by John Maguire
Coastal Journal staff

BRUNSWICK — Despite news regarding Kestrel Aircraft taking most of its manufacturing operation to Wisconsin, members of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) expressed optimism about the former base's future at a meeting on January 17. Authority members found encouragement in positive year-end budgets, various indicators of potential business growth, and in projections of increased employment opportunities. And they also found encouragement in plans for a proposed energy center at Brunswick Landing.

Highlights of the well-attended meeting included a report from MRRA executive director Steve Levesque, which showed that several hundred acres had been successfully transferred from the Navy. Levesque also summarized two potential tax increment financing programs for infrastructure improvements on the base, and summarized jobs projections for Brunswick Landing tenants.

Photo courtesy of Dana Moos Photographyby Will Gottlieb
Coastal Journal staff

ROCKLAND — Pat and Nancy O'Brien are currently on the road. This is nothing new for them, as they've both been on the road, one way or another, for most of their professional lives. The O'Briens own Fiore Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars, a two-store operation located in Rockland and Bar Harbor, and so there's a certain amount of back-and-forth between those towns. But this month, they're driving down to Florida to take in a little well-deserved sunshine.

Most of the time, however, the O'Briens are out there, chasing the crush.

by John Maguire
Coastal Journal staff

WISCASSET — Two Bridges Regional Jail has received federal grant money to help fund a "re-entry program" for inmates just getting out of jail. Speaking at the Lincoln and Sagadahoc Multicounty Jail Authority's Board of Directors meeting on January 11, jail administrator Col. Mark Westrum said Two Bridges received funds from the Department of Justice that will enable their re-entry program to hire a coordinator. The coordinator will work with local agencies and groups to provide counseling, access to substance-abuse programs, job training, and other services for those exiting the jail and re-entering society.

Westrum said he expected the coordinator's position to start on January 23.

"[We] have an opportunity to have all of the entities involved at Two Bridges Regional Jail realize a significant influx of money to further our effort," Westrum said, crediting the current re-entry program at the jail, as well as funding from the Board of Corrections, for the work they've accomplished in this area.

Windplanners at Camden Hills Regional High School pose at the future site of the school's new wind turbine. They held a groundbreaking ceremony on January 13 to celebrate eight years of persistence and hard work to bring the wind turbine to their community. by John Maguire
Coastal Journal staff

ROCKPORT — Camden Hills Regional High School students broke ground last Friday afternoon next to the school's athletic fields, at the future site of a 121-foot-tall wind turbine. The January 13 ceremony marked the beginning of the turbine's installation there and the completion of eight years' work by a student-led group called the "Windplanners."

The wind turbine, a Northwind 100 built by Vermont-based Northern Power Systems, is expected to begin generating electricity by March 31. It is a 100-kilowatt wind turbine that, once installed, will be the first non-geared, direct-magnetic drive wind turbine in the state, according to a press release. Northern Power Systems designs, manufactures and sells wind turbines to schools, municipalities, farms and institutions around the world.