Friday, October 26, 2012

Kennebunk police charge 18 more men as johns in prostitution case

By York County Coast Star staff

yccs@seacoastonline.com

October 26, 2012 2:52 PM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121026-NEWS-121029759

KENNEBUNK, Maine — Police have released the names of the second round of alleged clients of Alexis Wright, who allegedly ran a prostitution operation out of her Kennebunk Zumba studio, charging 18 men.

All 18 individuals are charged with the misdemeanor count of engaging in prostitution.

The names released Friday afternoon are the second of what police said will be groups of names released as alleged clients are summonsed. Twenty-one names were released Oct. 15, after court appeals to keep the names confidential were denied.

Police said they plan to release the names of other individuals charged in the case in “batches” as they become available. The process, they said, could take months.
The next group of names is expected to be released on Nov. 9.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Final withdrawal meeting set

By Samantha Stephens

yccs@seacoastonline.com

October 25, 2012 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121025-NEWS-210250342

ARUNDEL — At its Oct. 22 meeting, the Board of Selectmen set one final public hearing regarding the proposed withdrawal from RSU 21 for 10 a.m. Nov. 3 in the Mildred L. Day gymnasium.

Town Manager Todd Shea said Oct. 22 that he hopes residents who have not attended the previous public hearings turn out for the meeting, which is both the first Saturday and daytime public hearing, just three days before the vote for withdrawal occurs.

"It went okay," Shea said of the most recent public hearing, which was held at the Dutch Elm Golf Course on Limerick Road on Oct. 17. "It was the same people who usually attend meetings. We're hoping for a broader outreach."

State candidates speak out in Coast Star forum

By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

October 25, 2012 6:57 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121025/NEWS/121029838/-1/NEWSMAP

KENNEBUNK — Candidates looking to represent Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel in both the House and Senate faced off last week on this election’s hot-button issues, including the economy, the state budget and education.

Candidates for House District 137, House District 141, and House District 140, as well as candidates for Senate District 4, spoke before a group of nearly 30 voters at Kennebunk Town Hall on Oct. 17, during a Candidates Night cosponsored by the York County Coast Star and Video Creations.

Among the top priorities for all the candidates are the economy, jobs, and the business climate in Maine.

“People are worried about the future of Maine. People are worried about the future of the economy. We have to use the resources we have. We can look at business opportunities that we are losing as a state,” said Adam Spey, a Democratic newcomer in the race for House District 140, representing Arundel, Dayton, and parts of Kennebunk and Lyman.

For Wayne Parry, the Republican incumbent running for House District 140 against Spey, the key is businesses.

Kennebunk defends reputation with next list of alleged johns due soon

By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

October 24, 2012 2:30 PM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121024-NEWS-121029853

KENNEBUNK — The prostitution scandal and continuing legal drama will not define the town of Kennebunk, town leaders said this week.

With the release expected Friday of the second group of names of those charged as alleged “johns” in the case — and just a week past the first list of 21 men was released — the town continues to move forward and cope with the ongoing wave of news.

In the midst of it all, Town Manager Barry Tibbetts said, though the scandal may be rocking the town, and has even caught national attention, it does not define Kennebunk and its strength as a community.

read more...

Arundel EDC: Vote no to withdrawal

October 25, 2012 2:00 AM
http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121025-OPINION-210250383

To the Editor:

It is the unanimous opinion of the Arundel Economic Development Committee that the taxpayers of Arundel would be better off financially if the Town were to remain in the RSU 21 School District rather than leave the RSU and "go it alone." This opinion is based on an analysis of the report prepared by Planning Decisions, Inc., an economic consulting firm from Portland, on the comparative costs of withdrawing from or remaining in the RSU 21 School District.

Although the Planning Decisions report is lengthy and somewhat complicated, the consultants have provided the town with six projected school budgets that could be expected. Three of these budgets (Options 1-3) reflect costs to the town if we withdraw and "go it alone," while the other three projected budgets reflect costs to the town if we stay in RSU 21. All of these projected budgets are based on different estimates of future costs, some of which cannot be precisely determined.

