Huard’s Karate team member tops in New England
Huard’s Sport Karate team member Landon Nunn, 12, of Skowhegan, captured first place in New England for point fighting for the 2017 season.
Photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography
Winslow Girls KVAC champions
Winslow Girls Basketball. Front row, Haley Ward, Paige Trask, Lauren Roy, Bodhi Littlefield and Jennifer Ferry. Back, Weslee Littlefield, Hailey Grenier, Justice Picard, Silver Clukey, Alexa Petrovic, Maeghan Bernard, Emily Glidden, Olivia McCaslin, Jenna Veilleux, Madison Roy, Broghan Gagnon and Sarah Guimond. Photo courtesy of Central Maine Photography staff
The Winslow High School girls basketball team defeated Maine Central Institute, of Pittsfield, 57-31, on February 2 to make it into the KVAC championship game. Winslow prevailed again, 62-40, during the rematch for the title.
ERIC’S TECH TALK – Fake news: coming to a town near you
Honest, open, accountable journalism needs help to continue
by Eric W. Austin
Technical Advisor
In Lewiston, fake news is taking over the town.
Five candidates faced off in the town’s mayoral race back in November. According to local election rules, if no candidate cracks the majority with at least 50 percent, there is a second, run-off race between the top two candidates the following month. Ben Chin, a Democrat, was the clear favorite with 40 percent of the vote coming out of the November contest. His opponent, in second place with 29 percent, was Republican Shane Bouchard. The remaining 31 percent of the vote was split between the other three candidates. With no one achieving the required 50 percent majority, a run-off election was planned for early December.
Ben Chin
Chin, a progressive activist backed by the most popular politician in the country, Bernie Sanders, held a comfortable lead in initial polling. But in early December, something changed. News stories started popping up on social media that painted the Democrat in an unflattering light. One claimed Chin had allegedly called Lewiston voters a “bunch of racists” based on a series of leaked emails. Another reported his car had been towed because of “years of unpaid parking tickets.” All of the stories originated from a hitherto unknown Maine news website called the Maine Examiner.
It didn’t matter that the stories were misleading and inaccurate. As soon as a new article was uploaded to the website, links got posted to Facebook by various members of the Maine Republican Party. From there, the stories swiftly propagated through social media, as anything negative and partisan inevitably does.
In the end, Chin lost to Bouchard by 145 votes. It was all very dramatic, and inevitably led to questions about this new website that was suddenly breaking such startling scoops in the middle of a Lewiston mayoral election.
Shane Bouchard
Just who was the Maine Examiner? The Lewiston Sun Journal, the Boston Globe and others, in a bit of old-fashioned investigative journalism, decided to find out. The Journal has run a series of stories in the months since, from which much of this article is based, and they have found some very interesting information.
First was the problem that nobody seemed to know who ran the website or wrote the articles. The site uses a registration-masking service which hides the true identity of the owners — a reasonable privacy precaution for an individual, but curious practice for a business or news agency. Then there was the fact that none of the articles contain any bylines. They are simply credited to the generic moniker “Administrator.” The site’s “About Us” page lists no editor, no writers and no owners. It’s all very mysterious.
Recently, a big clue popped up from an unlikely source. A web developer in California, Tony Perry, heard about the controversy and decided to investigate. Perry did something very simple yet ingenious. He downloaded a bunch of the photos posted with the stories in question. Then he took a look at the pictures’ meta-data. This is invisible information that is stored with every computer file, and often contains things like owner name and the date of a file’s creation. Perry found that a number of the photos were created by someone named Jason Savage. Further, he found that one of these pictures had been uploaded to the Maine Examiner website just 14 minutes after it had been created by ‘Jason Savage.’ This suggested a close collusion between whoever Jason Savage was and the Maine Examiner website.
Then in late January, The Maine Beacon, a publication of the Maine People’s Alliance, published their own investigation into the mystery. Looking at publicly-accessible error logs for the Maine Examiner website revealed internal server addresses containing the username ‘jasonsavage207.’
Additionally, the website template used for the Maine Examiner was downloaded from a website on which was found a public profile for someone listed as ‘jasonsavage207,’ and this profile indicated the user’s account was last active on the same day that such a template was installed on the Maine Examiner’s website.
The evidence was in, and it was pretty damning. It was clear Jason Savage was intimately connected to the Maine Examiner website, but who exactly was Jason Savage?
A quick Google search points to one particular Maine resident who also happens to be the executive director of the Maine Republican Party. This conclusion is inescapable once you learn that his Instagram handle is ‘jasonsavage207’ and his Twitter name is ‘jsavage207.’
