Otis Observer May, 2017 Vol III. Issue 1 Caucus Results A New Life for the Knox Trail Inn By Linda Rocke By Katharine Adams

ut of 1132 registered voters, 55 voted ince 1820, the Knox Trail Inn has stood as a community Oin the caucus. The only contested races Scenter in East Otis. Having served at times as stagecoach are Selectman and Finance Board. stop and roadhouse tavern, it is even said to have once held In the Moderator category Larry Gould was an infirmary upstairs. While its earliest origins along Route 23 in East Otis have not been pinpointed, it’s reasonable listed on the caucus ballot, however he with- to surmise the structure may have arose in the era of then– drew prior to the caucus although the caucus Loudon’s issuance of land grants, beginning with the town’s ballots were already printed. Therefore he incorporation in 1773. was nominated but he will not be accepting A team of five investors, all town residents and business his nomination. He is involved in too many leaders, have recently purchased the Knox Trail Inn with projects at this time and that is why he with- the aim to reestablish the landmark as a community gem. drew. Blake Middleton was nominated with The partners include Peter Sullivan, Bruce Wall, Dave Wheeler, Jim Kauffman and 6 write–ins. He has accepted his nomination Mark Amanti. and his name will be on the ballot. Blake I walked through with Peter Sullivan, noting his team’s impressively thorough consider- was elected last year but resigned shortly after ation of the value the property holds and showing great attention to detail. With a long OO the election, leaving the position vacant. and accomplished career in the restaurant and catering business, he underscored that Here are the caucus results: each of the partners are experts in their own field, adding humbly that he just happens to have restaurant experience. He pointed to how Dave Wheeler and Mark Amanti Name Position Votes Continued page 2 Michael Ernest Selectman 16 Gary Thomas Selectmen 39 Karen Fink Treasurer 42 Wind and Fiber Updates By Chris Morris, Town Administrator Larry Gould Moderator 15 Wind Blake Middleton Moderator 6 This has been a very busy couple of weeks. Crews have poured 300 yards John (Jack) Conboy Tree Warden 40 of concrete for the foundation and embedment ring which are reinforced Russell W. Loring Constable 47 with 28,000 pounds of rebar. The concrete will now cure for 28 days. Therese Gould Finance Board 22 The three tower sections are still held up in Quebec awaiting the end of the thaw season there and permission from the Ministry of Transportation Sonia Morrison Finance Board 32 for shipment. Other components have arrived from Germany. Kathleen Rider Assessor 43 Library Trustee 0 Fiber Roger Meyer Cemetery (3 years) 47 We have now submitted pole applications to Verizon and Eversource for over a thousand utility poles. Verizon and Eversource have completed their Harold Kobrin Planning Board 44 review of all of the poles in the first of seven “fiberhoods“ to be built. The Arlene Tolopko School Committee 41 first round of pole upgrades will soon begin. Continued page 7 A New Life for the Knox Trail Inn Continued from Page 1 are hard at work on construction, along with the support and assistance of their spouses. Jim Kauffman has been working on the legal and accounting aspect and Bruce Wall has been providing guidance with his business perspective. he partners wish to return the Knox Tto its valued and rightful place as a year–round, lively community center for all to enjoy, with an affordable menu featuring familiar comfort foods—but with a fresh twist. They strive to appeal to both town residents as well as visitors. With plans to establish a heated takeout food bar, the Knox Trail Inn as it appears today. partners understand in our modern times Photo: Katharine Adams that working folks are busy and need to be William Leapean Hotel in 1899. Pettianger, and a Battoe” and rushed to able to sometimes grab fresh, hot food on The Knox’s namesake, the Knox Trail, cross Lake Geo