Look at the numbers

October 25, 2012 - 2:00 AM

To the Editor:

The time is approaching for the citizens of Arundel to once again vote on a sensitive issue regarding our school. Cost, apparently, was the number one issue driving the movement to withdraw from RSU 21.

read more...

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

ARUNDEL HISTORICAL SOCIETY Baked Bean and Pasta Supper

Baked Bean and Pasta Supper

Saturday 10/27/2012

4:30 PM - 06:00 PM
ML Day School

ARUNDEL HISTORICAL SOCIETY

a non-profit educational organization

Mission Statement

The Arundel Historical Society has the following educational purposes and community-based goals:

to provide a mechanism whereby Arundel’s rich heritage can be preserved, especially as regards information provided by long-time residents and families;
to provide a location and means by which various records and artifacts can be preserved and made available to interested members of the community;
to assist interested members of the community in locating information regarding their own family’s heritage;
to foster a connection between Arundel’s community members and Arundel’s history; and
to renew and reinforce Arundel’s sense of community.

Proposal and Request for Financial Support/Donations

Overview

In order to meet the goals delineated in our mission statement, the Arundel Historical Society is proposing to establish a site where:

two Arundel farmhouses and a barn, all over 200 years old, will be preserved;
the Arundel Historical Society can house, preserve, and display photographs,documents, and artifacts of local historical significance;
Society members and others can gain access to genealogical and historical information; and
a building modeled after the North Chapel Church will be constructed, to serve as a place for community groups, including the historical society, to meet and host events.

The following document provides details regarding the history of the two farmhouses and the families that built and occupied them as well as a summary of the Society’s intended approach

to this important project.

Request

The purpose of this document is to request support from a variety of donors. The initial phase of the project is estimated to cost $210,400, with additional monies required following the completion of that phase. We will require support both in the form of cash and donated services.

The Arundel Historical Society is grateful for any consideration you or your organization can give our project and any support you are able to provide.

Judge to hold conference today on Kennebunk prostitution case

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121023-NEWS-121029905

October 23, 2012 12:41 PM

PORTLAND, Maine — Legal parties on all sides of the Kennebunk prostitution case will hold a telephone conference today to discuss the handling of evidence in the case, as well as the motion to dismiss the original charge against Mark Strong.

In a report filed Monday afternoon in York County Superior Court by Deputy District Attorney Justina McGettigan, the state said it has returned some evidence obtained from the investigations of Alexis Wright and Mark Strong to their attorneys, but continues investigating computers and hard drives obtained and intends to hold on to those items to be used at trial.

Landing School debuts redesigned website

The Landing School recently launched a new website.

The Arundel, Maine-based school said Monday that the website at www.landingschool.edu represents an expansion of the interim site it had used during the previous year. The updated look features more resources for students and their families and detailed information about Landing School programs.

Because Landing School students come from around the world, the school’s goal was to ensure that information is available when and where they need it. The new site features more photography, more ways to get in touch with the staff and better navigation to make it easier to learn about the school’s programs and the marine industry in general.

read more...

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Board of Selectmen will be holding a public information meeting Saturday, November 3 from 10 AM until noon

The Board of Selectmen will be holding a public information meeting on Saturday, November 3 from 10 AM until noon at the ML Day School Gymnasium. This meeting will include a presentation from Charles Lawton of Planning Decisions, Inc. regarding the potential withdrawal from RSU 21.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/rsu21unity/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Withdrawal doesn't add up

October 18, 2012 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121018/OPINION/210180376/-1/NEWSMAP

Arundel taxpayers at last have the figures before them for what they might expect to pay should the town wish to form its own school district versus remaining with RSU 21.

