Area students have been named to the Plymouth State University President’s List, in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Included are Dylan Flewelling, Exercise and Sport Physiology major, of Oakland, Riley Johnson, Psychology major, of Windsor, Kaiden Kelley, Art and Design major of South China, and Courtney Peabody, Physical Education major, of Solon.
by Mary GrowAt their June 30 meeting, China select board members got information on the China Food Pantry, the Golden Agers and the China Village volunteer fire department. They appointed municipal officials and board and committee members for the fiscal year that began July 1.
The only contentious issue was a proposed no-parking ordinance for Peking and Canton streets, in China Village. Board members approved it unanimously after a sometimes heated discussion among residents.
Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood raised the issue, after she drove by Peking Street last month when one of contractor Lance Robitaille’s trucks was parked so as to block it. Concerned about emergency access, Hapgood suggested an ordinance.
At the June 30 meeting, select board members had a letter signed by half a dozen residents of the two streets supporting a no-parking ordinance, for safety and historic reasons. The letter described the roads as laid out to be one rod – 16.5 feet – wide (in fact narrower) and labeled them part of the “distinctive charm and cultural value” of the China Village Historic District.
Another concern is plowing the narrow streets. Select board members amended the ordinance to ban parking on the pavement in the summer and in the wider right of way from Nov. 1 to April 15.
Robitaille said the truck that attracted Hapgood’s attention had been parked briefly by an employee stopping to pick up tools. He blamed himself for not telling the employee to park off the pavement.
Four years ago, Robitaille said, he got approval from Codes Officer Nicholas French and Public Services Director Shawn Reed to gravel the side of his lawn on Peking Street. His vehicles should now be parked off the pavement on the gravel, or on a Causeway Road property he has arranged to use, where he hopes to negotiate additional space.
To Canton Street resident Norma Wilkinson’s complaint that trucks had “chewed up” her yard at the corner where Peking and Canton streets intersect, Robitaille replied not his trucks: maybe oil or other delivery trucks. He offered to repair the damage, if the town asked him to and if Wilkinson authorized him to work on her property.
Robitaille also said he is willing to plow and sand Peking and Canton streets any time town trucks cannot.
China Community Food Pantry supporters also had a letter for select board members, presented by Thomas Parent, chairman of the organization’s board. He explained that after 33 years of operation from the Lakeview Drive home of the late Lee Austin and his widow, Ann, the pantry managers are looking for a new space to rent or buy.
The food pantry serves about 125 families in a typical year, averaging about 75 families a week, many including children and/or senior citizens. Until now, it has depended on donations. Parent estimated monetary donations at around $15,000 a year, plus in 2024 about a million dollars worth of donated food, from area Hannaford stores and other stores, local growers, the Winslow Food Pantry and the state-wide Good Shepherd Food Bank.
Food donations may decrease as government programs are cut. A new space is expected to cost at least $45,000 a year, added to ongoing expenses like insurance and running the organization’s van. For these reasons, Parent said, Food Pantry officials intend to apply for town funds for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Parent requested no immediate action; select board members took none.
To donate
The China Community Food Pantry and the Golden Agers welcome donations.
The China Community Food Pantry is awaiting Internal Revenue Service approval for tax-exempt status (having previously been tax-exempt under the umbrella of the New England Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends). Its mailing address is PO Box 6012, China Village, ME 04926.
Information on the Golden Agers, including how to donate, is available from Sheldon Goodine, whose telephone number is (207) 215-9780.
Sheldon Goodine, speaking for the Golden Agers, said the group started with eight members and now has 67. He thanked select board members for sponsoring the organization and providing a meeting place in the portable building behind the China town office.
In addition to Wednesday morning meetings, Goodine said last year the group took four bus trips to Maine attractions, and more are planned this summer. Donations to fund bus rental are welcome.
China Village Fire Chief Joel Nelson sought select board support for funding for a new fire truck. He had one quote, for almost $490,000.
