Week of March 29, 2018

Celebrating 30 years of local news

The many roles of RSU #18’s School Resource Officers

When students arrive at Messalonskee High School, the first face they often see is that of Detective Tracey Frost.  “Frosty” as the kids call him, is a reassuring presence, rather than an intimidating one. He has a booming “good-morning,” a witty comment for each kid, and can call most of them by name. At Messalonskee Middle School, Sergeant Adam Sirois starts his day in a similar manner, greeting students with a smile and a quiet “hello,” complimenting their hat, asking about their weekend. “He is always chatting with the kids, either one on one or in small groups,” said head Administrative Assistant Tracey Foster […]

Your Local News

China voters approve all warrant items but one

CHINA —  China voters approved all but one of the 43 articles in the warrant for their March 24 annual town business meeting. Art. 41 was defeated on a written vote of 38 in favor to 48 opposed. The article asked authorization to spend $100 to buy the Branch Mills Union Church and up to another $80,000 from donations, grants and if applicable China’s Tax Increment Finance (TIF) fund to maintain the historic building […]

Vassalboro department heads submit requests to budget committee

VASSALBORO — These wish list items, how much road repaving should and can be done annually and similar municipal expenditure issues took up the budget committee’s March 20 meeting. No recommendations were made, because the committee, the selectmen and Sabins still need to see the proposed 2018-19 school budget to get a complete view of future needs […]

Making China a place to last a lifetime

CHINA —  Pssst! I know a bit about my fellow China residents. I know, for example, that 96 percent of you want to stay in China as you age. In fact, on the whole, most of you think China is a pretty great place to live. Now, how do I know this? I didn’t go around and ask everyone in town. Thankfully, I didn’t have to. There’s a committee dedicated to doing just that. It’s called the China for a Lifetime Committee (CFAL) […]

China board denies BioFuels’ request to reconsider

CHINA — At a March 22 meeting, the China Board of Appeals refused to reconsider its Feb. 15 refusal to hear two appeals of codes officer’s decisions filed by Bio Renewable Fuels (BRF). The case began in August 2017, when Codes Officer Paul Mitnik notified BRF owner Ralph Howe that he needed a planning board permit to continue his Dirigo Road operation. In September 2017, Mitnik sent the company a notice of violation […]

Young martial artists have their day at Battle of Maine

WATERVILLE — Young students from Huard’s Martial Arts, in Winslow, recently collected pledges for the Battle of Maine Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser. Over the years, students and the event have raised over $75,000. The 38th Battle of Maine Martial Arts championships helped raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network and was a great success […]

Coming of Age in Waldo County

PALERMO — As part of the Evolving Communities Presentation Series, the Palermo Community Center will present guest speaker Patricia Oh on Friday, March 30, following a potluck dinner at 6 p.m […]

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TOWN OF CHINA
Town Manager

The Town of China, Maine, is currently searching for qualified candidates for the position of Town Manager. China is located near the state capital on beautiful China Lake. China has a population of 4,328. China operates under a town meeting, select board and town manager form of government. The select board is seeking candidates with management experience and demonstrated proactive leadership abilities while working in the best interest of the Town of China.

Skills in financial management and budgeting with an open, collaborative and transparent management style and excellent communication skills are desired. Salary is based on experience and training. Benefits offered include health and dental insurance, holiday, sick, vacation and personal time and retirement plan.

Please send resume and cover letter with salary requirements to:

Town Manager Search    
TOWN OF CHINA    
571 Lakeview Drive    
China, ME 04358    

* Deadline for submission is April 30, 2018 *

School News

Tyler receives MPA principal’s award at Erskine

CHINA — Erskine Academy Headmaster Michael McQuarrie is pleased to announce that Caleb Tyler of Palermo, a senior at Erskine, has been selected to receive the 2018 Principal’s Award […]

Erskine Academy announces school calendar change

CHINA — Parents and students should be advised of a change to Erskine Academy’s school calendar due to excessive storm days. Friday, April 13, will now be an early release day with dismissal at 11:30 a.m. Any additional school cancellations will be reviewed to determine if further make up days will be required […]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WATERVILLE — Peter Vigue, past president and CEO of Cianbro Corp., of Pittsfield, will speak at the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Leadership Luncheon on Tues., April 10, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at T&B’s Celebration Center, 6 Jefferson St. He will speak on the company’s past successes […]

Obituaries – week of March 29, 2018

VASSALBORO – Ardath E. (Farnham) Wood, 75, died Sunday, March 18, 2018, at her home, following a long illness. She was born in Boothbay Harbor, on November 8, 1942, the daughter of the late Isaac A. and Eleanor J. (Chase) Farnham… and remembering 8 others…

SCHEDULE OF LOCAL TOWN MEETINGS FOR 2018 <-- click here!

Check this page to find out when your town meeting is. We’ll be updating this page as more meetings are scheduled. If you don’t see your town listed, send us an email at townline@fairpoint.net or visit our contact page!

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | The pumpkin bug, or squash bug, are also called stink bugs, but are not the traditional stink bug. Although some pumpkin bugs are called stink bugs, not all stink bugs are pumpkin bugs. If you ever spot a sizable green stink bug, there’s a good chance that it’s a pumpkin bug. They are similar in appearance to stink bugs because they both have a foul odor when squashed […]

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates |  The first time I heard singer/songwriter John Prine, now 71, was at the Gorham gym, of what is now the University of Southern Maine, during the spring of 1972. He was the opening act for Lighthouse, was totally new to me and failed to make any impression. Even his incredible fame over the 47 years that have elapsed since then never stirred my curiosity – that is until just over two weeks ago […]

Katie Ouilette WallsIF WALLS COULD TALK

by Katie Ouilette | It all began on St. Patrick’s Day, as that was daughter’s birthday and Chuck planned a wonderful party for her. Then, in my ‘stuff’ there was a write-up with the heading “Did You Know?” Yes, faithful readers, do you know that St. Patrick was born in 389 and died in 461? Wow! […]

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & PercySOLON & BEYOND

by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy | Several columns ago I told you that Pastor Tim Hunt of the New Hope Evangelical Free Church, in Solon, was going on a mission trip to Uganda. He sent me a very interesting and inspiring letter telling about his trip and I take great pleasure in sharing it with you […]

I’M JUST CURIOUS

by Debbie Walker | I think it’s interesting but do you? I have been into the magazines again; I once again, started just cutting articles out with no thought of what magazines the ideas came from. So I apologize to those writers for not being able to give them credit they are due. Since I have no depth perception at all, as my brother told me, I was pleased to come across these: a quarter is nearly an inch in diameter and one foot is 16 pennies laid in a row […]

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Roughly 110 million adults in the U.S. are age 50 or older. If you’re one of them or know someone who is, there’s something you need to know: As you age, your nutrition needs change. You may become less active, your metabolism slows, and your ability to absorb some nutrients becomes less efficient. You need fewer calories to keep you going—which means the amount of nutrients in your food becomes even more important […]

Good Nutrition Made Easy For Older Adults