Air quality inspections will continue throughout the summer at Middle School of the Kennebunks.

Superintendent Andrew Dolloff said during the RSU 21 School Board meeting July 19 that the Turner Group architectural firm and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health will continue to test air quality in the building after years of staff complaints.

Harriman Associates, another architectural and engineering firm, currently is working on a facilities study for the district to address concerns by staff regarding district buildings.

Dolloff said he asked the firm to immediately focus on the middle school to get a better understanding if the building has any design flaws.

Dolloff said that while it’s not likely the building has design flaws, the district may be able to pursue remuneration from SMRT, the architecture firm that designed the school. He said it was doubtful the district would be compensated for any construction flaws from Payton, the construction firm, because it has gone bankrupt.

Faculty and staff have complained about illnesses that could be related to mold or air quality problems since the  $16 million building was opened in 2002.

Grants flow into Kennebunk

Residents of Kennebunk unanimously approved two grants at a July 13 special Town Meeting.

Both grants, a Community Enterprise Grant and an Economic Development Grant, are Community Development Block Grants administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to improve businesses in town.

The grants require businesses to invest an equal amount in the improvements.

Eight businesses in town were awarded a share of the $115,000 Community Enterprise Grant, which is intended to reduce blight. The businesses are We Care Dry Cleaners, The Masiello Group, West Kennebunk United Methodist Church, York Masonic Lodge, Alamode Inc., Kennebunk Inn and Prisizhon Studio.

Caroline Segalla from the planning office said work will likely start sometime this fall.

Kennebunk Center for Dentistry was awarded $100,000 as part of the Economic Development grant for business support. The grant is intended to close financing gaps caused by unexpected expenses. The center will use the money to add a dentist and four other positions, including a dental assistant and hygienist, with at least half of those positions going to people of low or moderate income. Two new pieces of equipment also will be purchased with the grant, including X-ray equipment and equipment used to make fillings.

The center will have up to two years to create the positions.

Woman killed on Route 111

A Biddeford woman was killed after in a motor vehicle accident near the Arundel-Biddeford line on Route 111 around 1 p.m., July 15.

Priscille Boissonneault, 75, a passenger in a 2002 Toyota Camry, was killed when the car  crossed the center line and collided with a 1994 Dodge Ram van, according to York County Sheriff Maurice Ouellette.

Elizabeth Lapointe, 81, of Biddeford, was driving the Camry and was taken to Southern Maine Medical Center to be treated for serious injuries.

Thomas Wood, of Hermon, was listed in stable condition and has been released from Southern Maine Medical. His wife Dorothy Wood, a passenger in the van, also was taken to the hospital.

All three have been released from the hospital.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the York County Sheriff’s department Ouellette said.

Lobster Bowl is Saturday

The 21st annual Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic will kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday at Waterhouse Field in Biddeford.

The game, featuring all-star teams of players from west and east divisions, benefits the Shriners Children’s Hospital and Shriners Burn Institutes. Gates open Saturday at 1 p.m. and pre-game music starts at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for reserved seats and $8 for general admission. Tickets may be purchased at the game, Kora Shrine Center or from a Shriner.

The game will be played by 90 of the best graduating high school players from across the state. About 60 cheerleaders also will participate in the event.

Local players on the “West” team include Steve Trask, Sam Lalezari and Tim Grose of Thornton Academy and Will Foley of Kennebunk High School.

Cheerleaders for the west include Brianna Acquaviva, Chelsea Boudreau and Meaghan Cote of Thornton Academy and Kelsey Adams, Erin Beal and Mariah Tetherly of Kennebunk High School.

Event attracts 600 walkers

Nicole’s Walk, the annual fundraiser for Caring Unlimited, York County’s domestic violence program, raised more than $17,000 last weekend at Kennebunk Beach.

“Nicole loved to walk and run and we’d go for lots of walks together. She loved walking on Kennebunk beach,” said Amanda Vanasse, organizer for the walk named after her best friend, Nicole Oliver,  who was killed by her husband in 2007.

Vanasse began the walk to raise money and awareness for domestic violence victims.

Nearly 600 people showed up to walk and watch, Vanasse said. Pledges totaled $6,000 and money is still being collected.

Vanasse said she will “absolutely” hold another Nicole’s Walk next year. 

–Compiled by Suzanne Hodgson