Resolution nears for ATV dispute

PARIS — It seemed like a day that might never come in Paris.

Leaders from both sides of a heated battle over ATV use on Parsons Road shook hands in front of the Paris Board of Selectmen last night, and indicated that both sides supported a proposal on ATV use that had been submitted to the board.

For several tense minutes, the contentious debate reverted to form, as ATV enthusiasts shouted during a heated argument with a board member, but a resolution was successfully brokered before the meeting ended.

Buckfield woman escapes serious injury

BUCKFIELD ROLLOVER — A Buckfield woman was transported to the hospital with soreness in her ankle and chest after a rollover on Route 119 on Wednesday, May 4. Maine State Trooper Daniel Hanson said that the driver lost control after her rear, passenger-side tire separated from the wheel due to mechanical problems. The vehicle was headed north, swerved across the south-bound lane into a ditch, hit, and rolled over one and a half times. Members of Buckfield Fire Department used a saw to cut back the roof and remove the driver.

Secret ballot for disputed green energy loans

BUCKFIELD — A battle over green home loans will be determined by secret ballot, the Buckfield Board of Selectmen decided on Tuesday.

The decision followed months of wrangling over how the matter could be brought before the town's voters, a discussion precipitated by Buckfield's refusal to join other towns in Maine by adopting a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) ordinance.

Resident Joyce Hartson, an opponent of the measure, requested a secret ballot during a late-April meeting, while supporters of the program wanted an open vote.

Study: Breathe easy in Oxford County

OXFORD COUNTY — When it comes to air quality, Oxford County is number one.

The 2011 "State of the Air" report, released in conjunction with Air Quality Awareness Week last week, identified Oxford County as the best county in the state in terms of ozone exposure.

"Generally, we've got pretty good air and pretty good water in these parts," said Ken Morse, of Healthy Oxford Hills. "Some of the economic indicators, we don't do so well in. In terms of the quality of place, and the natural environment, it's a pretty good place to live."