Road work set for North Anson and Milo

   Maine DOT crews will be replacing a large box culvert in North Anson starting on Tuesday, Sept. 4, forcing the closure of Route 201A approximately one-half mile south of the Embden town line.

  The work zone is approximately 200 feet in length.

  Detour signs and message boards will guide motorists from Route 201 to Route 43, then onto Route 201A in Madison.

  It is anticipated this daytime work will be completed by Sept. 14.

  Crews will also be replacing the existing deteriorated concrete bridge deck on the Pleasant River Bridge in Milo, which spans the Pleasant River.

  The project will necessitate the closure of the bridge for approximately 35 consecutive days beginning on Sept. 4 while workers install a new concrete wearing surface. In addition, there will be curb and guardrail improvements, all being performed by Lane Construction.

  The work zone is 100 feet on the approach to the bridge, extending 100 feet upon exiting the bridge, making the entire work area 500 feet in length.

  Traffic will be detoured to Route 11 north onto the Stickney Hill Road in Brownville. Motorists will proceed to the Stanchfield Ridge Road back to Milo, then to the Lakeview Road.

  It is anticipated the project will be completed in the second week of October.

Exeter road closure expected next week

  EXETER – Crews are paving, performing shoulder widening as well as guardrail improvements on the Exeter Bridge which spans the Allen Stream in Exeter. This work on the Exeter Road currently has an alternating one-way traffic pattern with flaggers assisting motorists through the area. The work zone is located approximately one-half mile northerly of the Garland/Exeter town line and is approximately 600 ft. in length.

  Next week, beginning Sept. 4, it is anticipated the contractors of R.F. Jordan & Sons and Lynch Contractors of Ellsworth, will be removing the existing box culvert. During this time the Garland/Exeter road will be closed to all traffic. A detour will run on Routes 94 and Routes 43/11 around the project. Detour signs will guide travelers around this project.

  This detour will be in place for seven days. Upon completion, alternating one-way traffic with flaggers assisting motorists will once again be in place until the project’s completion, anticipated for mid-September.

Pittsfield Library Story Time resumes Sept. 10

   PITTSFIELD – Story Time at the Pittsfield Public Library resumes on Monday, Sept. 10, at 10:15 a.m. in the Warren Community Room. Children explore the world through stories, crafts, music, dance, and other activities.

  Playgroup meets Wednesdays in the children's area from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is an opportunity for young children and their caregivers to socialize in an informal, fun setting. Playgroup is supervised by caregivers, not library staff.

  The Pittsfield Library, in collaboration with Cornerstones of Science and the Newport Cultural Center, is offering a Science Club on the second and fourth Friday of each month, from 1 - 2:30 p.m., at the Newport Cultural Center.  Children age 9 through 12 are invited to “Get a Clue,” explore a crime science and investigate forensic science through hands on activities.

  For more information, contact the library at 487-5880.

Sparkle is Sebasticook Valley’s “united” fundraiser

  PALMYRA – Sparkle is making a difference in Sebasticook Valley. For those who don’t recognize the now seven-year-old name and logo, it’s the annual fundraiser for the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce and its dozens of partners.

   This year’s event is scheduled for Nov. 3 at the Moosehead Trail Motor Lodge in Dexter.

   Annually, volunteers with the participating organizations solicit donations of goods and funds from area businesses and individuals in a “united” effort for one fundraiser, the “granddaddy” of all fundraisers in this region. With the effort, the Chamber hosts “the party you don’t want to miss” featuring hearty hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, a silent and live auction and dancing.

NMC, Mainebiz social media boot camp Sept. 26

 AUGUSTA – Nancy Marshall Communications (NMC) and Mainebiz have announced a partnership to host a social media boot camp on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at The Senator Inn and Spa in Augusta. The NMC Social Media Boot Camp will be sponsored by Mainebiz and will include several other marketing and branding opportunities for both businesses.

  “We are very excited to partner with Mainebiz to promote our upcoming social media boot camp,” said Nancy Marshall, owner and agency principal at NMC. “The relationship provides a tremendous opportunity for us to reach organization and business leaders that either need help getting started with social media or, with our advanced session, take their efforts to the next level.”

