Arundel will soon have a historic monument commemorating U.S. military veterans.

The Arundel Historical Society raised money to erect the monument outside the town fire station on Old Post Road in Arundel.

Workers broke ground June 28, according to Historical Society President Melanie Mitchell.

The process began three years ago, but the society had to become a nonprofit organization before fundraising and collecting donations, which began in January.

A presentation will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at the fire station for the unveiling of the monument. The public is invited to attend.

Trailer fire causes delays

A tractor-trailer caught on fire near the Kennebunk exit of Interstate 95 on June 30 and caused delays in Kennebunk and on the turnpike.

The 2001 Western Star truck carrying french fries caught fire around 10:43 a.m., according to Jeff Degroot of State Police Turnpike Troop G.

No one was injured but both the vehicle and the load were a total loss.

Degroot said the fire was caused by a mechanical or vehicle defect. He said the driver began smelling electrical smoke and saw smoke coming from the dashboard when he pulled the truck onto the side lane.

The fire caused traffic jams along the interstate and delayed traffic into Kennebunk for almost an hour, police said.

Stimulus funds trail work

Trail work began this week on three public trails at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge: Cutts Island Trail in Kittery, Carson Trail at the headquarters in Wells, and Goosefare Brook trail in Saco.  According to Park Ranger Karrie Schwaab, trails will remain open during the construction period.  Schwaab welcomes the public to enjoy the wildlife and scenery, but wants visitors to be aware that there may be noise and small construction equipment on the trails.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a contract under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to Seth McCoy of Alfred.

Improvements will be made at the entrance to the Cutts Island Trail to increase accessiblity. Aging observation platforms will be replaced with recycled lumber materials and the tread will be improved at the Carson Trail; and guardrail will be installed near the Goosefare Brook Trail.

Trail improvements will give visitors better wildlife viewing and photography opportunities, officials said.

– Compiled by Suzanne Hodgson.