News Notes

News Notes

Sally Stokes was recently named the game day coordinator for the Sanford Mainers.

Photo: Sanford Mainers

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

A new face for the upcoming season: The Sanford Mainers kicked off 2025 with a big welcome to Sally Stokes, who will be joining the organization as the team’s game day coordinator, helping oversee all game day staffing efforts. A Central Maine native, Stokes is currently a game worker supervisor for the Colby College volleyball, women’s basketball and men’s hockey teams, and serves as a student office assistant for the Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations.

Fatal accident in Sanford still under investigation: A 73-year-old woman from Alfred died when her car ran off the end of Whichers Mill Road on the afternoon of Jan. 10, crossed Route 99, and rolled over on its side. There were no skid marks on the pavement, said Major Mark Dyer of Sanford Police Department. Saco Police Department’s accident reconstruction team is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash, he said. The identity of the woman who died was not immediately released.

Using your noodle for a good cause: Italian Night at the Trafton Center, a fundraiser supporting the center’s programs, will be held Feb. 8, 4 pm to 6 pm. The event includes a dinner of three types of pasta and sauce, meatball, chicken or grilled vegetables, dessert and drink for just $15 per person. Music will be provided by DJ Keith. FMI, call the Trafton Center at 207-457-0080.

The City of Sanford is hiring: The Sanford Department of Public Works has multiple openings, with hourly rates starting at $24.70 plus benefits for mechanics, truck operators and more. FMI on the positions and to apply, go here.

Why not take a shot? And put some English on it: Maine TAP, an amateur pool tour run by Ben Harvey, has a division that runs out of Mill Towne Tavern in Sanford. TAP offers a variety of formats such as called-pocket 8 ball, 9 ball and 10 ball, with the opportunity for teams to advance to the national tournament in the fall. Last year one of the teams out of Mill Towne Tavern advanced to a second-place finish in the national tournament in Orlando. New sessions begin Jan. 21 for 8 ball, Jan. 27 for 10 ball, and Feb. 6 for 9 ball. FMI, interested pool players can contact Mill Towne Tavern, 207490-5798.

Sanford has a new resource to help people access technology: Since its founding in 2024, the LeClair Foundation for Technology, a nonprofit based in Rochester, NH, has been providing access to needed technology for small businesses, nonprofits, and community projects. The organization recently announced that it has expanded its Community Technology Services area to include Sanford and has broadened its focus to include both in-person and general support — often at no cost — to people over the age of 53, low-income families and individuals, veterans and disabled citizens. The foundation’s services include computer/laptop/device repair, installation, and support; Internet and network support; general technology support; and more. FMI on the services offered and how to request assistance, go here.

finger print scanner

The York County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Police Academy, starting Feb. 25, will cover several topics, including fingerprinting and crime scene processing. Here, a York County Jail corrections officer demonstrates the use of a fingerprint scanner, part of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System.

Photo: York County Maine Government

Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law: Are you a cop show junkie who wonders if what you see is true to life? Or perhaps you’re considering a career in law enforcement and want to learn more before making the leap. Now you have a chance to find out. Next month York County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) will partner with Massabesic Adult and Community Education to host its first-ever Citizen’s Police Academy. The four-week course will be held Feb. 25 to March 20, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm each evening, with an additional 8 hours of required ride-along time with a patrol deputy. Students will gain insight into police patrol operations and tactics, communications, first aid (Narcan and CPR), crime scene processing, constitutional law and use of force, K9 utilization, jail operations (including a tour), and more. Applications are due by Feb. 7. This is a free course, but there is a $25 fee for supplies. FMI and to enroll, go here.

Fido begs you to avoid the dreaded late fee: It’s time to renew your dog’s license for the new year. Fees are $6 for neutered/spayed dogs and $11 for non-neutered/non-spayed dogs. Licenses can be purchased at City Hall during regular hours or online through Maine’s Dog Licensing Online Service. Online purchases include a $1 transaction fee plus $1.75 for shipping and handling. To avoid late fees, renew by Jan. 31, after which renewals must be done in person at City Hall and will include a $25 late fee per dog. For online renewals, you’ll need a credit card, your dog’s license/tag number, a Maine rabies certificate, your vet’s contact info, and a spay/neuter certificate, if applicable. For online renewals, go here.

Tips on managing stress and anxiety: StrengthenME, a program from Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services that offers free stress management and resiliency resources, has scheduled two free webinars. On Jan. 22, 10 am to 11 am, “How to Support Children Impacted by Trauma” will be featured. On Feb. 26, 9 am to 10 am, “Managing Anxiety and Fear Related to Climate Change” is the topic. The webinars are intended for those who want to learn about how to care for themselves or support their families and communities after a disaster. To register for one or both webinars, go here.

Calling all adventurers: Are you ready to embark on epic quests, battle ferocious monsters, and weave unforgettable tales with friends? Sanford Community Adult Education (SCAE) is exploring the idea of hosting a weekly Dungeons & Dragons group for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. Whether you’re new to the game or a dungeon master extraordinaire, this is your chance to roll the dice and let your imagination soar. The group would meet once a week at SCAE, and there would be a minimal fee to cover space costs. If you’re interested in joining or have questions, let SCAE know by visiting their Facebook page or calling 207-490-5145.

Swim, play games, and have a date night to support the Titans: The Sanford-Springvale YMCA has planned two events to raise scholarship funds and support the swim team. The first is a Swim-Athon, scheduled for Jan. 24 from 5 pm to 7 pm, that raises money for the Aquatics Department scholarship fund. The public is welcome to join in for an evening of swimming and games. The second event is your chance for some adult time. On Feb. 15 from 5 pm to 8 pm, the Titans Swim Team and staff will take care of the kids, entertaining them with activities, snacks and more, while you enjoy the night out. Proceeds from this event support the swim team. Children must be at least 4 years old and must be potty-trained. FMI, contact the YMCA Welcome Center at 207-324-4942.

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