by Chris Chase
Coastal Journal staff

BATH — The sale of the Midcoast Center of Higher Education building, more commonly known as the Old Bath Hospital, has come under heavy fire in recent weeks after residents questioned the sale’s process.

The building, owned by the city for over a decade, was sold after the city council approved the price of $799,000 on April 17. That sale, according to Bath citizens upset by the process, was the first time anyone had heard that the building was available for purchase. For weeks after the sale, questions asked about the exact process were reportedly met with no response. 

“I don’t understand why you feel I’m not entitled to any answers,” said Larry Scott at the June 5 city council meeting. “When did the City of Bath become a group that could operate with no overview by the citizens or the taxpayers?”

he Topsham Fair Mall is defying the recession by continuing to grow, a fact underscored by the recent addition of several new businesses, including the first Panera Bread in the area. by Chris Chase
Coastal Journal staff

TOPSHAM — The Topsham Fair Mall is dodging the trend and showing growth with the acquisition of multiple new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses. 

The growth includes the opening of a new Panera Bread restaurant, which will make it the 33rd restaurant in the franchisee’s region, according to John Larson, one of the owners of the Topsham Fair Mall. 

“Given the enormous number of ‘we love Panera Bread’ comments and ‘when will it be open’ questions we’ve received since construction started, we are confident Panera Bread will be as well-received by midcoast Maine as it has been throughout the country,” said Larson. 

by Chris Chase
Coastal Journal staff

ROCKLAND — The City of Rockland’s solid waste facility has seen two fires so far this year, the most recent of which occurred on June 5.

According to Rockland’s Assistant Fire Chief Adam Miceli, the cause of the latest fire remains unknown, but could be similar to the cause of the previous fire, which occurred in January.

“I know previously somebody had dumped some hot ashes in amongst their demolition debris,” said Miceli. The ashes smoldered and ignited after a shifting of the trash pile exposed them to the air. 

According to Miceli, the latest fire was thankfully put out quickly. The strategy for combating the fires is straightforward: As much water as possible. 

DAMARISCOTTA — Hearts Ever Young (formerly known as Young at Heart) will present a performance of songs, dances, and comedy skits taken from famous film classics from the silent film era to present-day cinema, at the Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta on June 14, 15 and 16 at 2 p.m. 

Dubbed “From Reel to Reel: A Salute to the Silver Screen,” this will be the fourth annual prouction of the group, which will be accompanied by a small orchestra. Highlights of the performace include vignettes from “The Sheik,” the Valentino silent film of the 1920s; the 1946 “Song of the South's” “Zippety-Do-Dah”; and the 1979 “Muppet Movie” hit “Rainbow Connection.” Interspersed with these and many other tunes will be a comedy skit, barbershop quarters, lively dances, and duets. 

Pending 501 C-3 nonprofit status, a donation of $10 per person (non-deductable) will be gratefully received at the door. 

Performances will be given Friday, June 14, Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, at 2 p.m. each afternoon at the Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta. For more information, call 563-3689.