Winner crowned Outstanding talent made for a difficult decision in the Lake Region’s Got Talent finale Page 7A
Staking their claim
Inside News
Lake Region boys avenge loss to Yarmouth, strengthen hold on top seed; track recaps
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Page 1B, 3B
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Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870. Vol. 147, No. 5
20 PAGES - 2 Sections
Bridgton, Maine
February 4, 2016
(USPS 065-020)
Weather . . . . . . . . . . . 6B
www.bridgton.com
SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS
Changes in landscape Chalmers project gets green light By Gail Geraghty Staff Writer The Bridgton Planning Board gave preliminary site plan approval Tuesday for a new two-story office building across from the Big Apple on Main Street. The 2,380-square-foot building at 88 Main Street will serve as the new headquarters for the National Health National Accident Health General Agency (N.A.H.G.A.), the small claims insurance division of the Chalmers Agency. The existing N.A.H.G.A. building, which was origi-
nally built as a Dairy Queen restaurant, will be torn down, and a 30-space parking lot will take its place, with access from the adjacent Bacon Street. The new building will be built right up to the sidewalk, with a Main Street entrance as well as rear entrance from the parking lot for the workforce. The project, which will undergo a final findings of fact at the board’s next meeting, is expected to be constructed this March, with completion by end of the summer. The builder is Main
Eco Homes, which is currently finishing work on a new two-story retail/office building diagonally across Main Street. Main Eco Homes President Justin McIver said Chalmers “is really thinking about the community” in choosing this new construction to meet their needs, instead of adding on to the existing N.A.H.G.A. building, which they could have done. “This is a big investment for them, and will bring a big benefit to the community,” McIver said. He said the new
building will allow them to increase their workforce at N.A.H.G.A. from 28 to 40 employees. The board, as well, was impressed by the thoroughness of the project’s design. Board Chairman Steve Collins said the board is especially pleased that the rear parking lot will be further away from Stevens Brook at the rear property line. “This makes it less nonconforming” on what is now a nonconforming lot, Collins said, adding that the overall CHALMERS, Page 2A
Melby’s Market & Eatery sold
LAKE REGION MIDDLE SCHOOL Principal Matthew Lokken
Education, a path well taken By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer If someone 20 years ago told Matthew Lokken that he would someday become a middle school principal, he would have simply responded, “No way!” Although several family members pursued careers in education, Matt’s passion was science. “I love the outdoors,” he said. “I like the ecology, animal side of science.” So, his career path started by attending the University of Wyoming. After earning a degree, Matt worked for different universities (Wyoming, Wake Forest, North Carolina and the University of California, San Diego as a researcher). He studied botany and wildlife biology. In time, Matt came to the realization that to have a sustainable career in research, he would need to become a professor at a university or land a job with a governmental agency. “Work was often seasonal, and I was at a point that I wanted more stability in my life,” he said. “I realized everything that I love about science — core principles — you teach.” So, he followed in the footsteps of other family members and became a teacher. This fall, his career evolved once more when he was named principal at Lake Region Middle School. The News recently sat down with Matt Lokken to talk about his journey from researcher to principal, as well as a look back over the past few months at LRMS. Q. How did you become interested in education? CONVERSATION, Page 3A
By Gail Geraghty Staff Writer NORTH WATERFORD — Twenty-six years ago, Paul and Kay Legare bought North Waterford’s iconic Tut’s General Store and brought it back from the brink of disaster. They gave it a new name — Melby’s Market & Eatery —and worked countless hours to build it back as a central hub of community life, not to mention its reputation as a great place to eat. On Feb. 15, the Legares will turn over the business to new owners Wayne and Tracie Hill and take off for Alaska in their motor home. Overwhelmingly, their customers are expressing their gratitude — and their understanding. On Melby’s Facebook page, the customers were calling it the end of an era. “Thank you for all the great breakfast, lunch and dinners, especially in the winter when we came on snowmobile and in the summer too,” said Elaine Parmalee Jackson. “Our kids grew up knowing Tut’s, then Melby’s. We will miss both of you, but know your legacy will be carried on. Congratulations!” Another customer, Nancy Eaton, said, “You know how much we all love and support you. After all these happy years, we say congratulations on this well-earned new
NEW OWNERS BEHIND MELBY’S — Wayne and Tracie Hill stand behind the restaurant counter at Melby’s Market & Eatery, where they will take over ownership Feb. 15 from Paul and Kay Legare, seated. (Geraghty Photo) adventure. Daddy especially will miss Kay and her wicked good fish chowder. Above all, thank you both for your kindness and for being such an integral aspect of Waterford. Bon voyage and happy trails!”
