Jake Overlock fishes out smolts caught in the Sheepscot Riverby Chris Chase
Coastal Journal staff

ALNA — The Maine Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) has caught a record number of Atlantic Salmon smolts in the Sheepscot River during the yearly springtime counts, a positive sign in their efforts to bolster populations in rivers across the state. 

The counts, which are taken just downstream of the Head Tide Dam, are just one part of the department’s ongoing efforts and help gauge whether or not any progress is being made.

“We actually exceeded over 700 that were caught today, so that’s really good,” said Paul Christman, the head of salmon restoration for the MDMR. “What remains to be seen is, is the population bigger, or is it just because it’s a low water year and we’re able to catch more?”

The 2013 Bath ArtWalk series kicked off on May 17, featuring 32 local art studios and artists. The ArtWalk takes place on the third Friday of every month, from 5 to 8 p.m.by Chris Chase
Coastal Journal staff

BATH — The 2013 Bath ArtWalk series kicked off on May 17, with the first event of the year. 

Featuring 32 local art studios and artists, the ArtWalk takes place on the third Friday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m. during the summer.  

Organized by Main Street Bath, the ArtWalk is an opportunity for residents and visitors to take a tour of a variety of locations in the city to enjoy the labors of local painters, sculptors, jewelers, and photographers. In addition to the physical art, the tour features live music and a variety of the locations carry snacks. 

Carolyn Judson of Judon’s art gallery on Front Street has participated in the ArtWalks since their inception. Her gallery features a wide variety of her work, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and pottery. 

by Chris Chase
Coastal Journal staff

BRUNSWICK — A bill proposed to the state legislature that would change the structure of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) has divided the town’s representatives at the State House.

The bill, titled LD 1476, would require direct representation from the towns of Brunswick and Topsham on the MRRA’s  board of trustees. The representation would come from officials directly appointed by the Brunswick Town Council and the Topsham Board of Selectmen.

Matthea Daughtry, a member of the House of Representatives for Brunswick, sponsored and presented the bill. 

“Every other base development across the country has representation in the community,” said Daughtry. “It’s just a common-sense piece of public policy.”

Senator Stan Gerzofsky of Brunswick, who opposes the bill, has said the direct appointment of an official by the town would only serve to further complicate the board.

by Chris Chase
Coastal Journal staff

ROCKLAND — In the wake of budget issues, lowered enrollment, and uncertain funding from the state, the RSU 13 board has begun deliberating and receiving public comment on both school closures in mergers within the district.

The deliberations come in the wake of the rejection of RSU 13 Superintendent Lew Collins plan to merge the Rockland District Middle School an Thomaston Grammar School, which could save the district up to $500,000. Although the school board rejected the plan for the upcoming year’s budget, they will continue to review it and the plan to close the Owls Head Central School and the Gilford Butler School. 

“The board turned it down and wanted at least another year to study it and look at its consequences,” said Collins of his plan. 

RSU 13’s budget woes come in the wake of Governor Paul LePage’s proposed budget, which would cut state funding to the district significantly. Closing and consolidating the schools would allow the district to mitigate the impact on the municipality.