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 "Here's to a Healthy New Year" Photo by Sally Giles of Garland who said, "Some good looking organically grown fruit and veggies from the Common Ground Fair, September 21st" It is now
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By Diana Bowley of the BDN Staff: DEXTER, Maine - A dispute over the location of a primitive boat launch on Lake Wassookeag that is near the public water intake system is headed back to court. The boat launch has been used over the years by owners of larger boats who can’t gain access to the big lake from the state’s boat launch on the smaller part of the lake because it is restricted by limited clearance under the bridge that connects the two. When the Department of Transportation moved in 2005 to convert the primitive boat launch to a permanent boat launch, the Dexter Utilities District filed suit to stop the process. The district is opposed to the move and wants the facility closed because the public water supply’s intake system is just 681 feet away. Worried about future contamination, the trustees filed a complaint last fall in Superior Court to stop the process. A stay of proceedings until Jan. 2 was granted by the court at the request of the district to allow the boards to work on a compromise. Both the Dexter Town Council and the Dexter Utilities District had worked to find a solution and last month, it appeared they had. At a joint meeting, the two boards verbally agreed to lower the water level six inches to a foot in the spring to allow larger boats clearance under the bridge as a temporary measure, according to Town Manager David Pearson. Before that measure was adopted by the Town Council last month, a Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist weighed in. In a letter to concerned residents, William Woodward wrote that lowering the water level would result in “consequences” to the lake trout, smelt and bass. He noted if action were taken by the town and district that was deemed detrimental to the fish populations, it would be necessary to petition the Department of Environmental Protection, which has some water level regulations, to determine property water level management. Based on the concerns outlined in Woodward’s letter, the Town Council last month voted 6-1 not to lower the water level. By taking the action, Pearson said the issue would revert back to court for litigation. The utilities district will then file a brief in support of its claim. The town will have 30 days to respond to the brief. Pearson said the town could either mount a legal defense in support of the DOT’s move or let the judge rule on the record. By Dexter Town Manager David Pearson: Happy New Year! I have a great number of reasons to say good riddance to 2008 and look forward to 2009. Not that the year started all that well—my kitchen hot water line is frozen and a whole day trying to thaw it did not result in flowing water. But still I am optimistic about 2009 being an improvement on 2008. The parting shot of 2008 was the evident cyber death of the manager's computer, so I am cobbling this together on my home computer and the good ol' assessing office computer. I will never understand why these machines with virtually no moving parts die young and my grandmother's 1908 wind-up clock still functions. It's a brave new world and Bill Gates has some explaining to do when he gets in front of St. Peter. I want to devote some comments to winter maintenance of roads. This December was a nasty replay of last year in the sense that there seemed to be some weather event every other day. The crew has put in a lot of hours and has had to deal with some treacherous rising and falling of temperatures and the whole repertory of precipitation. I have gotten a couple of complaints from residents who did not feel they had gotten timely or appropriate attention. Unfortunately, there will always be someone who is plowed out last in every storm (hopefully not the same person!), and snow that gets piled in somebody's way (hopefully not the same person!). All I can do is try to respond to your concerns and make sure the crew is doing the best they can. I have to say that it is impossible for the crew to be plowing and sanding round the clock, and we would rapidly be broke if we attempted that. The State has dramatically cut back on its plowing and sanding (as I experienced Saturday when I brought my son to the Portland jetport on a sleety day—saw seven police cruisers on the interstate and one poor sand truck the whole day). Maine DOT is regularly parking for the night at 11 o'clock, and our situation is not helped by the closing of the state garage on Rt 7 this year. Some of the recent flooding on Church Street was due to the storm drains not being cleared by the State crew. One of the concerns that I have is the immediate future funding available from the State for highway maintenance costs. When I moved to the Silvers Mills Road in 1982 it was a State road, but it was soon turned back to the Town by the State as a result of the handoff of the interstate system from the Feds to the State. The Feds found that they could pass costs and responsibilities off to the next lower level of government, and the State followed suit. The State did give my road (and others that they turned over) a final “skinny-mix” coat of paving, which was very nice for a few years. Now, of course, it is our problem. But our problems are increased by the drying up of the “trickle down” from those levels of government above us who collect the billions in gas tax revenue. The Highway Trust Fund is now receiving about half of what it received in 2000 (using inflation adjusted 2008 dollars), and the $10 billion surplus in 2005 became an $8 billion dollar deficit this fall. The federal gas tax of 18.4 cents per gallon hasn't changed since 1993, and