Archive for ‘News’

  • SAD 61 proposes 5.25% budget increase

    By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer When Phil Shane first took a seat at the school board table, he saw a budget proposal of $8 million dollars. Monday, the longtime Casco director saw a much bigger number on the bottom line — $31, million plus. “Holy mackerel,” said Shane, who has served as a school […]

  • ‘Movable’ wall solution to court safety concerns

    By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer A hurdle has been cleared to keep Ninth District Court in Bridgton. With the town and the Judicial Branch in midst of negotiating a new lease agreement, one concern that surfaced was court security. Jeff Henthorn, director of Court Facilities, informed selectmen last August that unsecured access between the […]

  • Voters tackle special town meeting warrant in 30 minutes

    By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — Almost 100 residents weighed in on five ordinances, two moratoriums and a couple of financial issues in a matter of 30 minutes. Last Thursday, 79 voting residents showed up at the Naples Town Hall and picked up a pink voting card. It was probably the biggest turnout […]

  • Folks ask for boardwalk snow removal

    By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — Fitness and fresh air are year-round pursuits. Several residents spoke up in support of removing snow from the boardwalks so that people could enjoy wintertime walks on the Causeway instead of being forced to the edge of the road. “We have people walking on the street. Get […]

  • Boardwalk stain to be applied every five years

    By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — The Causeway boardwalk is known for attracting attention. Typically, the Causeway turns heads because of its aesthetics and because of the views of natural scenery it offers. Recently, it has attracted some attention as residents asked the Naples Board of Selectmen to budget funds for winter-time maintenance […]

  • JDM: Rare disease with no cure

    This disease is so rare it is often misdiagnosed. “Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks blood vessels throughout the body (called vasculopathy), causing muscle inflammation (known as myositis),” according to the website for Boston Children’s Hospital.   “As a result, your child may be exhausted by simple, […]

  • Drive started to help teen with medical battle

    By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — When Robert Cash was 7-years-old, he went from being able to knock a baseball into the outfield during a Tee-ball game to barely being able to lift his neck up while lying on the floor. Along with the atrophying of his muscles, Cash suffered from painful rashes […]

  • Refugee: Kindness can change people’s lives

    By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer Samar Khuder had a simple message as she told a compelling story of living in danger in her homeland (Iraq) which ultimately forced her and her family to seek refuge first in Syria and ultimately here in the United States. Be kind. Be welcoming. You can make a difference […]

  • Bridgton joins world in V-Day flash mob

    By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer The image that Valentine’s Day conjures up for many people is that of sweethearts exchanging gifts. Perhaps, a woman receiving her favorite flowers and candy and being treated by her loved one to dinner out at a restaurant. “Valentine’s is not romantic and positive for every individual. For some […]

  • Organization looks to ‘bridge cultural’ gaps

    By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer If nobody knew about the New England Arab American Organization (NEAAO) located in Bridgton, people from the organization might have drawn some attention to it during a flash mob held in front of the Bridgton Public Library. The flash mob is one of several community awareness activities that have […]