The year began with Mother Nature rearing her ugly head with two January storms which caused major damage to properties around the coast. As the year moved along, storms of different types continued, including disagreements on the school renovation plans, Eastside Waterfront Park and school and town budgets, and court decisions. But the year wasn’t all bad, news wise, as you will read on our month-by-month rundown of the top stories.

January

Following a Jan. 2 executive session, Lincoln County commissioners voted, 3-0, to hire Emily Rabbe as the new Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission executive director. Rabbe previously served as the county planner. She was hired in October 2020. She received a bachelor of science degree in regional planning and development with a minor in geographic information system from Westfield (Massachusetts) State University.

The Community School District (CSD) Board of Trustees on Jan. 2 approved negotiating a $450,000 short-term line of credit to assist with cash flow. The motion was in response to accumulating bills and ongoing discussions as the district awaits reimbursement for flood-related damages.

After several starts and stops, the Boothbay Harbor Board of Appeals may be finally ready to hear a reversed September 2020 stop work order. A Jan. 23 hearing is scheduled to decide an appeal filed by McKown 29, LLC., represented by Tom Myette Jr. and Chandler Wright, who owns a 35 McKown St. property. Both abut 14 Todd Ave. which is owned by Harbor Crossing, LLC. The applicants appealed Code Enforcement Officer Geoff Smith’s decision to reverse a stop work order on the Todd Avenue property. In a unanimous decision, the Board of Appeals affirmed Smith’s decision to lift a stop work order from Sept. 17, 2020.

On Jan. 23, the board heard arguments from lawyers representing appellant 29 McKown, LLC. (Tom Myette) and Chandler Wright, the applicant – Harbor Crossings, LLC (Dennis Hilton) – and legal counsel for the planning and appeals boards in a two-hour, 15-minute hearing.

The man charged in the Christmas Day 2022 death of a 3-year-old Edgecomb girl pleaded "not guilty” Jan. 11 in Lincoln County Unified Criminal Court. Tyler Witham-Jordan, 29, of Edgecomb and Livermore, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and chained at the wrist and ankles, told Justice Daniel Billings he understood the charges before him. He later entered his not guilty plea. Witham-Jordan was charged with Depraved Indifference Murder in connection with Makinzlee Handrahan’s death.

Even before Gov. Janet Mills declared a State of Civil Emergency for all of Maine’s coastal counties on Jan. 11, Boothbay leaders were out surveying damage caused by two days of massive windstorms and high tides. Boothbay Town Manager Dan Bryer reported Jan. 10 to selectmen his preliminary damage estimate would likely surpass $2 million. He told selectmen the top priority is public safety in the early aftermath of the storm’s devastation. Bryer described several roads around town as “badly broken and unpassable” and locations in East Boothbay as the most imperiled. Tides on Saturday, Jan. 13 were another headache for coastal properties, following the Wednesday, Jan. 10 tides, as the National Weather Service said water levels hit a record 14.57 feet MLLW (mean lower low water). The past record was 14.17 feet MLLW set on Feb. 7, 1978.

Although still too early to know final costs, local marinas and boatyards contacted by the Register reported that docks and pilings bore the brunt of the damage from the recent storms and record-breaking high tides. It will take some time to repair and replace the damage, but they will be able to open for business when the boating season begins.

The Jan. 10 and 13 storms that caused heavy damage to private property and neighboring towns largely spared Boothbay Harbor’s municipal property, according to Town Manager Julia Latter. Latter gave a report to selectmen Jan. 29 with a summary of the damage and ongoing repairs to the footbridge and Whale Park.  

Boothbay Region Y Arts won highest honors at the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, Georgia Jan. 12-14. The group of 34 local youth, under the direction of Emily Mirabile, won the "Outstanding Performance" award and was asked to perform part of their piece in front of 6,500 attendees on the main stage. Spencer Pottle portrayed Jesus in the 15-minute piece. His sincere performance won him an award for “Individual Outstanding Performance.” Scout Martin and Sophia Mansfield were named festival all-stars for the Y Arts team.

Edgecomb will celebrate its long history in 2024 during the 250th anniversary. Residents have begun a year-long series of celebrations marking the town’s semiquincentennial. On Jan. 14, local historian Chip Griffin presented “Four Centuries of Edgecomb History” at the Merry Barn on River Road. The event drew over 100 people on a Sunday afternoon. The next event was Jan. 21, “The History of Fort Edgecomb” by James Kochan. He detailed the fortress from 1812 to 1819.

The Community School District board of trustees unanimously voted Jan. 22 to organize a public referendum for a revised $29,975,000 project to renovate the Boothbay region middle-elementary school. The board expects to sign warrants Feb. 6 for a referendum during the week of April 22. The move comes less than three months after voters rejected a similar renovation project in November.

February

Lincoln County commissioners approved an award of $300,000 to Boothbay Regional Development Corporation to support the first phase of a 137-unit affordable housing development on Butler Road in Boothbay. The funds will go toward Phase 1 Infrastructure, specifically the extension of water and sewer to the site. BRDC’s multi-year development plan will include affordable single-family homes, apartments and townhouse condominiums.

In what may seem like deja vu, the Community School District Trustees unanimously approved a referendum around a revised renovation project for the Boothbay region middle-elementary school. The board signed warrants Feb. 6 for the April vote to ask residents if they approve bonding up to $29,975,000 for the project.

Chairman Heather Sinclair called the draft Edgecomb School Committee budget “the best worst option.” The committee held a budget workshop Feb. 12 in hopes of finalizing a recommended school budget for Fiscal Year 25 and to explain their fiscal challenges to municipal officials and residents. The budget draft remains at $3,810,352 which represents an 11.5% spending increase and a 23.6% increased assessment to local taxpayers. 

