Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Augusta fires, fire departments, Part 3

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Augusta Great Fire of 1865.

by Mary Grow

Your writer hopes her readers are not tired of fires and firefighting, because there will be one more article on the theme after this one. As usual, the topic has expanded because of more information than expected from easily available sources.

One invaluable source is the University of Maine’s on-line DigitalCommons collection. It includes various City of Augusta reports for many years.

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After the April 12, 1861, southern attack on Fort Sumter started the Civil War, James North’s Augusta history focused on the local contribution to and effects of the war. He did not neglect other events, however, including fires and firefighting. Early on, he combined the two topics, describing the patriotic parade on Thursday, April 18, 1861, that was led by the Augusta Band, with the Pacific Fire Engine Company next in line.

The first fire North mentioned during the Civil War years was the February 1862 destruction of the Phenix Block on Water Street. Daniel Williams built these three connected three-story stores in 1839; North called them “superior in finish to any yet erected.”

The initial tenants included the post office, with Reuel Williams’ law office above it (Daniel and Reuel Williams were brothers; the family was prominent in Augusta’s history); a shoe store; and H. A. Kittredge’s store selling “West India goods and groceries.” The printing shop for The Age newspaper had the whole third floor.

By February 1862, a hardware store had replaced the grocery; the shoe shop had a different owner; and in the basement below the post office were the press rooms for both The Age and the Kennebec Journal, with The Age print shop still filling the top floor.

On the cold Saturday evening of Feb. 22, a fire started in the shoe store, under the stairs. A fire engine responded, hose was run up the stairs and the fire “nearly extinguished” – when the water stopped running.

The problem was a broken joint (in the hose, or on the engine? North did not specify). While it was being replaced, the fire flared up; but renewed water quickly had it “nearly extinguished” – when the water stopped running again.

This time, the hose had been cut. North wrote that the suspects were “some unruly soldiers of the Fifteenth Regiment,” but nothing was proved.

While the hose was being repaired (and placed under guard), a valve on the fire engine froze. By the time the valve was thawed with hot water, the fire was out of control. Residents who had gone home after responding to the initial alarm were called back, and Hallowell sent two additional engines. No other buildings were affected, but the Phenix Block was gone.

Another major fire began Monday evening, March 31, 1862. Starting in a wharf storehouse, it spread to a second storehouse and then inland to burn down four wooden buildings on the river side of Water Street. North identified them as a store, a carpenter’s shop, Pumpkin Tavern (“a dwelling occupied by a number of families”) and the pre-1800 building known as the Titcomb house, after an early settler named Samuel Titcomb.

North commented that the burned buildings were “of little value,” and losing them was a step toward widening Water Street, accomplished in 1867. (The remaining east-side wooden buildings were moved back.)

A third major fire in 1862 started in the Kennebec Hotel’s stable about 10 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13. Flammable hay spread the fire through the stable and to the hotel; both buildings, two adjoining stores and a brick house were destroyed and a brick store damaged. Two horses were lost.

Augusta firefighters got help from Hallowell’s Torrent engine, which arrived about 11:30 “and did good service.” Residents salvaged hotel furnishings. This third substantial fire within a year led “thoughtful men” to recommend city officials buy a steam fire engine, North said.

The next fire North noted was the burning of the South Parish Congregational Church, which he called the South Parish meeting-house, the night of Monday, July 11, 1864. The church, dedicated on Sept. 20, 1809, was a large, two-story building with a steeple that was 125 feet tall, counting the weathervane.

During a bad thunderstorm, lightning struck the steeple and set the building alight “instantaneously, from top to bottom.” It burned completely in an hour; “only the curtains behind the pulpit, the communion service and bible with a few cushions were saved.”

North wrote that the steeple had always had a protective lightning rod. This time, he said, the “volume of the electric fluid was too great for the rod to carry, and it passed into the building.”

He emphasized the sense of loss, using phrases like “time-honored edifice,” “hallowed associations” and “landmark.” And, he wrote, parishioners met the next evening and decided to rebuild. The cornerstone of a new church, built of granite, was laid on May 26, 1865, and the church “was dedicated Thursday evening, July 5, 1866.”

Another fire in 1864 burned down the Portland and Kennebec Railroad’s depot on Christmas Eve. A strong north wind spread the fire quickly from the northeast corner throughout the building, but snow on the ground and on nearby roofs protected the neighborhood.

Lost were a freight train headed for Skowhegan, stopped by snow-covered tracks, and “the dummy engine and car, and six passenger cars.”

Augusta Cushnoc Hose Company.

On Aug. 24, 1865, North reported a celebration in honor of Augusta’s new steam fire engine Cushnoc. It had its first test in the great downtown fire that was reported about 5 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, 1865 (and was described in the Feb. 4, 2021, issue of The Town Line).

North wrote that the Cushnoc was placed on a wharf right behind the new block of wooden buildings on Water Street, where the fire started, “in full confidence that, with its powerful aid, the fire would be easily subdued.”

The combination of wooden buildings, wooden sidewalks and a “hot and dry” southeast wind was too much. The Cushnoc was almost lost as the wooden wharf and the lumber piled on it caught fire. Eri Wills, the chief engineer, saved it by cutting the hose and turning the engine’s water on itself.

Another engine on another wharf contained the fire headed south for Winthrop Street. With Augusta’s Pacific, Hallowell’s Tiger, the “United States Arsenal steamer,” the rescued Cushnoc and, North wrote, Wills’ ingenuity, firefighters finally controlled the fire.

What Wills did, North said, was remember a particularly strong wall that might be a firebreak. To protect it, he broke through an attic roof so that a hose could be run from the Cushnoc 60 feet up to drench the fire from above. North gave a dramatic description, apparently as an observer, of the men’s danger, as buildings collapsed around them and the street side of the one they were standing on repeatedly caught fire.

By 11 a.m. the worst seemed over. Around noon “a train despatched for assistance” brought two Gardiner fire engines and one from Pittston, which helped finish the job. North’s history includes a list and map of 81 buildings lost; damage amounted to $500,000. There is no record that any lives were lost.