Select board members recommended continuing to seek grants – Nelson listed several the department has received recently for equipment and supplies, but said he has been unable to find one for a fire truck – and looking for an acceptable used truck. Meanwhile, they tabled the issue.
Many residents were reappointed to town positions, like Hapgood as town manager and her other jobs, and to town boards and committees. Board members made one change, appointing Edwin Bailey representative to the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments General Assembly (succeeding former select board member Janet Preston). They reappointed Blane Casey as alternate.
A Freedom resident’s application to join the China Community Forest Committee was rejected, with only Jeanne Marquis voting in favor. Board Chairman Wayne Chadwick voted against all non-resident volunteers, because he thinks only tax-payers should be involved in decisions that could cost tax money.
In other business, Hapgood reported that China resident Noah Rushing, a University of Maine at Orono junior next year, has been hired as China’s summer Economic Development and Community Enhancement Coordinator.
The manager said China received a check from FirstPark, the Oakland business park the town has been a member of since it was created, in the amount of $26,821. China’s 2024-25 contribution to the park was $26,987 – a cost of $166 for the year.
The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, July 14.
A Step Forward for Fairness and Growth in ChinaIn a swift and thoughtful decision, the Town of China’s Select Board voted to sign a quitclaim deed resolving a decades-old land title issue involving The Landing. This action formally concludes a 30-year saga tied to the old Route 202 right-of-way — a long-standing confusion that had cast uncertainty over local land records and stalled potential investment.
With this matter now resolved, the Town has not only corrected the public record but also sent a clear message: that local leaders are willing to take meaningful, timely action to support small businesses, strengthen property rights, and foster responsible growth. This decision allows The Landing to move forward with critical infrastructure improvements and future planning that will benefit our fellow residents and visitors.
We are grateful to the Town’s leadership for recognizing the importance of resolving this issue quickly and transparently. Their decision supports continued reinvestment in our community and reinforces the principle that good governance and local business can work hand in hand to create a stronger future for China.
I’m especially grateful to the Select Board members who spoke with me directly, helping me better understand the Town’s perspective and the steps needed to reach this resolution. Their willingness to engage in open, respectful dialogue made all the difference.”
(See also: COMMUNITY COMMENTARY: A matter of fairness and responsibility)
The Chadwick Hill Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 4 p.m., at the South China Community Church, 246 Village St., South China. New members are welcome. All interested parties are invited to attend. For more information contact Jeff Zimmerman at 445-4000.
Area students at Cedarville University, in Cedarville, Ohio, have been named to the dean’s list for the Spring 2025 semester. They include Catherine Estes, of Sidney, and Josette Gilman, of China.
by Mary GrowAt their June 24 meeting, China Planning Board members unanimously accepted the first draft of a proposed new ordinance titled “High Impact Electric Transmission Lines and Corridor Ordinance.”
Board Chairman Toni Wall will forward the document to Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood. Wall expects the next steps will be review by the town’s attorney, Amanda Meader, and by the select board. The plan is to present a final version to China voters on the Nov. 4, 2025, local ballot.
China officials, like those in other Maine towns, were motivated by the proposed 2022 LS Power transmission line, which would have brought wind-power from northern Maine nearly to the coast. In November 2023, China voters approved a moratorium on such lines through town; the select board renewed the moratorium in November 2024, but it ends for good in November 2025.
The 10-page draft ordinance begins with a statement of purpose. That paragraph says the ordinance is intended “to provide a set of standards for the construction and expansion of High Impact Electric Transmission Lines and Corridors” in China.
The abbreviation for such lines is ETFC.
The plan is to present a final version to China voters on the Nov. 4, 2025, local ballot.
An applicant for a permit for an ETFC will be required to prove financial viability. A subsection requires that if the planning board needs to hire outside professionals to help review an application, the applicant shall provide a $50,000 fund to pay for such services. If $50,000 is not enough, the fund is to be replenished as the town requires.
This provision generated considerable discussion at the June 24 meeting. Members debated whether it would discourage applicants, and whether an outside expert being paid by the developer could fairly represent the town’s interest.