The Boothbay Region Elementary School Lady Wildcats were undefeated when they arrived at Wiscasset High School for the Busline League final game Feb. 10 against Lincolnville Central School’s Lady Lynx. And the team remained undefeated, beating the undefeated Lynx, 37-31, when they left. Boothbay’s Wildcats and Lincolnville’s Lynx 7/8 boys basketball teams went head-to-head in the Busline League final on Feb. 10 at Wiscasset Middle High School, ending with Lincolnville the victor, 56-41.

Nine years is enough for Mike Smith as an Edgecomb selectman. In a Feb. 16 email, he notified the Boothbay Register of his decision not to seek a fourth term. The email stated, “This note is to inform you that I will not seek reelection to the Select board.”

On Feb. 26, Boothbay Harbor selectmen approved a new parking enforcement system Police Chief Doug Snyder said will both make enforcement more efficient and keep it legal. He said he plans to implement it by June 1.

In June, the town of Southport will support “Pride” month with a proclamation. acknowledging “the inherent dignity and equality of all individuals regardless of gender, identity or expression.” Selectmen voted, 3-0, last month to endorse a proclamation recognizing June as “Pride Month,” fly the Pride flag in June, and paint a crosswalk in the rainbow pattern. On Feb. 28, selectmen received a dissenting view from a couple residents. Ray and Amy Bateman sent correspondence to selectmen opposing their decision. “It was short and sweet saying they didn’t think the town should’ve done that,” Selectman Gerry Gamage said.

Southport’s well-known and beloved duo – Jean Thompson and Evelyn Sherman – were recently honored by Southport Historical Society and Hendricks Hill Museum for their 30 years of work with both organizations. On Feb. 28, both women were “surprised” when presented framed Certificates of Appreciation and a sign painted by Southport resident Jeff Brown which designates the museum’s boathouse addition as “The Sherman-Thompson Room,” in honor of Jean, 99, and Evelyn, 96, and their late husbands, Ross Stuart Thompson and Maurice Alvin Sherman, who were all instrumental in establishing and maintaining the museum.

The Boothbay Harbor Board of Appeals declined to review an administrative appeal Feb. 29 involving the Newcastle Realty building at 14 Todd Ave. During a public hearing that lasted 10 minutes, the board unanimously voted it could not consider the appeal because it was filed after the deadline. “We're not going to get a chance to be heard on the basic dismissal of the appeal?” Appellate attorney Kristin Collins asked before the vote. “I would object to that.” Collins’ objection was noted after the vote. The appeal was by Tom Myette, on behalf of 29 McKown LLC, and Chandler Wright, regarding a June 8, 2020 building permit. This is the latest in a lengthy conflict that has involved multiple appeals, meetings and a stop-work order, as reported in the Register.

There will be no Pride flag flying over the Boothbay municipal building this June, or anything other than the American, Maine, or Lincoln County banner in the foreseeable future. On Feb. 28, selectmen discussed East Boothbay resident Bryon Cortez’s request to celebrate Pride Month this June by flying the rainbow-colored Pride flag, issuing a proclamation acknowledging “the inherent dignity and equality of all individuals regardless of gender, identity or expression” and painting the crosswalks in a rainbow pattern.

March

Cole Brauer finished a voyage of a lifetime, March 7, sailing solo non-stop around the world in the Global Solo Challenge, which has a vigorous 30,000-mile route that starts and finishes in A Coruña, Spain. At age 29, Cole was the youngest in the race and the only female. She is the first American female to race nonstop around the world. Sailing solo around the world via the great capes is a feat that under 200 people have ever achieved. The New York native’s race profile lists Boothbay as her home. She is the daughter of Boothbay residents Kim and David Brauer and is a former sailing instructor at Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club.

After decades of withstanding strong winds and high tides, the last of the landmark "Three Trees" on Shore Road, Ocean Point, was toppled during a March 10 storm.

The Boothbay Region Seahawk math team won top honors in its division at the Central Maine Math League championship meet at Cony High School in Augusta. The meet took place in the Cony gym on March 6 and included 22 central Maine high schools, of which eight are in the small school division.

The Community School District (CSD) Board of Trustees expressed concern March 5 around prioritizing extensive repairs and what trustees described as a lack of input from towns. Members considered asking taxpayers if they even want a school. “I’ve asked this before, but at what point in time do we just put it out to the voters and ask, ‘Do you want a high school?’” said Trustee Ronnie Campbell during discussions about renovations. “It seems to me that would be the first answer we really need from the people.”

MaineDOT officials recently met with BRWD Trustees about Route 27 project details. Reconstruction begins in Edgecomb this July and continues along Route 27 into Boothbay. At first, the completion date was this fall, but Selectman Dale Harmon, who works for BRWD, said the project would extend into next year. Town Manager Dan Bryer said the project would likely coincide with several road projects already underway: Country Club and Butler roads, King Phillips Trail and Shore Road.

Travelers to and from Southport have been watching the bridge work with interest through the fall and winter. Repairs began last October and are scheduled to be completed late May 2025, Paul Merrill, director of communications with Maine Department of Transportation said. Since October, the swing span has been closed, and the road has been reduced to one lane with traffic lights at either end of the bridge to control the flow of vehicles.

Over 40 Boothbay voters on March 27 authorized seeking a $3.2 million bond to repair road damage from back-to-back January storms. Cleanup began on Shore and Samoset roads, King Phillips Trail and Grimes Cove immediately after the storms with public works and Crooker Construction crews. But a more intensive cleanup and road reconstruction is needed. Town officials expect state and federal relief assistance later this year.

Budget Committee Chairman Jack Brennan told residents March 20, “Edgecomb is a small town, but it’s no longer a small town with a small budget.” Brennan made his remarks during a budget informational session where selectmen and school committee members explained their Fiscal Year 25 budget proposals. The preliminary draft is a $6.012 million combined town and school budget. Both school and town budgets reflect double-digit spending increases and 20-plus percentage tax assessment increases. The proposed school budget is $3,098,672 which represents an 11.8% spending increase and 21.6% tax assessment increase. School Committee Chairman Heather Sinclair reported the unassigned fund balance grew in past years due to an influx of tuition revenue and COVID-19 era ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds. “We don’t have those funds anymore. We used them to offset taxes over the past seven years,” she said

April

An April 4 snow and windstorm which hit the Midcoast region resulted in a multiple-day loss of power for many residents.

In a long-shot bid for financial support, the Community School District (CSD) will seek state funding for school repairs. Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Superintendent Robert Kahler told both the school board and board of trustees April 2, the district will apply for assistance from the Maine Major Capital School Construction Funding Program. However, taxpayers may want to temper their expectations: According to Kahler, the program funding pool has $30 million for all projects across the state, chances of receiving funds are slim and selected schools can wait over 10 years to begin their projects.

The Community School District (CSD) Board of Trustees unanimously approved a more than $2 million budget for the 2025 fiscal year April 2. The $2,124,701 facilities and maintenance budget is almost a 36% increase from the 2024 fiscal year. According to both the board and Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Superintendent Robert Kahler, the loss of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds played a significant role in the increase.

What could have been a heated argument turned into an example of civil disagreement April 14 as members of Citizens Deserve Options held a public forum on the upcoming $30 million referendum to renovate Boothbay Region Elementary School (BRES). Boothbay Harbor residents Patty Minerich and Denise Griffin hosted the event, attended by around 40 others who sat on either side, or somewhere in between, the issue. On April 10, the CSD held two back-to-back public hearings hosted by a panel of school administrators, project architects and members of the school board and board of trustees. During the two sessions combined, over 100 residents packed Harbor Theater and could ask questions on the $29,975,000 million project. The panel explained some of its details, its tax impact and the school conditions that led them to propose it.

The Boothbay Region Seahawk mathematics team had a very successful season that included:

—Finishing as the first-place team in our division of the Central Maine Math League for the regular season.

—Finishing as the second-place team in the Mountain Valley Conference math tournament, losing only to Maranacook High School.

—Finishing in fourth place in the state of Maine Math Tournament at Augusta Civic Center, again in our division, losing only to three selective private schools/academies.

At its annual meeting April 16 in Bristol, Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission (LCRPC) awarded Boothbay Harbor for restoring the historic downtown footbridge. LCRPC gave the town a certificate of recognition under the commission’s 2024 Recognition of Community Planning Initiatives and Leaders.

After a failed motion to cut spending increases by over half, the Community School District (CSD) School Board approved a $12,742,897 budget for the 2025 fiscal year, 4-2. Residents will vote on it at an upcoming district meeting and validation referendum, according to the charter enacted in October. Board members Peggy Splaine, Bruce MacDonald, Abby Jones and Jenessa Garrett voted yes. Stephanie Hawke and John Bertolet voted no.

Residents approved a $30 million project to renovate Boothbay Region Elementary School (BRES) April 24 after months of discussion and debate. Now, school board members and administrators say work will begin to do the project that passed by 52 votes. The referendum was approved by an aggregate vote of 859-807 with Boothbay voting 510 yes to 494 no, and Boothbay Harbor voting 349 yes to 313 no, according to town clerks.

In a year of a centennial celebration, Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library (BHML) looks back on its 100 years of service to the community.

The East Boothbay Post Office has been closed since Aug. 15 and doesn’t look like it will re-open anytime soon. In April, the Boothbay Register contacted U.S. Postal Services Strategic Communications Specialist Steve Doherty in Boston about the future of East Boothbay Post Office. Doherty said the postal service still has a lease with owner Dan Miller who owns the nearby Ocean Point Marina. April 15, Doherty said the postal service made several recommendations last year for improving the building’s condition. “We provided him a list of conditions and asked him to follow up in a couple days,” Doherty said.

Eastside Waterfront Park turned into an administrative merry-go-round last month after a court remanded key issues to the Boothbay Harbor Planning Board. Lincoln County Superior Court released its ruling April 30, ordering a new public hearing for the project site plan and more information on its shoreland zoning permit. The rulings put the issue back to the beginning stages of the permit process.

May

Boothbay Harbor resident Patty Minerich delivered a petition on May 1 opposing the recently passed school referendum to the Community School District (CSD). Around 430 people signed the petition, which favors reconsidering and repealing the April 24 vote that approved the $30 million renovation of Boothbay Region Elementary School. The referendum results were certified by the CSD Board of Trustees May 2.

Incumbent Kenneth Rayle was reelected to his seat on the Boothbay Harbor selectboard, defeating challenger Frank “Linc” Sample 280-170 in elections on Friday, May 3. The only other contested race was for the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD Board of Trustees, a three-year seat. Sewall Maddocks Jr. defeated Thomas Minerich, 284-107.

Jennifer M. Whitney is Boothbay’s newest school committee member. She defeated Trevor Morin, 181-151, in May 6’s municipal elections, according to Town Clerk Andrea Lowery. Whitney succeeds John Bertolet, who decided not to seek re-election after 24 years of service.

The Maine State Aquarium is excited to share that it will be opening this year, opening Wednesday, June 26 during the Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days Festival, and then through Labor Day.

Recognizing the pressing need to support the most vulnerable members of the community, Paul Coulombe has initiated a fund to alleviate the burden of property taxes through the establishment of a dedicated property tax relief fund. The fund, to be overseen by the Community Resource Council (CRC), aims to provide critical assistance to seniors and other community members facing financial hardship.