Factoring in different cost-sharing options, remaining with the RSU would result in taxpayers paying anywhere from a high of $12.52 per $1,000 in valuation to a low of $11.88 if they stayed in RSU 21.

Proponents of withdrawal have said from the very beginning that taxpayers would pay less if Arundel were to withdraw from RSU 21. Now that the numbers tell a different story, withdrawal supporters say leaving the district is important to maintain "local control." They say they believe an Arundel-only district would be able to match, educationally, the achievements of the RSU.

The Kennebunk 'Client List' and What This Is Doing to Women in My Community

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/patricia-leavy-phd/kennebunk-client-list_b_1970828.html

I am a resident of Kennebunk, Maine -- epicenter of the prostitution scandal that has captivated people's attention. I feel compelled to address what I see as an assault on the women in my community. How is it that the question of whether or not to release the names of 150-plus johns has morphed into a subtle but clear attack on women?

Beginning with questions about the release of the "client list," it's important to remember that this is a simple matter of fairness. It is standard police practice for the names of any local persons charged with a crime to be released. Everyone who has their name released is "presumed innocent," and I have no doubt it is always embarrassing to be revealed in that public way. Nevertheless, it is standard practice and there should never have been a discussion about whether or not release the names of the johns who have been charged. While the names are now being made public, in batches, the hype around the release of names has triggered a range of gendered responses which seem to further victimize the women of Kennebunk.

read more...

Notice of Proposed Rule Change: Chapter 101, Maine Unified Special Education Regulation Birth to Age Twenty

http://mainedoenews.net/2012/10/22/rule-change-chapter-101/

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Maine Department of Education

The Maine Department of Education is proposing changes to Chapter 101, “Maine Unified Special Education Regulation Birth to Age Twenty,” a Maine Department of Education rule. This letter provides public notice of the proposed changes, a description of them, and information on how to participate in the rulemaking process.

The proposed amendments would do the following:

Change all references to the Child Development Services (CDS) regional site boards, which no longer exist, throughout the rule;
Add specific Part C new regulation language regarding evaluation and assessment, transition to an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), qualified personnel for nutrition and vision services, and policies related to public and private insurance;
Add language about who is responsible for child find procedures and Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) services at the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Governor Baxter School), Education in the Unorganized Territory, Maine School of Science and Mathematics, and charter schools;
Clarify the change in eligibility in Section VII;
Revise the FAPE choice provision to reflect the recent State statutory revision of IEP determination;
Revise the “highly qualified” chart in Section X;
Add references to the Common Core in the two places that the Maine Learning Results are referenced;
Modify the case management and caseload language regarding special education teachers;
Add qualifications for an Assistive Technology Professional and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst; and
Refine the dispute resolution section to be more reader friendly.

Chapter 101 governs the administration of the child find system for children age birth to 20, the provision of early intervention services to eligible children birth to under age 3 (B-2) with disabilities and their families, and the provision of special education and related services to eligible children age three to 20 with disabilities and their families.

The proposed rule is available online at: www.maine.gov/doe/rule/changes/index.html.

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, requires that The Maine Department of Education provide 30 days of notice of public hearing, and allow 60 days of public participation.

A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 500 of the Cross State Office Building, 111 Sewall Street, Augusta, Maine.
Written comments may be submitted via email to jaci.holmes@maine.gov or via mail to:

Jaci Holmes, Federal-State Legislative Liaison
Maine Department of Education
23 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0023

Monday, October 22, 2012

Sex scandal clashes with image of small-town Maine

By Edward D. Murphy emurphy@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

http://www.pressherald.com/news/sex-scandal-clashes-with-image-of-small-town-maine_2012-10-21.html

KENNEBUNK - For most residents here, the biggest news of the fall was expected to be the completion of a beautification project on Main Street resulting in wider brick sidewalks, new plantings and a new bridge over the Mousam River.

