Woolwich first responders observed Fire Prevention Month by holding an open house at the fire house Wednesday, Oct. 18; meanwhile upstairs the selectboard was holding a brief business meeting.

Many parents brought their children to the open house and Fire Chief Shaun Merrill said it was encouraging to see such a large turnout. All of the department’s fire trucks were outside on display including the Bath Fire & Rescue ladder truck with its ladder fully extended. Inside the station were informational tables on fire safety, yummy snacks and face painting for the kids. Anyone who wanted to could try their skill with a fire hose at a wooden target set up on the front lawn.

EMS Director Danny Evarts and other members of Woolwich Ambulance Department gave CPR demonstrations and allowed guests to have a look inside the ambulance. Members of the Morse High School cheerleading squad returned to help run this year’s event. Other participants included Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department, Maine Forest Service and special guest appearances from Sparky the Fire Dog and Smokey the Bear. Along with Bath Fire & Rescue, Dresden and Arrowsic also provided fire trucks.

Selectmen Jason Shaw, Tommy Davis and Chairman David King Sr. were at the meeting; absent were Allison Hepler and Dale Chadbourne.

The longest discussion concerned the ongoing Bath Water Department project. Road Commissioner Jack Shaw said he is worried about the impact the work will have on Nequasset Road which links Routes 1 and 127.  “It’s one of the most heavily traveled roads in town,” said Shaw. He told selectmen he would prefer this entire stretch of road be repaved when the work is completed rather than just the portion which was excavated.

King said the town office had received many complaints about the project, “more than any other project I can remember.” The installation of the new water main runs from near the elementary school west to Route 127 and  southward to connect with an existing main on Route 1 near Cumberland Farms. 

Chris Wilcoxson was appointed as the new 911 addressing officer; he also serves as code enforcement officer.

The selectboard noted OpBox, a company selling building and construction products made from recycled plastics, will hold a community open house on Oct. 26. The business is next door to Kennebec Equipment Rental on Route 1.

Town Clerk Opal Keith reported four local candidates appear on the ballot of the General Election, Tuesday Nov. 7; all are unopposed. They include incumbents Hepler and Jason Shaw for three-year selectboard terms, along with Jennifer Ritch-Smith of Woolwich and Jamie Dorr of Bath, also incumbents, who are running for the two seats on the Regional School Unit 1 Board.

Four citizens’ initiatives and four constitutional amendments will appear on the Nov. 7 ballot including Question 3 whether to “create a new power company governed by an elected board to acquire and operate existing for-profit electricity transmission and distribution facilities in Maine.” Keith said the polls at Woolwich Central School will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Absentee ballots can be requested from the town clerk during business hours at the town office, or online via the Secretary of State’s website.

New hours at the town office are now in effect:  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.