The Magic City Monthly

March 2026

A Piece of Our Past

Happy 125th birthday Millinocket! On March 16, 1901 an Act to incorporate the town of Millinocket as the state's 467th town was passed by the Maine legislature and approved by Maine's Governor John Fremont Hill.

Photo courtesy of Millinocket Historical Society Curator, Trudy Wyman 

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 and participating in the discussion. All are welcome!

Community Spotlight

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NFPA Names Tom Malcolm as a Life Member

Congratulations to Tom Malcolm on his recent award from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In March, NFPA named Tom as a Life Member in recognition of his lasting commitment to protecting lives and property from fire, electrical, and related hazards. Tom spent 50 years with the Millinocket Fire Department, and over 25 of those years in various Chief positions. He continues to serve the Millinocket community as Town Code Enforcement Officer and Health & Life Safety Officer. Thank you, Tom, for your many years of dedicated public service! We appreciate everything you do for Millinocket.

Welcome Grace Brown – Our New Community Initiatives Director!


We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Grace Brown as our new Community Initiatives Director!


Grace officially launched her first full day on Monday, March 16th. She’s already diving in, rolling up her sleeves, and bringing her can-do spirit to the work that makes our town shine.


What will Grace be doing? Everything that moves our community forward: grant writing, project management, community engagement, and planning awesome events. Have an idea or need help getting a project off the ground? Email her anytime at cid@millinocket.org — she can’t wait to hear from you!


Grace comes to us with an impressive blend of design, planning, and hands-on community experience. She earned an M.S. in Ecological Design and Planning from the Conway School, where she led real-world projects like a Village Center Cultural Connectivity Plan and a large-scale site design for an education center. She holds a B.A. in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic, with coursework in landscape architecture, GIS, land use planning, ecology, and botany.


Most recently, Grace was a GIS Consultant, crafting precise maps with ArcGIS Pro. Prior to that, she spent five years as Lead Gardener and Plant Recorder at a public garden where she directed volunteers, planned and coordinated public events, wrote newsletter articles, and hosted webinars — so she knows how to bring people together and share community stories.


Originally from the Adirondack region of Northern New York State, Grace has a deep love for nature and the communities that live alongside it. She’s passionate about using design and planning to build resilience, spark collaboration, and create spaces where people thrive. When she’s off the clock, you’ll find her hiking, canoeing, biking, skiing, and exploring Maine’s woods and waters with her partner, Eamon, and their two dogs, Azzie and Killigan (Azzie is in the photo above).


Please give Grace a big, warm Millinocket welcome! Say hi when you see her around — she’s eager to meet you and collaborate on what’s next for our town. Let’s make great things happen together!

Municipal Updates

Town Clerk's and Tax Collector Department


Here's a quick update from the Millinocket Town Clerk's office on important dates and information.


FY27 Municipal and School Budget Information:

The Town of Millinocket will hold three budget workshops for FY27

(The first workshop was held on Thursday March 19th)


March 26th: Municipal Budget Workshop 2

April 2nd: Municipal Budget Workshop 3

April 16th: 1st Special Hearing

April 23rd: 2nd Special Hearing & Adoption. School Budget Presentation

May 7th: School Budget Special Hearing & Adoption


Starting at 4PM. Held in the Charles Sander's Council Chambers.

For those attending on zoom click here


Elections Department News:

March 31, 2026: Special Municipal Election – Town Council

(1-Partial Term to Expire November 2026)

Candidates on the Ballot: Michael A. Madore & John Raymond

  • Polls are open 8am to 8pm
  • Location: Stearns High School Gymnasium 199 State St.
  • Absentee Ballots are available until Monday, March 30th; Accepting Absentee Ballots at the polls or ballot drop box until polls close.


Other Important Items:

  • Boards/Committees – Seeking Volunteers! We have several available seats and are looking for community members to join:
  • Personnel Appeals Board: 1 Partial Term to expire 11/2026
  • Board of Appeals: 1 Full 3-Year Term
  • 2026 Dog Registrations Past Due: Registrations were due by January 31, 2026. A mandatory late fee of $25 is now applied as of February 1, 2026. You can register online at www.maine.gov or in person. Remember, a current Rabies Vaccination Certificate is required!


Thank you for staying informed!

Diana Lakeman, Town Clerk

Sharon Cyr, Tax Collector

Human Resource Department


The Town of Millinocket is seeking applications for the current job opportunities:


  • Firefighter/EMT
  • Public Works Operator 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.


Amber Wheaton, Human Resource Director

Public Works Department


The Public Works crew has been busy tackling winter's challenges and keeping our town running smoothly. Here's what we've been up to:


Safety First:

The Public Works Crew completed annual fire extinguisher, HAZ-COM, and blood-borne pathogen training.