the current authorized law passed in 2005 is up for re-authorization in the new Congress. The governor is already telling his people to cut $31 million out of state programs and he is probably going to have to take quite a bite out of the money that goes for our rural roads aid. So we are caught in this drama, and have already had to think about conserving salt for the rest of the winter, and not overspending the public works budget. Mike tells me that we can and will respond to emergency situations and, even if most of the crew has gone home to rest, roads will be cleared for ambulance and/or fire service. Let's hope we don't have those emergencies and that the weather settles down to a more manageable routine. I know that it probably won't but I am still trying to stay in my 2009 hopeful mood here. I wonder how long I can hang on to it? I need to give a big shout out to the Police Department. The recent theft (and attempted thefts) of five snowmobiles in Dexter has been solved and all the machines have been recovered! As it turns out, a group of juveniles have been apprehended and arrests have been made, with the possibility of more arrests as the investigation goes forward. This is excellent work on the departments' part! The council meeting for next week is largely dealing with updates to local ordinances. The Shoreland Zoning Ordinance and junkyard definitions are prompted by State requirements. I also hope to have the easement deeds on hand so that the airport project can go forward and we can (hopefully!) be on the receiving end of federal money to do the work at the airport this coming summer. I hope and expect that we will be able to do a better job of hiring local contractors and help than the school project has so far. On the subject of the school, Kevin Jordan has been contacting the local energy companies to negotiate the 09-10 contracts and has had some much more favorable responses than last year. Energy costs are a part of this year's budget that have been hard on us, so I am looking forward to some relief in next year's budget. Mark Twain once said that “no man's life or property is safe while the legislature is in session.” Well, be warned that the legislature is in session. One of the dumbest proposals so far is one to cut the Charleston Correctional Facility down and transfer most of the inmates to jails in other parts of the state, thus almost certainly ending the very admirable and cost-effective (if you look at the BIG picture) work release program Charleston offers. Fred Sherburne suggested that the Town oppose this budget cut and I was glad to put a resolution on the agenda next week. This program has been a great help to local non-profits and to the towns. The work crew is presently doing more work on the police station. In all, more than 40,000 hours of community service was performed by the Charleston crew in our area last year and I can attest that it has been quality work. This is only the latest (that I know about) exercise in “penny-wise, pound foolish” Augusta antics. Can we find them some competent adult supervision? Respectfully Submitted,
DEXTER - On Sunday, Nov. 16, Billy Mikoliza and Emmitt Ross were given a challenge by Pastor Lois Field of the Christian Community Church in Dexter. Based on the Parable of the Talents in the Gospel of Matthew, each boy was given a ten dollar bill. The challenge was for them to go out and use their talents and try to double the amount. Each boy bought materials and made Christmas items. Billy made Christmas tree decorations and Emmitt made Christmas cards. They then sold the items to family, friends, and church members. On Sunday, Dec. 7, they brought back the money to the church that was made. They more than tripled the amounts with a combined amount of $66. This money was presented to the Town of Dexter’s Warm Your Neighbor Emergency Fuel Fund in their names to help families in need to stay warm this winter. Written by Ike Morgan - Wednesday, 31 December 2008: EXETER - Exeter Town Manager Peter Wintle has tendered his resignation with the town of Exeter effective at the end of this year (2008). Wintle, who became town manager in May of 2006 has accepted a position with the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program and will serve as Director of Energy and Housing Assistance in Augusta. Wintle, who resides in Augusta, cited the long commute from his home to Exeter each day as one of the major reasons for his decision. He also stated that his new position will offer him new challenges in his career. Some of his new responsibilities will include offering housing and fuel assistance to residents of Kennebec Valley as well as providing foreclosure counseling to those affected by recent economic downturns. He begins the job on Jan. 5 and will be working a 4-day week. The 4-day week will allow him to assist the town of Exeter one day a week in the transition process to a new manager. Wintle spoke positively of his experiences while working in Exeter. He believes Exeter is a great community with plenty of potential because of its natural resources and its residents. He is proud of the work he has accomplished and the friends that he has made over the years. Specifically he cited the town newsletter that was developed and the housing grant that was acquired during his tenure as things he hope will reap long term benefits for the town. He admitted, that like all small rural Maine towns, Exeter has many challenges that it will have to meet in the coming years. One of those challenges is the high turnover rate of town managers that Exeter has experienced in the last several years. Wintle is confident that the people of Exeter are up to those challenges and he wishes them well in the future. "This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the SVWeekly.com and is used here with permission."
