The combined efforts of Woolwich officials, including the selectboard, first responders and Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department, were successful in getting Maine Department of Transportation to return a rumble strip to Route One. Rather than wait until next spring, highway officials instead had the modifications done now.

“They started Monday (Nov. 3) and finished the work in just a few days,” District 49 Rep. and Selectman Allison Hepler told Wiscasset Newspaper. “I think I speak on behalf of everyone in town that we're grateful for MDOT's decision and for hearing our concerns. As their own research indicates, rumble strips save lives, and the thought of not having that life-saving element on Route One this winter made us all very anxious,” she added.

Rep. Hepler had recently contacted the governor’s office by phone stressing the need for the rumble strip. She said a letter from the selectboard and the combined efforts of the road commissioner, fire chief, EMS director and sheriff’s department convinced highway officials. “We were all very pleased they chose to have this work done before winter set in,” she added.

The milled strip which alerts motorists when they cross the center line wasn’t replaced when the highway was repaved last summer. Since then, several crashes had occurred here, the most recent being an Oct. 12 head-on crash resulting in one driver's being airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland.

At the selectboard’s Nov. 5 meeting, Town Administrator Kim Dalton said the town was the recipient of a $3,000 “Risk Reduction Grant” from Maine Municipal Association. The money will be put towards the installation of new outdoor security cameras to monitor activity at the municipal building and in Nequasset Park. The new system is estimated to cost $8,639; other monies needed for it will come from the remaining ARPA account.

Hepler said the state legislature approved the selectboard’s request to name the newly replaced Station 46 bridge on Route One the Woolwich Veterans Bridge. She said the bridge will be dedicated in 2026.

A recent Climate Resilience Committee workshop drew 20 to 25 people including the town’s fish commissioners, according to Selectman Tommy Davis.

The selectboard unanimously approved a request from Fire Chief Shaun Merrill to send two firefighters to the Tri-County Fire Training facility. The cost of $1,500 per attendee will be paid by the fire department.

October was busy for Woolwich first responders. EMS Director Danny Evarts said the ambulance service responded to 28 calls, 32 patients were seen and 20 were transported. MC1 was called four times; Bath Fire & Rescue, Wiscasset Ambulance and Life Flight were each called once.

Road Commissioner Jack Shaw said paving on Hockomock Road would be completed over the next week. “That will be it as far as paving goes for this year,” commented Shaw, who added he was very pleased with the paving contractor’s work.

Selectmen were told a political sign in support of Donald Trump on a hill overlooking Route One does not meet the requirements of the town’s sign ordinance. Code Enforcement Officer Mike Field said he had been in contact with the property owner about it. The sign has been the subject of controversy and been repeatedly targeted by vandals.

Ashley Lavender was appointed Animal Control Officer. Lavender had been serving as deputy to the position. The vote on her appointment was 5-0.

Someone has been pilfering the free emergency firewood from the bin in the parking lot across from town office, according to the meeting. “The intent is to help people in need who rely on firewood for heat. It’s not intended to be used for recreational campfires,” commented Chairman David King Sr.

The town office will close at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, the day before Thanksgiving and be closed all day Friday after the holiday. 

Veterans Day program

Woolwich’s Veterans Day Service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Nequasset Meetinghouse. This year’s program arranged by the Special Events Committee will feature a representative of Honor Flight Maine. Hepler noted the non-profit group offers Maine veterans a weekend trip to Washington, D.C. More information about the group is available at Honorflightmaine.org. The Montsweagers will provide live music for the program, added Hepler. 

For those needing food assistance

Woolwich families or individuals impacted by the interruption of benefits administered through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can seek assistance from Bath Area Food Bank, 807 Middle St., Bath. The food pantry is open Tuesdays from noon to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 6 and Thursdays, noon–2. For more information, call: 737-9289. There is also St. Philip’s Episcopal Church “Help Yourself Shelf Pantry” at 12 Hodge St., Wiscasset available to Woolwich residents and open Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. They can be reached by phone at 882-7184, or email: helpyourselfshelf@gmail.com