It wasn’t your typical birthday party. Christopher George turned 31 on May 3 and his friends, family, co-workers and fellow veterans planned something special for him. He celebrated the day with a benefit breakfast held in his honor. George served in the U.S. Army for four years at Elemendorf-Richardson Army Base in Anchorage, Alaska. He has worked for nearly two years at Fuller Marine in Boothbay as a metal fabricator and welder. He was severely injured in a Feb. 8 car accident on Route 27 in Edgecomb.

Steve Lorrain is a familiar face on the Community School District Board of Trustees. However, after 10 years of service, Lorrain decided not to run for reelection this year. Trustees and staff honored the former board chair at the May 7 meeting with thanks and with gifts as tokens of appreciation for his long service.

Boothbay Region High School has announced the Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian. Jordan Chamness, daughter of Jason and Avery Chamness, is valedictorian and Margret “Meg” Sledge, daughter of Matt and Jenny Sledge, is salutatorian.

The Community School District (CSD) Board of Trustees on May 14 unanimously rejected a citizen’s petition contesting the April 24 referendum that approved renovating Boothbay Region Elementary School (BRES). In a special meeting, the board declared it will not initiate a new referendum because a legal petition was not received.

The town of Edgecomb will have a full-time municipal fire chief in July. On May 17, residents approved creating a full-time chief, 33-31, during the annual town meeting. Article 18 received the most debate and was the closest vote during the 4.5-hour, 66-article town meeting. While voters resolved the question of a full-time chief, that created another question regarding compensation for the new position and entire department. Residents voted down No. 19, $57,511 for fire department salaries. The proposal included $13,110 as a stipend for a part-time chief and pay raises for officers and firefighters. During the debate, outgoing Selectman Mike Smith reported Fire Chief Roy Potter submitted a proposed job description which included a $62,400 salary, three weeks’ vacation and no health benefits. During floor debate, resident David Nutt opposed creating a full-time chief. “I do not believe the town can afford a full-time fire chief, nor do I believe one is needed,” he said. “If Roy is overwhelmed, he needs to delegate down the chain of command.”

The Southport School Committee has named Shawn Gallagher as the new elementary school lead teacher and future administrator. The committee approved Gallagher May 20. He succeeds retiring teacher Lisa Clarke, who will remain as part-time administrator for one year assisting Gallagher in the transition. Gallagher was a Southport Central School teacher from 2013 to 2021.

Over 130 residents gathered in the Boothbay Region Elementary School gym May 21 to vote on the $12,742,897 Community School District budget. Voters passed all 21 articles by an overwhelming majority, with fewer than about 10 “against” votes for any motion. The budget represents a $1,000,577 (8.5%) increase in costs from 2024, according to documents provided by the CSD.

June

Organizers of the 62nd annual Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days announced that Tim Hodgdon, president and owner of Hodgdon Yachts, has been named Grand Marshal of the Windjammer Days Street Parade, in a nod to this year’s theme, which highlights the legacy of shipbuilding in the region that dates back more than three centuries and the boat builders who carry on this proud tradition today.

This year Tall Ships America chose Boothbay Harbor as Port of the Year at their annual conference in Baltimore. Friends of Windjammer Days accepted the award on behalf of the community. For hundreds of years boaters have known Boothbay Harbor as a jewel on the Maine coast.

On June 6, Southport Selectman Gerry Gamage reported Rob Cronk wrote he didn’t think it was appropriate for a governmental agency to take a public stand on a controversial issue. On June 12, selectmen confirmed a decision that flying the Pride flag at town hall would end June 13, one day prior to Flag Day. During the brief selectmen’s meeting, the board received four thank yous from citizens. Residents Leigh Sherrill, Carla Rull Boussen, Mary Hanley and Andrew Luke also sent notes in appreciation of the board’s decision to proclaim June Pride month in Southport. The “no thank yous” from residents objecting to the board’s decision were also numerous. “A lot of people came in to voice concerns,” said Selectman Gerry Gamage. “There was as many ‘yeas’ as ‘nays’ so we decided to split the difference and take it down just before Flag Day.”

The 2024 Boothbay Region High School boys tennis season ended with a Class C South semifinal tournament loss to Waynflete of Portland but coach Mark Gorey had high praise for his team for the match and season. 2024 marked the second straight year that the Seahawks finished at the top of the Class C South Heal point standings and that the team has won back-to-back MVC championships. It was also the first year Gorey has coached an undefeated team during the regular season.

Seahawk junior Laura Chapman won her third straight Player of the Year award on a vote by league girls tennis coaches as the Mountain Valley Conference announced its spring sports awards this week. Chapman, who continued her career unbeaten streak in the conference this season, was also named to the 2024 first-team all-star team.

In his first meeting as an Edgecomb selectman, George Chase was appointed chairman. In his second, he resigned as chairman. On June 11, Chase decided the selectboard needed a chairman with more municipal government experience. Selectmen Lynn Norgang and Michael Maxim accepted Chase’s resignation. Afterward, Maxim was appointed by Norgang and Chase to serve as chairman. Maxim is beginning his second year on the board after being elected in May 2023.

Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor voters approved the new Community School District (CSD) budget by 55 votes June 11. Overall, the school budget validation referendum vote passed 550- 495, according to town clerks. As reported in the Register, voters set the numbers for the $12,742,897 CSD budget for the 2025 fiscal year at the annual district budget meeting May 21. Following the new school charter, the validation referendum asked if residents approve the school budget as set at that meeting. In vote totals submitted by town clerks, there were 325 “yes” votes, 314 “no” votes, and two blanks in Boothbay; and in Boothbay Harbor, 225 “yes” votes, 181 “no” votes, and three blanks.