Two charged with multiple counts of theft. Police say more arrests possible. DEXTER, Maine — With the assistance of Dover-Foxcroft and Newport police, Dexter police have recovered the three Polaris snowmobiles that were stolen from Acadia and Pleasant streets over the weekend. In addition, a snowmobile stolen from Newport during the same weekend was recovered by Dexter police on Pleasant Street, according to Dexter Police Chief Art Roy. Roy said a young man from Dover-Foxcroft and another from Massachusetts with ties to the area have been charged with multiple counts of theft. He said others might be charged in the thefts when the investigation is concluded. The juveniles allegedly put gas in the stolen snowmobiles at gasoline stations in Dover-Foxcroft and Sangerville and fled the scene without paying for the fuel, according to Roy. Dover-Foxcroft police found one of the stolen snowmobiles from Dexter on Boyd Eddy Road and Newport police found a second Dexter snowmobile behind a store in Newport, Roy said. The third stolen snowmobile was found behind a house off Church Street in Dexter. Two of the snowmobiles were damaged, according to Roy, who said he appreciated the cooperation from neighboring police departments. By Maine Inland Fisheries: Season begins Friday, January 1st, 2009; Watch for thin ice! It should be apparent to all who have ventured outside these past few weeks that winter and another ice fishing season are upon us. We would like to offer a little advice to those of you who intend to give "hard water" fishing a try this winter. First, always exercise caution when venturing out onto Maine's lakes and ponds. Second, we've worked hard to simplify our fishing regulations but don't forget to consult your law book. Know the water you intend to fish and the regulations that apply to it. Third, we've mentioned just a few of the stocked waters in the regional reports included in this report. For a more complete list of waters stocked in 2008 with catchable-size (legal length) fi sh check out the Department's web site at (www.mefi shwildlife.com). Click on Fishing, then Reports, then Stocking Reports and finally select 2008. And trout and salmon are not the only "game" in town in Maine. If it is warm water fisheries that interest you, try pickerel or perch fishing. These fish populations are supported solely on the basis of natural reproduction. They are often quite abundant, are willing to bite, and are great on the plate as well! All of these qualities make warm water species the perfect fish for introducing a youngster to the sport of ice fishing. This season, as always, our Fisheries staff will be very active monitoring the status of fi sheries throughout the state. When you encounter one of our survey clerks, please take the time to share your fishing experience with them. The information you provide helps us evaluate existing programs and assists us in guiding future fisheries management directions, as well. Have a safe and enjoyable winter fi shing season. The regulations in last season's Ice Fishing Law Book, are in effect this year and through March 31, 2010. DEXTER - The Quality Deer Management Association's First Maine Branch presents the 2009 Annual Ice Fishing Derby on January 17 & 18 on Lake Wassookeag in Dexter. Grand Prize Drawing will be for a Youth Lifetime hunting and fishing license for ages 0 to 15. Trophies will be awarded for the largest fish in each category. Salmon, Togue, Brook Trout, Bass, Pickerel The Junior Angler Trophy will be given for the most Yellow Perch by an angler 12 years or under. Derby Headquarters is located at PJ's Bait & Tackle at 253 North Dexter Road in Dexter. Start time is 5 AM both Saturday and Sunday with weigh in all day until 4 pm. Entry fee is $5 or $10 with 10 Door Prize tickets. Door Prize only: 10 for $10 Drawings on January 18th after the weigh-in. Tickets may be purchase at PJ's Bait & Tackle, Ironbelly Antiques, 794 Main Street in Palmyra or from your local QDMA members. For more information contact Jeff Nicholas at Pres1stmaineqdma@aol.com or call 207.938.2742, or call Jim Nicholas at 207.924.5082.
