Friday, November 30, 2012

Arundel to create community committee


ARUNDEL — With hopes of uniting the town, Arundel will begin looking into creating a community committee.

Town Manager Todd Shea approached the Board of Selectmen with the idea at a meeting held Monday, Nov. 26.

Shea said several residents in Arundel have expressed their hopes that the town will move forward after the decision to remain with RSU 21 and the healing process can begin to bring both sides of the issue together.

"A lot of people are looking for a sense of community," Shea said. "We need something other than the school to focus on."

Committee commits to raising $4 million for new KHS arts center

November 29, 2012 2:00 AM
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121129/NEWS/211290370/-1/NEWSMAP
 
KENNEBUNK — Organizers are planning to secure $4 million in private donations to support the Southern Maine Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, which is in the planning stages along with renovations at Kennebunk High School.

The community arts center is being discussed alongside renovations being planned for KHS, Kennebunkport Consolidated School and Mildred L. Day School in Arundel. The cost of the plans to renovate the three facilities is estimated between $61.7 million and $66.8 million, with two plans currently being reviewed at the high school — one with the free-standing performing arts center and the second without.

The cost of renovating the three school buildings, along with constructing the freestanding performing arts center, is estimated at $66.8 million, with $10 million of that total anticipated to be raised through private funding.

Fire-Rescue aids Sandy relief effort

Arundel group sends two box trucks to New Jersey
ARUNDEL – Two 16-foot box trucks filled with toiletries, bedding, clothing, nonperishable food, baby wipes, toys and cleaning supplies left Arundel Fire-Rescue at 5 a.m. Nov. 16 bound for Lincroft, N.J.

The two-day trip, organized by Arundel Fire-Rescue volunteers Jason Nedeau, North Yarmouth Fire Chief Rick Plummer and Arundel Paramedic Chris Koepf, was arranged to provide aid to first responders devastated by Sandy.

“Red Cross, FEMA – they generally try to concentrate on the public. The fire service’s (motto) has always been ‘Feed ourselves last,’” said Nedeau.

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Kennebunkport mourns loss of businessman

As a selectman and active resident, Mathew Lanigan, 48, was active in the town's Christmas Prelude festival.


Mathew Lanigan, a selectman and prominent business owner in Kennebunkport, died Tuesday of complications from brain surgery. He was 48.

Lanigan was a longtime supporter of the town's annual Christmas Prelude, a popular holiday festival in downtown Kennebunkport that begins this weekend.

Thousands are expected to fill Dock Square at 5:30 p.m. Friday for a tree-lighting, which will be dedicated to Lanigan.

"Mat has been such an integral part of this celebration for so many years," said Sheila Matthews-Bull, chair of the Kennebunkport Board of Selectmen, who also leads the Prelude committee. "We will feel the loss on a personal level, but when the guests come in for Prelude, we want them to enjoy it the way they always do. It's what Mat would have wanted."

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Lanigan of Kennebunkport, and their three young children, Bryce, 8, Carter, 7, and Audrey, 4.

Lanigan owned and operated The Emporium in downtown Kennebunkport for 17 years.

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

4 men plead guilty in Kennebunk prostitution case


While 54 men have appeared in three groups of names released by the department over the last six weeks, Deputy District Attorney Justina McGettigan confirmed Tuesday that four additional men pleaded guilty before their names would have been made public on the bi-weekly police blotter press release.

"They would not appear on a police blotter if they had already pled guilty," McGettigan said in an e-mail.

"That is what happened in these cases. They pled guilty and were sentenced prior to the release of the blotter."

Instead, the men went to court and accepted a plea in the case, paying fines.

Those men who pleaded guilty in Alfred District Court to the misdemeanor charge of engaging a prostitute are:


Benjamin Bouma, 40, of 26468 North 84th St., Peoria, Ariz.; Ryan P. Saucier, 31, of 45 Forest Ave., South Portland; Bradford Siegel, 56, of 14 Millridge Road, Cumberland; and Michael Sherwood, 53, of 1011 Washington St., Portland.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Latest on the List "bold text"

Kennebunk Police Department
POLICE BLOTTER: November 26, 2012
Posted:  November 26, 2012


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lt. Anthony J. Bean Burpee     aburpee@kennebunkpolice.org     (207) 985-6121


On October 30, 2012, Eric Franzen, 33, of 16 Maple Street, North Berwick, ME, was arrested on two active arrest warrants for Failure to Appear after police made contact with him on Webber Hill Road as a result of a reported disabled motor vehicle. He was transported to the York County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court later this year.

On November 2, 2012, Leo Dyer, 27, of 30 George Street, Biddeford, ME, was arrested and charged with Violation of Conditions of Release pursuant to a motor vehicle stop on York Street for erratic operation. He was found to be in violation of his current bail conditions and was transported to the York County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on December 19, 2012.


On November 13, 2012, Anthony Paro, 20, of 86 Old Port Road, Kennebunk, ME, was arrested and charged with Violation of Conditions of Release, Possession of Usable Amount of Marijuana, and Sale & Use of Drug Paraphernalia after police performed a bail conditions check at the residence. He was found to be in violation of his current bail conditions and was transported to the York County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on February 20, 2013.


On November 15, 2012, Christopher Smith, 50, of 212 Wadleigh Pond Road, Lyman, ME, was arrested and charged with Violation of Conditions of Release, Operating After Suspension, and Attaching False Plates pursuant to a motor vehicle stop on Alfred Road for a vehicle infraction. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on January 9, 2013.


On November 15, 2012, Daniel A. Meyer, 41, of P.O. Box 81, Raymond, ME, was charged with Engaging a Prostitute following an ongoing department investigation. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on February 20, 2013.


On November 17, 2012, Joseph Tynan, 62, of 11 Durrell's Bridge Road, Arundel, ME, was arrested and charged with Operating Under the Influence pursuant to a motor vehicle stop on for erratic operation. He was transported to the York County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on January 9, 2013.


On November 18, 2012, Stacey Ames, 31, of 24 Cat Mousam Road, Kennebunk, ME, was charged with Theft after police responded to Hannaford Supermarket for a report of a shoplifting incident. She is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on February 6, 2013.


On November 19, 2012, David F. Burley, 47, of 22 Lindale Avenue, Biddeford, ME, was charged with Engaging a Prostitute following an ongoing department investigation. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on February 20, 2013.


On November 20, 2012, Christopher Cutshall, 52, of 305 Commercial Street, #403, Portland, ME, was charged with Engaging a Prostitute following an ongoing department investigation. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on February 20, 2013.


On November 21, 2012, Robin Schultz, 55, of 264 Maguire Road, Kennebunk, ME, was charged with Keeping Dangerous Dog after police responded to Maguire Road for a report of an alleged dog attack on another animal. She is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on February 6, 2013.


On November 21, 2012, Neal Griswold, 65, of 110 Mills Road, Kennebunkport, ME, was arrested and charged with Operating Under the Influence pursuant to a motor vehicle stop on Western Avenue for erratic operation. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court January 9, 2013.


On November 21, 2012, Marcus Smith, 22, of 95 Alewive Road, Kennebunk, ME, was arrested and charged with Forgery and Theft after police responded to TD Bank for a complaint of misrepresentation of identity and theft. A probation hold was placed on Smith and he was transported to the York County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on January 9, 2013.


On November 21, 2012, Roger C. Larson, 58, of 5 S Beech Road, Harrison, ME, was charged with Engaging a Prostitute following an ongoing department investigation. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on February 20, 2013.


On November 24, 2012, Charles Parent, 48, of 10 Summit Drive, Kennebunk, ME, was arrested and charged with Domestic Violence Assault after police responded to the residence for a disturbance. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on December 19, 2012.


On November 24, 2012, Mark Nelson, 43, of 13 Willard's Way, Kennebunk, ME, was charged with Assault after police responded to the residence for a report of a disturbance that had occurred earlier in the day. He is scheduled to appear in Biddeford District Court on March 20, 2013.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Arundel votes to stay with RSU 21


ARUNDEL – After three years of discussions and a margin of 125 votes, Arundel residents voted Nov. 6 to remain in Regional School Unit 21. The vote was 1,169 in favor of staying in the school district and 1,044 against the proposal.

To some, the vote came as a disappointment.


Jon Renell was one of those people.


Renell, who was on the Town of Arundel Withdrawal Committee and helped collect signatures for the petition, said it would be at least two years until residents can petition to leave RSU 21 again.

Although Renell has no intention of being a part of that, he said if asked, he would add his signature.

Others, such as Superintendent Andrew Dolloff, were pleased with the results. In a press release the day after the election, Dolloff said he was happy with the voters’ decision to stay in RSU 21 and added the true beneficiaries of the vote are the students.


Addressing the contentious nature of the issue, Velma Jones Hayes, chairman of the Arundel Board of Selectmen, said Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport worked together before the vote and will continue working together.


read more...

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Kennebunkport to explore withdrawal from RSU 21



RSU Board discusses school renovations

Now that Arundel residents have voted to stay with RSU 21, the district is faced with moving ahead with both a new cost sharing proposal and renovations to three of the district's schools. That's what was discussed at a RSU 21 Board of Directors workshop meeting Monday, Nov. 19. But despite moving ahead with plans, the district has a new issue looming on the horizon, Director Tim Hussey told the board.

"I was told a petition was submitted with enough signatures for Kennebunkport to start the withdrawal process," Hussey said.

Hussey said that his information was "second-hand or third-hand," but Superintendent Andrew Dolloff confirmed that Kennebunkport collected signatures on Election Day and will begin investigating the withdrawal process.

"I think withdrawal would be a detriment to the students of Kennebunkport," he said.

Happy Thanksgiving to All

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

RSU Board hears plans for KHS, KCS, and MLD Renovations

From: "AlertNow Message from RSU 21" <RSU21@RSU21.net>
Date: November 20, 2012, 12:10:55 PM EST
Subject: RSU Board hears plans for KHS, KCS, and MLD Renovations


November 20, 2012

RSU 21 Board Receives Update on Capital Building Projects

On Monday, Nov. 19, the RSU 21 Board of School Directors heard from representatives of three building committees along with consultants from Harriman Architects and Engineers and Superintendent Andrew Dolloff regarding plans for major renovations to Kennebunk High School, Kennebunkport Consolidated School, and Mildred L. Day School in Arundel. The total cost of the three plans is estimated to be somewhere between $61.7M and $66.8M, depending upon the options selected by the Board.

Norm Archer, chair of the Consolidated School Building Committee and member of the RSU Board, shared plans for a $9.8M expansion and renovation of Kennebunkport’s only school facility. The plans call for a complete overhaul of the antiquated electrical, mechanical, and life safety systems, as well as the demolition of the existing gym to allow for the creation of a separate gymnasium, cafeteria, library, and kitchen facility. Currently, they gym doubles as a cafeteria during the day, and the library is located in a former classroom. The plan also calls for the elimination of portable classrooms by adding rooms for art and music instruction, and a complete reworking of traffic patterns and parking areas, increasing safety for students and accessibility to the building. Archer encouraged the Board to support the project, saying, “KCS is a true neighborhood school-- an integral part of life in Kennebunkport, used year round by both the district and town residents. However, after years without capital improvement, the time has come to address significant life safety issues and prepare the facility for the next 25-30 years. In that spirit, this committee has incorporated input from parents, teachers and an active town leadership to develop a thoroughly considered renovation plan.”


The plan for Mildred L. Day School, which serves Arundel’s kindergarten through grade 5 students, calls for approximately $4M in renovations, including updating of electrical, mechanical, and life safety systems and the addition of several classroom spaces. Currently, classes such as art and music are held in a portable classroom. By adding instructional space to the plan, the need for portable space is eliminated. Kevin Crowley, Principal at M.L. Day expressed pleasure with the committee’s recommendation. “The staff and students at the school are excited to be discussing a plan which allows the entire K-5 population to be unified in the main wing of our building, eliminating the need for children to attend classes in the outside portable classroom.”


Kennebunk police release 15 more names in prostitution case

Meanwhile, a local TV weatherman goes public to say his name won't be appearing on any upcoming list.
 
http://www.pressherald.com/news/maine-Kennebunk-police-11-prostitution-johns-suspects.html


PORTLAND — Kennebunk police identified 15 more men Friday as suspects in the high-profile prostitution case against Alexis Wright.

The following men were charged Friday with engaging a prostitute:

Peter B. Chavonelle Jr., 47, of 19 Swan Road, Windham, ME
Derek M. Chapman, 32, of 461 Cumberland Avenue, #7, Portland, ME

Jeffrey A. Rogers, 38, of 10 Carriage Way, Scarborough, ME
Craig S. Patterson, 53, of 119 Wythburn Road, South Portland, ME

Stanley H. Cornwall Jr., 50, of 11 Parker Farm Road, Buxton, ME
Robert W. Hazleton Jr., 68, of 20086 Palermo Lake Court, Estero, FL
Jason A. Douin, 38, of 31 Sunrise Street, Augusta, ME

Wendall Wayne Fessenden, 62, of 5 Proctor Avenue, Kennebunkport, ME
Brian R. Bedard, 38, of 201 River Road, Biddeford, ME

Michael A. McInnis, 53, of 15 Vines Road, Saco, ME

James Andrew Ferriera, 49, of 165 Sandy Hill Road, South Portland, ME

Jeffrey R. Beaupre, 46, of 22 Homestead Drive, Lyman, ME
Thomas F. Powers, 56, of 708 River Road, Edgecomb, ME
William Lee Kerr, 53, of 152 Lone Indian Trail, Augusta, ME

Jeffrey L. Comeau, 35, of 77 Cemetery Road, Berwick, ME

The latest list brings the total number of men charged with engaging a prostitute to 54.

Police have said they intend to release additional names as more court summonses are served. A total of about 150 names were found on Wright's list of clients, according to police, prosecutors and others familiar with the case.

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Monday, November 19, 2012

Coyotes attack pets in Arundel

Warden service fields calls on the issue

ARUNDEL – Residents who own pets are being warned on the town of Arundel’s website to keep an eye on them in light of recent coyote attacks near New Road and Liberty Acres Drive.

Town Manager Todd Shea said he knows of three or four animals that have gone missing so far.

“They did find the remains of one of them and that’s when I was alerted to the fact that the warden service has been dealing with this issue out there,” said Shea.

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An open letter to Arundel residents from the Town Manager in regards to community building.

Town of Arundel 468 Limerick Road Arundel, ME 04046


To: All Arundel Residents

From: Todd Shea, Town Manager

RE: Election results


11/13/12

I am very encouraged that you have voted in this past election, particularly in regards to the local referendum issue that was before you this past week. The turnout is very encouraging, and I hope to see that passion remain. You all voted what you felt was in the best interest of the Town of Arundel, the Town in which you reside.

However, understand that the person who voted for the other option didn't do so to spite you.

And in the end, this community is only going to move forward if we can make decisions together.
 

Compromise is never fun, but if done correctly, results in everyone being a little better off.

In the coming months, the town needs to make a very important compromise if we expect to continue to rebuild and strengthen our sense of community. Delivery of education is important to the future of this town, and it is time for the residents of the Town of Arundel to continue to stay involved in educational matters, not just resign and say, “We cannot make a difference.” . Educationally the Town of Arundel is part of a larger community, and several members of that larger community, who do not reside in Arundel, that we share resources with, feel the very same way that you do about matters before the RSU. Reach out to those people, and make a difference. Regain local control, as part of a larger entity. This may sound impossible, but even a marathon begins with a single step.
 

You all voted in the manner that you felt would serve the community best. Now, get involved in the system that provides the education to our community, and let them know how we can make this relationship work, so that everyone can work in harmony to accomplish the goal of educating the Arundel students effectively and in a fiscally responsible manner. Contact your local RSU board representatives, attend RSU board meetings, and most importantly please try to move forward with the decision that has been made. Only then can this Town begin to heal and function more as a community united, not a community divided.

You are all residents of this Town. That is NOT impacted by the way that you have voted. However, it IS impacted by how you treat people who voted differently than you. Arundel needs to set a larger goal of community involvement in all issues related to this town.

Let's build this community back up together. The same way it was built in the first place. Reach out, reconnect, and help to make this the community that you all want to live in once again.



New arundelmaine.org website!



www.arundelmaine.org