Mexico approves McLain monument

MEXICO -- A monument to honor Army Pfc. Buddy McLain, who was killed in action on Nov. 29 in Afghanistan, is planned to be dedicated at the Mexico Greens during Memorial Day services.

At their Dec. 28 meeting, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to spend up to $475 for the stone, to be placed near the main war veterans memorial.

The town will also accept donations from the public at a donation box in the town office to go toward the cost of the black and gray granite monument.

“When you lose someone from your town, it's a different category of veteran. He lost his life in action,” Madigan said, referring to McLain. "I'd be happy to contribute."

Police Chief Jim Theriault then approached the table of the selectmen to also make a contribution.

In other business, the board approved licenses for six mobile home parks. During the discussion, Fire Chief Gary Wentzell said many such homes have not displayed the correct house number. He said that makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to find the proper house.

The board will instruct the town 911 officer David Errington to notify all mobile home tenants to make the necessary changes.

Selectman Reggie Arsenault said everyone in the town should make sure their correct street numbers are prominently displayed on their homes and that the old numbers are taken down. He suggested that a notice about this be sent with the tax bills.

The board also banned parking along a section of Granite Street between Oxford and Main streets during daytime winter storms.

Following a closed session with Theriault and Madigan, the board voted to provide two weeks of back pay for former police officer Dustin Broughton.