By The Associated Press: AUGUSTA, Maine — Beginning Thursday, adult adoptees who were born in Maine can obtain their original birth certificates, and Maine will join the majority of states that have made it a crime to engage in human trafficking. Those are among a thin scattering of new state laws that take effect on Jan. 1, 2009. Most newly enacted state laws kick in 90 days after the close of the legislative session, which would have been last July. But some, such as the adoption and trafficking bills, have specific effective dates. The adoption-records law restores rights that were taken away in 1953 when Maine began requiring adoptees to get court orders in order to access their original birth certificates. Maine's new law, which is similar to one in New Hampshire, also allows biological parents to state that they do not wish to be contacted by a birth child. The grass-roots support group Original Birth Certificates for Maine, which pushed through Maine's new access law, said it restores basic human and civil rights. Maine is the second state in New England and one of about eight in the country to pass such a law, the group said. To familiarize adoptees with procedures under the new law, the group plans a meeting Jan. 17 in Falmouth. Click here for the state website for the Office of Vital Records. Another new law puts Maine among the states that outlaw human trafficking, the forced transfer of people for prostitution, factory work and other forms of forced labor. The new law allows victims to sue for damages and collect compensation through criminal restitution laws. When the measure was presented to a legislative committee, its proponents said that Maine, while a small and rural state, is not immune to human trafficking issues. A task force uncovered massage parlors, spas and other operations in several Maine communities where illegal migrants worked. Supporters of the law also said the victims of human trafficking also are victimized by deportation laws. Maine's law was designed to protect victims of trafficking from being sent back to their native country before they have a chance to testify in court against perpetrators. New Year's Day also marks the date Maine and nine other Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states have agreed to issue their regulations to put into effect a "cap and trade" program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The effort is known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. As of Jan. 1, state employees who use their personal vehicles for state business will get a 2 cent-per-mile increase in mileage payments to 44 cents.
1. Ordinance C2008-10 Land Use Definitions Change to Automobile Graveyard/Junkyard definition. (Full text available in the town office) All persons may appear to comment on the above matter dated at Dexter, Maine this 27th day of December 2008 DEXTER - Eastern Agency on Aging's Meals for Me program serves noontime meals to seniors 60 and older in community dining rooms or through home delivery to those who qualify. Meals for Me receives some government funding but not enough to cover the full cost of the meal. Patrons are encouraged to contribute part or all of the $6.00 it costs to prepare and serve each meal. For a reservation or more information, call 1-800-432-7812. Thursday, January 1st – All sites closed for New Year’s Day.  Have a Club, Church, Town and/or other Event??? Add your UPCOMING EVENT free of charge! Email Editor@TheDailyME.com Note: this is NOT the safest possible route to take, but it is a good service and much better than never running a virus check. To check your computer, go to housecall.antivirus.com Many people think that if they have a virus program on their system they are safe, BUT you are only as safe as your latest update. Yes, you do have to update your virus program frequently. (I do it everyday!) Download a FREE virus program that works well at www.grisoft.com The Daily ME is on-line only, non-profit newspaper and a one-woman operation with the help of contributing writers and photographers. If you would like to contribute to The Daily Me, we welcome press releases, contributing editor's young and old. Send your Upcoming local events, news, Town reports, club news, school news or other items that you have in mind. If you have pictures you would like to share with friends and relatives far and near, please contact The Daily Me. We encourage feedback and suggestions from our readers. I hope that The Daily ME gives you information that keeps you in touch with home! 
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