Waldo County Technical Center

Old firetruck going to Waldo County Tech Center

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:38:02 -0500

By Craig Crosby ccrosby@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer

MONMOUTH -- The town's old firetruck will soon be used to train future firefighters elsewhere.

Selectmen agreed during Wednesday's meeting to donate the town's spare pumper truck, made in 1977, to the fire science program at the Waldo County Technical Center on Route 137 in Waldo.

"I think it's a great idea," said Selectman Harold Jones.

The technical center's fire science program trains high school sophomores, juniors and seniors during the course of one- and two-year programs. Students have the opportunity to earn firefighter II certification.

"Students in both these programs are strongly encouraged to become part of their local departments as well as continue their education after they complete the fire science program," said Holly Scribner, emergency services instructor at the technical center.

Now, the program trains with a 1959 fire truck that is sparingly used because of mechanical problems and an unreliable pump, Scribner said. The truck's shortcomings have deprived students of valuable experience, Scribner said.

"Your donation to the fire science program would enable the students to not only utilize an on-site fire pond and hydrant, but also go off site to the nearby Waldo County Fire Training Facility to utilize the facility as it was designed," Scribner said.

Monmouth officials have been trying to sell the town's 1977 pumper truck since this summer when the department took delivery of a new $350,000 quad-cab pumper truck. The new truck includes a number of upgrades, such as a compressed air foam system that delivers fire retardant foam. It replaced the old truck at the North Monmouth Fire Station.

Monmouth Fire Chief Andre Poulin said Wednesday that the town did receive an offer of $1,000 to buy the old truck from a company that planned to cut it up and convert it into a dump truck.

"A thousand dollars is a thousand dollars, but to me it's a sin to cut it up," Poulin said.

He suggested that donating the truck to the technical center would enhance fire service in the state. Jones said donating the truck was a way of thanking firefighters for their service in Monmouth and elsewhere.

The board voted unanimously to donate the truck to the technical center.

Poulin said firefighters from his department will deliver the truck after Thanksgiving.

Craig Crosby -- 621-5642

ccrosby@centralmaine.com

Local Butcher Inspires Young Bucks to go into the BiZ

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:34:36 -0500

On December 19th , Dale 'Bucky' Mclaughlin generously spent the day with 12 Culinary Arts students showing them how to break down a side of beef. The class purchased the side of beef from one of the students grandparents. The meat will be used in meal preparation for lunches served in the cafe, which is open to the public.This is the first time the tech center has made such a purchase and it will be some time before it is clear if it will be done again. It is very expensive to pay all that money up front, but retail beef is very expensive. The students not only learned how to break down a side in the primal and sub primal cuts, but they also used the bones to make stock and ground some of the meat into burger.

It was an exciting day in the Culinary Arts class. I know we are saving money and the experience is more than worth it. The chef has fielded calls in the past looking for meat cutters, or students with an interest in the field. This experience will give the kids first hand experience that just may inspire them in that direction.

Fun Fun Fundraising With Donuts

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Aaron Santana of Mt. View High School dips donuts into glaze

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Meat Cutter to Visit Culinary Class

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On December 19th, 2011, Dale (Bucky) McLaughlin will be breaking down a side of beef as a demonstration for the students. The class purchased the side of beef from one of the culinary student family, who raise grass fed cattle. The bones will be used to make stock for soups and sauces, the class will gring their own hamburger for use in the cafe- which is open to the public, and the primal cuts will be broken down into roasts and steaks that will either be used in the cafe or sold to the staff members of the school.

This is a perfect opportunity for kids to see how to break down an animal. Whether a cow, a deer, caribou, elk or bison, the basic body structure and method is the same. Chef Hannibal has received calls from are butchers asking for kids who would like to go into meatcutting as a profession. This will give the students the opportunity to see if this is a form of food service they may be well suited for.

ABC Craft Championships

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On November 18, four students from the Electrical Trades class will be competing in electrical wiring competition at the Augusta Civic Center against other electrical students from across Maine. This event, sponsored by Associated Builders and Contractors of Maine, is assisted by Cianbro and many other construction firms. Along with the competition, there are approx. 18 other trades represented with hands on expirience by the spectators. This event is attended by 1,000 high school students from high schools throughout Maine. WCTC's Law Enforcement class will be on scene providing security services. Andrew Ryder from BAHS placed third last year.

The electrical competition starts at 0800 and ends between 1100-1200. Admission is free. Come out and support our students and maybe you may win a prize by driving a few nails yourself.

Emergency Services visits SMCC

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The Edible Cell Project

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Interactive Anatomy Lab!

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The Emergency Medical Services program has just completed their three weeks of intense A&P in order to prepare for their EMS course. As part of this preperation students had the opportunity to have a hands on experience. Students took part in a pig heart disection lab to help familize themselves with the anatomy and workings of the cardiac system. This lab is just one of many interactive learning experiences the EMS program takes part in throughout the year as part of the hands on learning focus of their course.

Storage Buildings For Sale

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:02:39 -0500

8’X10’ STORAGE BUILDINGS

For Sale

High quality buildings made by WCTC students

Includes 4X4 PT skids, waterproof flooring, cedar shingle siding -

Contact Drew Fales at 342-5231 ext 112

* Customer is responsible for transporting