(A Sept. 14, 2015, Kennebec Journal article announcing the observance of the 150th anniversary of the Great Fire reported that Augusta’s Atlantic and Pacific and Hallowell’s Tiger would be on display. Reporter Craig Crosby wrote that Hallowell still owned the Tiger, the Town of Oakland owned the Atlantic, and the Pacific was privately owned.)

The next major fire North described cost one life. It was at what was in 1868 the Eastern Branch of the National Military Asylum, precursor of today’s Togus VA Medical Center, in Chelsea, about four miles east of Augusta.

The asylum opened in the fall of 1866 on property that included a mineral spring (supposed to promote health) and a hotel and associated buildings. North wrote that the military added a 5,000-square-foot brick hospital.

On Sunday, Jan. 7, 1868, a cold, windy night, a fire that started about 9:30 p.m. in the heating system burned most of the old buildings. The 270 inmates were forced “into the open air of a severe winter’s night”; those too sick to move “were brought out on mattresses and laid, for want of shelter, upon the snow.”

To add to the disaster, North wrote, “the soldiers” – presumably he meant men responsible for the patients – broached a barrel of medicinal whiskey and got drunk. “Disgusting scenes of disorder and violence ensued.”

Augusta firefighters and ordinary citizens brought the patients to safety, the sick in private homes and the rest in municipal buildings. One man, “weak from disease, and suffering from exposure,” did not survive.

North wrote that the fire consumed almost everyone’s personal belongings. The new hospital was damaged; the steam fire engine named General Butler saved it from destruction.

In the aftermath, some patients were transferred to other branch asylums and some accommodated in surviving buildings. After hesitation, the “board of managers” decided to rebuild more appropriately. North wrote that in the spring of 1868, “four large brick buildings were commenced, each one hundred feet long by fifty feet wide [the dimensions of the brick hospital], placed in the form of a square with a courtyard in the center.”

Fire department expenses

The report of Augusta’s 1858 Committee of Finance for the fiscal year that ended March 19, 1859 (a DigitalCommons document), said that Eri Wills was the “chief engineer” (apparently the equivalent of a modern fire chief) in 1858 and was paid $50. The annual appropriation for the fire department was $700; almost $800 was “undrawn” from the prior year.

The committee listed the value of Augusta’s fire apparatus as follows: Atlantic and Pacific fire engines, $2,000 plus $1,500 for “Engine house and lot”; the Deluge engine “and apparatus,” $400 plus $50 for its engine house; and another $50 worth of “[h]ooks, ladders and carriages.”

In 1865, according to the March 17, 1866, end of fiscal year report of the finance committee and the treasurer, Augusta appropriated $8,000 for the fire department. Wills was still paid $50; he had two assistant engineers, paid $25 apiece.

Expenses totaled $10,731.64, including $4,325 for the “new Steam Fire Engine,” $2,700 for 1,500 feet of new hose and $1,457.36 for “sundry bills on account of new Engine House.” Firefighters balanced the budget by selling the Deluge engine for $66, charging (other towns, presumably) $16.50 for “use of Steamer” and taking more than $1,300 for their contingency account.

China man arrested for Augusta fires

A China resident named George W. Jones was arrested, tried and convicted for setting Augusta’s 1865 Great Fire, and was in the state prison when North finished his history in 1870.

As North tells it, Jones had a lobster business in Portland and sold lobsters from a “cart” in Augusta. Over the summer, soldiers had taken lobsters without paying. City police had not responded to Jones’ satisfaction and he had “threatened vengeance upon the city.”

Saturday night Jones was in China, and a barn “belonging to a person he had an antipathy against” burned. Sunday morning he walked to Augusta, arriving before 4 a.m., and stayed during the fire. Monday he took the train to Portland. Tuesday as he sold lobsters there his cart was “run against and damaged” and the offender refused to pay.

That night a woman saw a man setting fire to shavings outside the offender’s house. She called in an alarm, the fire was put out and examination showed the knife that made the shavings had “two gaps in the blade.” Jones was arrested in a neighboring town; the knife in his pocket had matching gaps in its blade.

Main sources

North, James W., The History of Augusta (1870).

Websites, miscellaneous.

EVENTS: Knox-Lincoln S&WCD announces wildflower seed fundraiser

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is excited to announce a new fundraiser – native wildflower seeds. October is the perfect month to sow wildflower seeds for spring growth. Want to develop a big flower garden without planting and tending to dozens of plants? Replace some of your lawn with a meadow! Create a pollinator strip between your street and property/lawn. Overseed an existing meadow to fill in the gaps. Whether you’re seeding a small space garden, filling in a side yard, or planting across acres of land, wildflowers are an easy-to-grow solution and supportive of pollinators.

They offer three seed mixes in one-ounce packages:

Showy New England Wildflower & Grasses Mix

The native wildflowers and some grasses provide a gorgeous display of color from spring to fall. Designed for upland sites with well-drained soils and full sun to semi-shaded areas; ideal for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

New England Annual & Perennial Mix

This seed mix offers plants that will be showy the second year and beyond, changing color and texture as they mature. Designed for upland sites and meadows; ideal for attracting native pollinators.

Butterfly & Hummingbird Mix

Designed specifically to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other native pollinators, this seed mix is best for  upland sites and meadows.

For a list of plants included in seed mixes and to purchase seeds, check out our website: https://www.knox-lincoln.org/wildflower-seed-sale. Orders can be picked up at our office located at: 893 West Street (Rt 90), Rockport or mailed for an additional fee to cover postage. Seed mixes are for sale until supplies last. FMI, please email info@knox-lincoln.org or call 207-596-2040.

FAIRFIELD: Thibodeau, Lawrence win council seats

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In unofficial returns submitted by Fairfield Town Clerk Christine Keller, Stephanie Thibodeau and Peter Lawrence were elected to the two open town council seats in a three-way race. Thibodeau received 1,465 votes, Lawrence 1,385 and Lawrence MacDonald 1,224.

