Courier Connection
The archive of the Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Courier. Contact us at: news@inthecourier.com 207-282-4337
Courier Connection
Scores protest school budget cuts (May 8, 2008)
During an emotional public hearing Monday night people packed into Biddeford City Theater to oppose cutting the 2009 school budget by a proposed $1.4 million. More than 70 people spoke in support of the schools, many of them students in the Biddeford school district, some as young as seventh grade<< MORE >>
Beach testing to begin (May 8, 2008)
Officials at the Maine Healthy Beach Program are preparing for their sixth summer testing the waters at beaches throughout the state and need volunteers to help with the effort.<< MORE >>
BMS students embrace Space Day (May 8, 2008)
Biddeford Middle School students were rocketed into orbit Friday during Space Day, a day-long event featuring guest speakers from various space and aviation fields and activities designed to encourage students to think about the effort it takes to send a rocket into space.<< MORE >>
OOB alt ed students learn skills to run successful business (May 8, 2008)
Students in the Old Orchard Beach High School alternative education program recently learned what it takes to run a successful business by participating in the Junior Achievement Company Program.<< MORE >>
Saco budget may include additional funds for Dyer Library (May 8, 2008)
The Saco City Council approved an amended city budget Monday evening after several failed and one successful amendment that increased the funding for the Dyer Library by $10,000.
The school budget was included in the public hearing but will not be approved until June because of the required validation referendum vote when residents must approve the school department budget. Six residents spoke during the public hearing, all of them supporting an expanded all day kindergarten program.<< MORE >>
Poland Springs proposal could mean less trucks for OOB (May 8, 2008)
Wastewater not used for irrigation will continue being trucked to Old Orchard Beach for disposal. The company has had a contract with Old Orchard Beach since 2001 that allows it to truck wastewater to the town’s treatment plant for disposal. Poland Spring pays 6 cents per 1,000 gallon of wastewater, or $39 per 6,500 gallon tanker truck, Old Orchard Beach Wastewater Superintendent Christopher White said. He said the wastewater is mostly rinse water that may contain some cleaners. << MORE >>
Search of river does not produce O’Brien (May 8. 2008)
By Stephanie Grinnell
Staff Writer
Biddeford Police and the Maine Marine Patrol conducted a second search of the Saco River May 1. The agencies were on the lookout for Keith O’Brien, 41, who has not been seen since 7:30 p.m. April 16.
According to a statement from Biddeford Police Deputy Chief JoAnne Fisk, O’Brien was last seen in the area of Main Street wearing black work boots, and blue jacket and brown pants. Fisk said his location was narrowed to the railroad bridge near the river upon further investigation.
A phone call from a friend alerted police that O’Brien had not contacted him recently, which was unusual for him, the caller said. According to a police log of the call, the two had been drinking by the river the last time O’Brien was seen.
An air and river search April 29 did not turn up any sign of O’Brien, leading to the additional search with an airboat May 1. Fisk said the searches will continue, with each shift paying special attention to the area O’Brien was last seen.
“Our intent is to keep looking until we are able to locate him,” she said.
Fisk said there will also be intermittent search of the river in conjunction with the Maine Warden’s Service when there is a boat available.
Fisk said O’Brien does not have family in the area, and said foul play is not suspected in his disappearance.
O’Brien is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs 230 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone who has seen him or had contact with him should contact police at 282-5127 or email dispatch@bpd.net.
Contact Stephanie Grinnell by calling 282-4337 ext. 213 or email news@inthecourier.com.
