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    • Buckfield employee benefits threatened

      Mar 03, 2011 12:01 am

      BUCKFIELD — In an effort to cut costs, the Buckfield Board of Selectmen is considering slashing employee benefits.

      The most dramatic scenario of those under consideration would save the town nearly $14,000, but would cost the town's eight employees the same amount in lost holidays, health insurance, IRA benefits, and the ability to sell unused sick days back to the town.

      A change to employee health insurance would shift approximately $5,000 in costs from the town to three employees.

    • Towns vie for share of casino dollars

      Mar 03, 2011 12:01 am

      PARIS — Concerns about traffic congestion, managing growth, the misuse of income leading to additional strains on social services, and heavier usage of emergency services have led to a discussion among towns to discuss the reallocation of casino revenues.

      Norway, Paris, Poland, Oxford and Mechanic Falls plan to ask the state legislature to establish a regional impact fund that would defray potential costs caused by the casino's presence.

    • County commissioner appointed to state office

      Mar 03, 2011 12:01 am

      AREA — Caldwell Jackson, former Oxford selectman, current county commissioner, and lifelong resident of East Oxford, was recently appointed to the post of Deputy Commissioner for the Maine Department of Agriculture.

      The department is a branch of the Governor's office in Augusta and is described by the Maine government's website as the "State’s lead agency dealing with all aspects of the food system from the field to the table."

    • Homeless Norway man dies in jail

      Mar 03, 2011 12:01 am

      RECENT DEATH — Reid Ross died of undetermined causes while in an observation cell at the Androscoggin County Jail.

    • Oxford foresees three years of abatements

      Mar 03, 2011 12:01 am

      OXFORD — Computer problems that caused hundreds of property owners to receive erroneous valuations last year have been largely addressed, though dozens of affected residents are still coming forward and receiving abatements this year.

      Town Manager Michael Chammings says that the computer system, which was used to record data for a town-wide revaluation, left office staff scrambling to correct piles of paperwork.

    • West Paris in strong financial position

      Mar 03, 2011 12:01 am

      WEST PARIS — A 2010 financial audit for the town revealed that it is in a healthy financial position, a contrast to many towns across the state.

      The audit, conducted by Hoisington and Bean Public Accountants of Norway, showed that the town had no long term debt commitments and a healthy surplus.

      Accountant Lance Bean reported that, despite drops in property tax valuation and depreciation of capital assets, the town has continued to be run at a surplus.

    • No free rides for ambulance riders

      Mar 03, 2011 12:01 am

      OXFORD — Oxford has decided to get tough on delinquent ambulance fees, as the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a measure to send more than $28,000 to collections.

      "I tell you what really irks you, is when somebody gets in an accident, they get their services, they get a check to cover their services, and then they keep the check," said Town Manager Michael Chammings during a February 17 meeting of the Board of Selectmen. "And they never pay the town to begin with."

    • Ice Out contest begins

      Mar 03, 2011 12:01 am

      AREA — It's almost that time of year again. Just a month ago, a furry rodent in Pennsylvania somehow managed to be eluded by his own shadow, which obviously means one thing and one thing alone; spring is approaching faster than the snow  buried our cars last week.

      Frankly, we at the Advertiser Democrat are not ones to question the indubitable science underlying Punxsutawney Phil's brash annual predictions, and as such, we have decided to commence our annual Ice Out competition.

    • National Youth Art Month

      Mar 03, 2011 12:01 am

      This snowman is created from snowflakes by Kail Grant, grade 4, Agnes Gray Achool, West Paris. Art teacher: Eva Kozun.

    • Anglers Oppose Dam at Scribner's Mill

      Mar 01, 2011 3:30 pm

      SEBAGO LAKE – The Sebago Lake Angler's Association (SLAA) has voted to oppose the building of a dam at Scribner's Mill on Crooked River last week, a vote that SLAA says will help to ensure better fish runs and a healthier watershed.

      “We took a vote,” said SLAA President David Garcia. “It was almost unanimous. The group does not want to see any dams put in on Crooked River.”

      The group's position on the issue is no surprise.

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