The University of Vermont, in Burlington, Vermont, has announced the following local students have been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2022 semester.
Jillian Brown, from Augusta, is majoring in human development and family studies.
Autumn Boody, from Washington, is majoring in communication sciences and disorders.
Abbigail Doiron, from Augusta, is majoring in health sciences.
(photo by Eric W. Austin)
An Act to Strengthen Legislative Oversight of Government Agencies and Programs by Providing the Government Oversight Committee Access to Confidential Records. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
An Act to Provide up to $5,000 in Property Tax Relief to Veterans. (Presented by Representative HYMES of Waldo)
An Act to Support Public Health by Protecting Certain Activities Conducted Under Comprehensive Community Drug Checking Initiatives. (Presented by Representative LaROCHELLE of Augusta)
An Act to Maximize Federal Funding in Support of Emergency Medical Services. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)
Resolve, to Prepare Preapproved Building Types. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)
Resolve, to Establish the Commission to Study the Delivery of Services to Children and Families. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)
An Act to Exempt All Youth Development Nonprofit Organizations from Sales Tax and the Service Provider Tax. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)
An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Reporting and Tracking of Adult Use Cannabis. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp. The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.).
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Legislative bills submitted by area senators & representatives as of Friday, April 28, 2023
Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to Convene a Stakeholder Group Tasked with a Comprehensive Overhaul and Modernization of the State Subdivision Statutes. (Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison
An Act Regarding Port Facilities Relating to Offshore Wind Power Projects. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)
An Act to Create the Maine Medical Cannabis Advisory Commission and the Medical Cannabis Alternative Health Board. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
An Act to Respect and Protect the Right to Food. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
Resolve, to Establish the Commission to Study the Constitution of Maine. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
An Act Regarding Enhanced 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator LaFOUNTAIN of Kennebec
An Act to Require Reimbursement of Fees for Treatment Rendered by Public and Private Ambulance Services. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Representative CYRWAY of Albion)
Resolve, to Support Energy Upgrades at Maine Public Schools and Ensure That New School Construction Meets Current Energy Efficiency Standards. (Presented by Representative LaROCHELLE of Augusta)
An Act to Modify the Visual Impact Standards for Offshore Wind Port Development. (Governor’s Bill) (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)
(Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp. The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.)
The following local residents have earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The award is given to students who perform at a superior level in their coursework.
Whitney Poplawski, of Augusta, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University Leavitt School of Health.
Brenda Ryder, of Liberty, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University College of Business.
(photo by Eric W. Austin)
Legislative bills submitted by area senators & representatives as of Thursday, April 27, 2023.
RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Align the Proceedings for Circulating Written Petitions for People’s Vetoes and Direct Initiatives with Federal Law. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
Resolve, Directing the Public Utilities Commission to Convene a Stakeholder Group Regarding Liquefied Propane Gas Systems and the So-called Dig Safe Law. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)
An Act to Impose a Moratorium on Open-pit Rock Quarry Excavation. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
An Act to Protect the Rights of Agricultural Workers. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
An Act to Increase Affordable Housing by Expanding Tax Increment Financing. (Presented by Representative LaROCHELLE of Augusta)
An Act Regarding Penalties for Early Retirement for Certain Members of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. (Presented by Representative SHAGOURY of Hallowell)
RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Amend the Governor’s Power to Reprieve, Pardon and Commute Sentences and Remit Penalties. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
An Act to Amend the Pine Tree Development Zone Program. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)
Resolve, to Establish a Pilot Program to Provide Grants to Expand Age Eligibility for Life Skills and Vocational Programs in Public Schools. (Presented by Representative MONTELL of Gardiner)
An Act to Enable Occupational License Portability and Prohibit Use of Good Character Qualifications in Occupational Licensing. (Presented by Representative SMITH of Palermo)
Resolve, Directing the Department of Education to Adopt Rules Prohibiting Teachers in Public Schools from Engaging in Political, Ideological and Religious Advocacy in the Classroom. (Presented by Representative SMITH of Palermo)
An Act to Prohibit All State Subsidies for Electric Vehicles. (Presented by Representative RUDNICKI of Fairfield)
An Act Regarding Campaign Finance and Lobbying Disclosure and Enforcement of Income Source Reporting Requirements. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
An Act to Reduce the Income Tax to 4.5 Percent on the Lowest Tax Bracket and Remove Low-income Families from Taxation. (Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison)
An Act to Provide a Property Tax Exemption for All Veterans over 62 Years of Age. (Presented by Representative COLLAMORE of Pittsfield)
(Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp.
