Back to the Past
Barbecue bonanza
Take a step back into the past this weekend at Scribner’s Mill in Harrison
Inside News
The Second Annual Western Maine BBQ Festival this weekend features an expanded line-up
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www.bridgton.com Vol. 143, No. 31
Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870. 36 PAGES - 4 Sections
Bridgton, Maine
August 2, 2012
(USPS 065-020)
SIXTY CENTS
Fireworks sparking widespread complaints As the old saying goes, you can’t fix stupid, — Harrison Town Manager George “Bud” Finch
BRAG grant sought By Gail Geraghty Staff Writer Bridgton Selectmen agreed July 24 to pursue a grant that would, if funded, provide up to $200,000 for improvements to the BRAG Sports Complex. A decision must wait until next spring, but the town needs to apply now if it wants a shot at money from the federal Land & Water Conservation fund, said Anne Krieg, Director of Planning, Economic and Community Development. “It’s been unfunded for a couple of years,” but funding is now available, she said. However, the grant requires a 50% match from the town, with awards capped at $200,000. If Bridgton won the full amount, voters would need to approve the match. “It could be used for a playground, trails, a concession stand, bathrooms” or other amenities the complex will require to be a fully-functioning recreational facility for residents, said Krieg, who is working with Recreation Director Tom Tash on the grant project. The mission of the Land and Water Conservation fund is all about “having more children enjoy the outdoors.” BRAG Board President Bill Macdonald said the board is willing to adjust its construction schedule to maximize use of the grant funds if they are awarded. No additional taxpayer dollars would need to be requested by BRAG if the grant is funded, he said. Historical walking trail? Bridgton Historical Society Trustee Lega Medcalf asked the board to consider providing up to $3,000 to help fund the society’s effort to estab-
By Gail Geraghty Staff Writer Downtown Bridgton residents are realizing too late that they should have pressed harder last year for a fireworks ordinance in town, knowing a state law was to make the sale and use of consumer fireworks legal as of Jan. 1, 2012. Since the 4th of July, some say the evening peace of their residential neighborhoods has been disrupted by loud reports
from fireworks — and they want it to stop. “On July 25 after 9 p.m., an explosion sent (two dogs) plus three of my kitties scrambling to hide under my bed and my computer desk. My Yorkie jumped on me and was shivering,” said Paulina Dellosso of Walker Street. Highland Lake Resort owner Woody Woodward, a selectman, is also aware of loud con-
sumer fireworks, often called “mushrooms,” going off near his North High Street property. “My guests are tired of being awakened at 10 or 11 p.m. by major explosions across the road or at the next door property,” said Woodward. “People have told me of sparks raining down on their trees and houses. I, personally, have been surprised by what is now legal for the general public to possess
COOLING DOWN — After running four miles in humid weather during last Saturday’s 34th Annual Casco Days Road Race, winner James Lepage (right) of Cumberland and a Seeds of Peace counselor, and runner-up Tim Even of
and use.” It’s an unwelcome surprise for many, not only in Bridgton but also in other Lake Region towns. Harrison voters passed a fireworks ban at the June Town Meeting, but selectmen there, mindful of the Independence Day holiday and Old Home Days, delayed authorizing penalties for the sale or use of consumer fireworks until their July 19 meeting. They approved a fine of not less
than $50 for the first offense, $100 for a second offense or $500 for any additional offenses, plus court costs. Fryeburg Selectmen, meanwhile, on July 5, reinstated a Dec. 1, 2011 resolution banning the use of fireworks on any town property. The resolution states that selectmen want the ban to remain in effect “on an indefinite basis,” but recognizes that state FIREWORKS, Page A
Stoneham cool down under a water hose just beyond the finish line. Lepage won his second straight Casco title. He will be running for the Bates College cross-country team this fall. Seee race times on Page 1C. (Rivet Photo)
New ‘dropbox’ safe way to dispose of drugs By Gail Geraghty Staff Writer A new prescription drug turn in safe has been installed in the foyer of the Bridgton Police Department’s Dispatch Center, giving residents the convenience of being able to dispose of unneeded prescription drugs anytime on weekdays. “I’m really excited about it,” said Police Officer Donald
“Mac” McCormick, who applied for a received a grant to purchase the safe. McCormick said having this extra option, in addition to scheduled drug turn in programs, will likely increase the amount of unused drugs turned in by the public. Bridgton Police Chief Kevin Schofield told the Bridgton Board of Selectmen about the safe at their last meeting. “This
program affords residents another opportunity to safely dispose of unused medications in an environmentally sound manner by keeping them out of water supplies, sewer and septic systems,” Schofield said in a written statement. “Quick and proper disposal of unused medications also significantly reduces the risk of their improper use and the potential
for associated substance abuse related issues.” McCormick became interested in removing unused prescription drugs from the waste stream even before the federal Drug Enforcement Agency began their annual prescription drug turn in program three years ago, he said. McCormick said he secured agreements years ago from
both the Bridgton Health & Residential Care Center on the Portland Road and North Bridgton Family Practice to turn over their unused medications. Since then, he has spearheaded the department’s efforts in the FDA’s annual turn in program. In terms of the potential for youth abuse for unused medi-
steps in Hacker’s Hill preservation. A step already taken: The real estate deal has been sealed. “It feels real, finally. It finally happened. We are all just so happy,” said Carrie Walia, the executive director for Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT). On Thursday, LELT became the owners of the 27-acre parcel of Hacker’s Hill when the Hall family and the nonprofit finalized the real estate deal. The acreage was sold at the stateappraised price of $700,000. Walia said she felt the relief of wrapping up the land purchase before Thursday’s handshakes and prior to handing off the check. “Earlier, when we got word that the last of the title issues were worked out and the paper-
work was ready, it became real. I thought, ‘I am not going to wait another week, or two, or three weeks,’” she said. “It was a big relief that the puzzle pieces fell into place,” she said. As the closing time neared, the landowners’ lawyer discovered issues with multiple names on the title, which delayed the land buyout by about a month. “It happened five weeks later than the initial planned
closing date. We got a little nervous while the attorneys were doing their work. But it was worth the wait to make certain it got done correctly,” Walia said, adding the entire land trust staff is excited about completing this milestone. Even with LELT holding the deed that promises public access, the trek is not over. The path to ownership SALE, Page A
DEAL COMPLETED — Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) Executive Director Carrie Walia opens the gate to Hacker’s Hill 753-foot summit. On Thursday, LELT purchased the 27acre parcel for $700,000 to insure future public access. (De Busk Photo)
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO — The gates will be open to the public for future generations — as a local land trust took over the ownership of Hacker’s Hill last week. Actually, for decades, people have been allowed access to this mountain’s summit and trail systems. The previous private landowners, the Hall family, permitted this. Now, the continued preservation of the 753-foot mountain is a reality. Traditional uses, ranging from kite flying to inseason hunting, can continue on the land. Creating a 10-year land management plan — with the help of the community and support of the previous caretakers — appears to be one of the next
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DRUG BOX, Page A
Loon Echo closes Hacker’s Hill deal
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