News Notes: December 3, 2023

Alfred residents and others attend a public hearing Nov. 27 on
York County’s proposed substance abuse recovery and first responder training facilities.

Photo Tammy Wells

Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan

Proposals aired in Alfred: More than two dozen residents showed up Nov. 27 for a   public hearing on York County government’s proposals to build a first responder training facility and substance abuse recovery center in the county seat. Many who attended the hearing before the Alfred Planning Board expressed concerns, especially about the recovery center and its impact on traffic along Route 4, noise, and the public water system at the site near the county jail. Sanford Police Chief Craig Andersen, an Alfred resident, submitted comments in favor of the projects, saying that both are needed. “Substance abuse and mental health do not recognize town lines,” Andersen wrote. The next review of the proposals is scheduled for Jan. 8. 

Recognizing the high school’s high achievers: Scholarship, service, leadership and character were the four pillars exemplified at Sanford High School’s annual National Honor Society (NHS) Induction Ceremony on Nov. 27 at the Sanford Performing Arts Center. More than 30 juniors and seniors were inducted into the NHS, which is a student-led organization that holds various events throughout the year to support school and community service projects. Juniors and seniors with a minimum grade point average of 88 percent are encouraged to apply and complete a form focusing on their extracurricular accomplishments, employment, volunteer services and more. A candle-lighting ceremony was held after the inductees received their NHS certificate. FMI, including a list of the students honored, go here. 

Feeding families this holiday season: The Sanford Backpack Program is seeking donations to continue its work fighting food insecurity among students. The program provides food-filled backpacks each week during the school year in addition to offering farmers market-style food distributions and the new “SpartMart” at the high school. Given the increased cost of utilities, housing, healthcare and other living expenses, nearly half of Sanford families are struggling to put food on the table. Your support will help to make a difference for these families during this holiday season. FMI on the program and how to donate, go here. 

You light up our lives: Have you decorated outdoors for the holiday season and want to share that joy with others? Submit your address to the Sanford Parks and Recreation department’s Drive-by Christmas Lights list. They will make the list available so others can admire your hard work and share in that contagious holiday spirit. To register your address, go here. 

Man hut or she shed, anyone? Students in the Building Trades Program at the Sanford Regional Technical Center completed construction of an outbuilding that is now for sale. At 252 square feet, the multi-use structure was designed to be transported on a flatbed tow truck or trailer without causing traffic issues. It awaits your finishing touches to make it your own or it can be used as is. FMI, including photos and contact information, go here. 

Happy anniversary to the Main Street Memo: The City of Sanford recently marked the one-year anniversary of its Main Street Memo eNewsletter, which publishes city news and announcements on a biweekly schedule. To receive their updates and community news, sign up for the eNewsletter here. 

Fatal Fire Investigation: The state Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fatal fire that occurred in South Sanford last weekend. Sanford Police and Fire responded to a call in the woods off the end of Eagle Drive at approximately 10:30 am on Saturday, Nov. 25. The fire, which was already out and reportedly cold, was discovered by someone who went to check on a family member who had been living in the woods in a makeshift tent created with tarps and other materials. First responders discovered the remains of a man inside the tent, which was not part of an encampment or near any other tents. An autopsy was conducted Monday, but no official cause of death was determined. Major Matthew Gagné of the SPD said the individual living there was known to the Department, but officials are waiting for DNA test results to conclusively identify the victim.