BUXTON
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SAD 6 DRIVER FAULTED IN CRASH
WINDHAM GIRLS EARN UPSET VICTORY
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American Journal News of Westbrook, Gorham,
Vol. 68 Issue 07
Buxton & the region
Maine Dems open Westbrook office
By Robert Lowell
WESTBROOK — Democratic Party leaders from the city and state welcomed U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, as the guest speaker when the party opened its office here Feb. 9 in the old Dana Warp Mill, 90 Bridge St. Phil Bartlett of Gorham, chairman of the Maine Democratic Party, delivered the opening remarks preceding speakers Maine Rep. Drew Gattine, D-Westbrook), and Merkley. The opening was attended by a large gathering of local officials and party volunteers. Merkley spoke about several issues including healthcare, education, jobs, and the environment. “We have to fight for a healthy planet,” said Merkley, calling for an end of burning fossil fuels. He also spoke about “800,000 dreamers,” undocumented individuals who entered the United States as children and have been the focus of a national political, immigration debate. “Let’s stand with them,” Merkley said.
Dems, page 1
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Another go in Gorham for village road rebuild By Robert Lowell
Westbrook Mayor Michael Sanphy, left, greets U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, on Feb. 9 when the Maine Democratic Party opened an office in Westbrook. Merkley was the guest speaker. Staff photo by Robert Lowell
GORHAM — Maine Department of Transportation has re-posted on its 2018 work plan a 1.5-mile stretch of Route 25 (Main and State streets) through Gorham Village for reconstruction and water main replacement this year after the proposed project was shelved in 2017. The project will tear up the highway through the town’s shopping and business district and threatens to snarl commuter traffic. “We’ve been in contact with MDOT and the project hasn’t gone out to bid yet due to some minor specification changes on the MDOT and Portland Water District end,” Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak said Tuesday in an email to the American Journal. The project is included in the latest
Highway, page 1
Big Brothers Big Sisters moving to Westbrook
By Robert Lowell
WESTBROOK — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine is moving to Westbrook this month after more than 20 years at its Portland location. The agency, which provides partici-
pating children with an adult, volunteer mentor, officially opens at 625 Main St. in Westbrook on Monday, Feb. 26. The building once housed the rectory for the former St. Mary’s Church. Big Brothers Big Sisters is relocating from 195 Lancaster St., Portland.
“It’s great for our community,” Sanphy said. “It’s a welcome addition.” A press release said the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is “to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change
their lives for the better, forever.” Rebecca Wright, spokeswoman for Big Brothers Big Sisters, said parking has been one of the challenges in the neigh-
Big Brothers Big Sisters, page 7