In other election results, for Maine governor, former Republican governor Paul LePage 1,438, incumbent Democrat Janet Mills 1,259, and Independent Sam Hunkler, 71.

Representative to Congress, District #2, Democrat Jared Golden, 1,261, Republican Bruce Poliquin, 1,245, Independent Tiffany Bond, 233.

Maine Senate District #16, Republican Michael Perkins 1,550 and Democrat David Lafountain, 1,185.

Maine House of Representatives District #67, Republican Shelley Rudnicki, 1,459, Democrat Robert Sezak, 1,274.

In uncontested races, Somerset County Treasurer Tracey Rotondi, 2,342. Somerset County Register of Deeds, write-in candidate Laura Price, 11. Somerset County Sheriff, Dale Lancaster, 2,379. District Attorney, District 4, Maeghan Maloney, 2,066.

In other municipal elections, Kennebec Water District, Mark McCluskey, 2,253. MSAD #49 New School Referendum, Question 1 – new school, Yews, 1,602, No, 1,098; Question 2, larger gymnasium, Yes, 1,346, No, 1,339.

FINANCIAL FOCUS: Should you consolidate retirement accounts?

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submitted by Sasha Fitzpatrick

One of the rewards for working over several decades is the ability to contribute to tax-advantaged retirement accounts, which can help provide needed income for you when you do retire. As the years went by, you may well have accumulated several retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s or similar employer-sponsored plans. But you might find it advantageous to consolidate these accounts with a single provider.

Consolidating them can provide you with several potential benefits, including these:

Less confusion and clutter – If you have multiple accounts in different locations, it may be difficult to keep track of tax documents, statements, fees, disclosures and other important information. Consolidating accounts could help provide clear, simplified account maintenance.

Less likelihood of “lost accounts” – It may be hard to believe, but many people abandon their retirement accounts, leaving thousands of dollars behind and unclaimed. In fact, at the end of 2021, there were nearly 25 million forgotten 401(k) accounts, worth about 20 percent of all 401(k) assets, according to an estimate by Capitalize, a financial services company that helps individuals roll over retirement plan assets into new accounts. It’s possible that employers can even move small, old accounts out of their 401(k) plans and into an IRA on behalf of their former employees, thus increasing the chances that savers will lose track of their money. By consolidating your retirement plans with one provider, you can ensure you don’t lose track of your hard-earned money.

Ability to follow a unified strategy – With multiple retirement accounts, and different investment portfolios, you might find it difficult to maintain a unified financial strategy that’s appropriate for your goals and risk tolerance. But once you’ve consolidated accounts with a single provider, you’ll find it easier to manage your investment mix and to rebalance your portfolio as needed. The need to rebalance may become more important as you near retirement because you may want to shift some of your assets into investments that aren’t as susceptible to swings in the financial markets.

Possible improvement in investment options – Often, 401(k)s may have limited investment selection, so consolidating accounts with a full-service firm may allow for a wider array of products and strategies. This broader exposure can potentially help you improve your overall retirement income strategies.

Greater ease in calculating RMDs – Once you turn 72, you will need to start taking withdrawals — called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar plan. If you don’t take out at least the minimal amount, which is based on your age and account balance, you could face a penalty. If you have several accounts, with different providers, it could be cumbersome and difficult to calculate your RMDs — it will be much easier with all accounts under one roof.

So, if you do have multiple retirement accounts, give some thought to consolidating them. The consolidation process is not difficult, and the end result may save you time and hassles, while also helping you manage your retirement income more effectively.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: These services are needed right now

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Growing your businessby Dan Beaulieu
Business consultant

No Job too small.

Even if you are technically now a “skilled laborer” you can offer your services and grow your business right now… Without any special tools, equipment, or skills. You just have to know how to work hard and let people know you are available.

I am talking about the so-called small stuff. The type of work that normally falls through the proverbial cracks of normal provided services.

The true essence of a business is to find a need and fill it.

Customers, home owners, small business owners, even other companies have those needs today. They need you right now if you can offer these services:

  • Small carpentry jobs from putting in a window to hanging shelves to, yes, even hanging things on the wall, to fixing a broken step or a broken window, people are looking for someone who can do this kind of work. The kind of work that the larger companies can’t be bothered to do. General handyman or woman services to do anything a home owner needs, just the small stuff like repairing a fence or a step.
  • Other small jobs of any kind. People need someone to paint their steps, paint their shed, or cut a few branches. All jobs that are too small to even call a larger company.
  • Cleaning out attics and basements and garages and sheds and other storage areas. People need someone who can show up, clean their attic, cart away things that are no longer needed and bring that space back to life. No special skills are required. All that you need is strong hand, back and ambitions. Even just hauling away and properly disposing of anything from old paint cans to old appliances. There are no easy ways to do this right now?
  • Detailing cars: the largest detailing companies are booked out for months. But the demand for this service remains high. People would be delighted if they could call someone to come to their house and detail their vehicles in their own driveway.
  • Taking in and storing window air conditioners in the fall and installing them in the spring.
  • Winterizing homes from taking in a storing outdoor furniture including properly storing that barbecue and grill.
  • Hanging Christmas decorations on the outsides of homes and businesses. And then taking down those decorations.
  • General house cleaning on a regular basis. There is a high demand for someone who can do this.
  • And there are dozens of other things you can do, other services you can provide.

Another thing to consider is that Maine has the largest per-capita senior population and many of these people can no longer do that kind of jobs that we’ve listed above. This particular demographic is looking for someone like you right now.

All you have to do is think about it. Consider what you would like to do and get started, you’ll be surprised how quickly you fill out your work schedule. There has never been a better time or a better way to grow your own business.

MY POINT OF VIEW: America’s first veterans were Revolutionary War soldiers

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by Gary Kennedy

So here we are with another year passing us by and searching for meaning. We veterans know who, what and why we are considered veterans. In general, those who have served in the U.S. Military are veterans. However, title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as “a person who served in the active military, army, navy, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable”.