Skowhegan History House 75th anniversary plans

  SKOWHEGAN – The 75th anniversary of the Skowhegan History House Museum and Research Center at 66 Elm Street will be celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 8 from 1 – 3 p.m. Members of the public are welcome to join the celebration and are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, sit on the Riverside Lawns and enjoy the music of Peter Foxwell and Company.

   Local artisans will be on hand demonstrating their craft- wool spinning, blacksmith techniques, chair caning, and knitting with an early machine. Tours of the Museum & Research Center will be available along with refreshments and door prizes. Everyone is welcome and admission is free.

St. Albans special town meeting Aug. 27

  ST. ALBANS – Voters in St. Albans will meet Monday, Aug. 27 for a special town meeting to consider raising funds to repair the Indian Bridge on Ripley Road and replace or repair the retaining wall on the Upper Dam.

   Here is the published warrant.

   Greetings:

   In the name of the State of Maine you are hereby requested to notify and warn the voters of the Town of St. Albans in said County, qualified by law to vote in town affairs, to meet at the St. Albans Town Hall, in said Town on Monday, August 27, 2012, A.D. at 5:30 P.M. in the evening to act on the following articles, to wit:

Art. 1.  To elect a Moderator by written ballot to preside at said meeting.

Businesses celebrate Gifford’s ‘Muddy Bean Boots’

 AUGUSTA – Gov. Paul LePage traveled to Scarborough Tuesday (Aug. 21) to join representatives of Gifford’s Dairy, L.L. Bean, Oakhurst Dairy, and Hannaford Supermarkets in celebrating the launch of Gifford's “Muddy Bean Boots,” as their latest flavor of ice cream to be sold in quart-sized retail containers.

  “L.L. Bean and Gifford's are Maine brands we are all familiar with. It is great to see these companies come together to make a product that Mainers love,” said LePage.

  Combined, Gifford’s – headquartered in Skowhegan – and L.L. Bean employ more than 4,500 Mainers year-round and total about 9,000 employees during peak seasons. Both businesses are native to Maine and family-owned. Oakhurst is also a Maine family-owned business with 200 employees, and Hannaford employs 10,000 Mainers.

I-95 northbound ramp paving Aug. 22 – 23

  Highway construction crews will be paving the on and off ramps for two nights on Interstate 95 from Waterville to Pittsfield, necessitating the closure of the on and off ramps northbound.

  On Wednesday, Aug. 22, Exit 130 on and off ramps northbound will be closed from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. for paving and drainage improvements.

  On Thursday, Aug. 23, Exit 132 on and off ramps northbound will be closed from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. for paving and drainage improvements.

  These paving projects, performed by Lane Construction, are weather dependent, so alternate dates will be announced if necessary.

Barbecue at Somerset Woods rest area Aug. 22

  SKOWHEGAN – Somerset Woods Trustees will hold its second annual barbecue fundraiser on Wednesday, Aug. 22 at the rest area on Route 2, known as Kennebec Banks, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The BBQ will be prepared by the Trustees of Somerset Woods and include either a hamburger, chips and drink; or two hotdogs, chips and drink. Tickets are $5 each.

  The state of Maine is no longer maintaining the Route 2 picnic area, and this fundraiser is to help raise funds for its continued maintenance.

   For further information and tickets, contact Jack Gibson at 474-0057, Davida Barter 474-3324, or Greg Dore at 431-5021.

“Click for Babies” campaign Sept. 19

HALLOWELL – Calling all knitters and crocheters!  We invite you to “click” your knitting needles together to help prevent infant abuse in Maine and throughout the nation. KVCAP’s Family Enrichment Council and the Spectrum Generations William S. Cohen Community Center will host a “Knit In” on Wednesday, Sept. 19 from 9-11 a.m. at the Cohen Center located at 22 Town Farm Road in Hallowell.

Red Cross continues Red Sox t-shirt promotion

  BANGOR – The Red Cross is calling on all eligible blood donors – now more than ever – to roll up a sleeve and give as soon as possible. All blood types are needed, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative in order to meet patient demand this summer.

  The American Red Cross' Maine Division is also continuing its free Red Sox t-shirt promotion through the month of August. All presenting donors will receive a Red Sox t-shirt commemorating the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park now through Aug. 31.