UNE students get a dose of ‘Fatal Reality’ (May 8, 2008)
Traffic slowed on Hills Beach Road as sirens wailed in the distance while University of New England students gathered in front of the Campus Center were met with a gruesome accident scene. For the first time on the Biddeford campus, UNE students were witness to “Fatal Reality,” a demonstration of a vehicle crash involving a drunk driver and a “dead” classmate.<< MORE >>
Fashionistas strut their stuff at annual Saco Spirit fashion show (May 8, 2008)
Models owned the runway May 1 as they strutted their stuff at Saco Spirit’s sixth annual dinner and fashion show at the new PeoplesChoice Credit Union on Industrial Park Road in Saco.<< MORE >>
Lots to do in Southern Maine for less than $20 per day (May 8, 2008)
A date with Andrew Jackson – Scarborough<< MORE >>
Police Notes for May 8, 2008)
Mommy dearest
Someone called police and reported a woman being unreasonable in reference to her children’s play activities. The caller said the woman did not want her children to play on the sidewalk, and when they wouldn’t listen the woman allegedly parked her car on the sidewalk to prevent her children from playing there.<< MORE >>
Obituaries for May 8, 2008
William B. Cosgrove , Rachel J. Laflamme , Yolande R. Maurice, Maxine R. Randa<< MORE >>
Weekly Interview: Katie Quinn Gartland (May 8, 2008)
Biddeford students, teacher earn nursing degrees in tandem<< MORE >>
Molly's Musings: Addicted to the Internet (May 8, 2008)
My absolute favorite section of the site is the “Missed Connections” area. How do I explain this? This section has sort of become a sounding board for sometimes rude people, the desperate, love sick, the lonely and the shy who find satisfaction in professing their love anonymously online if nowhere else.<< MORE >>
Letter: Keep Pepperell Square nice (May 8, 2008)
On May 4, I came to work and found flowers torn out of the barrels, and about a month ago one of the window boxes was stolen right out of the window. What is the reason? Does it make you feel good to destroy other people’s things? Is there a high you get?<< MORE >>
Letter: The real deal on pay-per-bag (May 8, 2008)
But please be aware that there are two big reasons to consider a recycling plan that combined curbside pick-up of recycling and a pay-per-bag system. First, you’ll recycle more. Second, you’ll save money.
Let’s review Mr. Ferguson’s objections.<< MORE >>
Letter: Breakfast was a big success(May 8, 2008)
The Saco Bay Democrats held their annual Family Logger’s Pancake Breakfast April 19 at the Universalist Unitarian Church in Saco We had a great turnout, with guests, candidates, and volunteers totaling about 175 people. It was a wonderful opportunity for folks to meet and greet their candidates, who actually served the breakfasts to the public.<< MORE >>
In email, Mayor warns of ‘illegal’ meetings (May 1, 2008)
More than 600 emails turned over to the Courier revealed the Biddeford City Council has maintained a pattern of discussing city policy and issues through email, despite repeated warnings from Biddeford Mayor Joanne Twomey that such discussion could constitute an illegal meeting.<< MORE >>
TIF change heads to hearing (May 1, 2008)
Biddeford city officials are considering a change to the Alfred-Andrews tax increment financing (TIF) district, that would shift available funding in the Route 111 area to the downtown mill district to help pay for infrastructure improvements, City Manager John Bubier said. A public hearing regarding the amendment is scheduled for May 6.<< MORE >>
Landlords discuss ‘fair housing’ (May 1, 2008)
In the sometimes adversarial relationship between tenants and landlords, code enforcement inspectors often find themselves in the middle of a lot of finger-pointing.
More than 60 landlords from Saco and Biddeford turned out April 23 to participate in a fair housing workshop at Biddeford City Hall. Representatives from both code enforcement offices, the Housing and Urban Development, Biddeford’s Housing Authority office, local attorneys and the Maine Human Rights Commission were present to answer questions. There were a few tenants sprinkled through the packed room, but most attendees were landlords. << MORE >>
Warmer temps equals early summer celebrations at beaches (May 1, 2008)
Beachgoers from Gorham, Limington, Cornish and nearby Saco flocked to Old Orchard Beach in response to near record high temperatures last week.<< MORE >>
Stone Soup Pantry seeks new home after ‘surprise’ eviction (May 1, 2008)
The Stone Soup Food Pantry is looking for a new home. Co-director Kathy Duke said they received an eviction notice April 16 from the building’s owner, Russ Glidden.
“It came as quite a surprise,” Duke said. << MORE >>
Public buckles up after state officials tighten seat belt laws (May 1, 2008)
By now, most people are aware Maine has tightened the seat belt law to make failing to buckle up a reason to get pulled over. << MORE >>
Beware: State health officials say Lyme disease on the uptick (May 1, 2008)
Spring and early summer are the times Mainers need to be most vigilant about blacklegged ticks, more commonly known as deer ticks, which carry Lyme disease. << MORE >>
Milling about Sanford and Springvale – on $20 a day (May 1, 2008)
These are lean times in Maine. Economic recession, high municipal taxes and gas prices have combined to batter our paychecks and lay siege on a person’s ability to go out and spend a day on the town.