The latest wrinkle to this developing story came a few weeks ago when the Maine Democratic Party formally filed an ethics complaint against the Maine Republican Party.
But this debacle cannot be blamed entirely on unethical political partisans. It is a symptom of a larger problem affecting America and the world. Newspapers are closing their doors everywhere. The advertising dollars that used to fund them are moving instead to internet platforms like Google, Facebook and Twitter. But these platforms don’t do journalism. They are simply information warehouses.
That means America’s free press is shrinking. And with smaller newspapers across the country going out of business as their revenue dries up, something must fill the void they leave behind. More and more, what has come to fill that void are pseudo-news websites like the Maine Examiner. Such sites masquerade as news sources but are nothing but partisan propaganda.
Good journalism is not anonymous; it’s accountable. Good journalism does not celebrate partisan politics; it strives for balance and accuracy.
For the past two years, I’ve been honored to serve on the board of directors for The Town Line, and I’ve been impressed by the staff’s deep commitment to the traditional journalistic values of honesty, openness and accountability. It’s the type of attitude we should be celebrating in this world of viral, mile-a-minute news. Unfortunately, a small, free community newspaper is just the kind of institution that is suffering the most in this post-internet world.
Our Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson, once wrote, “A properly functioning democracy depends on an informed electorate.” But an informed electorate is dependent on the work of dedicated journalists committed to providing accurate information to the American public.
And the moral to this story? Support your local paper lest your town too becomes a victim of fake news.
Start seeds at the Palermo Community Center
Photo courtesy of Emily Cates
Whether you are a patio container gardener or have a vast vegetable garden, getting those seeds going indoors is a fun and productive way to kickstart your growing season. Grab some seeds and growing trays on Friday, February 23, and we’ll get down and dirty with a hands-on sowing session following a delicious Pot Luck Supper at 6 p.m.
Master Gardener Connie Bellet and friends will help you choose what to plant, when to plant it, where to locate plants and their friends, how long you can keep seeds, needs of specific plants, how and what to feed your plants, and how much to water. Hint: the focus will be on cold-weather crops like parsley, kale, onions, and cabbage. If you have other areas of interest or specific gardening questions, Bellet can either answer them or direct you to appropriate experts in the field.
The supper is free, but a donation of $5 or more is requested to cover the expense of planting supplies, sample mediums, and organic plant foods and fertilizers. Bring a winter dish to share, or donate to the Food Pantry. For information or directions, please contact Connie Bellet at 993-2294 or pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net.
Palermo Food Pantry to reschedule when schools close
For safety’s sake, the Good Shepherd Food Bank, which contracts with local food pantries, has issued a policy that when schools are closed due to weather and road conditions, many of the area food pantries will also close. The Palermo Food Pantry, which is open every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon, will try to reschedule to Wednesday at the same time, at the Palermo Community Center. School closings are shown on the “crawler” at the bottom of the TV screen on the morning news on channels 5 and 8. If in doubt, please call Connie at 993-2294 or June at 993-2225 before 10 a.m.
The winter months are very hard on all of us, particularly when hungry children are involved. All of the food pantries are extremely grateful for donations of food and money, and appreciate your support of our friends and neighbors. The Palermo Food Pantry accepts donations of food on Tuesday mornings from 8 to 10 a.m., and monetary donations may be made out to the Living Communities Foundation, P.O. Box 151, Palermo 04354. Thank you so very much!
Big Brothers/Big Sisters receives grant from local bank
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBS MM) was recently awarded a $3,000 grant from Skowhegan Savings Charitable Contributions Foundation in support of school-based mentoring programs in Somerset County.
The donation will help fund matches at BBBS programs that link student mentors from Skowhegan High School (Bigs) with elementary students (Littles) at Margaret Chase Smith School and Bloomfield Elementary School. Funds will also purchase items for the program’s activity bins used by matches at both locations.
BBBS MM Executive Director Gwendolyn Hudson said partnership with Skowhegan Savings is especially vital in the agency’s work to help more kids succeed in Somerset County. “When local businesses like Skowhegan Savings continue to support the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters, they are making a long-term commitment to children in their community; to help change more lives for the better,” Hudson said.
Skowhegan Savings Assistant Vice President and Community Banker Karen Hart and Fawn Wentworth, Marketing Officer recently met with Big and Little matches to see first-hand how the Skowhegan Savings Foundation gift is helping local youth at Bloomfield Elementary School in Skowhegan.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine changes the lives of more than 700 youth in Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset and Waldo Counties facing adversity for the better, forever by providing strong and enduring, professionally-supported, one-to-one relationships. By partnering with parents, volunteers and organizations, children in Big Brother Big Sister programs have higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, avoid risky behaviors and achieve educational success. For more information on volunteering or donating please call 236-BBBS (2227) or visit www.bbbsmidmaine.org.