A group of petitioners contesting the $30 million referendum that approved renovations to Boothbay Region Elementary School (BRES) filed a lawsuit against the school district June 12. Attorney Kristin Collins, who represents the petitioners, said they feel their rights were violated when their May 1 petition was rejected by the district and they seek an order compelling the Community School District (CSD) to call another vote. The lawsuit requests the court declare the petition valid and its rejection an error. In addition, plaintiffs request the court declare the district must hold a referendum election around the school bond question and petition articles. Plaintiffs Patricia Minerich, James and Virginia Farrin, Daniel Zajdel, Roy Tholl, Elizabeth Grant, Steven Carbone and Pamela Mancusco filed the lawsuit with Lincoln County Superior Court against the CSD and the Board of Trustees, made up of Troy Lewis, Ronnie Campbell, Matt Doucette, Paul Roberts, Darrell Gudroe and Sewall Maddocks.

Over the past 50 years, Downeast Candies of Boothbay Harbor has grown its business to the tune, and flavors, of 20,000 pounds of taffy and fudge. This summer, the Carmolli family is celebrating the shop’s five decades of handmade fudge, the same seven flavors; and mixing, twisting and wrapping 20 saltwater taffy flavors to the delight of candy lovers in the Boothbay region and across Maine and Massachusetts.

Boothbay Region YMCA has chosen Hannah Wayda, her partner Caleb Hodgdon and their kids as this year’s ambassadors for the final phases of the “Greater Impact” campaign and the Annual Fund. The Annual Fund goes to the Y’s operating budget. It costs $10,000 a day to keep the Y open, according to Director of Development Allyson Goodwin. In addition, this money also goes to subsidizing memberships for high school students and people on lower incomes, and supports community programming, from public information seminars to blood drives. The goal is to raise $330,000. Meanwhile, the “Greater Impact” campaign for facility renovations has been going on since 2018. This year’s theme is “Impacting Our Next Generation,” and Wayda and her family are the poster children for how families can get involved at the Y.

The 62nd Windjammer Days festival in Boothbay Harbor, held June 23 to June 30, was blessed with great weather, lots of events and good crowds.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said she grew up without electricity or running water. Instead of TV, she went to the nearest library where she could borrow five books a week, what she called an “absolute highlight.” June 28, she recognized Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library for making such experiences available to the Boothbay region for over a century. During Bellows’ visit, her first time there, she met with several members of the library board of trustees and Executive Director Joanna Breen, who gave her a tour and program highlights. They discussed the library’s history, activity in the community and plans for the next 100 years.

July

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences officially celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 1. In the five decades since its founding in 1974, the institute has continually pushed the boundaries of scientific discovery, buoyed from its earliest days by enthusiastic supporters in the Boothbay community and around the world. Throughout the year, Bigelow Laboratory will celebrate its history of innovation, and the people who helped make those ocean discoveries and solutions possible, while sharing a bold vision for the coming decades. The celebration will culminate with the grand opening of Bigelow Laboratory’s new center for ocean education and innovation, which is currently under construction at its East Boothbay campus. The 50th anniversary activities kick off on July 16.

Boothbay Railway Village was founded by George McEvoy in 1964. It opened for the first time in 1965 on Memorial Day weekend. Many of the buildings were saved from demolition by him, including Freeport Station. which he transported in nine pieces over three days in Feb. 1964, and where visitors buy their tickets; the 1847 Boothbay Town Hall in 1990; and Spruce Point Chapel in 1995. This year, in celebration of its founding, the 30-acre Boothbay Railway Village Museum has many new features in store for visitors.

About 100 people gathered Saturday, July 6 at Southport Central School for the ribbon-cutting, dedication ceremony and grand opening of the new natural woodland playground. Principal Lisa Clarke gave opening remarks and was followed by Sarah Sherman, who gave the dedication speech in honor of Ramona Thompson Gaudette, the school’s cook for 57 years. Steve and Madison Gaudette cut the ribbon.

On July 7, Pastor Steve Murray, 61, began leading services at the Southport and East Boothbay churches. Murray’s arrival ends a three-plus year search for both churches.

Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library (BHML) reached a special milestone; it celebrated its 100th anniversary on the library’s lawn Thursday, July 11, with music, food, laughter and sunshine. Community members of all ages joined to share pride, support and merriment and to reflect on the legacy of our town’s beloved pillar. Gifts, in the form of legislative sentiments and other honors, accumulated throughout the three-hour event, acknowledging the landmark institution’s vital contributions to our community for over a century.

Boothbay Harbor business owner Don Kingsbury has pleaded “not guilty” to two charges in Lincoln County Superior Court, according to court documents. Kingsbury faces the charges after controversial web posts directed at the Boothbay Harbor Planning Board; he had an arraignment scheduled July 11.

The long-anticipated Route 27 Reconstruction Project will likely begin in mid-August, according to Maine Department of Transportation. State Rep. Holly Stover announced the department’s plan in a recent Facebook post that a contractor has been conditionally picked by MaineDOT. All States Construction of Sunderland, Massachusetts was the low bidder. “We are in the process of awarding the project which requires the contractor to submit documentation, a process that typically takes as much as three weeks,” wrote Rob Betz, MaineDOT Midcoast Regional Program director. The project has a projected July 2025 completion date. On July 19, the Boothbay Register asked Betz about the project’s delay. He wrote, “The project was delayed by one month due to new permitting requirements presented to us by the Army Corps of Engineers just as we were ready to advertise. This process necessitated a 30-day waiting period for comments. We have since advertised the project and received bids on July 10.”

The July 17 benefit show for the Ed and Candie Crocker family featuring “American Idol” top 7 performer Julia Gagnon was a success beyond belief. Folks attending were treated to her unbelievable singing and original songs created by both Julia and her fiancé Nate. The Crockers lost their Edgecomb home to a fire on June 3. The event raised over $10,000.