This definition explains that any individual that completed a service for any branch of armed forces classifies as a veteran as long as they were not dishonorably discharged. The most important thing to understand is veteran status. This is very important to the veteran but has no meaning to the general public. When the veteran is released from his military obligations he or she may be entitled to earned benefits, post military. At this point in time the veteran should locate the nearest “Veterans Administration” office and register any service related situation with a Veterans Advocate. Here also, he will receive information and advice as to what he may be entitled to. He will display his DD214 and perhaps show his military service and medical records. The veteran will be guided from there.

Now let’s take a look at how a veteran began and a little history of the veteran’s origin. In this country the making of a veteran basically began in 1775. This was the beginning of the Revolutionary War. This war began on April 19, 1775, and didn’t end until April 3, 1783; eight long years. We were a young country seeking freedom from mother Great Britain. She didn’t want to let us go so war ensued. The war was fought and won, but at great cost. We lost nearly 70,000 soldiers in this conflict. On the third day of April in 1783 our first veteran was born.

On April 12, 1861, the Civil War had begun. Before it was to end we would lose 364,511 Union soldiers and another 260,000 Confederates. History tells us that loved ones went to the killing fields to claim the bodies of their loved ones. This war ended on April 12, 1865. More veterans were created. They claim 25 percent of those who fought did not survive.

July 28, 1914, World War I began which took the lives of 116,708 and left 204,000 wounded. This ended on November 11, 1918. We were now getting familiar with the word “Veteran”. On September 1, 1939, World War II began and before it was to end 670,846 died and 405,399 were wounded. Those remaining became the new “Veterans”. Next came Korea on June 25, 1950, until July 27, 1953. This was long enough to allow 40,000 to die and 100,000 to be wounded.

Would you know it, we decided the country of Vietnam needed to be free from Communism. This was on November 1, 1955, and ended April 30, 1975. This involved Cambodia and Laos. We spent 20 years trying to change Vietnam but failed in our attempt. However, we did create more “Veterans”. I guess we didn’t have enough so we went to the aid of Afghanistan on October 7, 2001, to August 30, 2021. This would be another 20-year war which cost us 2,456 American lives. There were 20,752 of America’s finest wounded. Also this war led to many U.S. soldiers committing suicide. Currently, I don’t know why our troops were so affected by this particular war. I am currently searching for answers to that dilemma. In any case, we ended up with more “veterans”. The last one that I will mention is the Gulf War, which runs from August 2, 1990, to February 28, 1991. Two hundred nineteen men and women died, more “veterans”. There were other skirmishes that I haven’t addressed and my figures are only a good approximate; they are close enough for purposes of this article. I guesstimate around 1,520,226 deaths and approximately five times that in wounded. That’s a lot of sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters as well as others sacrificing to keep us and others free. So we have a million and a half posthumous veterans and many millions more who were lucky enough to make it home. Home is the key word and it’s still free and safe thanks to veterans; we continue to keep conflict off of our shores.

Believe me, if we didn’t have veterans we would be speaking another language by now. When will we and the world learn to live and let live? Greed and corruption continue to take the front seat and so we must continue to create “veterans”. I am a veteran, yet every night I pray for those in harm’s way, especially our veterans. My time has come and gone as is the case of thousands of others. We must rely on the strength of others now, as they will eventually do. At this point in time it’s the way of things. We need to pray for a world of peace. Until that time, God Bless our future veterans. Pray for them; thank them for serving our country and for watching over us. God Bless our veterans and God Bless America.

TEAM PHOTO: Sonny’s Junior PAL champions (2022)

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From left to right, Easton Ramer, Bryce Faulkner, Bentley Hamlin, Mason Guerette, Jack LeClair, Gracien Hamlin, Jackson Curtis, Ryan Bruinsma, Stella Curtis, Carson Foster, Jesse Jones, Tucker Graves, Finn VanGorden, Chase Bonney, Levi Brann, Coach Brian Guerette , Coach Nathan VanGorden, Coach Mark Murphy, Head Coach Jamie Foster. (photo by Ramey Stevens, Central Maine Photography)

TEAM PHOTO: KSW Senior PAL champions (2022)

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Front row, from left to right, Hunter Pooler, Brysen Carrier, JD Higgins, Jacobi Peaslee, Davin McLain and Jackson Hanson. Second row, Nolin Gagnon, Kris Finnemore, Kayden Lachance, Kaleb Clement, Ryker Miklos, Hunter Lockhart, Codey Violette and Brock Richards. Third row, Coach Jason Clement, Xzavier Bragdon, Hayden Lockhart, Owhen Van Gorden and Wesley Violette. Back row, Coach Mike Miklos, Coach Luke Peaslee, Coach Tony Richards and Coach Rob Violette. (photo by Ramey Stevens, Central Maine Photography)

OBITUARIES for Thursday, November 10, 2022

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MELISSA A. MILLER

ROME – Melissa Ann Miller, 48, of Rome, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, following a lengthy illness. She was born Melissa Ann Rodgers to Leo and Suzanne Rodgers, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, on April 22, 1974.

Melissa grew up on her family’s farm, and attended Tamaqua High School, in Tamaqua, graduating in 1992. She then attended Messiah College, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, from which she graduated magna cum laude in 1996. She served for many years as a decorated schoolteacher in Bethlehem and Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and in Waterville and Belgrade, primarily teaching fifth grade which was a favored age for her.

After her children were born, Melissa became a full-time homemaker, devoting her life to raising her family, though she also found time to volunteer in the local schools, at her church and for many years at a Christian summer camp, in Farmington.

Melissa was a charter member of Living Water Community Church, in Waterville, and Oakland, where she worshiped for over 20 years. She was a long-time leader in the church, serving especially in the children’s ministry and in women’s ministry. She was able to minister to hundreds of children over the years, teaching them the fundamentals of the Christian faith, but she also was adept at discipling adults and inspiring them to seek greater spiritual maturity in their lives.