Ultimately, the paragraph was left unchanged, subject to attorney Meader’s review.
The draft ordinance requires that ETFC lines be buried. Later provisions require a blasting permit and notice to nearby residents whenever blasting is needed. In case underground lines should later be prohibited by law, there is a screening requirement for any subsequent above-ground lines.
Other provisions require that construction and maintenance of a transmission line have no “significant impact” on “the natural environment, existing uses, scenic character, air and water quality, other natural resources….” A fund to cover decommissioning costs when the line is no longer needed is another requirement.
Wall said she adapted the draft from the Town of Benton’s similar ordinance.
In other business, Wall said attorney Meader has drafted an ordinance governing medical cannabis facilities in China.
French notified board members of more pending ordinance changes, one the result of his research in town records, others because of recent state legislative actions.
The codes officer found that some years ago, when a previous board recommended and voters adopted resource protection districts in parts of town, they redefined some of the businesses and residential properties included as non-conforming uses. Town action should not create a non-conforming use, French said, and the situation needs correcting.
Among laws the state legislature enacted are two the governor has signed that deal with land use and housing. French said they will require China – and probably most other Maine municipalities – to amend local ordinances. Legislators gave municipalities until July 1, 2027, to bring ordinances into conformity.
The next China Planning Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8.
Jessica Fisher, class of 2027, of China, received The Close Family Scholarship during the College’s Honors Convocation held on April 30, at Hartwick. College, in Oneonta, New York.
Established by Mrs. Gertrude Close, this award goes to a student with high scholastic ability and demonstrated financial need.
by Sheldon GoodineWe see the debt clock ticking away on TV and getting higher every day. We are told the interest on this debt is the largest expense in the U.S. government, and if allowed to continue the U.S. government could go into default and we could lose our country. This brings up a lot of questions, who do we owe this debt to? What is the interest rate and is there a plan to repay this debt? To me, the answer is simple. Stop spending, overspending. Stop spending more than we take in!
Just about everyone agrees the swamp in Washington needs to be drained, and spending brought under control. We agree there is a lot of waste, fraud and abuse in the federal budget, but no one can agree on how to fix it and stop this financial bleeding.
The two-party system of government in our country is not working. The problem is too many Republicans, too many Democrats and not enough Americans in Washington. When the Democrats get a couple more seats, they control the government without input from Republicans, and vice versa. The score is Democrats 100 percent and Republicans zero percent; Republicans 100 percent and Democrats zero percent; in both scenarios the American people’s score is zero percent.
It’s time to bring a third party into the mix. A party that will work for and vote for the good of America and Americans. It will be the “American Party”. Then we can reduce the number of red states, reduce the number of blue states and greatly increase the number of red, white and blue states.
Put an end forever to party-only politics, get our spending under control, reduce the size of government, stop sending our dollars all over the world, especially to countries whose motto is “Kill Americans”.
One last thought, term limits. Both parties will not vote to limit terms of their members. So, we must do it for them in the form of the ballot. Stop voting for and sending the career politicians back to Washington every election period. It’s time to start over again and get this new “American Party” up and running with the people in charge of working for the good of all Americans. A government of the people, for the people, by the people.
Site of original F. W. Hawes and the Spearin’s Store
The China Historical Society invites the community to explore the rich history of downtown South China during a special walking tour this Sunday, June 22nd, at 5:00 p.m. Participants will meet in the South China Community Church parking lot, located across from the old South China Library, for an engaging journey through the village’s past.
Local historians Barbara Poulin, Neil Farrington, and Joann Austin – all longtime South China residents – will serve as guides, sharing fascinating stories about the historic places that once defined downtown South China during their childhoods and earlier eras. The Historical Society will provide handouts containing valuable historical information about South China Village, offering attendees a lasting reference of the area’s heritage.
The tour, lasting approximately one hour, will feature an open discussion format where participants are encouraged to ask questions and share their own memories of the community. All are welcome to attend this free event. Those interested can find more information and sign up through the Facebook event posted on the China Historical Society’s Facebook page. Come discover the stories that shaped South China Village and connect with fellow community members who share a passion for local history!