Boothbay selectmen want the Butler and Country Club roads paving project completed by Aug. 1. Contractor McGee Construction began the project last spring with an expected May 17 completion date. A week of steady rain and an unforeseen ledge problem delayed the project, but selectmen believe even with those delays, the project should have been completed by now. Selectmen voted, 5-0, July 24 to give McGee Construction until Aug. 1 to complete the work or a $1,000-a-day fine would be imposed retroactive to July 1.

August

On Saturday, Aug. 3, Dr. Barclay Shepard, family members and Boothbay Harbor town officials gathered to present Barclay, 98, with the Boston Post Cane, given to the oldest town resident. Barclay was pleasantly surprised when he arrived at his son and daughter-in-law’s home and saw everyone there.

The stark reality of a nearly $6 million combined municipal and school budget representing a 31% increase hit Edgecomb taxpayers Aug. 2. Taxpayers opened their tax bill and saw a mil rate increase from $16.70 per $1,000 in 2023 to $21.98 in 2024. Stuart Smith is a resident, local business owner and former selectman. The mil rate increase resulted in his tax bill rising from $9,000 to over $13,000. Smith was part of about a dozen taxpayers who complained about the tax increase during the Aug. 6 board meeting.

Edgecomb’s 250th anniversary celebration will live in perpetuity as part of the Congressional Record. On July 23, U.S. Sen Susan Collins (R – Maine) read her congratulations to Edgecomb celebrating its 250th anniversary on the Senate floor. On Aug. 7, Allyson Cavaretta, state office representative for Collins, provided Edgecomb selectmen with a copy of Collins’ remarks and read it aloud for residents attending the board meeting.

A proposed affordable housing project may create more living spaces, but also more traffic problems for current Butler Road residents. On Aug. 27, the Boothbay Planning Board reconvened their Aug. 21 meeting to begin the first of two sessions on Boothbay Region Development Corporation’s proposed major Butler Road subdivision. Todd Barter has lived on Butler Road for 40 years. He thinks another 300-400 daily motor vehicles trips will make an already dangerous situation worse. He described how neighbors had lost their yards due to high-speed vehicles. Barter also invited planning board members to his residence to view high-speed traffic. “I will be completely honest. I’m against this project,” he said. “It’s not the right place, and I don’t see the community as having the need. Right now, my wife and me are looking to sell.”

September

Weston Alley became general manager of Boothbay Region Water District on Sept. 3 taking the next step in a career with the regional utility that started in 2011. "It's just another part of the job I haven't done," he told the Register, understating the years of experience and multiple licenses he has earned along the way. He replaces Jon Ziegra who retired.

The 4th annual Boothbay Cornhole Classic (BCC) raised $70,000 for Special Olympics Maine (SOM) and Unified Championship Club (UCC) through Bath YMCA on Sunday, Sept. 8. “This is the biggest turnout since the event started,” said Sawyer Boulette, incoming president of the BCC event committee.

Roger Simmons said he and his son, Shelden, had to scrape money together for the third annual Boothbay Harbor Tuna Tournament, but that wasn't their only challenge. The crew of the Josie B competed alongside the 90 boats Sept. 2-5, facing boat troubles which twice forced a return to the harbor. However, with the help of friends, the pair won first place and the $40,000 purse that came with it. In the final standings, Roger and Shelden Simmons won with their 786-pound tuna; Jared Stackpole took second place on his boat, Plan B, with a 736-pound fish, winning $19,500; Derek Little won third, and $10,500, on Tempah Tantrum with a 722-pound fish; Chris Hutchinson won fourth, and $3,000, on Anvil with a 692-pound tuna, and Marcus Raiano won fifth, and $2,000, on Kimberly Ann with a 678-pound tuna. Little also won the overall weight category after catching 1,756-pounds of tuna, netting him an extra $25,000.

The $30 million Boothbay Region Elementary School (BRES) renovation project is tied up in the wake of a lawsuit opposing the referendum that approved it. In addition, the donated money to plan it is running out and options for financing school repairs are limited during litigation. Now, that litigation faces delays according to Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 Superintendent Robert Kahler, who updated the Community School District (CSD) Board of Trustees Sept. 10. In August’s meeting, Kahler said he was told to expect a ruling in September as part of arbitration mutually agreed to. However, Sept. 10, he said he was advised the timeline would likely be pushed back. He told trustees he anticipates having a court decision, and an answer as to whether or not either party would appeal, as late as December. In the meantime, Kahler said the district can’t bond funds for the project during litigation. The situation has further implications for school repairs. In what they said would be a more efficient and cost-effective move, the board had included repairs to leaking roofs and parapets at BRES as part of the larger project, rather than in the regular budget. According to Kahler, the inability to start bonding the project also means setbacks for those, and other high-priority repairs, and work may not happen before snow falls. The board discussed the possibility of starting a separate bond to tackle what they consider essential issues. “You should fix the leaky roofs for Christ’s sakes, no matter what it takes,” said Trustee Sewall Maddocks.

On Sept. 18, Southport’s oldest resident, Evelyn Luther Pratt Sherman, 97, was presented with the Boston Post Cane by Selectmen Gerry Gamage, Smith Climo and Mary Lou Thompson Koskela (her cousin). Sherman was surrounded by her family and friends, and her neighbor and favorite photographer, Robert Mitchell, documented the event.

Matthew A. Plummer, 41, of Boothbay Harbor pled guilty Sept. 24 to attempted murder and four other charges during a plea and sentencing hearing in Lincoln County Unified Criminal Court. On March 19, 2023, Plummer was arrested following an incident at Campbell Creek Complex in Boothbay Harbor. He was charged with three felonies: One Class A offense, aggravated attempted murder, and two Class C offenses, illegal possession of firearms and violating conditions of release. He was later charged with illegal reckless conduct and creating a police standoff. The shooting victim, Wiscasset’s Thomas Hourihan, was treated for 10 gunshot wounds and was later transported to a hospital. Law enforcement reported Hourihan survived the incident.

