SAD 41, Milo Historical Society transfer artwork ownership

MILO — Several 20th century paintings done by the late local artist Ken Davis that had been given to SAD 41 decades ago will have ownership transferred to the Milo Historical Society for preservation and display around the community.

Davis painted in watercolor, Allen Monroe of the Milo Historical Society said during a Nov. 5 school board meeting at the Penquis Valley School.

“He was actively painting, probably through the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, local scenes,” Monroe said. “In the 1970s paintings were purchased and donated to the school.”

Davis’ works were on display in the library for years and then some were taken down and moved into district offices or put into storage.

“A few years ago we were trying to find out what happened to some of the paintings,” Monroe said. “We were very pleased to receive them.”

Paintings in need of reframing will have this work done by the historical society and the organization will also catalogue everything into its database.

The historical society museum may not be the best place for display, but the town of Milo agreed to have some paintings hung on the walls of the town hall dining room. 

“A wonderful way for people to see them,” Monroe said.

“We are very appreciative, they have found a good home and we will take care of them,” he said.

In other business, a placard has now been placed above the classroom of the late Heidi Finson, Milo Elementary Principal Tina Dumond said.

Finson, who passed away in mid-September, now has a memorial space designated as “Miss Heidi’s Room.” Finson’s keys and lanyard are also hanging by the door in tribute.

For 38 years Finson taught preschool, first at Head Start in Derby and most recently at Milo Elementary and gave hundreds of students their first taste of school.

For last month’s School Bus Safety Week, Facilities and Transportation Director Dillon Watters traveled to both elementary schools to work with students on bus safety. “Our kiddos did great in showing that they know how to be safe bus riders!,” Watters wrote in his report. 

He also thanked maintenance, custodial and transportation staff for their continued hard work and dedication. “Their efforts ensure that our schools remain safe, operational and welcoming for students and staff every day,” Watters wrote.

Board Chair Mary Lynn Kazyaka congratulated the Penquis Valley soccer teams for performances during the fall season. She also thanked all the spectators and snack shack volunteers.

Both Brownville and Milo have school board vacancies and Kazayaka said anyone interested in serving in these positions should contact their respective town officials who will appoint them.

They only need to serve from December to March, when both Brownville and Milo hold annual town meetings and will hold school board elections.

Last month the board accepted the resignation of Leon Farrar of Brownville who stepped down due to health reasons. Farrar was one of three Brownville representatives and his term ran through 2027.

In September Amanda Fernald, one of Milo’s directors, submitted her resignation, citing other commitments as her reason for stepping down.

In March Fernald was elected to a 1-year term through March of 2026.