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. 

WISCASSET — The Lincoln County Historical Association has invited the public to join in the organization’s 59th annual observance of Memorial Day. The gathering begins at 11 a.m., Mon. May 27 at the flag pole on the parade ground of the (1761) Pownalborough Court House in Dresden. The Rev. Bruce Alexander of Dresden, assisted by George White’s Company (our local Rev. War Living History group), with camp followers and families, will lead the program.

After being called to order, the gathered will proceed up the woods road a few hundred yards to the Court House cemetery. Here, veteran soldiers of three wars will be remembered through spoken words and the placing of lilac blooms and white pine tassels upon the graves. Everyone will then return to the flag pole for the raising of colors to full staff in combination with a gun salute given by White’s Company and compatriots.

Feel free to stay on after conclusion of the Memorial Day ceremonies to enjoy the grounds of the Pownalborough Court House. Take a walk on the nature trail following along the high bank of the Kennebec River through an old stand of white pine, explore the well-marked trail system across Route 128, bring a picnic lunch, or perhaps catch a glimpse of one of the resident bald eagles.

To celebrate the beginning of a new summer season, the Court House will be open free to the public shortly after the ceremony for all who might like a tour of the building.

DAMARISCOTTA — Alan-Dee Dairy 4-H Club members will be at Rising Tide Community Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. Everyone is welcome to stop by and visit with the calves and goats and learn more about the 4-H program. Club members will be holding a bake sale during this time, with proceeds to benefit the Focus on Agriculture in Rural Maine Schools (FARMS) Community Kitchen project.

Rising Tide will host its Purely Maine BBQ on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., featuring Caldwell Farm hamburgers and Mainely Poultry chicken. Rising Tide is located at 323 Main St. in Damariscotta. For more information, call 563-5556 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .