Louis Bettcher, Author at Knox County VillageSoup

Louis Bettcher

Latest

Published
July 31, 2018

Town officials, auditor review internal control policy

Members of the Rockport Select Board, the town’s finance director, town manager and auditor met on July 30 to review a proposed internal policy packet. The 45-page document was created to outline the policies and procedures which control all aspects of how the municipality functions — from handling of money to investigating allegations of fraud. The five members of the select board, Finance Director Megan …
Published
July 30, 2018

Midcoast lens: Ospreys make their home in the harbor

A family of ospreys has made their home in the center of Rockport Harbor, having built a nest atop a pole near Walker’s Park. On July 28 one of the adult birds was seen feeding her young. With water on all sides of the nest, the location provides the birds with some excellent access to fresh fish.
Published
July 27, 2018

Application for proposed dance studio withdrawn

A proposal by Vanessa Knause to open a dance studio near Simonton Corners in Rockport has been withdrawn. Last month the Planning Board conducted a pre-application review of a proposal by Knause to relocate Studio RED to the property from its current site in Rockland. On June 27 Knause explained to the board her plans to adapt the building and its property to accommodate the needs of the school. “We’re looking to …
Published
July 27, 2018

Phi Builders won't bid on library project

According to Town Manager Rick Bates, Rockport-based Phi Builders will not submit a bid on the construction of a new Rockport Public Library on Limerock Street. An employee or employees of the company were chosen by the Rockport Select Board to serve as the Owner’s Representative on the project last week. A press release sent from the Rockport Town Office on July 26 cites a possible conflict of interest as the …
Published
July 24, 2018

Phi chosen as owner's rep for library project

The Rockport Select Board has approved Rockport-based Phi Builders & Architects to serve as Owner’s Representative for the proposed Rockport Public Library which will be built at 1 Limerock St. Phi was one of four candidates for the position and will work with the project’s architect, Steve Smith, and engineer Will Gartley, to provide an estimate for the construction of the building, before it is put out to bid. …
Published
July 24, 2018

Truck dedicated to longtime firefighter

Members of the Rockport Fire Department surprised longtime firefighter Charlie Knight with the dedicating the new Squad 25 vehicle in his honor. The dedication was made during the fire department’s annual barbecue on July 19. Knight joined the Rockport Fire Department in 1976, and during his 42-year career he served as both assistant chief and deputy chief, and has continued to respond to calls at any hour of the …
Published
July 24, 2018

The "aways" have their say

A group of about 40 non-voting Rockport property owners and taxpayers attended a special meeting of the Select Board on July 23 to express thoughts and concerns to municipal officials. It was the first time such a meeting had been held in Rockport. Referring to themselves as “part-timers,” “the away’s” or “summer people,” some of the first audience members to speak expressed a feeling of a disconnect from the …
Published
July 24, 2018

Goodie's Beach deemed safe following sewage spill

Following a report of a sewage discharge from a schooner in Rockport Harbor last week, the Department of Environmental Protection has conducted tests of water at the popular swimming site, Goodie’s Beach. Results from the test show that the water contains a bacteria count deemed safe for swimmers. “The beach was posted, but not closed. Maine Healthy Beaches recommends posting a warning, which we did. DEP did a …
Published
July 21, 2018

Volunteers sought for Mary Lea Park renovation project

Members of the public are invited to participate in a clean-up of Mary Lea Park in downtown Rockport at noon on July 24. Organized by members of Keep Rockport Beautiful, volunteers will be assisted by members of the Public Works Department to restore some of the park’s pathways. Much of the gravel which covered the walkways needs to be replaced, along with the black anti-weed fabric underneath it. Volunteers will …
Published
July 18, 2018

Firefighters gear up for boot drive fundraiser

The Rockport Fire Department is preparing for its 4th annual boot drive, which will be held at the intersection of Routes 17 and 90 on Friday, Aug. 10 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The fundraiser has become a familiar sight in Rockport over the years, as members of the fire department stand in the intersection, collecting donations from drivers in the boots of their firefighting uniforms as the traffic lights turn red. …

Sign In: