Westbrook Rep. Proposes $100M Transportation Bond

PPH:

The bill, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Ann Peoples, would allocate $65 million to road and bridge repairs, $20 million to improve rail lines, $10 million for public transportation and $5 million for pedestrian trails. It is too early in the process to determine the specific projects that would receive funding.

- John C.L. Morgan

Maine Hindus Look Forward to Opening of Westbrook Temple

PPH:

Having a temple in Maine has been a hope of Hindus here for decades, said Deven Bhatt, president of Maine Hindu Temple, the nonprofit organization that orchestrated the purchase of the former Unitarian Universalist Church on Westbrook's Main Street.

- John C.L. Morgan

Kennebec Smeltin'

maine.:

We’re driving through the Kennebec River towns north of Merrymeeting Bay, looking for fishing camps. Catching a bucket of smelt is our goal. But the frozen surfaces are thinner than usual this year, where there’s ice at all...[t]hin, silvery-pink fish often not much longer than an outstretched hand, rainbow smelt are known to live primarily in saltwater bays, but spawn in fresh water--famously, under the ice of the Kennebec River.

 John C.L. Morgan

Related: Ice Breaker (March 23, 2009)

First Winter Festival Receives Positive Reviews

AJ:

Whether bundled in heavy jackets, wetsuits or running gear, everyone was wearing a smile at last weekend’s first Westbrook Winter West Fest. The festival, which officials estimate drew a few thousand people, included events such as dog sled races, hockey tournaments, kayaking on the Presumpscot River, a 5K run, snow sculpturing and even a few impromptu snowball fights.

- John C.L. Morgan

City Looks to Expand Recreational Access to Presumpscot

PPH:

On Monday, the City Council will vote on whether to spend as much as $25,000 for the ramps and docks, which Baker is proposing to install near the end of Ash Street, near Cottage Place and in the northwest corner of Riverbank Park, where he also wants the city to rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

- John C.L. Morgan

State to Reduce Funding to Westbrook Schools

AJ:

According to information released by the state Department of Education, the $12.6 million in state aid to the Westbrook School Department will be reduced by slightly less than $205,000, a cut of 0.7 percent. The cut is a small percentage of the $30.9 million 2012-2013 school budget passed by voters in June.

- John C.L. Morgan

Full disclosure: I am an employee of the Westbrook School Department.

Casella Opens Trash Transfer Station Today

PPH:

Now, much of the waste from the region will be dumped in Westbrook, then consolidated in larger trucks and hauled away for disposal.

[snip]

The facility in Westbrook is expected to take in about 123,000 tons of trash annually from 14 communities in southern Maine, including Sanford, Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, and any waste from companies that need its hauling services, said Casella officials.

- John C.L. Morgan

Local Entrepreneur Looks to Develop Water Park on Presumpscot

PPH:

Rob Mitchell's commute has taken him over the
Presumpscot River in Westbrook for the past 15 years. But when he took up
kayaking about 10 years ago, the river started to look different to him.In it,
Mitchell saw the potential for a recreational water park -- a project he thought
he'd take on once his kids graduate from high school.

- John C.L. Morgan

Group Promoting Lower Taxes Forms in City

AJ:

An organized group of Westbrook residents is
looking over the shoulders of city and school officials throughout this year’s
budget season.Westbrook Taxpayers United, boasting about 30 members, has been a
vocal presence during the budget process.

- John C.L. Morgan