Flynn off to school
WMPG’s development director, Tom Flynn, finished working at his last Begathon this spring. Flynn gave his notice and will be leaving his position at the station on May 27, but he won’t be going far.
“I plan to stay very active as a volunteer at WMPG,” said Flynn.
Flynn will be attending USM as a fulltime student majoring in English. “Hopefully I’ll finish my bachelors in two or three semester.”
Due to University regulations, WMPG cannot begin the hiring process while Flynn is still in the position.
The Free Press from Europe
Kirah Brouillette, staff reporter for The Free Press, will begin a three-part series next week about her travels in Europe. Brouillette, while assisting her mom keep track of 35 Waterville high school juniors and seniors from the Old World, will report back about the places she’s visiting including Brussels, Amsterdam, London and Paris.
Brouillette described the focus of the trip, and her series, as being a low cost discovery of Europe with the unique experience of being involved with a lightly structured student group.
“The students are given their own free rein,” said Brouillette. “It’s a developmental ‘find your own way’ experience trip.” In this way her series will be of great interest for college students looking to tour Europe on college student budgets.
Arson on campus
The latest in a string of arsons occurred in Upton-Hastings Hall on March 13. Since February there have been ten fires in the hall, occurring on various floors.
Burn marks have been found on doors, ceilings and floors. Police wouldn’t say what objects have been set on fire.
After the second fire happened the University Police Department joined with the Gorham Fire Department and the State Fire Marshall’s office in an investigation. Police can not dispense information about the investigation at this time because it is still an active case.
Detective Penny Belanger did say the investigation will continue even after the semester ends in May.
Arson is a Class A crime, punishable by more than 10 years in jail.
Resident Director of Upton- Hastings Hall Sara Treible said students don’t seem alarmed about the fires. She also said she was surprised no parents have expressed concern.
“Maybe the students feel safe and it’s not something they’re talking about to their parents,” Treible said.
The dormitory staff called an all-hall meeting during third week of March to make sure all students were aware of the fires and to inform them of evacuation routes. None of the fires thus far have set off the alarms.
“I feel concerned and very worried. This is my home, though I’m not terrified,” Treible said. She is very confident in the safety of the building and that students will know what to do in the case of a larger fire. She does encourage students to get renter’s insurance, however, and says it’s a good idea for any student living in a dorm to do so.
Neither Trieble, nor Detective Belanger could speculate on the motivations of the arsonist(s). motivations of the arsonist(s).