With that in mind, the staff at Mainely Media has created this six part series where our intrepid reporters head into our towns armed with only a $20 bill and a fierce desire to get the most bang for our bucks.
We’ve found with a little planning and some knowledge of the local scene, $20 can buy a whole lot more fun than people may imagine.
Last week, Cliff White took us on a 12-hour tour of his beat through Gorham, Buxton, Hollis, Limington and Standish.
This week Renee Worthing spends a Saturday spinning through Sanford and Springvale.<< MORE >>
Obituaries for May 1, 2008
Alvar R. Gustavson, Ethel M. Gustavson , Joanne Croteau , Madeline Valliere , Adrian Sirhakis , Jeanne Davis , Jean Knight , Carol Rumery<< MORE >>
Weekly Interview: Steve Bolton (May 1, 2008)
Habitat for Humanity builds strong foundations on more than homes<< MORE >>
Stephanie Grinnell's Notebook: "...Wake up from that spring daze" (May 1, 2008)
Drivers need to be aware and pass cyclists when it is safe to do so, not on a corner or going up a hill, which puts people in the oncoming lane in danger as well as themselves and the cyclist. Just because you are late, it does not give you the excuse to put another life in danger. The wind from a speeding car is sometimes enough to throw a cyclist off balance or onto the dirt shoulder of the road where they could easily be injured. << MORE >>
Pingree stands out in political crowd (May 1, 2008)
In a crowded field of Democratic candidates vying for Maine’s first congressional district, Chellie Pingree stands out as the only candidate with the proven political experience, bipartisan appeal, and long record of accomplishments to do the job. << MORE >>
Letter: Send Strimling to Washington, D.C. (May 1, 2008)
I would like to take just a few minutes of your time to explain why I believe that Ethan Strimling is the Democratic candidate we need to select to send to Washington to represent us. << MORE >>
Letter: Pay per bag option is not the way to go (May 1, 2008)
Pay by bag is a tax on everyone in the city. Where is this income going to be used? Yes, we need to recycle more, but I don’t think pay by bag is the way to go. If there is any question put it to the vote of the people and you will have your answer.<< MORE >>
Letter: Thanks for support (May 1, 2008)
I would like to take this time to thank all of those involved in putting together the dinner for the Joshua Richard Bolduc Scholarship Fund<< MORE >>
Letter: Red flag raised for Tree Growth (May 1, 2008)
A little bit of computer time on the state of Maine Web site researching the tax and forestry laws as well as the Biddeford Web site for assessments shows the following:
The Tree Growth Tax Law, Title 36, section 572, last paragraph: The subchapter is enacted for the purpose of taxing lands generally suitable for the planting, culture and continuous growth of forest products on the basis of their potential for annual wood production in accordance with the following provisions.<< MORE >>
Letter: Help to make a difference (May 1, 2008)
Children depend on those who care for them to provide for their health, safety and emotional well-being. When parents and other caregivers are not able to meet this responsibility, the result to children and to society is often tragic.<< MORE >>
Letter: Please keep beaches clean (May 1, 2008)
Editor:
I took my dogs for a walk on the beach by The Pier last week, and to my great disappointment there was dog feces everywhere. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful place to go, and to have to watch where to step is no fun.
I can’t imagine how it must be in the summer months to have your child or yourself dig in the sand and come up with a dog mess. Think about it and please do everyone a favor including yourself, keep our beach clean and take a bag with you whenever you walk your dog.