That was before a mix of illicit sex in an upscale small town, rumors of a list of prominent prostitution clients, the slow release of the names of suspected "johns" and even a hot new fitness routine turned Kennebunk into the setting for "a pretty potent formula for a tabloid story," said Max Read, a blogger for Gawker, a New York-based website with the motto: "Today's gossip is tomorrow's news.

read more...

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Kennebunk prostitution case: Town in the eye of the storm

By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

October 18, 2012 - 2:00 AM

http://m.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?aid=/20121018/NEWS/210180366&template=wapart

KENNEBUNK — It's safe to say Kennebunk has felt under siege of late, from bracing for impact of an alleged client list, to the intense focus of the national media, to even an earthquake Tuesday night.

For more than a week, the national spotlight has focused on this 10,000-person community as details of the alleged prostitution scandal, the trepidation over the release of client names, and the anticipated fallout has been all-consuming. Plastered on every news channel this week, and with media crews stationed along Main Street, the case has been hard to escape. It's been the topic of conversation everywhere from the gym, to the coffee shop, to the lines in the grocery store, to church.

"The national coverage has been more than disappointing, considering there are many more stories that should consume the airwaves. The only reason this has even appeared in the national arena is because it is a small town in Maine. This happens in many places, sadly, and is handled within that community," said Kennebunk resident Sheryl Burns. "The tragedy of this entire situation is the children and spouses of the accused. If we can do one thing to show the world what we are all about as a community, it would be in my opinion, we remain vigilant in protecting the families and our town as a whole from this fiasco. After all, a small community should stand up for their own. If we don't, the national media will eat us alive.

read more...

Withdrawal doesn't add up

October 18, 2012 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121018/OPINION/210180376&emailAFriend=1

Arundel taxpayers at last have the figures before them for what they might expect to pay should the town wish to form its own school district versus remaining with RSU 21.

According to consultant Chuck Lawton of Planning Decisions, only one option, Option A, would save taxpayers any money if they were to vote for withdrawal. And according to Lawton and town officials, that option calls for such great efficiencies that it isn't really an option at all. Instead, to maintain a similar level of service, taxpayers would pay anywhere from $12.65 to $13.56 per $1,000 in valuation to go it alone. Factoring in different cost-sharing options, remaining with the RSU would result in taxpayers paying anywhere from a high of $12.52 per $1,000 in valuation to a low of $11.88 if they stayed in RSU 21.

Withdrawal: Arundel's choice

October 18, 2012 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121018-OPINION-210180381

To the Editor:

Should the primary reason be the quality of education provided your children, ABSOLUTELY. When you have the opportunity to send your children to one of the premier schools in Maine. Thornton Academy, a school that this year attracts 136 students from 16 countries who pay tuition of between $12,500 and $23,870 (excluding board of up to $27,250); compare these costs to the bargain rates Arundel students pay of $7,335 for middle school and $9,275 for high school. Which would you choose, the RSU or Thornton? RSU 21 with a budget of $35 million for 2,644 students has an average cost of $13,472 per student.

Public hearing on withdrawal stirs passions

By Samantha Stephens

yccs@seacoastonline.com

October 18, 2012 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121018-NEWS-210180359

ARUNDEL — Although the Board of Selectmen had previously announced that it would not issue a public statement about the possible withdrawal of

Arundel from RSU 21, Chairwoman Velma Jones Hayes said Oct. 10 that there have been "vast improvements" since Arundel joined with the RSU 21 and she is in favor of staying with the district.

She made that announcement at a public hearing after resident Matt Sylvanus asked each board member to disclose their personal opinion on the question.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

TOWN OF ARUNDEL, MAINE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 Dutch Elm Golf Course 7:00 PM

I. Call to order

II. Approval of Agenda

III. New Business:

A. Selectmen’s Discussion pertaining to potential withdrawal from RSU #21 and Planning Decisions report

IV.Other Business and Adjournment

IMPORTANT LINKS:

The 10-10-12 PUBLIC HEARING VIDEO

[FINAL] PLANNING DECISIONS WITHDRAWAL STUDY REPORT

The WITHDRAWAL AGREEMENT

Standoff ends, man charged with attempted murder

Earthquake that shook Southern Maine

List of 21 men charged by Kennebunk police in prostitution case

http://www.pressherald.com/news/maine-kennebunk-johns-prostitution-zumba-wright-strong-alexis-police-clients-list.html

The Kennebunk Police Department has issued summonses to the people listed below in connection with their investigation of an alleged prostitution operation.

