CHINA -- Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Town Office. Absentee ballots are now available.

In addition to the seven statewide questions, China voters will elect local officials and decide whether to approve a new ordinance and two ordinance amendments.

There are no contests -- and three blank lines -- on the local ballot.

For the Board of Selectmen, Irene Belanger and Neil Farrington are unopposed for re-election.

For the Planning Board, James Wilkens is unopposed for re-election from District 1, and Ronald Breton is the only candidate to succeed Scott McCormac as the alternate member. There is no candidate on the ballot for the District 3 seat now held by Blaine Bronson.

For Budget Committee, Chairman Robert Batteese is unopposed for re-election. There are no candidates from District 1 or District 3, positions currently held by Gregory Pizzo and Richard Szabo, respectively.

The three local referendums ask voters if they want to adopt a new ordinance prohibiting obscenity, amend shoreland zoning regulations to conform to state standards and update the floodplain management ordinance.

Ceremony at

Carrabec Thursday

NORTH ANSON -- Jobs for Maine Graduates will conduct an initiation and installation ceremony Thursday at Carrabec High School.

During the 5:30 p.m. ceremony, Jobs for Maine Graduates will induct students into the program. The students are responsible for the event, and will host a dinner for attendees.

Jobs for Maine Graduates provides students who are at risk of leaving school with the skills and motivation needed to succeed in higher education and the workforce.

John Witherspoon, president of Skowhegan Savings Bank, and other Somerset County professionals will be present. For further information, contact 858-2550 or khart@skowsav ings.com.

Palermo offers

absentee ballots

PALERMO -- Absentee ballots are available at the Town Office for Tuesday's state election.

Polling hours at the Town Office on Tuesday will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Compiled from staff reports