Thank you,
Nancy E. Barnes
Old Orchard Beach
Letter: Dems office opened in Saco (May 1, 2008)
The Saco Bay Democrats held their annual Family Logger’s Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 19, at the Universalist Unitarian Church. We had a great turnout, with guests, candidates, and volunteers totaling about 175 people. It was a wonderful opportunity for folks to meet and greet candidates, who actually served the breakfasts to the public.<< MORE >>
Letter: Petition leaders for clean energy (May 1, 2008)
hile the U.S. currently does not recycle used nuclear fuel, the advantages in doing so should bring about a change in policy. Programs need to promote advanced recycling technologies like those presently used in France to take full advantage of the vast amount of energy in the used fuel and reduce the amount and toxicity of byproducts requiring disposal.<< MORE >>
Letter: Why have you left the faith? (May 1, 2008)
Remember, Holy Scriptures tell us: “It is destined for all men to die once” and “enter through the narrow gate for the road to Heaven is narrow and straight and few choose to find it.” “If you are cold and lukewarm I will vomit you from my mouth.”
<< MORE >>
Search for missing boy ends in tragedy (Printed April 24, 2008)
The Saco River claimed its third life this year when 12-year-old Raymond Rivera of Saco slipped on rocks and fell into the water near Front Street last Saturday.
Rivera was walking along a trail April 19 with three friends when he fell into the water near the Cataract Dam, according to Sgt. Rick LaFlamme of the Maine Department of Marine Resources.<< MORE >>
Email prompts FOAA request (Printed April 24, 2008)
An email sent by Biddeford Mayor Joanne Twomey to members of the city council has raised confusion about how elected officials communicate, what falls into public record under Maine’s Freedom of Access Act, and steps the city is taking to educate elected officials about email protocols. << MORE >>
Biddeford debates recycling options (Printed April 24, 2008)
Biddeford City Councilors continue to debate the most effective method to increase recycling in the city. As city staff prepare four separate requests for recyclable collection proposals, much of the debate has focused on one possible strategy: forcing residents to pay based on how much trash they don’t recycle.
“It makes sense to do a lot of recycling,” Councilor David Flood said. << MORE >>
Maine’s first epilepsy walk scheduled in Saco (Printed April 24, 2008)
Kristine Binette of Sanford is encouraging people to come out of the shadows and stand together to find a cure for epilepsy by hosting Maine’s First Walk for Epilepsy May 18 in Saco.<< MORE >>
UNE student dies in crash (Printed April 24, 2008)
A 24-year-old woman will be missed by the University of New England community and her peers at Spurwink Services.<< MORE >>
Go Spoil Yourself, Rachael Ray – I only need $20 to have a good time (Printed April 24, 2008)
A date with Andrew Jackson<< MORE >>
Obituaries for April 24, 2008)
Marie Jeanne C. Bisson , Casey Scott LaJeunesse , Evelini Nashi , John Roland Fortier, Walter F. Hirst , Robert J. Lamontagne Sr. , Edna L. Swain << MORE >>
Weekly Interview" Jacqueline Bouthot" (Printed April 24, 2008)
Faith led BHS grad
to Africa to complete mission work<< MORE >>
Ward Peck's Jersey Tawk: "What were they thinking?" (Printed April 24, 2008)
We field a lot of weird phone calls at a newspaper. Some are weirder than others. Often, getting the answer is pretty easy – just a couple taps on the keyboard and out pops the phone number or name or date of the information requested. It’s (ha-ha!) part of the public service we feel we provide. We are a source of information, though not in the same way as the people on the other end of 4-1-1.<< MORE >>
Letter: York County is key to success (Printed April 24, 2008)
Each year volunteers in York County work to make the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days a great success! On behalf of the American Cancer Society I would like to thank the many local individuals, businesses, and organizations for their eagerness to help. In particular, thanks go to the many volunteers who wrapped, delivered, and sold flowers in the community.<< MORE >>
Letter: Time for prayer is critical (Printed April 24, 2008)
So please join us at the Mechanics Park Thursday May 1 at 6 p.m. for the annual prayer day event. We will be praying for our government and local city officials, our families, our churches, military, news media, businesses and our schools.<< MORE >>
Letter: Speak out about halfway rotary (Printed April 24, 2008)
Perhaps the residents of Old Orchard Beach that travel back and forth through the half way rotary have noticed construction signs going up on either side of the intersection.
What apparently is in the works if certain bonds are approved is the installation of a full roundabout over the course of two years along with other updates to the road.
The purpose of this letter is to let people know what is going on and how the rotary will be changed.<< MORE >>