 Donors will also receive:

• A coupon for a free container of any variety of Turkey Hill SunBrew™ Iced Tea
• A chance to win a new kayak from Old Town Canoe

  Area blood drives this month include:

  Aug. 22: The Unitarian Universalist Church, Dexter, 1 – 6 p.m.

  Aug. 23: Tardif-Belanger American Legion Post, Madison, 12 – 5 p.m.

  Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule an appointment today!

Elections Commission hearing Aug. 23 in Augusta

   AUGUSTA – The Honorable John Atwood, Chair of the Commission to Study the Conduct of Elections in Maine, has announced that the group will be holding a public hearing on Thursday, Aug. 23 at the University of Maine in Augusta (UMA).

  The hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Richard J. Randall Student Ctr., Rm. 138 on the UMA campus.

Pittsfield Buying Club seeks local farmers and new members

  PITTSFIELD – The Pittsfield Buying Club is proud to announce receipt of a grant from Farm Fresh for Maine, a program of the Maine Department of Agriculture in partnership with Western Mountains Alliance. The award provides buying club software – developed by “Internet Farmer” Jeremy Bloom of Portland – and technical support enabling the club to post and order locally grown and organic products online. Products can then be picked up in town.

   The Pittsfield Buying Club was formed by a group of friends and neighbors who began ordering together in December of 2010. Because the group has been small, the club met in kitchens and divvied up bulk items informally

   Now, the club is now opening its membership to the public.

Yamaha ATV special prize in Chamber Golf Scramble

   PALMYRA – Would you like to be the lucky winner of a 2012 Yamaha Rhino ATV courtesy of Newport Motorsports?  It’s as easy as hitting a hole-in-one at this year’s Sebasticook Golf Scramble, sponsored by the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce and Sebasticook Family Doctors.

    Now maybe that is slightly easier said than done, but you don’t have a chance if you don’t play. Teams are lining up for the opportunity, but there is still room for more.

Letter: Thanks from Hospice

To the editor:

As the nation reels from another senseless act of violence, it helps me to focus on what is uplifting in our world.  On Saturday, Aug. 4, I represented Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County at a benefit concert to raise funds for cancer survivors and hospice.

  Local musician Danny Taylor donated his time and talent and the venue was the Happy Horseshoe Campground in Lexington.  Judy and Buster Pinkham are owners of the campground and readily embraced Danny’s concert idea and provided the space and many of the attendees.

  While I don’t have the final numbers, I do know that the event raised over $3500—all of which will benefit organizations in Kennebec, Franklin and Somerset County.

  Besides the wonderful music, the event featured a silent auction and a robust 50/50.

  I want to thank all the people that worked on this event—you provided a bright light of caring and concern and have helped HVSC to continue to provide our services to those in need.

Linda Williams

Executive Director

Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County

We're back! Internet problems finally solved

  After a few days of reading stale and outdated posts, some Somerset News Online viewers were wondering if we had shut down the site.

  Nope. But we didn't have reliable Internet service for a few days, either. A service call by a Time-Warner tech on Saturday (Aug. 11) finally solved the problem. We have a new modem to replace the 9-year-old outdated model and new connections on the cable line.

  So we're back in business and making plans for bigger and – hopefully – better things.

  We're also reinstating a weekly poll to see if there is any interest in participating. But if we only get a half-dozen or so responses, we'll dump it.

  

Skowhegan selectmen meet Aug. 14

  SKOWHEGAN – The Skowhegan Board of Selectmen will have a regular meeting Tuesday, Aug. 14 at the municipal office. Town officials released the following agenda.

1. Approve and sign Minutes from the following:

• Regular Selectmen’s Meeting – June 26, 2012
• Regular Selectmen’s Meeting – July 10, 2012
• Regular Selectmen’s Meeting – July 24, 2012        

2. Approve and sign a Cemetery Deed for Jane Earle and Douglas Little (4 North Graves, Lot 66) in the Malbons Mills Cemetery.

3. Approve an over-expenditure of $1.79 in the Solid Waste Supplies Account, Office Designation.  This will be offset by reduced spending in the Solid Waste Supplies Account, Cleaning Designation.

4. Approve an over-expenditure of $95.64 in the Pollution Control Supplies Account, Laboratory Designation.  This will be offset by reduced spending in the Pollution Control Supplies Account, Office Designation.