Skowhegan Area High School student mentors (Bigs) meet with their Littles at Bloomfield Elementary School in Skowhegan as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine youth mentoring programs. The Bloomfield matches, as well as Bigs and Littles who meet weekly at Margaret Chase Smith School, will benefit from a recent generous gift of $3,000 from Skowhegan Savings Charitable Contributions Foundation.
Erskine Academy wins national three-point challenge
The Erskine Academy Varsity girl’s basketball team recently participated in, and ultimately won, the National High School 3-point Challenge which is part of the Coaches vs. Cancer program. On February 13, Coach Donar was presented with a mock check to represent the funds raised for this event.
A letter from from Brian Casalinova, Northeast Region of the American Cancer Society, Inc., to the school, read:
“I am proud and thrilled to be reaching out to congratulate Erskine Academy on winning the National High School 3-Point Challenge! You, your girls and the Erskine community really did something pretty special over these past 30 days! Congratulations! You competed against over 330 other schools across the country, many of them more than four times the size of Erskine Academy, and you crushed it! Way to go! Everyone at the American Cancer Society is so impressed with what you accomplished and we have been celebrating your victory in our Topsham office all day! In my five years of overseeing the Coaches vs Cancer program in New England, no single school has raised more funds in one season that you and your girls this January! Thank you!
“Mitch, I know that you have been recently hit hard by this terrible disease. Please know that you made a significant difference in the fight against cancer! Thank you for helping us deliver on our mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the world in the fight to end cancer!”
Obituaries, Week of February 15, 2018
DOROTHY J. JOSEPH
WINSLOW – Dorothy J. Joseph, 84, of Winslow, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor, following a short illness. She was born in Waterville on March 26, 1933, a daughter of John and Marie (Sirois) Bernard.
Dot was co-owner of Joseph’s Flooring Company, in Winslow, for 35 years operating it along side her husband, Maurice. She was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow.
Dot loved her family, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents; and her husband, Maurice.
Dot is survived by her son, Michael Joseph; three grandchildren, Erin Pease and husband Brent, Erica Hamlin and husband Eric and Chad Joseph and wife Amy; nine great-grandchildren; and brother Ray Bernard.
An online guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com.
GERARD H. ROUTHIER
FAIRFIELD – Gerard H. Routhier, 78, passed away at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, on Friday, February 2, 2018. He was born on January 16, 1940, in Coburn Gore, the son of Aurore (Poulin) and Lucien Routhier.
He attended and graduated from Waterville Public School in 1958. Jerry served with the United States Marine Corps for four years and received an honorable discharge.
He married the former Florida Grard, on June 8, 1963.
Jerry was employed by Hannaford Bros. for over 50 years until his retirement. He was best know as pepere by his co-workers. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with family.
He was predeceased by his parents, and his sister, Gabrielle.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Florida; his son Bill Routhier and wife Cathy, of Fairfield; daughter Brenda Mansir, of Augusta, and Bev Routhier and her partner Moe Hines, of Sabattus; grandchildren Josh Heckerd and wife Lydia, of Caribou, Amanda Heckerd, of Chelsea, Katie Routhier and fiancé Brittany Perry, of Skowhegan, Nick Routhier, of Clinton, Keith Howe and wife Corinne, of Waterville, Dan Howe, of Sidney, and Nick Hines, of Sabattus; great-grandchildren, Amiah, Vaelin, and Memphis; siblings, Dorothy Turmelle, Arthur Routhier, and Denise Moholland and several sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nieces; nephews; cousins; aunts; and uncles.
An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.
Memorial donations may be made to Dialysis Center, Togus VA Hospital, 1 VA Center, Augusta ME 04330 or: Travis Mills Foundation, 89 Water St., Hallowell ME 04347.
MARJORIE A. HACHEY
FAIRFIELD – Marjorie “Marge” A. (Oliver) Hachey, 83, passed away Saturday, February 3, 2018, at her home, in Fairfield, following a long courageous battle. She was born September 23, 1934, in Waterville, the daughter of the late Freeman and Mona (Foster) Oliver.
She attended Waterville High School, graduating in 1952, after which she attended Boston Dispensary in 1954. Later, she married Harvey Hachey, of Winslow, who predeceased her in 1988. Marge worked for 27 years as a phlebotomist at the Waterville Osteopathic Hospital, which later became Inland Hospital.
In 1998, she met her life partner, James “Red” Giroux, and they shared years together going to Florida and car races.
