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
May 2025
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As early as 1901, Millinocket had a fire department, but a fire station was not constructed until 1905. The first fire station was on Penobscot Avenue next to the bank with Fred Gates serving as fire chief for many years. By the early 1940’s, a new brick fire station was built on Aroostook Avenue behind the original building.
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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Stearns Junior/Senior High School recently hosted its annual career fair, bringing together students from five area schools and over 40 local businesses. The Town of Millinocket was proud to participate, showcasing pathways in municipal government to the next generation of leaders.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for students to explore various college and career paths, and our team had engaging conversations with students about the many roles and responsibilities within municipal government. We're thrilled to see young people interested in public service and community development.
A huge thank you to Kyle Leathers and the entire Stearns High School team for organizing this beneficial event. We're already looking forward to next year's career fair! If you're a business interested in participating, reach out to Kyle Leathers.
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Town Clerk's and Tax Collector Department
Celebrating Our Town Clerks
May 5th - 9th, is National Municipal Clerk's Week! We're taking a moment to express our gratitude to the dedicated professionals in our Town Clerk's office. They handle everything from voter registration to vital records, vehicle registrations, and more, making them a vital part of our community.
Tax Reminder: Upcoming 30-Day Notices
A reminder that FY2025 taxes were due on January 29, 2025. As we approach the next step in the tax collection process, property owners with outstanding taxes will soon receive 30-day notices. Please note that certified letters sent in anticipation of a possible lien incur additional costs, which are passed on to the property owner. If you have questions or concerns about your taxes, please email our Tax Collector.
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:
- 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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Recreation Department
The Recreation Department has been busy serving our community, and we're excited to share some updates with you!
Senior Dinners and Socials
We recently served 62 meals at our senior dinner and are looking forward to our next one on Monday, June 16th, at the East Millinocket Rec Hall. Enjoy BBQ Chicken at 12:00pm, with take-out available starting at 12:15pm. The hall is accessible via stair lift, and we're happy to provide assistance if needed. Mark your calendars for our summer senior dinners on July 16th and August 18th.
Join us for our Senior Socials every Wednesday from 9:00am to 11:00am at the East Millinocket Rec Hall. Enjoy cards, coffee, and cribbage with friends and neighbors.
Outdoor Activities
ATV trails remain closed until the ground is suitable for riding. We appreciate your patience and cooperation in respecting local clubs and landowners.
Our basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts are open and ready for use. Remember that all recreation areas close at 10pm and reopen at dawn.
Summer Preparations
Our Recreation Director and Maintenance Director have recently been certified as Pool Operators, ensuring we're ready for a safe and fun summer season. We're hiring summer staff and are excited to welcome our new team members. Our annual staff training will take place on June 18th.
Summer Programs and Camps
Our summer programs and camps are now available online, including pool schedules and regular programming. Don't miss out on our fun and engaging activities for kids! Links to the sign-up forms are below:
Lassie League and Spring Soccer
Our Lassie League season is underway, with games through the beginning of June. Don't miss our Home Run Derby on Wednesday, June 4th! We're also excited to offer a Spring Soccer group for Middle School students, hosted at the Schenck Soccer Field.
Cody McEwen, Recreation Director
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Public Works Department
The Public Works crew has been hard at work maintaining our streets, sidewalks, and facilities. Here's what's new:
Road Maintenance
We're still filling potholes as we find them, and street sweeping has begun in residential neighborhoods. We've also graded and rock raked the Rec Complex road and Peddlers Hill parking area. Recent repairs include a collapsed storm drain on Massachusetts Avenue and a broken storm drain pipe on Balsam Drive. Please avoid parking on tree belts, as they can be damaged by vehicles.
Transfer Station
We've hauled away the scrap metal pile for recycling, and we're reminding everyone that no metal or treated wood is allowed in the brush pile/compost area. Shingle disposal now requires homeowner and address information, along with the disposal fee. Every ton of recycled material saves the Town money and generates revenue. Don't forget to remove grates, trays, and compartments from refrigerators and freezers before bringing them to the transfer station, and please keep brush piles tidy by limiting items to 8 feet or less in length.
Recycling Reminders
We're accepting cardboard, plastic jugs, and tin cans for recycling. Help us reduce waste in the landfill!
Cemetery Updates
Spring burials are being scheduled, and the Cemetery is now open. Burials are being performed regularly, and we're maintaining the grounds. Please stay a safe distance from mowers and trimmers during operation. Review the Cemetery Rules and Regulations on the Town's website for important information, including the prohibition on small ornamental or decorative stones around grave markers.