Name wanted for new Pittsfield Library telescope

  PITTSFIELD – The Pittsfield Public Library is inviting patrons to suggest a name for the library's new telescope.  The telescope is an Orion StarBlast 4.5” and is now available for patrons over age 18 to check out through the STAR Library Program (Sharing Telescopes and Astronomy.

   The library is looking for a creative, catchy name.  All suggestions will be considered. Deadline for submitting a name for the telescope is Friday, Aug. 31.

Two Somerset County residents appointed to MCF board

  PORTLAND — The Maine Community Foundation has elected Anna Eleanor Roosevelt of Embden, Peter Mills of Cornville and Karen W. Stanley of Castine to its Board of Directors

“The Board of Directors plays a crucial role in guiding our work,” said Maine Community Foundation President and CEO Meredith Jones. “These distinguished individuals will add special expertise as we head into our 30th year,” she said. 
  Roosevelt joined Goodwill Industries of Northern New England as CEO in September 2011 after ten years at the Boeing Company, where she was vice president of global corporate citizenship. Prior to working in the aerospace industry, she held positions in the nonprofit, higher education, and government sectors. She is a board member of Net Impact, a national student organization, is chair of the Roosevelt Institute’s board, and is an advisory board member for the Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.

I-95 southbound ramps being paved

  BANGOR – Road construction crews will be paving the I-95 southbound on and off ramps from Bangor to Etna from now through Wednesday evening, Aug. 8.

  These ramp closures will occur from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. with message boards advising motorists to seek alternate routes.

  The scheduled paving will be as follows:

 • Motorists can use Exit 180 or Exit 167 on Monday night while Exit 174 southbound is closed.

 • Motorists can use Exit 174 or Exit 161 on Tuesday night while Exit 167 southbound is closed.

 • Motorists can use Exit 182 or Exit 174 on Wednesday night while Exit 180 southbound is closed.

  On Wednesday night, Pike Industries work crews will attempt to complete the Exit 180 southbound on and off-ramps early to allow truck access to Dysart’s Truck Stop and Restaurant.

Friends of the Pittsfield Public Library meeting

  PITTSFIELD – The Friends of the Pittsfield Public Library will meet Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 1 p.m. in the Warren Community Room at the library.  All members and prospective members are invited to attend.

  The Friends support quality library service through fund raising, volunteering at the library and serving as advocates for the library.  They provide funding for special library projects and programs.  Current fund raising projects include used book sales and a bottle drive at the library.

  The Friends are soliciting donations of good gently used books for their early fall book sale. Used audio books, DVDs, and music are also welcome. Some of the donations may be considered for use in the library circulating collection. Donations may be brought to the library during regular library hours.

  

Free fair tickets at Aug. 8 Red Cross blood drive

  SKOWHEGAN – The Daughters of Isabella Notre Dame de Lourdes Circle and the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge will team up once again for a community Red Cross blood drive on Wednesday, Aug. 8 at T & B Celebration Center in Skowhegan. Hours are 12 – 6 p.m.

  All presenting donors will receive a free admission ticket to the Skowhegan State Fair and a limited edition Boston Red Sox t-shirt, commemorating the 100^th anniversary of Fenway Park.

  The blood supply in northern New England is very low this time of year, so donors of all types are urgently needed. Double red cell donations will also be taken at this drive.

  To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

IF&W meeting in Jackman Aug. 9

  JACKMAN – The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Fisheries Biologists from the Moosehead Lake Region will hold a public informational meeting in Jackman at the Forest Hills Consolidated School on Thursday, Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m.  This is not a formal regulations hearing but an informal meeting to answer questions and hear about the fishing in the area from the anglers. The staff will give a brief presentation on recent work completed at Crocker Pond in Dennistown and gather public input on future management options.

   Also, the Forest Society of Maine is holding a fundraiser in Greenville on Sunday, Aug. 19 to raise funds for the protection of two miles of shoreline on the north end of Moosehead Lake. The property would be added to the Seboomook Unit which is managed by the Bureau of Public Lands.

  Listening to music and enjoying the spectacular view from the Blair Hill Inn is a great way to spend a Sunday evening in the Moosehead Lake Region.