She is survived by her partner, Red, of Fairfield; daughter, Donna Beaulieu and husband Steve, of Clinton; granddaughter, Binica and partner Todd Carter; five great-grandchildren, Cooper Beaulieu, Makayla Robinson, Mason, Colton and Piper Carter; a sister-in-law, Cora Dixon and husband Alton; niece Lisa Workman and her husband Dale; a nephew Scott Oliver and his partner Laura and nephew Kerry Oliver.
She was predeceased by her brother Gerry Oliver and his wife Barbara.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 17, 2018, at 1 p.m., at the VFW in Fairfield.
Memorial donations may be made to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, Maine 04901
Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.
OTHERS DEPARTED
DEBORA L. EZZY, 60, of Augusta, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, following complications from surgery related to multiple sclorosis. Locally, she is survived by her father, Stanley E. Chase and his wife Elaine, of Vassalboro; brother David E. Chase and wife Deborah, of Windsor; and nephews Daniel E. Chase and Daryl S. Chase, both of Windsor.
SARAH J. KALER, 78, of Bremen, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at the Sussman House, in Rockport, following a lengthy illness. Locally, she is survived by a sister, Maxine Watson and family, of Whitefield.
KAY R. MEYERS, 82, of Bristol, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2018, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, following a brief illness. Locally, she is survived by a son, Eric Meyer and wife Pat McKenzie, and granddaughter Dayze Gaulin, all of Whitefield.
PEARL D. VEILLEUX, 85, of Haines City, Florida, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2018, as a result of injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Locally, she is survived by sisters Della Boulette and husband Clement, and Shirley Rossignol and husband Ronald, all of Waterville.
DEBORAH L. TIBBETTS, 62, of Monmouth, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 28, 2018, at Central Maine Medical Center, in Lewiston. Locally, she is survived by children Joyce York and husband Jeff, and Charles Tibbetts III and wife April, all of Vassalboro, and Shawn Tibbetts and wife Bonnie, of Windsor.
J. RAYMOND FORTIN, 90, of Madison, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018, at Maplecrest Living Center, in Madison. Locally, he is survived by a grandson Jonathan Fortin and wife Cassie, and great-grandson Jack Fortin, all of Winslow.
LOCAL TIES
MARGARET PRIOR, 90, of Portland, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2017, at Sedgewood Commons, in Falmouth. She was the wife of the late Carl Prior, who became dean at Unity College, in Unity, in 1968. She joined the Unity Union Church and sang in the choir, taught physical education at Mount View High School, in Thorndike, and coached field hockey and gymnastics. She was also involved with town meetings, worked for the food pantry, was active in church, Rotary International, played bridge and continued to swim and ski.
ALLAN N. HART, 69, of Canaan, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor. At one time, Allan worked for both the Fairfield Police Department and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department, eventually retiring as a personal body guard for an international client.
AREA NOTABLE
JEAN L. HAMEL, 85, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2018, at Inland Hospital, in Waterville. She was a former manager of the Waterville Bowling Lanes, on Airport Road, in Waterville, former Waterville women’s candlepin bowling champion, and a member of the Maine State Candlepin Hall of Fame. Locally, she is survived by sons Michael Hamel and wife Deborah, William Hamel and wife Susan, and daughter Karen Paradis and husband Peter, all of Waterville.
Vassalboro selectmen to hear about LED lights; ARI update; department heads for budget discussions
source: http://www.vassalboro.net/
by Mary Grow
Vassalboro selectmen meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, in the town office meeting room, with four major items on their agenda. Paul Vesel, Director of Business Development with Realterm Energy, is scheduled to attend to discuss converting the town’s streetlights to LED. Representatives of the Alewife Restoration Initiative (ARI) are to update board members on the proposed fishway at China Lake’s outlet dam and related matters. Department heads from the public safety, recreation, solid waste and First Responders will join selectmen to discuss 2018-19 budget requests. And board members will again discuss the increased tax bill for Vassalboro’s gravel pit in China.
The Town of Vassalboro will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at the town office, to seek public comment on an application for a Community Development Block Grant to help the Vassalboro Sanitary District connect town sewers to the Winslow sewer system. Interested residents unable to attend the hearing may submit written comments to the town office up to the hearing time. Public comments received before and at the hearing will be submitted as part of the application for funds.
Erskine Academy to host 8th grade open house
All eighth grade students and their parents from the surrounding communities are invited to attend the Erskine Academy Eighth Grade Open House on Wednesday, February 28, at 6:30 p.m., in the gym. The administration strongly encourages all incoming freshmen and their parents to attend this event as registration materials will be available and information about the course selection process will be provided. In the case of inclement weather, a snow date of Thursday, March 1, has been set.
Parents who are unable to attend this event are asked to contact the Guidance Office at 445-2964 to request registration materials.