Hawes, Woods, Carl’s, and Reeds Stores, now apartments
Dowes Diner – moved to new Route 3, now Greg’s Diner
Erskine Academy
High Honors: Emmett Appel, Emily Bailey, Bryana Barrett, Noah Bechard, Octavia Berto, Jayda Bickford, Lauryn Black, Brooke Blais, Olivia Brann, Carter Brockway, Madison Cochran, Lauren Cowing, Lillian Crommett, Gabrielle Daggett, Aydan Desjardins, Aidan Durgin, John Edwards, Ryan Farnsworth, Hailey Garate, Brandon Hanscom, Serena Hotham, Kailynn Houle, Alivia Jackson, Ava Kelso, Sophia Knapp, Chase Larrabee, Brooke Lee, Jack Lucier, D’andre Marable, Eleanor Maranda, Jade McCollett, Abigail McDonough, Shannon McDonough, Lilas Moles, Addison Mort, Makayla Oxley, Gavyn Paradis, Noah Pelletier, Elsa Redmond, Lillian Rispoli, Nathan Robinson, Laney Robitaille, Carlee Sanborn, Joslyn Sandoval, Aislynn Savage, Achiva Seigars, Jordyn Smith, and Clara Waldrop.
Honors: Geneva Beckim, Kaleb Bishop, Dylan Cooley, Andra Cowing, Trinity DeGreenia, Josiah Fitzgerald, Kenneth Fredette, Kaylene Glidden, Rion Kesel, Shelby Lincoln, Owen Lucier, Madison McNeff, Thomas Mullens, Sadie Pierce, Victoria Rancourt, Carter Rau, Kyle Scott, Zoey Smith, Emily Sprague, Parker Studholme, Katherine Swift, Grant Taker, David Thompson III, and Kaleigh Voyles.
High Honors: Connor Alcott, Emily Almeida, Brock Bowden, Addyson Briggs, London Castle, MacKenzie Chase, Nathan Choate, William Choate, Madeline Clement-Cargill, Claire Davis, Joshua Denis, Audryanna DeRaps, Charles DeSchamp, Lauren Dufour, William Ellsey Jr., Ethan Frost, Madison Gagnon, Stephen Gould, Madison Griffiths, Evan Heron, Mia Hersom, Alexus Jackson, Halle Jones, Kasen Kelley, Timothy Kiralis, Jacob Lavallee, Ava Lemelin, Jaden Mizera, Jack Murray, Elijah Nelson, Ruby Pearson, Elijah Pelkey, Isabelle Pelotte, Emily Piecewicz, Taisen Pilotte, Hannah Polley, Desirae Proctor, Jackie Sasse, Edward Schmidt, Benjamin Severy, Kathryn Shaw, Madelynn Spencer, Kayla Stred, Abigail Studholme, Donovan Thompson, Kammie Thompson, Addison Turner, Oryanna Winchenbach, Addison Witham.
Honors: Faiza Afrin, Savannah Baker, Gavin Bartlett, Anders Bassett, Landon Boynton, Logan Breton, Benjamin Carle, Saunders Chase, Lillian Clark, Timothy Clavette, Sylvia Davis, Mason Decker, Riley Dixon, Jacob Faucher, Kolby Griatzky, Aiden Hamlin, Willow Haschalk, Cadence Homstead, Aidan Huff, Kayle Lappin, Nathaniel Levesque, Kloie Magoon, Brayden McLean, Paige McNeff, Bayley Nickles, Phoebe Padgett, Jordyn Parise, Jacoby Peaslee, Abigail Peil, Jackson Pelotte, Chase Pierce, Logan Poulin, Owen Robichaud, Leahna Rocque, Kameron Rossignol, Trenton Smith, Benjamin Sullivan, Leah Targett, Phoebe Taylor, Charles Uleau, Ella Winn, Brody Worth, and Maddilyn York.
High Honors: Isaac Audette, Olivia Austin, Jeremiah Bailey, Jackson Blake, Silas Bolitho, Hailey Boone, Madeline Boynton, Cassidy Brann, Delaney Brown, Liam Burgess, Olivia Childs, Hunter Christiansen, Landon Clements, Jilian Desjardins, Ryley Desmond, Robin Dmitrieff, Bella Dutilly, Isabella Farrington, Danica Ferris, Gianna Figucia, Audrey Fortin, Aina Garcia Cardona, Adalyn Glidden, Cody Grondin, Madison Harris, Lilly Hutchinson, Johanna Jacobs, Ivy Johns, Callianne Jordan, Maverick Knapp, Sawyer Livingstone, Jasai Marable, Annie Miragliuolo, Alexis Mitton, Kienna-May Morse, Jacoby Mort, Bryson Pettengill, Caylee Putek, Sovie Rau, Lailah Sher, Bryson Stratton, Gabriel Studholme, Sabrina Studholme, Hellena Swift, Kaleb Tolentino, and Eryn Young.
Honors: William Adamson IV, Ariana Armstrong, Ashton Bailey, Delia Bailey, Linnea Bassett, Benjamin Beale, Lucas Beale, Luke Blair, Seth Bridgforth, Emma Casey, Khloe Clark, Collin Clifford, Owen Couture, Slayde Crocker, Connor Crommett, Logan Dow, Kelsie Dunn, Delaney Dupuis, Tesla Every-Blanchard, Madison Field, Nicholas Gould, Kaylee Grierson, Addison Hall, Eva Hayden, Auburn Horn, Reid Jackson, Evan James, Chantz Klaft, Mason Lagasse, Bryson Lanphier, Jack Malcolm, Gage Miller, Gaven Miller, MacKenzie Oxley, Madeline Oxley, Molly Oxley, Layla Peaslee, Noah Pooler, Dylan Proctor, Gabriel Ratcliff, Samuel Richardson, Colton Ryan, Lucas Short, Ian Smith, Braeden Temple, Cayden Turner, Carter Ulmer, and Tyler Waldrop.
High Honors: Joshua Bailey, Madeline Berry, Ella Beyea, Dominic Brann, Ryan Carle, Lily Chamberlain, Ryleigh French, Shelby Gidney, Kolby Glidden, Katherine Granger, Christina Haskell, Bristol Jewett, Bella Lefferts, Dylan Maguire, Mason Marable, Stella Martinelli, Skyler McCollett, Ayla McCurdy, Ava Miragliuolo, Grant Munsey, Paige Perry, Brandon Piper, Jakobe Sandoval, Parker Smith, Khloe Soucy, Maxine Spencer, Ethan Studholme, Reid Sutter, Benjamin Theberge, Audrey Tibbetts, Hannah Tobey, Kayleigh Trask, Kallie Turner, Kinsey Ulmer, Sorrel Vinci, Mackenzie Waldron, and Leah Watson.
Honors: Clifton Adams IV, Landon Alexander, Megan Bailey, Hunter Baird, Brooke Borja, Mackenzie Bowden, Aiden Brann, Nicholas Carle, Jack Coutts, Daegan Creamer, Zoey DeMerchant, Dylan Dodge, Heleana-Marie Doyon, Trevor French, Taylor Gagnon, Tyler Gagnon, Jasmine Garey, Riley Gould, Myla Gower, Chase Grant, Rachel Grant, Amiah Graves, Bruce Grosjean, Micah Hartley, Jackson Hussey, Baylee Jackson, Landon Larochelle, Marlin Lawrence, Dorothy Leeman, Mason Mattingly, Alexander Mayo, Orin McCaw, Max McKenlogue, Annaleysha McNeil, Annabella Morris, Grace Oxley, Carter Peterson, Nolan Pierce, Kevin Robinson, George Roderick, Thomas Roe, Jacob Rogers, Jacob Shanholtzer, Hunter Small, Jaylynn St. Amand, Landon Sullivan, Leigha Sullivan, and Eli Vallieres.