Photo taken by local artist Ross Knowlton. Ross Knowlton is a Millinocket-based wildlife and landscape photographer whose work can be viewed and purchased online at RossKnowlton.com | |
The Magic City Monthly
February 2025
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“Snow sled pioneer Fred Salem is seen with Dr. Ernest Young as they prepare for a rescue mission at an area camp. This sled, built by Salem in 1937, was used for search and rescue."
Photo courtesy of Millinocket Historical Society Curator, Trudy Wyman
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Engage, Participate, & Subscribe!
Stay in the know by attending the various Council and Committee meetings. We appreciate any and all input and feedback. Please remember this is YOUR community and YOUR voice matters. CLICK HERE to view the Community Calendar and stay up to date with all scheduled meetings. If you cannot attend a meeting you can stay in the know by watching the recordings on our YouTube Channel. Feel free to subscribe to the channel to stay up to date.
The Millinocket Town Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 5:30. Meetings are held in-person in Charles Sanders Council Chambers and remote access available via Zoom. CLICK HERE for more information regarding town council meetings! Please considering joining these meetings are participating in the discussion. All are welcome!
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Winterfest 2025
Local municipalities, organizations, snowmobile clubs, and volunteers came together to host Winterfest, a fun-filled celebration of winter in our region. Held from February 14th to 23rd during school vacation, Winterfest offered a variety of activities for all ages.
A snowmobile parade kicked off the festivities, followed by a cozy bonfire with hot cocoa to warm up the crowd. Ice skating was a popular activity, and Kids' Day featured a youth ice fishing derby that was a huge hit. The week also included extra open gym days, public suppers, and a double screening of the movie "Lost on a Mountain in Maine".
The Town of Millinocket would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many individuals who worked tirelessly for months to make Winterfest a success. Their hard work and dedication ensured that everyone had a wonderful time enjoying the winter festivities in our region.
We're already looking forward to next year's Winterfest!
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FY26 Municipal Budget Workshop Schedule Announced
The Town of Millinocket is gearing up for the FY26 municipal budget process, and we invite you to participate. A series of workshops and public hearings have been scheduled to discuss the upcoming budget.
Important Note: Please be aware that this is an early stage in the budget process. The schedule and agenda are tentative and subject to change.
Tentative Workshop Schedule
The following workshops are open to the public for observation, but not for public comment:
- Thursday, March 20th
- Thursday, March 27th
- Thursday, April 3rd
Public Hearings
Two special public hearings have been scheduled, where citizens will have the opportunity to provide comment on the proposed budget:
- Thursday, April 17th
- Thursday, April 24th
Location and Time
All workshops and hearings will be held in the Charles Sanders Council Chambers, located upstairs at 197 Penobscot Avenue. The tentative start time for each session is 5:30pm.
For further information and documents related to the FY26 municipal budget process, please visit our website here.
We encourage all interested citizens to attend these sessions and stay informed about the FY26 municipal budget process. Your participation and input are valuable to us. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office.
Thank you for your continued interest in the Town of Millinocket's municipal budget process.
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Town Clerk's and Tax Collector Department
As we continue into the new year, the Town Clerk/Tax Collector's Office has been busy processing various transactions, managing tax collections, and providing essential services to our community. Below is a summary of our recent activities:
Financial Update
From January 18, 2025, to February 21, 2025, our office processed 3,070 transactions, collecting a total of $3,017,859.63.
Tax Information
- The FY24/25 Real Estate & Personal Property Tax mil rate is 27.6, with an interest rate of 8.5%.
- The 2nd half tax payment was due on January 29, 2025, with interest accruing from January 30, 2025.
- Reports are attached for your reference.
Delinquent Accounts
- Real Estate: 581 delinquent accounts totaling $757,933.60.
- Personal Property: 38 delinquent accounts totaling $19,455.10
Sewer Billing
- January sewer billing for 2025 1st Qtr. was mailed, with a due date of February 28, 2025, and an interest date of March 3, 2025.
Other Updates
- Motor Vehicle reports are current, reconciled, and submitted to BMV.
- January month-end reports for Vital Records, IF&W, and Dogs were reconciled, and collected monies were submitted to state agencies.
- Advertising for ordinances, closure notices, board/committee vacancies, and public hearings has been completed.
- Marriage and Cemetery recordings, deeds, maps, and electronic/card files are up to date.
- Prior council meeting minutes are being finalized.
Elections Department
- Voter registration files are being maintained, including electronic AVR/OVR/BMV, agency death acknowledgments, in-person requests, and SOS's system purge of inactive voters.
Available Services
- 2025 Transfer Site Permits are available for $20.
- 2025 IF&W Licenses (Game, Snowmobile, ATV, & Boat) are available.
- 2025 Dog Licenses are available, with a $25 late fee after February 1, 2025. Rabies certificates are required for filing.
- A new online portal program for dog owners is coming soon.
We appreciate your patience as we navigate this new program together. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office.