The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.)
The Kennebec Valley District of Scouting will honor the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion during a special breakfast to be held on Saturday, May 6, at 8:30 a.m., at American Legion Fitzgerald-Cummings Post #2, in Augusta, located at 7 Legion Drive.
“Each year, scouting honors a person or group for their amazing contributions to our lives,” said Kennebec Valley District Commissioner Eric Handley, of Sidney. “Last year, we recognized the important work done by the medical professionals and support staff at MaineGeneral Hospital. This year, we are recognizing the veterans of the American Legion and the entire Legion family for providing outstanding service to our communities since 1919. They answered when our nation asked for their help and when they returned home, they continued to serve as members of the Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons of the Legion.”
Join them for this breakfast to help say thank you to the American Legion family of groups for more than 100 years of patriotic service to our nation and state.
Space is limited to the first 100 attendees. Contact Chuck Mahaleris at cmahaleris@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
On Tuesday, April 11, Senator Matt Pouliot (R-Kennebec), center right, welcomed Avery Theriault, center left, a senior at Cony High School, in Augusta, to the State House to honor her with a Legislative Sentiment for receiving the 2023 Maine Principal Association Award. This award is given to a student who has great academic excellence, participates in community service and contributes to the school community. Avery attended the senate session along with her parents and grandparents. (contributed photo)
(photo by Eric W. Austin)
Legislative bills submitted by area senators & representatives as of Thursday, March 30, 2023.
An Act to Improve Ferry Service Reliability by Providing Scholarships at the Maine Maritime Academy. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)
RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Strengthen the Due Process Rights of Persons Accused by Requiring Notification of Those Rights. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
Resolve, Requiring the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to Document, Disclose and Publish All Best Management Practices Regarding the Use of Noise Devices to Control Birds at Orchards. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
An Act to Stabilize Licensing Fees. (Presented by Representative RUDNICKI of Fairfield)
An Act to Recognize the Critical Nature of Workforce Development Through Career and Technical Education by Establishing an Adjustment for Career and Technical Education Centers in the School Funding Formula. (Presented by Representative WHITE of Waterville)
An Act Directing the Bureau of General Services to Ensure Adequate Air Quality in All State-owned and State-leased Buildings. (Presented by Representative MONTELL of Gardiner)
Resolve, to Reduce Barriers to Recovery from Addiction by Expanding Eligibility for Targeted Case Management Services. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)
Resolve, Directing the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to Develop a Hunting and Fishing Software Application. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)
An Act to Establish a Maine Highway Capital Fund to Provide Consistent Funding for the Construction and Repair of Maine’s Roads and Bridges. (Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison)
An Act to Prohibit Certain Higher Education Institutions from Requiring Vaccines Approved Under Emergency Use Authorization for Admission or Attendance. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Representative SMITH of Palermo)
An Act to Increase the Provision of Children’s Behavioral Health Services in Rural Areas and to Provide Support for Families of Children Receiving Services. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)
An Act to Provide Alternative Methods of Payment to Health Care Providers. (Presented by Representative NUTTING of Oakland)
An Act to Increase Land Access for Historically Disadvantaged Populations. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)
An Act to Invest in Maine’s Fire Service Training Facilities. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)
An Act to Facilitate Property Redevelopment and Encourage Affordable Housing by Allowing the Conveyance of Unfinished Commercial Condominium Units. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)
An Act to Establish a Grant Program to Provide for Statewide and Equitable Access to Experiential Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)
An Act to Require Instruction in Schools on Substance Abuse Prevention and Administration of Naloxone Hydrochloride. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)
An Act to Amend the Opioid Education Requirements. (Presented by Representative NUTTING of Oakland)
An Act to Modernize the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ Mobile Services. (Presented by Representative WHITE of Waterville)
An Act to Improve Driver Safety by Requiring the Completion of a Defensive Driving Course for Certain Violations. (Presented by Representative MONTELL of Gardiner)
An Act to Provide Funding for a Chapel at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta. (Presented by Representative LEMELIN of Chelsea)
An Act to Require That a Completed Form for the Homestead Property Tax Exemption Be Provided to a Person Purchasing a Home. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)
An Act to Provide Self-service Motor Vehicle Services in Rural and Other Areas. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)
Resolve, to Establish the Commission to Examine Programs and Policies Regarding Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. (Presented by Senator RENY of Lincoln)
An Act to Hold School Employees Civilly Liable for Failure to Notify Parents Regarding Medical Issues of Students Under 18 Years of Age. (Presented by Representative HYMES of Waldo)
An Act to Ensure Treatment for MaineCare Recipients with Serious Mental Illness by Prohibiting the Requirements for Prior Authorization and Step Therapy for Medications. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)
An Act to Promote Family-centered Interventions for Substance Use Disorder Treatment. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)
Resolve, to Increase the Availability of Community Children’s Behavioral Health Services by Providing Training and Career Opportunities for Behavioral Health Professionals. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)
An Act to Recognize an Association of Early Childhood Educators as an Educational Advisory Organization. (Presented by Representative COLLAMORE of Pittsfield)
An Act to Establish the Weighing Point Preclearance Program. (Presented by Senator FARRIN of Somerset)
An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Certificates of Deposit. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)
An Act to Provide Financial Incentives for Attorneys to Provide Indigent Legal Services. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)
(Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp. The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.)