On Tuesday, the Hills, who are living in one of the three apartments up over the store, said they are very excited, and a little daunted, about continuing the legacy. After all, the historic building near the corner of Valley Road
and Route 118 has operated as a general store for over a century now. They’ve been busy studying all the recipes for such Melby’s favorite fare as its fish chowder, pumpkin MELBY’S, Page 4A
Sebago votes 6-to-1 to start withdrawal process
By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer Sebago is now in withdrawal mode. Voters Tuesday passed a referendum that will start the withdrawal process from SAD 61. The measure carried with 336 “yes” votes, while 58 residents voted “no.” There was one blank ballot. By state statute, Sebago will now formally notify SAD 61 via written let-
ter that the town is entering the withdrawal process. Selectmen and School Board directors (Joe McMahon and Ben Bowditch) will appoint a Withdrawal Committee, which will eventually enter into negotiations with SAD 61. One of two of the school board member will serve on the committee — they will decide who will serve. Selectmen appoint the other three members (a selectman, a Friends of Sebago
Elementary member, and someone from the general public). Those appointments will be made at the next selectmen’s meeting. Allen Crabtree, a member of a Study Group, which brought the referendum to voters after a petition was signed by residents, said a subcommittee (there is no set membership limit) could also be formed to help with “research” regarding school options. The Withdrawal
Committee, however, will be the town’s legal entity when dealing with SAD 61, state Department of Education officials and other school systems. Although the town did approve $25,000 from undesignated funds, local officials stressed that they will attempt to spend “as little as possible” by “doing most of the work” themselves. At a public hearing, Study Group members said
Harrison in position for upgrade
HARRISON — Maybe, there is a silver lining in the loss of Engine 4. The Harrison Fire Department is down a truck following an accident last month, which resulted in a fire truck sliding out of control on Harrison Heights Road and crashing into trees. Fortunately, the driver escaped with minor cuts and bruises. Another silver lining is the town is in position to actually “upgrade” when it seeks to replace Engine 4. Fire Chief Dana Laplante met with selectmen last week to discuss how he would like to approach truck replacement. The town will look for a refurbished fire truck in Alabama, and hope to find an engine that has greater water capac-
ity (1,250 gallons), more horsepower (enabling the vehicle to tackle some of Harrison’s steeper terrain, “not to go faster to calls,” Chief Laplante pointed out) and more seating room. Chief Laplante noted that the current truck could transport two firefighters, while others would proceed to local and mutual aid calls in their own vehicles. By placing fully-equipped firefighters within the same vehicle, Laplante says the group can discuss job responsibilities while en route to the fire scene, thus enabling personnel to be “ready to go” once they arrive at the call. The town will look to purchase a vehicle in the 2003 to 2005 range, which will again be an upgrade over the fire truck knocked out of commis-
sion due to the accident. Fire officials were authorized by selectmen to spend up to the amount of money awarded to the town by its insurer (there will be no additional cost to taxpayers). As well as travel miles, Chief Laplante will take a close look at the truck’s usage history to determine which vehicle will be the best fit for the town. James Lifter, who was in attendance at last Thursday’s meeting, donated $100 to the cause, which officials gratefully accepted. Town Manager Bud Finch hopes the town can negotiate that along with the sale of the fire truck the company will also be responsible for transporting the vehicle to Harrison, thus removSEARCH, Page 4A
the main goal is to reach an agreement with SAD 61 regarding keeping Sebago Elementary School open, as well as possible changes in school funding. If negotiations fail, Sebago could look at other opportunities, including joining another school district. According to state law, there are certain points when Sebago can end the withdrawal process. SAD 61 news At the SAD 61 board meeting Monday night: • Superintendent of Schools Al Smith reported that the Crooked River project has been reworked to lower the cost while still maintaining the “educational integrity” of the proposed construction/renovation. Some spaces, such as the kitchen and music room, were reduced in size, while
some elements, such as a pellet boiler, were eliminated from the plan. Areas reworked include a stage in the gym area, as well as the building’s front façade. Superintendent Smith defended the decision to house Grades 3, 4 and 5 there, rather than go with a two-grade facility. One reason, the space problem at Songo Locks would remain if Grade 3 stays at SLS and SAD 61 adds a Pre-K down the road. Secondly, Smith said construction/renovation costs for two grades at Crooked River would run about $5 to $6 million, while the latest proposal for three grades at CRES is at $7,880,000 — down from $9.6 million, which was rejected by voters. Directors agreed to Smith’s proposed timeline SAD 61, Page 4A
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P.O. Box 244, 118 Main St. Bridgton, ME 04009 207-647-2851 Fax: 207-647-5001 bnews@roadrunner.com