Anyone watching real estate isn't surprised prices have increased over the last few years. In April, Waltham, Massachusetts-based Lamacchia Realty published its "50 Most Expensive Towns in Maine," based on 2023 home sales. What is surprising is three local towns made the list. Southport comes in at #1 with an average home price of $1,474,231, followed by Boothbay (#21) with an average of $848,066 and Boothbay Harbor (#45) averaging $618,072. Information from Maine Association of Realtors shows the median home price in Lincoln County is almost double the statewide number.

October

Boothbay Region YMCA is pleased to announce its "A Greater Impact" campaign has exceeded its fundraising goal of $14.5 million. Due to COVID, escalating prices and the need to change scope, the Y’s capital campaign was divided into three capital phases:

-Phase I: Waterfront Pavilion and Main Facility Renovations (2018 to 2022)

-Phase II: Marylouise Tandy Cowan Fieldhouse Renovations, New Busses, and an expanded solar array (2023)

-Phase III: Child Enrichment Center and McEvoy Lodge Renovations (2024)

During each of these capital campaign phases, individuals also donated to the Annual Fund, the Camp K Fund, and to the endowment to support the long-term sustainability of the Y.

The national campaign stage has been a contentious arena this election season. In contrast, not a single insult or personal criticism was lobbed between four local candidates during their debate in Boothbay Oct. 3. Cameron Reny (D, incumbent) and Dale Harmon (R), vying for Maine Senate District 13, as well as Holly Stover (D, incumbent) and Bill Hunt (R), competing for Maine House District 48, were in the discussion moderated by Boothbay Register Editor Kevin Burnham.

The Community School District (CSD) Board of Trustees took steps Oct. 8 to begin roof repairs at Boothbay Region Elementary School. The board directed the Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 superintendent to get project quotes and set up a special meeting to begin a bond referendum. “(The roofs) have been leaking since this school was built and this should be priority number one,” Trustee Sewall Maddocks said. He later added, “(The towns) want the roof fixed, I think, and if they don't want to pass it, it just tells you what they want for schools.” The high school roof may also need repairs, according to AOS 98 Superintendent Robert Kahler. In addition, the board said it wanted to move forward on repairs for the elementary school’s dry sprinkler system, estimated at up to around $350,000; the district reported the system failed in 2023.

There’s a dance in Boothbay Harbor that many do, but no one seems to like. Residents came to an unusually crowded selectmen's meeting Oct. 8 and talked about the "two-hour tango," a number where downtown drivers park their car then shimmy it to a nearby space in time to avoid fines.

Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce held its annual members' dinner Oct. 15 at Boothbay Railway Village Museum and presented awards for outstanding community achievements. Prior to the banquet and awards ceremony, board president Julie Roberts updated the board about the past season. She reported local businesses recorded another strong season. In the past year, 28 new members joined the chamber, and two sold-out promotional events highlighted the chamber's calendar, Roberts said. The Claw Down and Fishin' For Fashion both attracted returning and new visitors, according to Roberts.

Edgar Lewis came to the Boothbay town office to vote early Oct. 18. Little did he know he was also there to participate in another longstanding tradition. The 98-year-old said he was surprised when Town Manager Dan Bryer presented him with the Boston Post Cane. “I got it!” Lewis said when he realized what was happening. “I thought I would have to wait a little longer for this.”

The Boothbay Register, Wiscasset Newspaper and Pen Bay Pilot won 35 Maine Press Association individual and staff awards, and the Pilot’s advertising salesperson, Janis Bunting, received the 2024 Advertising Person of the Year Award. The awards ceremony was held Saturday, Oct. 19 at Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center in Bar Harbor at the 2024 MPA Conference. The Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper took top honors for digital General Excellence and third place in print General Excellence.

A grassroots effort to help citizens of North Carolina following the floods and wind damage caused by Hurricane Helene in late September garnered a lot of response from the Boothbay region and volunteers loaded the truck with home and other supplies to bring to North Carolina Oct. 17. The truck from RC Moore Trucking of Scarborough was loaded at Pinkham's Gourmet Market in Boothbay Harbor. A total of 18 pallets of supplies, which included paper towels and toiletries, electric and manual tools and generators, food and water, were loaded into the truck.

Boothbay Regional Development Corp. received conditional approval Oct. 16 for its affordable housing project on Butler Road. The one condition is providing a performance guarantee bond to the town manager prior to receiving a building permit. BRDC Vice President Erin Cooperrider described the application as phase one, which builds 20 townhouse condominiums at 0 Butler Road. Five buildings with four units will likely be available for purchase next spring. Cooperrider told planning board members the corporation is targeting homebuyers making 75% to 125% of median household income or $63,250 to $101,250 per family.

At their Oct. 24 meeting, the Boothbay Harbor Board of Appeals remanded issues around Eastside Waterfront Park to the town planning board following orders from the Superior Court. This was the first meeting of the appeals board since January, according to the town website.

The Boothbay Region High School cross-country team wrapped up a stellar 2024 season Oct. 30 in Cumberland. Led by Karen Higgins, who earned silver, the girls team took third place at the Maine Class C state championship. It was the highest girls team placement for state championships in school history, according to coach Nick Scott. “This was just a fantastic season overall,” Scott said. “They are unequivocally the strongest girls program team that has gone through BRHS.”