Scouts in the Genealogy Merit Badge with guest speaker Emily Schroeder who is an archivist with the Kennebec Historical Society. From left to right: Anthony Fortin, of Augusta Troop #603, Ricky Phillips, of Winthrop Troop #604, Manny Stevenson, of Augusta Troop #603, Devyn Deleomardis, and Nicholas Gower, both of Anson Troop #481, and Emily Schroeder, of the Kennebec Historical Society. (contributed photo)
The following release was written by Scouts Anthony Fortin, of Augusta Troop #603, and Stasha Wells, of Winslow Troop #433G. This was one of the requirements for their Journalism Merit Badge they took during the Merit Badge College.
Taking place at the Augusta First Church of the Nazarene, a merit badge college for the Boy Scouts was held by volunteer Scouting leaders of the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting. The event was held on two days, spanning across two months.
The first half of the merit badge college was held on February 25, and the second, on March 25. To make it all possible, adult Scout leaders volunteered their time into teaching classes, and regulating behavior. Julie McKenney, of Belgrade, Kennebec Valley District of Scouting Program Director, took the lead to get the event up and running again with Theresa Poirier, of Augusta.
McKenney gave out multiple ideas for merit badges and the ones that gained the most interest were Art, Aviation, Cooking, Journalism, Personal Fitness, Reading, Weather, Basketry, Law, Genealogy, American Heritage, and Scholarship along with some additional training being offered for adults. Overall, there are 138 Merit Badges available to Scouts. Nearly 50 scouts attended the various classes, with some coming from as far away as Falmouth, Anson and Gorham.
McKenny, when asked how she thought the event was going, replied, “I think the event is going well.” She added her thoughts after Covid-19, “It has taken us a year to get the event running.” The college had been offered annually before Covid-19 but had not been offered since until this year. She added, “We are getting back after Covid. It is a good turnout.”
Adult Cub Leaders were given the opportunity to take Cub Leader training led by District Training Chairman Walter Fails, of Farmington.
Stacey Wells, an assistant scoutmaster from Troop #433G, in Winslow, said she heard from the “Famous social media outlet called Facebook”. Wells also said this would be an opportunity for both youth and adults to grow. At the end of the February 25 session, McKenney had a message board for scouts to make suggestions on what merit badges they would like to see offered at the next Kennebec Valley District Merit Badge College. Stay tuned for next year’s offerings.
Julie McKenney, of Belgrade, and Theresa Poirier, of Augusta, organized the program with their team of Scouting volunteers. It took several months to plan and recruit the Merit Badge Counsellors. (contributed photo)
Amy Calder, author of Comfort is an Old Barn, will be at Lithgow Library to discuss her book on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. in the Community Meeting Room
Amy Calder is an award-winning newspaper reporter and columnist who covers primarily Waterville city government, as well as everything from fires to accidents, murders and standoffs.
Amy Calder
She started her 35-year career at the Morning Sentinel in 1988 and for several years was bureau chief for the Somerset County Bureau, in Skowhegan, before moving to the Waterville office.
In addition to covering the news, she writes a weekly human interest column called Reporting Aside, which appears Saturdays in both the Sentinel and Kennebec Journal. The columns include sketches of the colorful characters and quirky animals she meets on the beat, as well as personal stories about growing up in Skowhegan.
Comfort is an Old Barn is a curated collection of those columns, published this year by Islandport Press.
As with all of Lithgow’s events, this event is free and open to the public.
The following local residents have earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The award is given to students who perform at a superior level in their coursework.
Whitney Poplawski, of Augusta, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University Leavitt School of Health.
Brenda Ryder, of Liberty, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University College of Business.