Town of Raymond, Maine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Raymond Fire & Rescue

Raymond, Maine

Raymond Fire & Rescue Urges Caution for This Weekend’s Fun on Frozen Lakes
and Ponds

Raymond, Maine – February 13, 2025 – With a weekend of winter fun ahead,
Raymond Fire & Rescue reminds all Maine residents and visitors to exercise
extreme caution while enjoying frozen lakes and ponds. Whether ice fishing,
skating, snowmobiling, or simply exploring, safety must remain a top
priority.

“It’s going to be a busy weekend on the ice here in Raymond this weekend
and all throughout the State of Maine. Here on Big Sebago, people have been
fishing Jordan Bay and Lower Bay.  The Big Bay now has a skim of ice and
snow.  It might look safe, but it is not,” said Bruce Tupper of Raymond
Fire & Rescue.

“The Maine Warden Service encourages all to be prepared if you go out on
the ice with life saving tools, such as ice picks, a rope bag and wearing a
flotation device.  These measures could save your life,” remarked Lt.
Jason Luce of the Maine Warden Service.

Just days ago a local FireFighter and Registered Maine Guide had fallen
through the ice.  He was prepared with ice picks and a float suit.  His
social media post encouraged others to be safe and to more importantly be
prepared.  He was in the water for 10 minutes and his FireFighter training
helped save his life by staying calm in a dangerous situation.

Here are some tips.

Check the Ice Constantly – No Ice is Guaranteed Safe

Ice conditions can vary greatly, even within the same body of water. Always
check the ice thickness as you go, and never assume it is safe. Conditions
can change rapidly due to fluctuating temperatures, snow cover, and moving
water beneath the surface.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Anyone venturing onto the ice should carry essential safety gear, including:

• Ice picks – To help pull yourself out if you fall through.

• Rope throw bags – To assist in rescuing yourself or others.

• Life jackets or floatation devices – Extra protection in case of an
emergency.

Snowmobilers Beware: Hazardous Conditions Persist

Snowmobilers should be especially cautious of slushy conditions reported
across many lakes in Maine. Pressure ridges and areas of thin ice pose
serious risks and can be deadly. Stay on marked trails when possible and
avoid unfamiliar areas, especially at night.

Raymond Fire & Rescue encourages everyone to prioritize safety while
enjoying Maine’s beautiful winter landscape. In case of an emergency, call
911.

Stay safe and enjoy the winter fun responsibly!

The Raymond Food Pantry will be closed tomorrow 02/13 due to weather and instead will open Friday 02/14 from 4p-6pm

Pantry Location:

Lake Region Baptist Church

1273 Roosevelt Trail

Raymond, Maine 04071

Raymond Revaluation is Underway

February 2025

KRT has begun the data collection.   A list of current streets they will be collecting data from can be found on their website along with additional information on the revaluation process.  Please visit: KRT APPRAISAL - RAYMOND

AT THIS TIME, THE ASSESSING OFFICE IS NOT SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS FOR A REVAL APPRAISAL.  KRT IS WORKING FROM STREET SHEETS ONLY.   IF THE PROPERTY OWNER IS UNAVAILABLE A NOTE WILL BE LEFT WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON WHAT TO EXPECT FOR NEXT STEPS

December 2024

Our townwide Revaluation is underway. It starts now and will conclude in the summer of 2026. We have contracted KRT Appraisal of Haverhill, MA, to complete the project.

The Revaluation begins with KRT’s Data Collectors visiting every property in Raymond.  

If you have any doubts at all about these visitors asking to see your property, the KRT personnel will be carrying a letter of introduction from me and the town manager. They’ll have Assessing Office signs on their vehicles and KRT credentials on their person. Follow this link to view photo ID's of the KRT data collection staff currently working in the area.  If in doubt call my office to verify at 655-4742 or the Police Department at 1-800-266-1444.

Their job is to measure every building on every property and to perform a quick inspection of the interiors. In this way, you and we are assured the information used to value your property is accurate. You do not have to allow them on your property, but the information they are gathering and verifying makes an accurate assessment much more likely. 

KRT will be sending postcards out in batches. Once you receive a postcard you can expect a visit within the next 60 days.

I thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Curt Lebel, CMA

The Town has been working with with GPCOG, the Maine Connectivity Authority (formerly, ConnectMaine Authority), and Sebago Fiber on getting a fiber ring through Raymond that will eventually allow for a fiber internet connection directly to the home.   For information on the process and where we are headed with it click here: COLAB Update

The Town of Raymond needs your input!

Take the Internet Demand Survey Here

For the past several years, the town has been involved with a regional broadband committee with the goals of bringing fast, reliable, and futureproof internet to the region. Many homes and business have no internet connectivity, and most that do must rely on service that may be unreliable or does not serve current needs.

We are working with Sebago Fiber, a local internet service provider, to bring fast, reliable fiber internet to homes and businesses in our community. The first step is for residents and businesses to fill out the demand survey. Areas with the most demand will be built first, so be sure to let us know if you’re interested in service by filling out the survey. Questions can be emailed to [email protected].

Link to Meet and Greet informational session with Town of Raymond and Sebago Fiber : https://youtu.be/fc5Tn13SDQ8