Diana Lakeman, Town Clerk
Sharon Cyr, Tax Collector
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Human Resource Department
The Town of Millinocket is seeking applications for the current job opportunities:
- Paid Call Fire Fighters
- Full Time Fire Fighter/Advanced EMT or Paramedic
- Public Works Mechanic Level 1
These position are all open for immediate hire. Please go online or stop into the Town Office for a full job description or application. Please submit applications to the Human Resource Director via email or mail 197 Penobscot Ave., Millinocket.
The Town of Millinocket is an E.O.E/AA Employer.
Lori Santerre, Human Resource Director
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Public Works Department
As we continue through the winter season, the Public Works Department has been working hard to maintain our streets, sidewalks, and facilities. Here's an update on our recent activities:
Safety First
Our public works and transfer site employees recently completed their annual fire extinguisher training at the Millinocket Fire Department. This training ensures that our staff is prepared to respond to emergencies and maintain a safe working environment.
Winter Maintenance
Our crew has been responding to multiple storms, requiring plowing and sanding. We've experienced significant drifting, which has necessitated repeated plowing in certain areas. Unfortunately, one of our plow trucks broke down and was towed to Bangor for repairs. Our backup truck also experienced mechanical issues, but thankfully, East Millinocket Public Works loaned us a plow truck to help us maintain our winter maintenance schedule.
Important Reminders
- Please remember our winter parking ban, which prohibits vehicles from being parked on streets overnight. This allows our crew to effectively clear snow and maintain our roads.
- When encountering our large plow trucks, please give them plenty of space to maneuver. These vehicles have blind spots, and our operators may need to back up to complete their work.
Transfer Station Updates
- We've sent a truckload of electronic devices for recycling.
- Repairs were made to one of our hopper's control systems, and a leaking hydraulic cylinder was discovered, which will require replacement.
- New lights have been ordered to replace damaged ones in the hopper building's parking area.
- Tipping fees for solid waste have increased to $88 per ton. Remember, every ton of recycled material saves the town this fee and generates revenue.
- Please ensure that refrigerators and freezers are empty and have their grates, trays, and compartments removed before bringing them to the transfer station.
- Our brush grinder contractor requests that no materials longer than 8 feet be brought to the brush pile.
- The compost pile is open for residents to drop off brush and yard waste. Please empty bagged leaves and dispose of the bags properly.
Cemetery Update
The cemetery is currently closed for the season, with only foot traffic allowed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office at 207.723.7030
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to maintain our community's infrastructure and services.
Bryan Duprey, Director of Public Works
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Wastewater Department
Help Prevent Problems: Flush Wisely
To avoid these issues, please remember:
- Toilet paper ONLY should be flushed
- Avoid flushing other items, such as wipes, sanitary products, and trash
What to Do in Case of a Sewer Issue
If you experience:
- Slow-running drains
- Sewer backups in your basement
Call the Public Works Department first at 207.723.7030 to determine if the issue is with the Town's infrastructure. This can save you time and money on unnecessary plumbing calls.
Jason Ingalls,
Wastewater Treatment Facility Superintendent
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Department of Tax Assessing
The Town ox Assessor's Department would like to remind you that exemption applications for the upcoming summer tax bills must be received on or before April 1, 2025.
Below are some examples of exemptions available to eligible taxpayers:
Homestead Exemption
- Must be a Maine resident
- Must have owned and occupied a homestead property in Maine for at least 12 months as of April 1
- Must declare this homestead as your permanent residence
- Must file an application with the Assessor on or before April 1
Blind Exemption
- Real estate property owners who are blind may be eligible
- Must file an application with the Assessor on or before April 1
Veterans Exemption
- Veterans who served on active duty during a recognized war period and have reached age 62 may be eligible
- Totally disabled veterans receiving a pension or compensation from the federal government may also be eligible
- Must file an application (and VA proof of service) with the Assessor on or before April
Veteran's Widow/Widower Exemption
- Un-remarried Widow, Widower, or Minor Child of a Veteran may be eligible
- Must file an application with the Assessor on or before April 1
For more information and to download exemption applications, please visit the State of Maine's website here.
Don't miss this opportunity to apply for exemptions that may reduce your property tax burden. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our office.
L. Thompson, Tax Assessor
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Recreation Department
The Recreation Department has been busy with various events and activities, and we're excited to share the latest updates with you!
Youth Basketball Tournament
Our Katahdin Region Invitational Basketball Tournament was a huge success, hosting schools from around the state on February 8th and 9th. Congratulations to the following teams:
- Lincoln Rec Boys: Tournament Champions
- Millinocket Little Pro Boys: Runners-up
- Millinocket Little Pro Girls: Tournament Champions
- Lincoln Rec Girls: Runners-up
Our teams will be participating in the Millinocket Hoop Classic this weekend and the Lincoln Invitation Tournament next weekend. Good luck!
Competitive Cheerleading
Huge congratulations to our Tri-Town North Stars, who took 1st place in their division at the 2025 Crown Championships in Ellsworth and brought home the Spirit Award!