All of those named are accused of engaging a prostitute, a Class E offense punishable by a $200 fine. If it is a first offense, no jail sentence is imposed. If it is not a first offense, the suspect can be sentenced to up to six months in jail.

Police have said they intend to release additional names as more summonses are served. The total number of people expected to be summonsed is about 150, according to statements by police, prosecutors and other sources familiar with the case.

read more...

Newspaper goes to court over access to information on alleged 'johns'

By Ann S. Kim akim@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

http://www.pressherald.com/news/Newspaper-goes-to-court-over-access-to-information-on-alleged-johns.html

PORTLAND — The parent company of The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram is asking a judge to reconsider his ruling about information about the alleged "johns" of Zumba instructor Alexis Wright.

Superior Court Justice Thomas Warren on Monday ruled that the names of individuals issued summonses for engaging a prostitute are public information.

read more...

Residents want more details about Maine prostitution suspects

Man with same name as prostitution client speaks out

Monday, October 15, 2012

Police charge 21 men in Kennebunk prostitution case

By York County Coast Star staff

ldolce@seacoastonline.com

October 15, 2012 4:59 PM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121015-NEWS-121019832

KENNEBUNK — Police have released the names of the first round of alleged clients of Alexis Wright, who allegedly ran a prostitution operation out of her Kennebunk Zumba studio, charging 21 men.

All 21 individuals are charged with the misdemeanor count of engaging in prostitution.

The names released late Monday afternoon are the first of what police said will be groups of names released as alleged clients are summonsed. Police say those charged utilized the services of Wright, 29, of Wells, who they say operated a prostitution operation out of her Pura Vida Studio and an office space on High Street in Kennebunk. The alleged client list may contain more than 100 names.

read more...

Kennebunk police name 21 suspected 'johns,' but confusion follows

Without addresses or ages the identities of the men can't be determined for sure, and at least one local man, whose name is the same as a man on the list, is furious.

By Ann S. Kim akim@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

http://www.pressherald.com/news/kennebunk-maine-court-johns-prostitution-list-clients-wright-strong.html

A list of 21 names of suspected “johns” in a wide-ranging prostitution case in Kennebunk has been released, but the names have no addresses or ages.

Because the list has no other identifying information on the names, the Portland Press Herald will not publish the list until the identities of the men have been verified.

The names were released by the Kennebunk Police Department Monday evening after Superior Court Justice Thomas Warren denied a motion for a temporary restraining order filed by the attorney for two of the alleged “johns” to prevent police and prosecutors from releasing the names of those issued summonses for engaging a prostitute.

read more...

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Secret Santa program prepares for 25th year

To the editor:
Secret Santa is about to begin its 25th year of providing Christmas gifts to the children of families living in Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel who lack sufficient funds to purchase gifts themselves. Anyone who may need our program this year, or who wishes to assist us in our efforts, should be aware of the following information.

read more...

Visit www.arundelmaine.org for official town communications

Important Links we should ALL know where they can be located, viewed and understood prior to the election on November 6th 2012:

The 10-10-12 PUBLIC HEARING VIDEO

[FINAL] PLANNING DECISIONS WITHDRAWAL STUDY REPORT

The WITHDRAWAL AGREEMENT

General Election Sample Ballot

State Referendum Sample Ballot

Local Referendum Sample Ballot

Be an educated VOTER!

