include the whole city, according Public Works Director Bob Richards.
Richards said more… Read more
Donated Rockport home provides seven live training fires Sunday morning before a final conflagration
ROCKPORT — The little house on West Street (Route 90) in Rockport that was donated to the fire department survived seven live fire training rotations Sunday morning before the structure became too unstable for Rockport firefighters to go in for an eighth “save.” The final day of live training began at 7 a.m. April 13 and finished about four hours later, according to Fire Chief Jason Peasley.
"It's not a cost savings for use a donated house, but it's the most realistic way to experience… Read more
Belfast food processing and storage facility to close
BELFAST - After two years in business, Coastal Farms and Food Processing will be closing its doors at the end of the month.
Speaking on Friday, Wayne Snyder, a member of the Coastal Farms management team, said the economics of the hybrid business didn’t work out as planned.
“We had a bad year for blueberries last year,” he said, “partly because of mistakes we… Read more
Belfast nets $1.9 million federal grant to rebuild Front Street
BELFAST - The U.S. Economic Development Administration on Tuesday awarded Belfast $1.9 million for a major overhaul of Front Street.
The grant would cover half the cost of the estimated $3.8 million project, which would include realigning and rebuilding the road between Main and Pierce Streets, updating water, sewer and electrical services and expanding the intersection at Pierce Street.
Belfast’s Economic Development Director Thomas Kittredge, said the project involves a lot of… Read more
Knox County divorces
ROCKLAND — The following divorces were granted in Knox County during the months of Feb. and March.
February
Krystak D. Gamage of Thomaston, and Byron H. Weatherbee, of Owls Head, were married July 23, 2011, in Northport and divorced Feb. 4.
Victoria L. Rytky of Warren, and Sulo Rytky, of Rockland, were married Dec. 19, 1981, in Rockland and divorced Feb. 10.
Chuck Dean Schooley, of Warren, and Charlene Wilma Schooley, of Beals, were married June 5,… Read more
Searsport dredging subject of public meeting in Belfast
BELFAST - A proposal by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Maine Department of Transportation to deepen and extend the shipping channel at Mack Point cargo terminal in Searsport will be subject of a public meeting, Tuesday, April 8, at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The project, as proposed, would deepen the 35-foot-deep channel to 40 feet to better accommodate the drafts of modern cargo vessels and allow greater maneuverability, according to… Read more
Belfast attorney: legislation warranted in RSU 20 mass withdrawal
BELFAST - With all eight municipalities of Regional School Unit 20 considering plans to withdraw, simply dissolving the district might be a better idea. That’s the conclusion city attorney Kristin Collins is hoping the state’s Department of Education will reach.
Doing so would require new laws and a leap of faith by an agency that has preached the gospel of consolidation at every turn. But then, there aren’… Read more
Rockland Councilor Louise MacLellan-Ruf shares award-winning recipe
ROCKLAND — We all have a past. Rockland City Councilor Louise MacLellan-Ruf shared hers on Saturday at the Penobscot School at 28 Gay Street in Rockland. In 2013, she won first place in the amateur category during Lobsterpalooza’s Lobster Mac and Cheese contest with her dish, Lobster Mac and Cheese Rockland Style. On March 29 she partnered with Nohora Estes, who teaches Spanish at the school, presenting a cooking lesson and Spanish lesson all in one morning.
The Lobsterpalooza contest… Read more