Ready for next step 155 graduates receive their diplomas at Fryeburg Academy’s commencement this past weekend Page 1C
Where they stand
Inside News
Bridgton, Casco candidates make their pitch to win board of selectmen seats
Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7D
Page 2C
Calendar. . . . . . . 5D-7D Classifieds . . . . . 4D-5D Country Living . . .4B-7B Directory . . . . . . . . . . 3D Obituaries . . . . . . .5C,7C Opinions . . . . . . . . . . 6D Police/Court . . . . 1D-5D Sports . . . . . . . . . 6C-9C Student News . . . 1C-4C Towns . . . . . . . 2B-3B,8B
www.bridgton.com Vol. 142, No. 22
Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870. 36 PAGES - 4 Sections
Bridgton, Maine
June 2, 2011
(USPS 065-020)
SIXTY CENTS
SAD 61 looks to cut $200,000
By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer How big of a cut will it take to pass the SAD 61 budget? Following last week’s rejection of the $26 million proposal, which represented a 3.6% increase, school board members attempted to decipher what was the mindset of taxpayers as all four district towns voted down the budget. Director Richard Merritt of Sebago reported that folks he talked with at Jordan Store suggested that the $125,000 pulled from the maintenance account to cover unexpected PCB removal at Lake Region High School should be subtracted from renovation project funds. Merritt agreed, feeling the budget could be reduced by the $125,000 and existing student programming would not be impacted. Director Donna Norton of Casco warned fellow board members that unless a significant cut was made, a similar result could
occur. Citing how Casco would have been hit with a 13% hike if the previous budget passed, Norton has heard from a number of residents that they simply can’t afford the steep increase. Norton suggested a possible cut target of $300,000. Bridgton Director Leslie Niemy, however, remained unconvinced the vote spoke truly about how most taxpayers feel since just 853 residents turned out to the polls last Tuesday. “I’m not sure what percentage of voters turned out, but that number (853) seems like there is a lot of apathy out there,” she said. “When only 853 people vote, that says a lot to me about what is happening in our school district.” A member of the public attending Monday’s meeting at Lake Region High School echoed Niemy’s comment, saying “That’s NAPLES RESIDENT RUSS LITTLEFIELD, with the American Legion Post No. 155, takes a moment to reflect following the a sad number.” Two expenses that drove the Memorial Day services at the Village Green.
SAD 61, Page 10A
CDC to serve as group’s conduit
By Gail Geraghty Staff Writer There’s plenty of creative ideas floating around town these days when it comes to building a bright economic future for Bridgton. Much of it is coordinated by the Office of Community and Economic Development — but some of it is not tied to the town, such as ideas brought forward by an unofficial group that meets regularly called Citizens For Responsible Growth. Last week, Town Manager Mitch Berkowitz decided it was time to bring everyone involved in economic development to the same table. So they came, from the Comprehensive Plan Committee, the Community Development Committee, the Planning Board, the Economic Development Corporation and
the Citizens For Responsible Growth. In all, there were 15–20 people, meeting with Berkowitz and OCED Director Alan Manoian, in a non-posted meeting on May 25 at the Municipal Center (Berkowitz said the lack of public notice was an oversight on his part). The result was a consensus to have the town’s Community Development Committee, which is overseen by Manoian, serve as a conduit for all that creative energy coming from ordinary residents, many of whom were inspired by the last six months of public debate over big box stores and fast food chains. From now on, residents who have ideas for improving Bridgton’s vitality should bring those ideas to the IN HARRISON a scout places flowers at the Veteran’s Monument at Memorial Park (left). The Grand Marshal of the Ronald committee, which will serve as a G. St. John V.F.W. Memorial Post #9328, Arthur “Junior” Mowatt Jr., waves to parade onlookers (right). CDC, Page 10A
Casco experiences a change in the guards FD like family business
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — For Jason Moen, the opportunity to step into the position of Casco’s fire chief is similar to taking over the family business. After all, he spent 26 years serving as a firefighter for departments in Naples, where he grew up, and in Casco since 1995. His son is a junior firefighter in Casco, following in father’s footsteps of public safety service. When Moen decided he would run for the position of fire chief, he and his wife “talked about the commitment level. She thought it was a great idea.” “My wife is 110 percent supportive of me,” he said. Moen takes his family on a two-week camping trip every July, during time set aside as vacation from his full-time position as Deputy Chief of Police in Auburn. When time permits, like
Final postal delivery
FIREFIGHTING RUNS IN THE FAMILY —The newly named fire chief for Casco Fire and Rescue Department, Jason Moen (center) stands with his sons, (right) Ben Moen, age 14, and Cody Moen, 16. (De Busk Photo) most Mainers, Moen enjoys In mid-May, the Casco camping, boating, water ski- Fire and Rescue Department ing, winter skiing, fishing and conducted their formal meethunting. ing, and fellow workers chose Moen will have a little less Moen for the position. spare time, because in mid“It was more of a vote of May he took over the job when confidence. They voted me former Fire Chief John Small into that position, and their retired. FIRE CHIEF, Page 3A
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO – The South Casco Post Office’s lobby transformed into a party atmosphere with luscious cake, bright colored balloons and a card for everyone to sign. When residents stopped in to check their mail on Tuesday, some came bearing gifts — not to be mailed off, but presented to the woman who for the past decade stood behind the counter. The gifts were for a woman who frequently shouted amiable greetings to patrons through UP FOR HER NEXT CHALLENGE — Retiring postmaster an open mail box door while Catherine “Cathy” Larsen plans to take on a new challenge (De Busk Photo) she distributed letters into their — a crusade for those with autism. proper slots on the other side. Postmaster Catherine “Cathy” Larsen tried to refrain from tearing up as she read Established 1870 what people had written on her P.O. Box 244, 118 Main St. poster-sized card, and accepted Bridgton, ME 04009 generous hugs, well wishes, gift 207-647-2851 bags and a bouquet of flowers. Fax: 207-647-5001 After 33 years with the postbnews@roadrunner.com POST OFFICE, Page 9A
The Bridgton News