Experts weigh in on publishing 'the list'

By Tom Bell tbell@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

http://www.pressherald.com/news/experts-weigh-in-on-publishing-the-list_2012-10-14.html

Kelly McBride, an expert on journalism ethics at the Poynter Institute, knows all about "the list," the much anticipated electronic police log containing the names of the alleged "johns" in a Kennebunk prostitution case that has gotten nationwide attention.

Several reporters and editors from New England media outlets called her this week to ask about the ethical implications of running the entire list in their newspapers or on their websites.
The list reportedly has more than 150 names, including those of several prominent community figures, and has been a subject of both anticipation and dread in Kennebunk, a town of 10,500 on Maine's southern coast.

read more...

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Release of 'the list' on hold for now

Authorities will not make public alleged prostitution client names before the state's highest court has ruled.

By Ann S. Kim akim@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

http://www.pressherald.com/news/Judge-denies-johns-attempt-to-block-release-of-names.html

BIDDEFORD – A last-minute attempt to prevent the release of the names of Zumba instructor Alexis Wright's alleged "johns" has succeeded -- at least for a while.

The suspected clients got the reprieve Friday, the day police had been expected to release a list of names of individuals charged with the misdemeanor offense of engaging a prostitute. Authorities will not make the names public before the state's highest court acts on an appeal filed by two of the alleged clients.

"It will be our last attempt. That's our last best hope," said their attorney, Stephen Schwartz.
Another defense lawyer representing accused prostitution clients filed a separate motion late Friday seeking to keep the names private for different reasons.

read more...

Maine town on edge after Zumba instructor accused of prostitution

http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/12/justice/maine-alleged-prostitution/index.html

From Adam Reiss, CNN

updated 10:58 PM EDT, Fri October 12, 2012

(CNN) -- An image on the website of Pura Vida Studio, in the picturesque Maine town of Kennebunk, shows 18 smiling women and one man flushed after an arduous dance workout.

But that's not the full picture, authorities say.

Prosecutors say 29-year-old fitness instructor Alexis Wright was paid to have sex with customers in her Zumba studio. She allegedly got help from her business partner Mark Strong, a 57-year-old insurance salesman and private investigator.

Wright is accused of having sex with dozens of men and videotaping many of the encounters. Strong's lawyer, Dan Lilley, tells CNN that prosecutors have given him a list of 150 patrons and a computer hard drive with some videos, with erotic titles, that are part of the investigation.

The Today Show in Kennebunk Maine

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Friday, October 12, 2012

10-10-12 Arundel Public Hearing

Many benefits to staying in school district

To the editor:

http://post.mainelymediallc.com/news/2012-10-12/Letters/Many_benefits_to_staying_in_school_district.html

Arundel hired an expert to tell us whether pulling out of Regional School Unit 21 would save us money.
From a recent meeting, I gathered that going it alone is not going to save us money if we want the quality and high standard of education we currently have in the RSU. To me the numbers presented were clear and concise.

For those of you wanting the numbers, they will be posted on the town of Arundel website, supposedly by Oct. 4. We, I think in most cases unwittingly, were led to believe that when this whole thing started that we were going to see what an outside source could tell us about the monetary benefits of leaving the RSU.

read more...

The numbers don't lie

October 11, 2012 2:00 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121011-OPINION-210110376

To the Editor:

The numbers are in. Numbers that do not come from Arundel Town Selectmen, from the Withdrawal Committee, or the RSU.

The unbiased, independent consulting firm Planning Decisions made it very clear:

"Leaving the RSU would systematically disadvantage Arundel," (Charles Lawton, consultant from Planning Decisions). That is compared to staying in the RSU and helping to share the cost of a (plus or minus) $50 million high school renovation in Kennebunk.

Kennebunk police delay releasing names of alleged johns, await court ruling

By Laura Dolce

ldolce@seacoastonline.com

October 12, 2012 1:52 PM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121012-NEWS-121019901

BIDDEFORD, Maine — Kennebunk police said they will wait for a court decision on a motion to block the release of alleged clients' names in relation to the Kennebunk prostitution case before releasing a list of people charged.

