LRMS PRINCIPAL RESIGNS

Matthew Lokken has resigned as Lake Region Middle School’s principal after eight years. A resident of Bridgton, Lokken will be heading up Route 302 west for his next administrative post. He will become the next Molly Ockett School Grades 6-8 principal in Fryeburg. His nomination was approved by the SAD 72 School Board at its June 13 meeting.

Lokken succeeds Emily Kirkpatrick, who will become principal of the Molly Ockett elementary school this fall.

OFFICE, TRANSFER STATION CHANGES

Beginning Saturday, July 1, the Bridgton Town Office hours will be Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Fridays. Online services are available at bridgtonmaine.org

Also beginning July 1, the Transfer Station hours will be Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.

Bridgton residents can purchase an annual transfer station sticker at the Town Office or Transfer Station for $10 per household, which are valid for one year beginning July 1.

Selectman Bob McHatton Tuesday night tried to delay the Transfer Station change for another two Sundays as the town gears up for two of the busiest tourist weekends of the season. He urged reconsideration, but the effort to stay open July 2 and July 9 failed. Public Service Director David Madsen chimed in, feeling the change was very short notice for employees, who likely already made plans for those new days off.

McHatton also wondered why Transfer Station workers failed to assist an elderly woman with a cane “dragging” bags of trash to the hopper.

“It’s a shame no one could help her,” McHatton said.

Town Manager Bob Peabody said workers do help “on occasion,” but the practice is discouraged by insurers and Maine Municipal citing liability and an attempt to keep worker’s comp claims to a minimum. While he hasn’t seen it happen here, Peabody cited a past experience where a dump attendant assisted a citizen with moving trash from a vehicle to the disposal container. Later, the citizen sought reimbursement, claiming the attendant tossed an item not intended to be thrown away. Peabody also noted that the town has had worker’s comp claims across all departments.

Board Chair Carmen Lone said the situation is a sign of the times, living in a litigious society that is also less helpful.

BALANCING NIGHT LIFE AND TRANQUILITY

As a DJ and Planning Board member, Dan Harden understands a balance needs to be struck between luring patrons with a robust night life, and those citizens who like to go to sleep before midnight.

Harden received a few complaints from citizens regarding loud music late into the night at two Bridgton establishments over the weekend. In one case, it involved karaoke, while the other was “live” music played past the town-approved permit of 11 p.m., ending after 11:30 p.m.

Harden mentioned the issue wanting to know proper protocol for citizens to follow. The answer: contact the police department, and the code officer will follow up later.

Planner Dee Miller said the board may need to be more specific as to what can and can’t be done — is the request just for acoustic guitar or all types of music such as karaoke — when it gives approvals.

The Select Board approves time frames when approving yearly entertainment licenses. Originally, the board approved entertainment time at the new Queen’s Head Pub from 8 to 11 p.m. Select Board member Bob McHatton called for a stop time of 10 p.m. due to nearby private residences, but the group allowed the 11 p.m. Pub owner ? asked the board Tuesday to revise the time, starting the music at 6 p.m., after receiving requests to rent out the rooftop Tiki Bar for private functions with entertainment. The board approved the request.

BRIDGTON LANDS STATE TOURNEY

Bridgton has been awarded the bid to host the 2023 Babe Ruth State Softball Tournament.  There will be a total of 19 teams in Bridgton the weekend of July 14-16 with 32 games. The games will take place at the Ham Complex and Jr. Harmon Field beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday going non-stop until Sunday around 7:30 p.m. 

A gate fee for entry Friday and Saturday with a weekend band costing $7 for anyone 15 and older.  

A snack shack will be open at both Harmon Field and Ham Complex. Help is needed for this event for snack shack, scorekeepers, umpires, field prep crew, ticket booth, appeals committee and clean-up crew. Contact Rec Director Gary Colello if you can help out.

BPD SERGEANT RETIRES  

Wednesday was Bridgton Police Sgt. TJ Reese’s last day. After 15 years of service to the town of Bridgton, Sgt. Reese has decided to retire and move on to other ventures.  “We wish him all the best,” Deputy Town Manager Georgiann Fleck noted in her report to the Select Board Tuesday night.

BPD welcomed Officer Jacob Hammond to the department.  Officer Hammond has started his 9-12 weeks of field training after which he will be assigned a patrol shift as he awaits the next opening at the Police Academy.