Entries by Eric W. Austin

Sen. Collins visits Winslow McDonald’s in support of local schools

by Eric W. Austin Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins stopped by the McDonald’s restaurant in Winslow on Friday, August 24, to show support for that location’s “Back to School Supplies Drive,” which aims to help Winslow Elementary School teachers and students by collecting donations of school supplies for the upcoming fall semester. Senator Collins showed […]

Getting to know the China town manager

An exclusive interview by Eric W. Austin “God and country” is a phrase that neatly sums up Dennis Heath, China’s new town manager. In an extensive three-hour interview on Friday, August 3, he told me of his life before Maine, including his family, a storied military career spanning nearly three decades, a 14-year stint as […]

South China Library project breaks new ground

by Eric W. Austin There’s a new driveway off Jones Road in South China, hidden by the surrounding trees. If you drive too fast, you might miss it. The driveway leads to the soon-to-be new location of the South China Library, and there’s a lot of work going on there. More than 30 people gathered […]

China throws retirement party for town manager

by Eric W. Austin On June 30, a crowd of grateful citizens, from the town of China and surrounding areas, gathered in the portable building behind the town office to wish luck to Dan L’Heureux as he enters retirement after more than 22 years of service as China’s town manager. Dennis Heath, China’s new town […]

China town manager retires after 22 years service

by Eric W. Austin When Dan L’Heureux was hired at the start of 1996, the China Select Board had two primary goals for the new town manager. First, they were looking to foster more economic development in the town. Second, they wanted someone who could achieve a stable mil (tax) rate that could be maintained […]

New community center opens in Vassalboro

by Eric W. Austin Looking at Rachel Kilbride, you wouldn’t think she’s the type to hear voices, but that’s exactly what prompted her to buy the St. Bridget Catholic Church, in Vassalboro, and turn it into a local community center. “I wasn’t planning to retire in Vassalboro,” Rachel told me. A Winslow native, she was […]