“We're erring on the side of being courteous,” said Kennebunk Police Lt. Tony Bean Burpee. “Showing good faith.”

Bean Burpee said it could take as much as a day or two before the court hands down a decision.

Attorney Stephen Schwartz, whose motion to block the release of his clients' names was denied this morning in Biddeford District Court, has filed an appeal he expects to go as high as Maine Supreme Court.

Bean Burpee said Schwartz had hand-delivered a request for a stay on the decision handed down earlier in Biddeford District Court

Schwartz, of Portland firm Schwartz and Schwartz, said while his clients are being charged with a crime, they are also victims of one.

Kennebunk prostitution case: Names to become public, judge rules

Kennebunk prostitution case: what to tell the children

By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

October 11, 2012 12:53 PM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121011/NEWS/121019946/-1/NEWSMAP

KENNEBUNK — As many brace for the release of the first batch of names in the alleged prostitution operation in Kennebunk, concern is turning to the children whose lives could be impacted.

Psychotherapist Roslyn Birger-Hershfield, MSW/LCSW, who is based in York and focuses on work with children and adolescents, offered advice on how to help children navigate what's to come.

Maine town awaits names in prostitution case

6:04AM EDT October 12. 2012 -
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/10/12/maine-kennebunk-wright-prostitution/1628969/

KENNEBUNK, Maine (AP) — Townspeople were waiting with curiosity for the names of people who have been issued summons for allegedly giving business to a local fitness instructor charged with running a prostitution operation out of her Zumba fitness studio and a small office in this southern Maine town.

Alexis Wright, a 29-year-old fitness instructor from Wells, has pleaded not guilty to 106 counts of prostitution, invasion of privacy, tax evasion and other charges for allegedly accepting money for sex and secretly videotaping her encounters. Her business partner, Mark Strong Sr., a 57-year-old insurance agent and private investigator from Thomaston, has pleaded not guilty to 59 misdemeanor charges for his alleged role.

Searches of Wright's studio and office have turned up video recordings of sexual acts, billing information and meticulous records about clients, according to court documents.

read more...

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Kennebunk Prostitution Case Puts Maine Newsrooms in Quandary

10/10/2012 Reported By: Patty B. Wight
http://www.mpbn.net/Home/tabid/36/ctl/ViewItem/mid/3478/ItemId/24138/Default.aspx

The list of clients associated with an alleged prostitution business in Kennebunk is generating as much attention as the case itself. That's because the names on that list - over 100 of them - will inevitably become public, and that could have damaging consequences for associated family members. As Patty Wight reports, many newsrooms are grappling with the question of when - and if - to publish those names.

It's unclear whether the list of clients will become public before the case goes to trial. Prosecutors and defense attorneys have the names, though none have released them and no one seems eager to do so. Some police have the information as well, though Kennebunk Lt. Anthony Bean Burpee says client names will only become public as they are each charged.

"I mean there are a number of factors we need to go to in order to find probable cause to charge somebody," he says. "So if we don't have the evidence to be able to charge somebody, then we can't do that legally."

Bean Burpee says police started to issue summonses last Friday, but they don't become public until paperwork is filed with the courts. The editor of the York County Coast Star Laura Dolce. says she expects to see the first client names this Friday in a weekly press release from the Kennebunk Police Department.

Dolce says for decades, the York County Coast Star has published names in the police blotter without any exceptions. But this particular case has generated hours of newsroom discussion about what to do. The verdict? They will publish the names of those charged.

read more...

Voters speak out about RSU 21 withdrawal

http://www.wlbz2.com/news/article/218304/3/Voters-speak-out-about-RSU-21-withdrawal

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

REVISED FINAL STUDY REPORT

PLANNING DECISIONS WITHDRAWAL STUDY REPORT

Please click on the link above for a copy of the Planning Decisions Project Report in regards to the potential withdrawal from RSU # 21.