Senior Programs
We served 80 meals at our recent February Senior Dinner. Our next Senior Dinner is scheduled for March 17th (Boiled Ham Dinner/Chicken Stew) at the East Millinocket Rec Hall, served at 12PM. Take-out is available starting at 12:15PM. Please note that the hall is accessible with a chair lift, and we'll ensure arrangements are made if you need assistance.
Our Senior Socials are held every Wednesday from 9AM to 11AM in the Rec/Banquet Hall, featuring cards, coffee, cribbage, and music. All are welcome, and this program is open to the region.
Ice Rink and Open Gyms
Our ice rink in Millinocket is open to the region at the Millinocket Rec Complex next to Stearns High School. Please note that we'll be closed until March 5th due to maintenance and warm temperatures.
We're continuing to host Open Gyms in Millinocket and East Millinocket on Sundays, from 10AM-12PM at Schenck High School and 12PM-2PM at Stearns High School.
Snowmobile Trails
With recent snowfall, most club trails are open in the region. Please check with your local clubs for trail-specific information, such as any closures or current maintenance.
Stay Tuned
Our Spring/Summer brochure will be released soon, featuring a range of programs and activities for all ages. Stay tuned for more information!
If you have any questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office.
Cody McEwen, Recreation Director
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Fire/EMS Department
The Millinocket Fire & EMS Department has been busy with various activities and training sessions. Here are some highlights:
Chief Cote's Recent Activities
Chief Cote attended several important meetings, including:
- Penobscot County Fire Chiefs Association Meeting
- Maine CDC Healthcare Coalition Leadership Team Meeting
- Eastern Maine Community College EMS Advisory Committee Meeting
- Maine EMS Community Paramedic Grant Meeting
- Penobscot Regional Peer Support Meeting
Training and Certifications
Our department members have completed various training sessions, including:
- Annual respiratory fit testing for N-95 Mask and SCBA
- Annual Hazmat Awareness Training
- Annual CPR recertification training with FF/Medic Cullen
- Annual SCBA recertification training
- Firefighter Cancer Awareness Reduction Training course
- Water Rescue training for Paid Call Members
New Hires and Equipment
We welcome two new members to our team, who started on February 18th and 24th. They will undergo a two-week orientation before joining our regular rotating shift.
We have also ordered new capital improvement equipment, including Thermal Imaging Cameras, Four Gas Meters, and Scene Lighting.
Community Events and Partnerships
Chief Cote partnered with the American Red Cross to hold a Home Fire Safety Program at the Millinocket Memorial Library on January 30th.
We are also working with the Maine Forest Service to host the Town Fire Warden Meeting in Millinocket on March 20th.
Other Updates
- Ambulance 788 is currently out for repairs, and a loaner ambulance is in service.
- Tires have been replaced on the snowmobile trailer.
- Chief Cote is working on updating mutual aid agreements with neighboring communities.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to serving our community.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office
Chief Jonathon P. Cote, Fire Chief, Emergency Management Director
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School Department
Stearns Junior Senior High School Principal Beth Peavey is pleased to announce the Class of 2025 counterparts. Congratulations to:
- Valedictorian: Olivia Hallett
- Salutatorian: Brady Brooker
- Maine Principals Award: Brady Brooker
Celebrating 100 Days of School
On February 7th, Granite Street School celebrated its 100th day of school. Staff and students wore shirts, hats, or necklaces with 100 things on them, making it a fun day of learning.
Outdoor Education
Stearns Physical Education Classes have been taking advantage of the ice-skating rink, and Outdoor Education classes have been ice skating and cross-country skiing. We are fortunate to have a facility that allows for these outside winter activities.
Staff Recognition
We would like to thank our guidance counselors, Mrs. Sue Buzzell and Mrs. Katie DiFrederico, for all their hard work and dedication during National Guidance Counselor Week.
Teacher of the Year Nominations
We are proud to announce that two of our staff members have been nominated for Maine County Teacher of the Year:
- Mrs. Anna Loome - HS English, Dual Enrollment, HS Outdoor Education, National Honor Society Advisor
- Mrs. Heather Girsa - MS Math, Math Team Coach, Field Hockey Coach, Curriculum Coach
Technology Upgrades
IT Director Jared Robbins, with the help of student volunteers, is continuing to inventory and document old technology for recycling and reselling purposes. He is also getting quotes to upgrade the Viewboards to Promethean Boards and upgrading teacher laptops.
Regional Child Nutrition Training
We will be hosting a regional child nutrition training through The Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition on March 14. This training will bring together food service staff from several local schools.
Maintenance Department Update
The Maintenance Department has completed a lighting project in the Stearns auditorium, converting all the stage lighting fixtures to new high output long life LED fixtures. This project will result in significant energy savings.
Regional Conversations
The Superintendent met with East Millinocket and Medway to continue our regional conversations, discussing topics related to our schools, community, and global matters.
We are proud of our students, staff, and community, and we look forward to continuing to provide quality education and services.
Dr. Shelley Lane, Superintendent of Schools
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