Throughout all of her roles of service over the years, Melissa’s life was marked by her humble, gracious way of giving to others, always focusing on their needs over her own. One of Melissa’s great passions for over 15 years was serving during the summers at the Girls Camp, at Farmington. She served in many positions over the years, eventually as a co-director of the camp. At camp, she was able to influence an entire generation of young women, encouraging them to grow in their Christian faith while also enjoying a fun-filled week of camp activities such as archery, swimming and kayaking, as well as arts and crafts and personal worship times. And, of course, she got to teach the girls a lot of silly camp songs and perform in crazy skits. The enduring camaraderie between both campers and staff was a major source of pleasure in Melissa’s life.

In her personal life Melissa enjoyed many pursuits, including baking and cooking, gardening, kayaking, hiking and camping among other interests. She was a capable artist working in several media over the years, and she enjoyed blessing her friends and family with the fruits of her creations and especially with the gift of her time. Her greatest passion, however, always was serving her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She studied the Bible diligently and continually sought to apply its truths in her life on a daily basis. She always would be the first to admit that she was not perfect and was ever in need of a loving savior, but she never ceased trying to become as Christ-like as possible in her attitudes and actions. She lived her life as simply as she could, without putting on airs or seeking wealth or power, and she sought to live her life “deeply and meaningfully” by pursuing personal holiness in every aspect of her life.

Melissa is survived by her husband Todd Miller, of Rome; a son Ethan and a daughter Lydia, also of Rome; her father Leo ‘Butch’ Rodgers, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania; her brother Keith Rodgers and his family of Barnesville, Pennsylvania; as well as numerous other relatives in Pennsylvania and Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her mother Suzanne Schock Rodgers, her grandparents Peter and Ella Rodgers, and Elmer and Rita Schock, all of Barnesville, Pennsylvania; as well as numerous other relatives.

Arrangements are under Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 ELm St., Waterville. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for the Miller family.

The family suggests that donations in honor of Melissa may be directed to:

The Girls Camp at Farmington, c/o The Farmington Conference Center, P.O. Box 148, West Farmington, ME 04992.

RONALD M. LeCLAIR

WINSLOW – Ronald M. LeClair, 64, passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022, following a battle with cancer. Ron was born in Waterville to Robert and Noella (Gilbert) LeClair, in August 1958, just minutes before his identical twin brother, Don.

He attended Winslow area schools, where he and Don were known for their twin hijinks. Ron married JoAnn, his wife of nearly 36 years, in December 1986. They had their only son, Brandon, in 1989.

After spending time in the restaurant business, Ron began a career in sales under the guidance of his longtime mentor, Walter Simcock, at Colonial Distributors, in Waterville. Ever the consummate salesman, he built an impressive resume with Pine State Trading, in Augusta, Northeast Coffee, in Skowhegan, and finally, Levesque Pools, in Fairfield. Over the last several years, he owned and operated Limo Services ME, providing luxury transportation to a host of clients, notably Colby College, with whom he developed a wonderful working relationship.

His true passion, though, was community service. Ron served as chairman of the Winslow Family 4th of July Celebration for 15 years, cultivating one of the largest parades and fireworks displays in the state of Maine until his retirement from the committee in 2010. Many around town would affectionately call him “Mr. 4th of July,” or “Mr. Mayor”, titles he was not-so-secretly proud to wear.

Ron was predeceased by his parents Robert and Noella; and brothers John and Paul.

He is survived by his wife JoAnn; son Brandon; identical twin brother Don (Dametri); brothers Luxy (Marie), Tony, Peter (Karen); sisters Susan and Rose; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to remember and celebrate Ron as the life of every party, get together, and occasion. He was full of life and vigor – a tirelessly hard worker who possessed an inexplicable amount of energy, unmatched by all who tried to keep up. He was fiercely proud of his and JoAnn’s property, particularly his landscaping and his “beautiful backyahd.” He’d show off his flowers to family, friends, and strangers alike. Ron made sure that no one ever left the house hungry, or thirsty – try as you might to resist his offers. His spirit was infectious and welcoming to all.

At his request, no formal funeral will be held. The family invites all to celebrate Ron on Saturday, November 12, at the Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center, at Colby College, Mayflower Hill Drive, Waterville, from 1 – 3 p.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to: the Make-A-Wish foundation of Maine, with whom Ron was a proud transportation partner.

LILLIAN GOUTHIER

WATERVILLE – Lillian Gouthier, 72, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, October 28, 2022, following a short battle with cancer. She was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1949, to Ulysses Willis, and Louise Willis, nee Owens.

Lillian attended Haverhill High School, and graduated from Whittier Vo-Techs 1977 Licensed Pratical Nurse Program.

Lillian worked as a LPN, at Oxford Manor, Hale Hospital, nursing services and private duty, in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Florida, and Maine, until she retired in the mid 2010s. She loved the Lord, family, gospel music, singing in the choir, bingo, and shopping for a bargain.

She is preceeded in death by her mother, Louise Pearce, father, Ulysses Willis, a sister, Christine Johnson, and a brother, Steven Willis.

Lillian is survived by her partner of almost 30 years, Karl Chabot; her children, Leon Willis, Chani Parent, Shirleyann Jones, Talcum Beckett and her spouse, Michael Beckett, and Kadesphadina Gouthier. She loved Roseanna Berry, Shawn Parent, and Marco Mazariegos as her own. Lillian leaves nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

She did not want visiting hours or a funeral. A Celebration of Life gathering is being planned for the near future.

RICHARD W. DAMREN JR.

BELGRADE – Richard W. Damren Jr., 66, known to most as “Rick”, passed away after a three-year battle with pulmonary hypertension on Friday, October 28, 2022. Rick was born on December 29, 1955, a son to Richard W. Damren Sr. and Mayna Damren.

Rick spent most of his life dedicated to the citizens of Belgrade, whether it was being a lifelong member of the Belgrade Fire Department, a school bus driver, or serving as a frugal Selectman for the Town of Belgrade.