This is a revised version that replaces any and all copies made prior to 3:00 PM on October 10.

Planning Decisions will be presenting their information regarding this report this evening at 7 PM in the ML Day School Gymnasium.

All are welcomed to attend. Tonight's meeting will be videotaped and a link will be provided tomorrow morning for all to view.

www.arundelmaine.org

Presidential Election, State and Local Referendum Vote

www.arundelmaine.org - Links to sample ballots:

General Election Sample Ballot

State Referendum Sample Ballot

Local Referendum Sample Ballot

Good Morning America Video Segment | Kennebunk Maine

Watch More News Videos at ABC | 2012 Presidential Election

An important message from the Town of Arundel!

PLANNING DECISIONS WITHDRAWAL STUDY REPORT

A revised copy of the withdrawal study report is being prepared in order to correct some inaccuracies that have been found.

The revised version should be available by mid day, Wednesday October 10.

Planning Decisions will be presenting their information regarding this report this evening at 7 PM in the ML Day School Gymnasium.

All are welcomed to attend.

www.arundelmaine.org

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

2 charged in Kennebunk prostitution case plead not guilty

Alexis Wright of Wells and Mark Strong Sr. of Thomaston entered their pleas in a Portland courtroom today.

http://www.pressherald.com/news/Kennebunk-Zumba-teacher-pleads-in-prostitution-case.html The Associated Press

PORTLAND — A 29-year-old fitness instructor has pleaded not guilty on charges she ran a prostitution business out of her Kennebunk Zumba studio and secretly filmed her encounters.

read more...

Monday, October 8, 2012

Fallout from Kennebunk prostitution case: where to get help

Experts: Community should offer support

October 08, 2012 11:28 AM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121008-NEWS-121009780

With police announcing that the first of the alleged clients will be charged this week, and with subsequent arrests occurring over the next few months, it's clear that people in the community could need help or be called upon to offer help.

The Coast Star spoke to mental health professionals about the kind of help those involved will need,

For partners whose spouse/significant other has been charged:

• Don't make relationship decisions right away.

"In my world, to react to infidelity by taking a huge action quickly is not a good idea," said Robert Weiss, a licensed social worker who is director of intimacy and sexual disorder programs at Elements Behavioral Health in California and The Ranch in Tennessee. "If they are already on that route, fine, but if this is the issue that has triggered discontent in an otherwise reasonable relationship, I would not make a major move."

Weiss urged anyone dealing with betrayal to wait six months before making any major decisions about the future of any relationship.

• It's normal to be mad, and to feel hurt.

It is important for a betrayed spouse to know it is normal to feel angry, to doubt the stability of the relationship and to feel out of control, Weiss said.

"Their whole world has been turned upside down," he said.

For children:

• Talk to them at an age-appropriate level.

School district braces for release of client names in Kennebunk prostitution case

By Jennifer Feals

jfeals@seacoastonline.com

October 06, 2012 5:24 PM

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121006/NEWS/121009805/-1/NEWSMAP

Superintendent: We'll be here for children, families

KENNEBUNK – Anticipating that names on the so-called “client” list in the Kennebunk prostitution investigation could be made public as early as the coming week, RSU 21 is taking steps to help students who could be impacted.

Superintendent Andrew Dolloff issued a memo to RSU 21 staff on Thursday, Oct. 4, recognizing that students and staff could be affected if a family member's name is released, and asking staff to be prepared to help students and potentially families, to observe students as information is released, and to not discuss the information in any way that could be embarrassing to a student or staff member who could be affected.

“We're certainly aware that with the numbers that have been reported for these alleged perpetrators, that there's a likelihood that there would be some connection to people who are in our schools and obviously we are most concerned with our students,” Dolloff said Friday. “It's about being upfront and saying that this is taking place in our community, let's use the resources and strategies we have always used to help students.”