Family of goldeneye ducks - 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

April 2026

A Piece of Our Past

Early on, Great Northern Paper Company donated two open spaces to the town. By the end of 1921, the bandstand was in place and ready for the many concerts that would be held there for years to come. Today, it is still a key feature of Veterans Memorial Park.

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

Congratulations to Matthew Farrington

Promoted to 2nd Assistant Chief

Matthew Farrington (right) pictured below receiving his promotion from Chief Cote

Welcome Taia Curtis

Our New Recreation Director!

We’re excited to welcome Taia as our new Recreation Director!

Taia officially started with the Town of Millinocket on Monday, March 30th. She’s already jumping in and bringing her energy and enthusiasm to strengthening recreation opportunities in our community.

Taia will be leading all things recreation—planning programs, organizing events, maintaining facilities, and creating opportunities for residents of all ages to get involved and stay active. Have an idea or want to get involved? Reach out anytime at recdepartment@millinocket.org—She's eager to hear from you!

Taia earned a B.A. in Outdoor Recreation Business Administration from the University of Maine at Farmington, where she completed coursework in recreation, hospitality management, Maine geography, and skiing. During her time there, she interned with a municipal recreation director, gaining hands-on experience that she’s excited to bring to her role today.

Most recently, Taia worked in education, supporting both elementary and high school students of all abilities. Prior to that, she gained experience in banking, customer service, and IT—building a well-rounded background in working with people and solving problems.

Raised in the Katahdin Region, Taia is proud to serve the community she calls home and is passionate about developing engaging and inclusive recreation programs. Outside of work, she runs a small family bakery and enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors with her husband, Scott, their two sons, Hayden and Callahan, and their dog, Dexter.

Please join us in giving Taia a warm Millinocket welcome! Be sure to say hello when you see her around—she’s excited to connect with you and help grow recreation opportunities in our town.

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:

April 23rd: The FY27 Municipal & Wastewater Budgets were adopted

May 7th: School Budget Special Hearing & Adoption

Starting at 5:30PM. Held in the Charles Sander's Council Chambers.

For those attending on zoom click here

Other Important Items:

Delinquent tax payments were due as of March 13, 2026. Any balance owed is accruing interest and may be subject to lien. Contact the Tax Collector at 723-7000 to inquire about if you have a balance.

At this time, the Town Clerks’ office only has Resident Boat Registration stickers, we do not have an inventory of Nonresident Lake & River Protection stickers. We direct our customers to the use the link below where you can fill out an order form to request a Nonresident Lake & River Protection Sticker. This form must be emailed to LRsticker.IFW@maine.gov and the subject line should state "Lake and River Protection Sticker Order". The customer will receive a confirmation email that can be used as proof of purchase. Once the updates have been implemented in MOSES, our online registration platform for IF&W, a sticker will be mailed to the customer.

Lake and River Protection Sticker Order Form.pdf

Thank you for staying informed!

Diana Lakeman, Town Clerk

Sharon Cyr, Tax Collector

Human Resource Department

On Wednesday, April 22nd, the Town of Millinocket celebrated Administrative Professionals Day. We thank the staff whose work keeps our town running.

We appreciate your dedication to Millinocket!

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

Firefighter/EMT
Public Works Operator Level 1
Seasonal Maintenance & Grounds Worker
Seasonal Lifeguards
Seasonal Maintenance & Lawn Care Attendant (Wastewater)
Seasonal Lawn Mowing & Grounds Maintenance (Public Works)

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

Recreation Department

The Millinocket Recreation Department is excited to be back for the season and has already hit the ground running. Our pickleball and tennis courts are officially open, and we’re looking forward to seeing them enjoyed by the community. We’ve also begun preparing the pool for the summer season, with an anticipated opening date of June 22.

Seasonal Employment Opportunities:

As we get ready for summer, we are currently in the process of hiring lifeguards for the upcoming pool season and are actively seeking additional applicants. If you or someone you know is interested, we encourage you to apply and be part of a great summer team. (See Human Resource Department update above for application details)

Lassie League:

Lassie League will be starting in the coming weeks, and we’re pleased to host two games this year at Delahanty Field in Millinocket. Teams will also compete in Medway and East Millinocket, with additional games scheduled in Sherman.