Around Town:

  • Responded to multiple winter events, working hard with plowing, salting, and sanding to keep our roads safe.
  • Spread four tons of cold patch in countless potholes.
  • Assisted the Town Office staff with a few furniture projects.
  • Replaced faded and illegible street name signs around town.
  • Responded to multiple calls of homeowner sewer related problems.
  • Completed a town-wide cleanup of roadside trash.
  • Began building a dozen new traffic barricades to be used for traffic control around town during events.
  • Opened frozen storm drains to allow for melting snow to run off the roadway.


Transfer Station News:

  • The brick and block pile has been hauled away to be used for inert fill.
  • New LED lights have been installed outside the compactor building.
  • Important Disposal Reminder: Any refrigerator or freezer brought to the transfer station must be completely empty, and all grates, trays, or compartments must be removed before disposal.
  • Contractor Request: The contractor who grinds the brush has asked that nothing longer than 8 feet be brought to our brush pile, as longer items can clog the grinder.
  • As always, we are eagerly accepting all your cardboard, plastic jugs, and tin cans for recycling. Every bit helps us keep waste out of the landfill!


Cemetery Update:

  • The Cemetery entrance gate is now closed for the season. However, foot traffic is still welcome through the pedestrian gate.


Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!


Bryan Duprey, Director of Public Works

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

Code Enforcement


The Code Enforcement and Public Health and Safety Department has been hard at work addressing community needs and ensuring our town remains a safe and healthy place to live. Here’s a snapshot of what we've been up to:


Community & Development Initiatives:

  • Attended training on updated FEMA flood mapping as well as Shoreland Zoning in Augusta.
  • We're actively following up on complaints regarding property conditions around town and conducting follow-up inspections for issued permits.
  • Regarding the fire at 82 Prospect St., we’re in discussions with the owner and have outlined time constraints for action (90 days for a plan, 6 months for building removal).
  • We continue to receive and issue permits for roof-mounted solar panel projects throughout the community.
  • Our office has been very busy, assisting many residents with questions and providing information about project permitting requirements.
  • We're also following up on projects that are proceeding without the necessary permits.
  • Continuing to work with Dental Hygienist on opening her practice.
  • We're continuing to work with the owners and contractors at 240 Penobscot Ave. on their building renovation project.
  • Working with Charleston Pentecostal Church on their project to convert the old Lamson Funeral Home into a church; assisted them in preparing a Site Plan Review and presented it to the Planning Board. Site Plan Review approved and now we are working with them on Change of Use permit. Will continue to assist them with this project.
  • We're working with an individual interested in purchasing property on Bates St., exploring potential uses and compliance requirements.
  • Working with new owners of the old Boatman’s Bar and Grill; they have purchased it and about half of the campsites and are working to open a smaller campground there this spring. Working through some issues regarding Sub Surface WW so they will be able to move forward with the State on licensing the campground.
  • Continuing to work with the project at 181 Penobscot Ave. We have issued an Electrical and Plumbing permit for the business that will be occupying that space when finished.


Public Safety & Health:

  • I've been taking a series of webinars focusing on "Charge Into Fire Safety," teaching important safety practices for handling, charging, and storing lithium-ion batteries.
  • Attended webinar on Residential Ventilation and new rules.
  • Plan to attend a class put on by MBOIA on the new updates and law changes around Natural Gas and Propane along with proposed changes to Fire Service law.
  • We conducted Life Safety Code (LSC) inspections, helping clients with compliance.
  • We successfully delivered sand buckets to citizens as part of a community project.


Administrative & Collaboration:

  • Attended Council Meetings and FY27 Budget Workshops.
  • Collaborated with groups on the Winterfest Snowmobile Parade.
  • We had an on-site visit from the MMA Workman Comp fund for safety incentives, conducting random inspections of Town facilities.
  • Working on MMA WC Safety program and getting new policies written for this as well as updating some existing policies.
  • Submitted an MMA Safety Grant to hopefully provide Guardian Angel lights for employees working around traffic and at the Airport.
  • I’m also working with Peter, Matt, and Asher on the committee set up by the Town Council to review and make changes to the Code Book, ensuring all ordinances are included.
  • Continue to work on community events and creating new opportunities for events to benefit our community. Including planning for 4th of July.



We appreciate everyone who reaches out with questions and concerns. Your engagement helps us keep Millinocket safe and thriving!

Tom Malcolm, Code Enforcement Officer

East Millinocket Police Department


Here’s a brief update from the East Millinocket Police Department.


Calls for Service:

To date in 2026, we’ve responded to nearly 1,800 calls for service with more than 850 of those calls being in the town of Millinocket.


Safety Reminders:

  • As warmer weather approaches and people begin to be outside more with activities, exercise, and recreation we want to remind the public to be cautious of increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic. After long winters we all look forward to the warmer days, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy them safely and responsibly.
  • Springtime also brings an increase in wildlife movement on our roadways. We have seen an increase in deer-related crashes. Please be alert while driving, especially between dusk and dawn.
  • Lastly, we have seen an increase in crashes related to distracted driving. Please remember to put phones away, keep eyes on the road, and avoid multi-tasking while driving.


