News Briefs

Residents start planning “Rec Center’s” future
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — First steps in planning the future of the Gentle Memorial Building — Houlton’s
“Rec Center” — began Monday evening with six residents joining the committee out of about 15 who  attended the meeting.
    In addition to Brian Donnelly, Sue Tortello and Paul Cleary, all town councilors, other residents — Jim Berry, Clyde Warman and Ben Drew — agreed to tackle the issue of renovating the current building or raising money to construct a new facility.
    Among the concerns the committee will review are space to accommodate more youth in recreation programs, a walking track for older adults and how to address the aging gym floor.
    Town Council Chairman Paul Cleary said “it was a great, productive meeting” and he was encouraged by the progress. The committee will make recommendations and a presentation to the town council. Anyone interested in joining the committee or learning more, should contact the town office at 21 Water Street or call: 532-7111.

Two charged in car burglaries Investigation ongoing  
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Police have questioned two adults and several juveniles in a rash of approximately 25 car burglaries in the overnight hours of Saturday, May 2 into Sunday morning on the southwest side of town.
    According to Houlton Police Department (HPD) Officer Steve Nason, it was a planned event whereby the teens split up into two groups looking for cash and property, before meeting later to hide some of the property.
    Nason says one juvenile is charged with an alleged burglary and theft; a second is charged with allegedly receiving stolen property. Approximately $1,600 in cash and property was taken, of which nearly $1,000 worth of property has been recovered.
    Police have not revealed what led to the break in its ongoing investigation. However, Nason does say several youth were involved with the adults and some had prior encounters with the HPD. A week after the incidents, several juveniles and two adults were questioned about the alleged robberies.
    As a warning to residents, Nason emphasized that none of the cars were locked. “They simply opened the doors and got in.” Although several residents saw the groups and yelled at them, they delayed calling HPD, according to Nason. HPD recommends that residents lock their cars, remove valuables and call police if they see something suspicious.