Later in Rick’s life, he and Tammy Damren raised three boys, Conrad Shaw, Jeremy Damren and his partner Thomas Stinson, and Scott Damren and his wife Kate Damren, all from Belgrade. All three boys grew up in the passenger seat of his pick-up truck, whether going to fire and rescue calls, plowing snowy roads and driveways with him after winter storms, or riding with him around the state fixing everything from tractors, lawn mowers, and chainsaws. Rick also had much love and fondness for his niece, Desiree Damren. Rick also had several four-legged grandsons that he was very proud of.

Rick served on the Belgrade Fire Department since his teenage years, serving as chief from 1987-2000. Public service became a strong family tradition as his three sons are also dedicated members of the fire department. Amongst many other accomplishments, one of his most proud was working alongside his Deputy Chief Bill Pulsifer, as they brought the Belgrade Lakes Fire Department, the Belgrade Depot Fire Department and the North Belgrade Fire Department to what is it known today, a whole entity, the Belgrade Fire Department. During his time on the department, there were very few fire or rescue calls that he missed. Rick was also a member of the Oakland Fire Department for many years.

Among other things such as his snow plowing and firewood businesses, Rick spent many years as a school bus driver, becoming a father figure to many of the children. Rick also spent many years on the Town of Belgrade’s Selectboard. There was never a doubt that people didn’t know his position on town matters, always keeping a careful eye on his taxpayers’ dollars. Most currently, Rick helped manage his sister Judy and predeceased brother-in-law’s company, Dave Hallowell Construction. Rick leaves behind an incredible legacy of being a loving father, an extremely hard worker, and great man many could count on.
Prior to Rick’s passing, the Belgrade Fire Department voted to dedicate the North Belgrade Fire Station in his honor. A dedication and memorial will be held later.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Belgrade Fire and Rescue Association, P.O. Box 404, Belgrade, ME 04917, which will make it possible to purchase lifesaving equipment for the citizens of Belgrade.

DANIEL C. QUIRION

WINSLOW – Daniel Charles Quirion of Winslow, passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022, following a long and valiant fight with medical health challenges.

Dan was born in Waterville, but was raised as a Winslow Black Raider. Dan was the son of Joseph George Quirion and Mary Jane Butler.

Dan graduated from Winslow High School in 1971 where he lit up the basketball court with his deep corner shots. He attended American International College and later transferred to the University of Maine where he earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education.

Dan worked at the Waterville Boys and Girls Club and went on to serve for over 30 years at Riverview Psychiatric Hospital. He also served as an assistant basketball coach for the University of Maine at Augusta, Thomas College, and Colby College, both in Waterville. During retirement, he worked as a substitute teacher. Dan often voiced how it was an honor meeting and working with many courageous people over the years.

Family was at the core of who Dan was as a man. He met the love of his life, Kimberly Kittredge, at the age of 13. Kim and Dan were married for 49 years. Dan had been a tough young man with some life battle scars at an early age. Kimberly saw his caring and loyal soul, and they shared a beautiful love story that is now the foundation of new generations. Dan’s most cherished roles were as husband, father, and grandfather. There was no other place he would rather be than watching his children and grandchildren do what they love; they were his pride and joy.

Dan had the heart of a champion. He was a fierce competitor who encouraged himself and those around him to strive for excellence. Dan was both a player and a coach, and (if you were lucky enough to be in his inner circle) he was one of your biggest supporters in pursuit of your dreams.

Dan loved new adventures. Dan was a beautiful blend of opposites: he was tough as nails and yet unapologetically sentimental; he was a straight shooter, a no non-sense sort of man who also had tremendous capacity for tenderness and a depth of love that is rare. Dan had both a warrior spirit and a gentleman’s heart.

Dan was predeceased by his parents Joseph Quirion and Mary Jane Butler; brother-in-law Lieutenant Colonel John Story, and his sister-in-law Gayla Cassidy.

Dan is survived by his wife Kimberly Quirion (Kittredge); daughter Amie Lyn Hasham; son Nathan Daniel Quirion; grandchildren Savannah and Malik Hasham and Dean and Brynn Quirion; sisters Gene Bard and Bernadette Phair; son-in-law Dr. Muneer Hasham; daughter-in-law Nicole Quirion; sisters-in-laws Colleen Story and Kathy Drouin; brothers-in-law Conrad Bard, David Phair, Paul Drouin, Mike Cassidy and Roger Gagnon; and nieces and nephews Jeff, Cammie, Chad, Roxie, Shelley, Mariann, Angela, Matthew, and Mariah; his great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Dan’s life will be held on Saturday November 26, 2022, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, located at 107 Main St., in Fairfield, with readings and stories of remembrance beginning at 2 p.m.

JOHN C. RASTROM

WATERVILLE – John C. Rastrom, 58, passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022, following a brief stay in the hospital.

After graduating from Winslow High School he joined the U.S. Navy for five years. He became a union welder and worked throughout New England .

He leaves behind his son Johnny; mother Sally Rynne; brother Jim Quinn; sisters Jill Turner (Mickey) and Donna Morrin; and stepsisters Michelle Labbe (Mark), Paula Walker, Jeanne Rynne, and Michele Rhodes (Jim).

Interment will be held on Friday, November 18, at 2 p.m., at Veterans Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Rd., Augusta.

ISAAC J. POLLARD

PALERMO – Isaac (“Ike”) James Pollard, 22, son of Jerry and Stephanie Pollard, passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022. He was born on March 18, 1990 at Belfast hospital.

He took his time coming into this world, but to his mother and father he was worth the wait.

Isaac grew up in Palermo, on the farmstead of his great-grandparents. From the time he was just a boy he loved the woods. Isaac was a hunter at heart, and spent many seasons hunting with his father.

He attended Palermo Consolidated School, K -8th grade and maintained high honors throughout those years. He was a bright young man. Ike graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, and continued with high honors. During high school Isaac played varsity baseball as well as varsity golf. He became quite a fan of golf, as well as disc golf.

After high school he learned the roofing trade and became quite accomplished in this field. He had a good work ethic and he was always ready to help out. One of his roofing customers said he was a most polite young man who’s work was outstanding.