Staffing Update:

We are pleased to announce that our department is now fully staffed, with the recent hiring of Robert Johansen and Ashley Johnston.


Thank you for your continued support!


Chief Cameron McDunnah & Corporal Bradley Fitzgerald

Fire/EMS Department


The Millinocket Fire and EMS Department has been active this month, both in training and serving our community.


Department Recognition:

Isaac Hakes (Firefighter/EMT-A) is now licensed as Maine EMT-Advanced Provider, bringing the department to seven licensed ALS providers. 


Training & Leadership:

  • Chief Cote is working with EMCC on a two-day EMS Leadership Seminar for the Katahdin Area for April 9th & 10th in Millinocket. As well as ACLS & PALS training for the Advance EMS providers on May 11th & 12th in Millinocket.
  • Department members completed the following fire training in March on small equipment, extrication tools, gas meters, saws, and thermal imaging equipment taught by Firefighter/EMT-B John Brenenstuhl.
  • Department members also trained patient restraints for monthly EMS training by EMCC.
  • Chief Cote is working with area departments and Maine Fire Service Institute to host and instruct an Emergency Vehicle Drivers Training Couse for April 18th & 19th in Millinocket.
  • Department members completed their annual wildland fire training for the 2026 wildland fire season taught by Firefighter/EMT-A Noah Bachner.
  • Full-time crews continue to train on shifts at a minimum of one hour a shift. Topics for march included: UTV training on the wildland fire pump, extrication tools, ropes and knots, and various EMS topics. 


Operations & Equipment:

  • Chief Cote has been working with the Millinocket Regional Hospital and East Millinocket Fire Department on the new Federal Drug Enforcement Requirements for control substances and drug boxes. The department is working with East Millinocket Fire Department on purchasing new drug boxes for the new federal regulations.
  • Chief Cote is currently writing a grant through Nutella for Firefighter Self Rescue Equipment.
  • Second set of Low Angle Rescue equipment has been placed in service and brings the department to two full sets of rope gear, and four rescue harnesses.
  • New Reeves/Slat Stretchers have been placed in service.
  • Engine 781 had a commercial vehicle inspection and passed. 


Community Engagement:

  • Chief Cote has been meeting with community business owners and pushing for businesses to install Knox Boxes to help with the increasing number of fire calls.
  • Basic Fire School Class continues to go well; students are at the halfway mark and will complete the class with live burns in early June in Houlton.
  • Full-time Crews have been providing station tours to the High School Civics class as part of a class project.
  • The department continues to distribute Fire Extinguishers, File of Life Cards, and Naloxone to residents.
  • The department continues to install CO/Smoke Alarms and conduct home safety surveys for residents of Millinocket.


Staffing Update:

One full-time position remains open (See Town website for application details)


Thank you for your ongoing support of the Millinocket Fire and EMS Department!


Chief Jonathon P. Cote, Fire Chief, Emergency Management Director

School Updates

School Department


It's been an exciting and productive month for our students and staff here at the Millinocket School Department.


Student Spotlight:

  • Granite Street celebrated “Read Across America” by doing an “I've Been Booked” activity. A class is anonymously given a book and a paper saying they have been “booked”. The class reads the book together and then decides to either pass the book along or give a book from their own library to another class that they “book" (Photo Above)
  • The National Honor Society sponsored their first Trivia Night. The Sherlock’s Holmies team won!
  • Unified Harmony Performing Arts recently placed second in the Regional Drama Festival. Congratulations! (Photo Below)
  • The Stearns girls' basketball team were honored with a “Good Sportsmanship Award”. Way to go, girls!
  • The following students from Stearns were honored for their performances during basketball season: Shayne Grass and Mariah Frost both received 2nd Team All-PVC honors; Seniors Lucas Pelkey, Michael Robinson, Ava Pelkey, and Madison Carr participated in the PVC Senior All-Star game; Mariah Frost and Wiley Ward were named to the all-defensive team; and Lincoln Daisey and Madison Carr received the spirit of the game award.


Department Updates:

  • The Food Service Department’s Flex Farm has been relocated to the food lab and is being used by Mr. TJ Brown’s creative writing class to grow a variety of herbs and cherry tomatoes to use in their upcoming recipes.
  • On March 10th and 17th facilitators Catherine Biddle and Korah Soll had open meetings with all staff to share their thoughts and ideas about changes to education regionally, i.e, what would be great for students, what are the challenges, etc.


Other Exciting News!

The Stearns Athletic Boosters graciously purchased a new water wheel for the football field. This will save staff many work hours and keep the fields in tip-top shape. Thank you for the generous gift!


We appreciate everyone's continued support of our students and schools!


Dr. Shelley Lane, Superintendent of Schools

Community Events & Resources

For more upcoming events, check out the COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Have events to share? Reach out to the Community Initiatives Director via EMAIL

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