Tedd Fish to perform at New Hope Aug. 12

  SOLON – Tedd Fish of Yarmouth is performing a concert at the New Hope Church in Solon on Sunday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m.  Tedd’s music ministry extends over many years as a speaker, pastor, recording artist and concert singer.  His combination of life stories, music and humor with his rich baritone voice will be a blessing to all.  You will enjoy a pleasant blend of songs from the past and the present.   Everyone is invited to come.  Refreshment and fellowship time will take place after the concert.

  For more information, visit www.teddfish.com.

Pearson, Dowse and Clark at Democratic meet-and-greet

  HARMONY – David Pearson, candidate for Maine House District 24; Harold “Dusty” Dowse, the Democratic nominee for House District 27; and Herbert Clark, who is seeking a return to the Maine State Senate, will have a meet-and-greet Sunday, Aug. 5 at John Veelenturf’s farm on South Road in Harmony from 4 - 6 p.m.

  Pearson and Dowse ran for their House district seats previously, and Clark has served in both the Maine House and Senate for a total of 12 terms.

   Pearson is the town manager of Sangerville and ran for House District 24 against Raymond Wallace of Dexter in a special election last year, following the resignation of Republican State Rep. Fred Wintle.

   Dowse is a biology professor at the University of Maine who ran against Republican Peter B. Johnson of Greenville two years ago. Johnson is running for his fourth and final term in the House this year.

   Clark, a retired paper mill worker, seeks a return to the Maine Senate in the sprawling district that runs from Beaver Cove to Palmyra, then northeast to Millinocket and Patten. The incumbent is Republican Doug Thomas of Ripley who will be seeking his third term.

   Veelenturf’s farm is located at 315 South Rd. in Harmony, approximately two miles on the left from the Water Street intersection. For more information, call 683-2849 or 717-7771.

LePage: Misinformation on bonds leads to confusion

  AUGUSTA – Gov. Paul LePage issued the following statement Thursday (Aug. 2) regarding House Minority Leader Emily Cain and State Rep. Jeff McCabe’s recent comments to the media that the town of Livermore Falls received funding from the state.

  “The town of Livermore Falls has not received any state monies at this time. The developer of the Livermore Falls project applied for a loan through the Maine Rural Development Authority and it was approved by its independent Board. It is clear that Representatives Cain and McCabe do not understand the situation and are twisting the truth for political gain. They are wrong to mislead Maine people.

  “Furthermore, Democrats issued a statement recently indicating that I refuse to support projects in communities across the state including Skowhegan. This is inaccurate. What I have repeatedly said is that I will hold off on selling bonds until Maine is in a better fiscal position to absorb more debt.

Benefit concert for Hospice Aug. 4

  LEXINGTON TWP – On Saturday, Aug. 4 Danny Taylor will be performing at Happy Horseshoe Campground in Lexington.  There is no charge for the 7:30 p.m. concert but all donations will be designated for Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County.

   Danny Taylor is known for acoustic/pop/rock and has a loyal following in many areas of the state.  The concert is sure to provide a great evening of entertainment and will benefit a worthy cause.

   “I’m thrilled that Danny Taylor and Judy Pinkham are generously donating their time, talent, and venue to benefit hospice,” Linda Williams, Executive Director at HVSC, said.

  For directions and information about the campground, click here.

Somerset Bowhunters’ 3D shoot Aug. 5

John Thompson of Hartford (Me.). Grace Lommel photo.

  SKOWHEGAN – Somerset Bowhunters will host the Maine State 3-D Archery Shoot on Sunday, Aug. 5 at their range on Eaton Mountain Road in Skowhegan.  Registration is from 8 – 11 a.m.  This will be a 40 target shoot. 

  The cost is $20 for adults, $8 for youth, $5 for cubs and free for Pee Wee members. The family rate is $30. Hot dogs, chili, pastries, water, soda and coffee will be available at the snack shack.

  The next 3-D shoots will be on Aug. 11 (night shoot) and Aug. 19 – the Lester Corson Memorial all deer shoot.  For information, call Bob at 397-3761.

  The next monthly club meeting will be on Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at the range on the Eaton Mountain Road. There are no meetings in September, October and November.  The December meeting will be held at the Skowhegan Sportsman’s Club on the River Road at 6:30 p.m.