Isaac was a die hard New England Patriots fan as well as a big Boston Red Sox fan. Many hours were spent watching the games with friends and his father. He loved disc golf, even scoring a hole in one. Another passion was fishing, especially ice fishing, and just spending time with his good friends. He was a kind and gentle soul with a big heart. Always ready to pitch in when needed.

Isaac was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Nathalie and Vernon Clark and paternal grandparents Edward and Helen Pollard.

He is survived by his parents Jerry and Stephanie Pollard; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Isaac’s burial will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 20, from noon until 3 p.m., at the Sheepscot Fish and Game clubhouse, on Rte. 3, in Palermo.

BRIAN G. MOODY

SIDNEY – Brian Gene Moody, 50, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 29, 2022, following a brief illness. He was born in Augusta on March 31, 1972, the son of Clyde and Marcia (Hinckley) Moody.

He lived most of his life in Sidney and attended Messalonskee High School, in Oakland.

He was employed at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta, for several years.

Brian enjoyed helping his family, friends and neighbors lending a hand whenever it was needed. He enjoyed playing poker, disc golf, hunting, camping and just making others laugh with his sense of humor. He especially liked spending time with his son and best friend, Nickolas. Brian leaves behind an incredible legacy of being a loving father, extremely hard worker and a great man many could count on.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa “Lisa” Moody; son, Nickolas Moody and his fiancée Ashlyn Cook; grandson, Everrett Moody; mother Marcia Moody; brothers Wayne Moody and his wife Tina and Richard Moody; sisters Lorraine Skidgel and her husband Sheldon, Elaine Smith, Sharon Smith and her husband Brent, Sherry Libby and her husband Dwayne, Tammy Gagnon and her husband Jeffrey, Pam Libby Decker and her husband James; sister-in-law Tammy Desjardins and her husband Mark; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., at Reynolds Cemetery, Reynolds Hill Road, in Sidney, on Saturday, November 12. A celebration of life will follow where all are welcome at his niece Sabrina’s home in Sidney (address to be announced at service).

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home website by visiting http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to wife Lisa to help with funeral and other expenses.

JOYCE A. ROWE

CLINTON – Joyce A. Rowe, 89, of Clinton, passed away on Sunday October 30, 2022. Joyce was born in Burnham on July 21, 1933, in the home of her grandparents, Edward P. and Lillian (Young) Hunt. Joyce was the daughter of Lloyd and Francis (Miles) Hunt.

Joyce attended Burnham schools and graduated from Maine Central Institute (MCI), in Pittsfield, 1953. Joyce went on to Thomas College, in Waterville, in 1954.

Joyce married Albert E. Rowe Jr. on December 30, 1955.

She was employed by the Burnham Chair Factory, then went on to work at Cooper-Weymouth until retiring in 1995.

She was an active member of the Eastern Star #103, where she held many offices and truly enjoyed the fellowship and being an active member.

She was also a member of the Brown Memorial Church, in Clinton, and the Brown Memorial Methodist Women. Joyce was an avid reader and a long patron of the Brown Memorial Library, in Clinton. Joyce was very thoughtful and always one of the first to visit anyone in need, and to send cards for all occasions always with a personal note in each.

After retirement, later in life, Joyce met Mason, Richard Gary. Joyce and Richard traveled to Alaska and Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Grand Canyon. Joyce and Richard also went on a number of very special family trips to Disney World.

Joyce’s greatest joys were family gatherings and especially those with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Joyce loved being surrounded by family and friends.

Joyce was predeceased by her father Lloyd and mother Francis, brother Edward, husband Sony and her companion Richard Gary.

Joyce is survived by her daughter Ellen Faulkner and husband Ken; grandchildren Hannah Marcia and husband Travis, and Jacob Faulkner and Jade Parker; great-grandchildren Carson, Westyn, Kendal and Nash; sisters, Charlene Call, Rebecca McKenney, and Crystal Cyr; and many nieces and nephews.

A private burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Clinton in the family plot at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

OTHERS DEPARTED

JANICE L. PELLETIER M.D.

ORONO – Janice L. Pelletier M.D., 65, passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2022. Jan was born on May 15, 1957, the second of six children of Raymond A. Pelletier and Jeanne I. (Poulin) Pelletier, of Winslow.

In 1983 she married Dr. Leonard J. Kass, together with whom she raised two children, Nigel and Eleanore “Elea” Kass.

Jan attended Winslow High School, class of 1975, and Harvard University, class of 1979, with a degree in psychology. Jan was accomplished both as an athlete and a scholar, and also pursued a wide range of other interests.

In high school she engaged in field hockey, track, gymnastics, band, and cheerleading (some in the same season), and at Harvard she participated in the crew team and played soccer (again in the same season).

After Harvard Jan attended the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in New York City, New York, graduating in 1984. She completed her medical residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and her fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children, in Toronto, Canada. She was a clinical professor at Tufts, the University of Vermont, and the University of New England, in Biddeford, and an ad hoc professor at the University of Maine. She was a prolific writer and contributor to medical research, having authored, co-authored or otherwise contributed to more than 20 grants and 50 publications. Jan’s resume, spanning a full 11 pages, evidences the tremendous breadth and scope of her professional career and may be viewed along with other details from her life at the CaringBridge website assembled by her family.

Jan is survived by her husband of 39 years, Dr. Leonard Kass of Orono; her two children, Nigel Kass of Anaheim, California, and Eleanore Kass of Austin, Texas; her brother, Ronald Pelletier and wife Ning Sawangjaeng, of Lincolnville; her sister, Karen Pelletier and partner Anu Makynen, of Portland; her brothers, Mark Pelletier and wife Leslie King Pelletier, of Winslow, Dominic Pelletier and wife Beth Audet Pelletier, of Raymond, Jeffrey Pelletier and wife Lilly Ampai Chiu Pelletier, of Carlsbad, California; and her father’s partner and fiancée of 30 years Martha (Grindall) Audet, of Winslow.

Janice was predeceased by her parents Raymond A. Pelletier and Jeanne (Poulin) Pelletier, her father- and mother-in-law, Adolph and Eleanore (Klein) Kass; and her sisters-in-law Nancy (Willey) Pelletier, Ingrid (Renken) Kass, Eileen Kass, and Patricia (Fitzgerald) Kass.