November

Principal Shawn Gallagher updated Southport School Committee members about the formation of a new committee seeking public input on ways for education to reflect community values by committing to a collaboratively created vision. So far, Gallagher has recruited Bonita Johnston, Adam Climo, Charlie Britton and Nick Ullo as Vision Committee members. During the Nov. 7 school committee meeting, Gallagher updated the three-person school committee about the new committee's tasks. The first is creating a space to discover what matters most to stakeholders. Second, craft a vision and mission statement reflecting our community's voices, values and uniqueness of the Southport school. Gallagher and Johnson told the school committee a community garden is a likely future project.

A former Lincoln County Emergency Management director filed a wrongful termination suit Nov. 7 in Wiscasset Superior Court. Maury Prentiss served in the job from May 2021 to Aug. 9, 2024. He served as deputy director prior to his promotion.

Boothbay runner Karen Higgins finished the final 2024 cross-country race for the Seahawks Nov. 9 at the New England championships in Manchester, Connecticut. Higgins earned 42nd place out of 254 in 19:21.00 minutes in the girls individual race. The race capped a stellar season for Higgins, who led the Seahawks team every race. She won five regular season races and placed second in both the regional and state Class C championships.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens will be the destination for locals and travelers alike over the next six weeks. The 10th annual Gardens Aglow got underway with media night on Thursday, Nov. 14. The event, featuring displays of more than 750,000 energy-efficient LED bulbs, runs through Dec. 31.

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile came to the Boothbay region over the weekend as part of a Maine trip to collect non-perishable food for Wayside Food Programs in Portland.

Over three years after the Eastside Waterfront Park shoreland permit was approved by the Boothbay Harbor Planning Board, it was back — this time, by a court order. The board met Nov. 20 to fulfill a judge’s request for more clarification on the 2021 decision after a lawsuit last year. April 30, the court released a ruling over issues between Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation and abutters Joe and Jill Doyle, as reported in the Register. In the ruling, the court ordered a new public hearing for the project site plan and more information on its shoreland zoning permit. On Oct. 24, the town's board of appeals remanded issues to the town planning board following the ruling.

Richmond Fire Department took home both the Judge’s Dalmatian Cup and the People’s Choice Award at the Lighted Fire Truck + First Responder’s Parade on Saturday, Nov. 23. Richmond decided to donate its $300 winning prize back to Boothbay Region Fire Auxiliary.

The Boothbay Planning Board Nov. 20 heard a pre-application from Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens for constructing a horticulture and plant science center. The proposal includes a 10,770 square foot administrative and laboratory building connected to a 4,240 square foot head house, two 6,080 square foot greenhouses, a 6,000 square foot storage building, three 2,880 square foot hoop house and several outdoor planting areas. In total, the project encompasses 41,810 square feet.

More than 100 people were at the Charles E. Sherman Jr. Hall Thanksgiving Day for the American Legion's free community Thanksgiving feast from noon to 3 p.m. While the Legion is known for its breakfasts throughout spring and fall, this event was the first time Post #36 provided a holiday meal.

Before dressing their Thanksgiving turkeys, dozens of families bundled themselves up to take part in the 2024 Boothbay Region Turkey Trot at Boothbay Region High School (BRHS). The event drew 140 participants and raised almost $3,200 for the Boothbay region school food closets, according to organizers. Longtime community supporters Dave Parkhurst, Mike Harrison and Clayton Pottle blew their referee whistles at the starting line to begin the event. Before that, they were recognized with lifetime achievement awards for their positive impact on the community and its youth. Their grandchildren presented the awards as their families gathered to celebrate their contributions.

Boothbay Region High School sophomore Karen Higgins placed in the top 40 and was the fastest girl from Maine in the Foot Locker Northeast Regional cross-country championship race Nov. 30. Overall, 110 girls from over 10 states and districts competed at the event in Boston. Higgins earned 35th place with an 18:55.40-minute finish. The winner, Virginia Kraus of Pennsylvania, finished in 17:34.40.

December

The deceased male located on Dec. 3 near Schmid Land Preserve on Old County Road in Edgecomb has been identified as William Nathaniel Robinson, 34, of Austinville, Virginia. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta has determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. Robinson had been recently staying at a home in Edgecomb. The investigation continues and additional information will be released when it becomes available.

David Pratt was named superintendent of Boothbay Harbor Sewer District this week, marking the next step in his 13-year-long career with the organization. Pratt has been interim superintendent since Sept. 2, following the departure of Nick DeGemmis.

Santa Claus exchanged his sleigh for a boat over the weekend as he arrived to Boothbay Harbor Dec. 7 on the Novelty. A crowd of excited families greeted him, Mrs. Claus and their entourage at Whale Park before the jolly couple met kids under the pot buoy tree at Pier One. Local organizations also set up stations with fires, activities, gifts, food and hot drinks to help keep families warm and entertained as the afternoon winter chill set in.

Justice Daniel Billings declared a mistrial in the third day of Tyler Witham-Jordan's trial for murder in the death of a 3-year-old Edgecomb girl on Christmas Day 2022. Witham-Jordan, 30, of Edgecomb and Livermore, is charged with killing Makinzlee Handrahan, the daughter of his then-girlfriend Faith Lewis, 32. Defense attorney James Howaniec objected Dec. 11 after "emotional testimony given by Lewis," according to the Portland Press Herald. Prior to the mistrial, court officials expected the trial to end Dec. 20. Now, court officials report Billings will schedule a conference with the prosecution and defense teams for sometime in January. Court officials added the earliest new trial date is mid-February, but that depends upon the court schedule.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Northern Shrimp Section is maintaining the current moratorium on northern shrimp fishing through the 2025 fishing year. That makes 11 years of no commercial shrimp fishing in Maine. That action followed the 2024 Stock Assessment Update, "which indicates the northern shrimp stock has been at low levels of biomass for over the past decade despite the fishery being under a moratorium since 2014," said the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission in a Dec. 13 news release.