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January 18 - February 7, 2008 |
News
FIREFIGHTERS SAVE YORK HARBOR HOUSE. An early-morning fire on Jan. 13 caused an estimated $30,000 to this historic York Street home in York Harbor, but firefighters are relieved they were able to keep the blaze from spreading to the main portion of the house, and potentially facing a fire on the order of one that destroyed a York Harbor oceanfront mansion several years ago. York Fire Chief Chris Balentine explained that a resident awoke to the smell of smoke just as an early-morning jogger was passing the house and knocked on a neighbor's door to report the fire shortly before 3 a.m. on Sunday. The fire was in one end of the ell portion of the house, which is connected to the main house. "The fire had gained considerable headway on the one-story portion of that ell," Balentine said, with flames breaking through the roof. However, he added, "We were able to keep it from getting into the main house." Smoke and fire damage are estimated at more than $30,000. The cause is believed to be accidental, with Deputy Chief Dave Apgar still looking into electrical wiring as a possible cause. Balentine said no one was injured in the blaze. York and York Beach Fire Departments responded to the scene, with station coverage provided by Kittery and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Photo by Steve Rasche
GEOGRAPHER IN THE MAKING. York Middle School eighth-grader Thomas Rasche poses with his first-place medal and certificate as winner of the National Geographic Society Geography Bee held last week at YMS. Rasche will now go on to compete at the state level, with the winner to move on to Nationals and a chance at a $25,000 scholarship. Standing with the winner are teachers Suzi Young and Pete Webster, longtime coordinators of the competition at YMS.
Photo by Grosvenor Shackleton
IN TO PORT: York lobsterboat "Kelpa" heads up a still and cold York River after returning from a morning out hauling traps.
Photo by Steve Rasche
Breaking News
Devastating fire causes $400,000 in damage
Less than one year after a blaze ripped through a portion of the Stage Neck Inn, the landmark hotel has sustained an estimated $400,000 in damage after a blaze on Jan. 17.Town Business
Uncovering the secrets of the “writing on the wall” at Coventry Hall
Recently, while at work renovating the second floor of the carriage house of Coventry Hall at 34 Long Sands Road, owners Melissa Murphy and Kevin Colglazier found what had been hidden for years beneath the bead-board that covered the walls: a religious inscription carefully painted there by an unknown resident from the past.HDC hopes to put demolition delay to a vote in May
The Historic District Commission hopes its proposed Demolition Delay Ordinance will help slow the town's loss of the historic homes and buildings.Selectmen discuss issues ranging from Mount A to the streets
From an update on the Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region to bids for the town's waste collection services to concerns about the costs of paving in the budget year ahead, it was a busy night for the Board of Selectmen on Jan. 14.York Water District purchases former Highland Towing site
York Water District Superintendent Don Neumann recently announced the purchase of a three-acre parcel of land at 210 Mountain Road as an integral part of the district's efforts to protect the town's water supply.Planning Board discusses proposed subdivisions
Subdivision discussions topped the agenda for the York Planning Board's most recent meeting on Jan. 10.YCSA: Making a difference in 2008
York Community Service Association continues to assist the underserved in town through the services of the York Food Pantry and the Family Services Office.School Notes
School administrators propose streamlined budget
The School Committee has been meeting regularly in recent weeks in the first phase of the months-long budget review process, and the challenge to date has been to balance economic concerns with curriculum goals.York, Wells-Ogunquit put consolidation talks on hold
After learning that other districts of similar size have not been penalized for filing alternative plans to the state's school consolidation, York and Wells-Ogunquit officials have decided to do the same.Southern Maine Currents
"Green Fever" grabs Ogunquit
Over 30 people turned out for the Conservation Commission meeting at the Dunaway Center on Jan. 15 to discuss ways to make Ogunquit the first green town in the state.York resident creates critter-saving device
The old adage that "necessity is the mother of invention" certainly holds true for Brian Meagher.St. George's Episcopal Church seeks support for mission trip to New Orleans
An ecumenical team of 25 volunteers from St. George's Episcopal Church will head to New Orleans during President's Day week for a Mission Trip to aid the still-struggling city.Weaver announces coupon program for digital television transition
State Rep. Windol Weaver, R-York, announced that coupons are now available to consumers who need to purchase television converter boxes for their analog television sets.A night out for a cause
On Friday, Jan. 18, enjoy an adult evening out at the Red Barn at the Links at Outlook and help a young girl in her battle with cancer.Lecture series begins at South Church on Jan. 27
Elizabeth DeWolf, a history professor at University of New England, will be the first speaker in a new lecture series that begins soon at South Church, the Unitarian-Universalist church in Portsmouth.Hill and Wheeler announce College Goal Sunday program
State Representatives Dawn Hill, D-York, and Walt Wheeler, D-Kittery, announced that College Goal Sunday 2008 will take place on Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. at the York County Community College Cafeteria in Wells.Grant funds support for people of color
Thanks to a major grant from the River Rock Foundation, the Maine Community Foundation is launching a new $1 million fund dedicated to providing support to people of color in Maine.CLARIFICATION
A recent report of Ogunquit's Christmas by the Sea neglected to credit the town's business community for sponsorship of this annual celebration over the past 21 years. Correctly stated, the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce sponsors Christmas by the Sea while the Village Spirit Committee sponsors the parade.York County Republican Caucus set for Feb. 2
A countywide Republican caucus will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, at Sanford High School.
