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Friday, April 4, 2025 Volume 21 • Issue No. 14
Student Overcomes Challenges, Excels with Adult Education YORK In an address at the Legislative Breakfast in Augusta on Tuesday, March 6, Talia Mandravelis, a resident of York, shared her journey through adversity and triumph with educators, policymakers, and state legislators. Talia’s mother watched with pride as her daughter told her story. “My name is Talia Mandravelis, and I’ve lived in York my whole life,” she began, capturing the audience’s attention with her personal story of resilience. Talia recounted a challenging sophomore year in high school marked by a serious medical issue that kept her out of classes for the first
Left to right: York Adult Education Director Lisa Robertson, Talia Mandravelis, York Adult Education Student Services Coordinator Heather Orr, and York Adult Education Assistant to the Director Lynn Sheehan.
two months. Despite receiving academic plans, she felt unsupported and struggled to keep up with her studies. “Academic plans f rom my teachers that were given to me didn’t provide me with
the support I needed through this difficult time,” the student shared. “I felt like I was chasing after something that I couldn’t reach.” D e t e r m i ne d t o f o r g e ahead, Talia found new hope at
York Adult Education, where she enrolled with the goal of earning her high school diploma and passing the HiSET exams. Ref lecting on her experience, she highlighted the exceptional support she received from her educators, especially Joan, her English teacher. “York Adult Ed not only prepared me for the HiSET but also encouraged me immensely to try my best and give it my all,” Talia expressed gratefully. “It made me feel like my teachers cared about me and my success.” After just over a month of preparation, Talia exceeded expectations by passing all exams with f lying colors. Em-
powered by her success, she and her mother connected with Sarah Bachand, the College and Career Success Coordinator at York County Community College, to explore further educational opportunities, “We explored workforce programs like EMT training and various majors before settling on core courses that could apply to any future major,” Talia shared, emphasizing the pivotal role of guidance in her journey. “Sarah’s support has been invaluable in planning my academic future.” Currently enrolled at York County Community College, See EDUCATION on page 20 . . .
YCSO Celebrates Employees, Graduates, Chili Winner YORK COUNTY A citizen saw a York County resident wandering in the roadway, and quietly stepped in to assist York County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) deputies help the older resident, who was experiencing cognitive difficulties. Jennifer Stonehouse gently calmed the individual, and in so doing, helped the situation end safely. A member of the YCSO command staff, Operations Major Craig Sanford saw the difficulties a mother and her child were experiencing and how few resources they had, and quietly went shopping, using his own
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funds to secure supplies for the young family. The efforts of Stonehouse, Sanford, and a host of others – patrol deputies, corrections officers, civilians – were celebrated on Friday, March 21 at the York County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) Annual Awards Ceremony for 2024. There were commendations, lifesaving awards, officers of the year, and a graduation ceremony for members of the YCSO’s inaugural Citizens Police Academy. The ceremonies also included awards for winners of the agency’s annual
crimes, accepts auxiliary duties like managing the York County sex offender program, is an assistant team leader with the Southern Maine Special Response Team, and is a YCSO firearms instructor. In addition, Broy is leading an effort to upgrade CID technology so detectives can review investigative aids, maintain situational awareness of patrol assignments, and keep track of open investigations and assignments. Adam Boynton was named Corrections Officer of the Year. Described as consistent, depend-
able, an extraordinary worker, and a mentor by his supervisors, Boynton is one of the first See AWARDS on page 2 . . .
First Signs of Spring Roadwork Work on Western Avenue Begins KENNEBUNK Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Wells Water District, along with Kennebunk Sewer District, began a critical infrastructure improvement project on Western Avenue on Monday, March 31. The joint effort will replace the aging water and sewer mains to improve service reliability and ensure long-term serviceability. Work is expected to continue through spring, with the required detour deadline set for May 16. Traffic management plans will be in place to ensure public
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chili contest. “Preparing for these events is a humbling experience because I learn, or I am reminded of the great work we do on a regular basis,” said Sheriff William L. King. Steven Broy, who joined YCSO in 2022, was named Deputy of the Year. Selected as a detective and appointed to the Criminal Investigation Division in February 2024, Broy is approachable and eagerly accepts new assignments, according to King. He noted that Broy maintains a full caseload of felony
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safety and maintain access to local businesses and properties. A detour and road closure will be in effect during the project. All truck traffic will be directed to use Route 1, while local traffic will be routed onto Heath Road. All local businesses will remain open throughout the project. While a temporary road closure and detour are required, updates will be provided regularly to keep the community informed. For the latest updates, visit www.kennebunkwesternave project.com.
Health & Fitness
A section concerning your health . . .
24-25
Stevenson Road Sidewalk Project KITTERY In 2024, the Town of Kitter y was awarded f unding through the Maine Department of Transportation for engineering design and right-of-way for a new sidewalk on Stevenson Road, connecting the existing sidewalk from Shapleigh Middle School to the intersection at Route 236. A Public Meeting will be held on Monday, April 7 at 5 p.m. in Town Council Chambers. The engineering team and town staff will discuss preliminary plans for the sidewalk and
associated stormwater drainage improvements. They will also provide a timeline for next steps and answer any questions attendees may have. The meeting will be broadcast live on Channel 22 and Town Hall Streams. A recording of the meeting will be available for viewing at www.townhall streams.com/towns/kittery_ maine. Those unable to attend who would like to submit a comment or question to be shared at the meeting, may do so by emailing jkellogg@kitteryme.org.
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