Volunteer Opportunity:

The Recreation Department is currently seeking volunteers to assist with umpiring for Lassie League during the season. If you’re interested or would like more information, please contact the department at (207) 447-4091.

Taia Curtis, Recreation 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:

Around Town:

Removed a beaver dam at the Katahdin Ave bridge
Removed broken/hanging tree limbs along Oxford and Lincoln Streets
Assisted with setting up for the special municipal election
Cold patched potholes in the main travel areas of town
Pulled debris/accumulated sand from the boat launch on Congress St
Began sweeping the highest traveled streets in town and both schools
Responded to multiple calls of homeowner sewer related problems
Cut brush along the roadside of Medway Rd
Cut brush along the fence and sidewalk area of Granite St
Repaired winter plow damage on lawns in all plow routes
Assisted the Rec. Dept. in blocking the ski tow hills to motorized traffic
The PW Director along with HSO and Town Manager met with a USDA representative about how to combat the bird mess along Penobscot Ave

Transfer Station News:

Repaired a broken debris scraper on compactor 1
The new trash truck is in-service and working well
Thank you to the Town of East Millinocket for volunteering their trash hauling truck while we were getting our new truck in-service
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 still closed for the season. However, foot traffic is welcome through the pedestrian gate. We expect that road conditions will soon allow for the gate to be opened
Road damage was discovered where a vehicle has passed through the closed 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 - Health & Life Safety

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:

We're actively following up on complaints regarding property conditions around town.
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.
We are continuing to work with Charleston Pentecostal Church on their project to convert the old Lamson Funeral Home into a church.
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.

Public Safety & Health:

Continuing to take a series of webinars focusing on "Charge Into Fire Safety," teaching important safety practices for handling, charging, and storing lithium-ion batteries.
Conducted Life Safety Code (LSC) inspections, helping clients with compliance.
Conducted numerous Certificate of Occupancy permits for apartments and businesses in our community.
Working with the Town Manager and PW Director to address pigeon problems on Penobscot Ave.

Administrative & Collaboration:

Attended Council Meetings and FY27 Budget Workshops.
Attended meeting with Hoyle Tanner regarding Extend Taxiway D.
Continue to work on MMA WC Safety program and getting new policies written for this as well as updating some existing policies.
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.

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.

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:

Matthew Farrington (Firefighter/EMT-A) was promoted to 2nd Assistant Chief on April 14, 2026.

Training & Leadership:

Full-time staff took part in a two-day EMS Seminar facilitated by the Eastern Maine Community College.
Department members took part in Low Angle Rescue Training
Chief Cote attended the Town Fire Warden Meeting in Old Town.

Operations & Equipment:

A new SKED (patient transport device) was placed in service for rescue situations.

Community Engagement:

Basic Fire School Class continues to go well; students will be wrapping up in early summer.
Safety Yard Sale coming up on May 6th (See below for details)

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 Updates:

On March 28, the Maine Music Education Association (MMEA) State Vocal Jazz and Show Choir Festival took place at Stearns Jr/Snr High School. Unified Harmony Junior High Show Choir placed Silver, and Unified Harmony High School Show choir placed Gold. Way to go!

The Millinocket Literary Club is partnering with the Granite Street School Librarian and Art Teacher for the book illustration contest. This year the theme is the Millinocket Marathon.

The Stearns High School had their National Honor Society Induction ceremony of 4 new members on April 2. We are proud of these new members!

Granite Street had another great assembly on March 23rd. Mrs. Staci Michaud’s class and Mrs. Debbie Mooney’s class had the best whole class attendance. They participated in a foul shooting contest between both classes and a group of staff members. Mrs. Mooney’s class won! (Photos Above)

Granite Street School held another successful day of bus safety drills.

The Maine Motor Transport Association Career Exploration Trailer visited Stears Jr/Sr High School for three days in March. Students in grades 8-12 were in the driver's seat of a state-of-the-art truck driving simulator and connected with industry professionals who shared real-world insight into trucking careers, training pathways, and opportunities available right here in Maine. This visit was made possible through the Extended Learning Opportunities program at Stearns. (Photo Below)

Other Exciting News!

We will have our spring Family Night on April 30th from 4:00 - 5:00 PM at the Granite Street School. The theme is "Water". Shawn Cyr from Maine Water will take part in it. We are reaching out to other community organizations to join us that night as well.

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