JOAN M. McEACHERN

HOLLISTON, Massachusetts – Joan M. McEachern, 92, of Holliston, Massachusetts, passed away on Friday, October 28, 2022, at the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Natick, Massachusetts. Joan was born in Waterville, on March 15, 1930, and was the daughter of the late Edesse (Guerrette) and Leon Dugal and one of 14 children.

She was the wife of 52 years to Clinton P. McEachern, who predeceased her in 2020. She attended public schools in Winslow.

Joan loved country music. In her teenage years, she and her sisters could be heard on the local radio station singing their favorite songs. Joan spent many years as a waitress in Maine. She was a favorite among patrons, who often requested her service and enjoyed her efficiency and quick wit. Although Joan retired to Massachusetts to be closer to two of her children, her love of her home state of Maine remained and she would return often to visit.

Joan loved to travel and spent many winters, along with her husband Clint, in their favorite place, Las Vegas, Nevada. She would often recollect other favorite trips to Spain and the Kasbah in Morocco. Joan loved to bake, and was famous for her homemade whoopie pies, caramels, and peanut butter fudge. Joan grew up in a devout Roman Catholic home and was herself very devoted to her faith and spirituality.

Joan is survived by her brother James Dugal, of Benton; five children, Scott McEachern, of Bowdoin, Debora Pendexter and her husband, Curtis, of China, Clinton “Chuck” McEachern, of Waterville, Mark McEachern and his wife Agatha, of Holliston, Massachusetts, and Brenda Bernard and her husband Steve, of Holliston, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Ian McEachern, Jodi Beckwith, Amy Bryant, Erica McEachern, Ashley McEachern, Aidan and Gavin McEachern, Nicholas, William and Danny Bernard; eight great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Clinton McEachern and her first husband John Dunphy; her siblings Lorenzo, Alyre, Alfred, Robert, Richard, Johnny, Adrienne Jones, Irene Fortin, Emelienne Reny, Germaine Hachey, Connie Pelletier, and Theresa Muzzerole; her son, Michael McEachern; and granddaughter, Scarlett McEachern.

At this time no memorial services will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and interment will take place at the Veterans Cemetery in Augusta, Maine. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, http://www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

CHINA: Casey, Preston re-elected; Chelsey wins other race

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by Mary Grow

The results of China’s Nov. 8 local voting, as reported by Town Clerk Angela Nelson just before 11 p.m., are as follows.

In local elections, Blane Casey and Janet Preston were re-elected to the select board and Brent Chesley was elected to succeed Ronald Breton. Vote totals were Casey, 1,434; Chesley, 948; and Preston, 1,124.

For the planning board at-large position, James Wilkens was re-elected with 1,442 votes. Nelson expected results of write-in votes for representatives from District 2 and District 4 to be available within a day or two.

District 4 budget committee incumbent Timothy Basham and at-large member Elizabeth Curtis were re-elected with 1,571 and 1,492 votes, respectively. There were only write-in votes for committee secretary and for the District 2 seat.

In a three-way race for one seat on the Regional School Unit 18 board of directors, Nelson wrote that incumbent Dawn Castner defeated challengers Wallace Pooler III and Darrell Stevens; no numbers were on the town website, china.govoffice.com, early the morning of Nov. 9.

Nelson said all referendum questions were approved. China voters thereby:

  • Appropriated no more than $70,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money for expanded broadband service;
  • Appropriated no more than $21,590 in ARPA money to reimburse China Rescue for a defibrillator;
  • Appropriated no more than $7,000 in ARPA money for improvements to the town’s radio tower;
  • Appropriated no more than $22,000 in ARPA money for three heat pumps for town buildings;
  • Appropriated no more than $75,000 in ARPA money for the town’s senior fuel assistance fund;
  • Appropriated no more than $30,000 in ARPA money for repair of cemetery fences;
  • Amended the town’s quorum ordinance to say that 100 registered voters is the minimum needed to start a town meeting; and
  • Amended two sections of the Land Use Ordinance, as recommended by the planning board.

Qualifications for the senior fuel assistance program are on the town website. An applicant must be 65 or older, a China resident for at least a year, with a household income below $30,000 for a single person or $60,000 for a couple. Applications must be accompanied by a copy of the 2021 Maine income tax filing or, if no taxes were filed, comparable evidence.

One $500 payment per household is authorized, between Nov. 15, 2022, and April 15, 2023, as long as the $75,000 lasts. Recipients of LiHEAP and HEAP are not eligible.

The town will make payments directly to fuel vendors — oil and propane dealers or Central Maine Power Co. for people with electric heat, for example. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said unusual situations – like someone burning the wood he bought year before last – will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, with the goal of helping all eligible residents.

Hapgood did not know whether a payment to a fuel vendor should be reported as income by the homeowner. She recommended asking a tax professional or Maine Revenue Services.

In the race for RSU #18 school board, Dawn Castner was the winner with 851 votes. Darrell Stevens received 403 votes, and Wallace Pooler, 371.

Results of China’s voting on the state ballot

On the Maine state ballot, China voters gave District 1 Democratic Representative to Congress Chellie Pingree 983 votes to 1,197 for Republican challenger Edwin Thelander and 7 for Alan H. MacDonald, a declared write-in candidate.

In the gubernatorial race, Republican former governor Paul LePage received 1,177 China votes to 1,019 for incumbent Democrat Janet Mills and 39 for Independent Sam Hunkler.

For state senator from District 15, incumbent Republican Matthew Pouliot got 1,371 votes to 822 votes for Democratic challenger Storme Jude St. Valle.

In a three-way race for state house District 62, with no incumbent, Republican Katrina Smith had 1,189 votes; Democrat Pamela Swift had 729 votes; and Independent Lindsey Harwath had 282 votes.

In the only contest for Kennebec County office, for register of deeds, in China Matthew James Boucher outpolled incumbent C. Diane Wilson by 1,268 to 877 votes.