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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Code Enforcement
New Permit Guide
We've developed a handy booklet on "When Do I Need A Permit?" to help you determine what permits are required for your project. Pick up a copy at the Code Office upon request.
New Sign at Peddlers Hill
A big thank you to everyone involved in installing the new sign at Peddlers Hill! This will help clarify how the area can be used and answer questions for visitors.
Livestock Permits
As the weather warms up, don't forget to get a Livestock Permit if you're planning to have animals on your property. We're here to help you through the process.
Home and Property Updates
If you have questions about updates on your home or property, give us a call! We're happy to assist you in navigating the process.
Yard Sale Permits
Need a Yard Sale Permit? They're available at the Code Office and are FREE! Just stop by and we'll take care of the rest.
Tom Malcolm, Code Enforcement Officer
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Fire/EMS Department
The Fire/EMS Department is dedicated to providing top-notch emergency services to our community. Here's what's new:
Training and Meetings
We recently hosted the Penobscot County Fire Chiefs Association Meeting on May 1st. Our team has been busy with training exercises, including:
- UTV Side-by-Side Emergency Vehicle Operators Course on May 3rd
- Extrication Training on May 6th and 20th
- Rescue Boat Operations on May 12th
- First Due Without a Crew-Short Handed Firefighting on May 18th
- Annual Drivers Recertification Training on May 27th
National EMS Week
May 18th-24th marks National EMS Week, and we're proud to serve our community as emergency medical responders.
Grant Award
We're thrilled to announce that we've been awarded funding from the Maine EMS Sustainability Grant to purchase new equipment, including IV Pumps, Video Laryngoscopes, Laptops, and training. The grant award totals $17,184.80.
CO/Smoke Alarm Program
Our CO/Smoke Alarm program is still going strong, with plenty of alarms available for installation. We've completed 8 installs and home fire safety surveys, and the program has been well received by the community. Each install and survey takes about 30 minutes to complete. If you're interested in participating, don't hesitate to reach out!
Stay safe, and thank you for your support of our Fire/EMS Department!
Chief Jonathon P. Cote, Fire Chief, Emergency Management Director
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East Millinocket Police Department
Calls for Service
As of May 15th, we've responded to over 4,750 calls for service, with more than 3,050 of those calls being in the Town of Millinocket. We're proud to serve our community with professionalism and care.
DARE Graduation
We recently celebrated the DARE graduates at Granite Street School. This program is a valuable resource for our students, and we're grateful to be able to offer it. Congratulations to the graduates!
Career Fair
Thank you to Stearns High School for hosting another successful Career Fair. Ofc Edson had a great time interacting with students and sharing information about a career in law enforcement.
Warmer Weather Reminders
As the weather warms up, we'll see more vehicle and foot traffic from residents and visitors. Please remember to drive sober, safe, and free of distractions. Our officers are looking forward to another summer filled with community events.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025
As the school year comes to a close, we wish the Class of 2025 congratulations and best of luck with their future plans. Enjoy this time, and celebrate responsibly!
Officer Knappe's Graduation
Please join us in congratulating Officer Jordan Knappe, who will graduate from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement Training Program at the end of May. We're excited to welcome him back to patrol.
Reminder: Remove Studded Snow Tires
Maine law requires studded snow tires to be removed by May 1st. Please take a moment to remove them from your vehicle to ensure safety on the roads.
Stay safe, and thank you for your support of our Police Department!
Chief Cameron McDunnah & Corporal Bradley Fitzgerald
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School Department
The School Department is proud to share the latest news and achievements from our schools. Here's what's new:
Chicks Hatching at Granite Street School
Ms. Alyssa Laporte's classroom at Granite Street School recently welcomed 8 new chicks after a fun incubation project! The students are surely enjoying this hands-on learning experience.
Scholastic Book Fair
Granite Street School's annual coin drive has raised over $800, ensuring each student gets a book at the upcoming Scholastic book fair from May 12-16. We're excited to see the students' enthusiasm for reading!
New Field Covers at Stearns
Thank you to the Town of Millinocket for purchasing new field covers for the Stearns softball and baseball fields. This support will help us maintain our facilities and provide a safe environment for our students.
Girls' Day in Augusta
Two 8th-grade students, Maggie Nobles and Sandi Levasseur, attended Girls' Day in Augusta, where they debated real legislative bills and gained valuable experience.
Teen Nights at Knife Edge Brewing
Knife Edge Brewing is hosting Teen Nights for Stearns students every Thursday in May, providing a safe and fun space for students to hang out and socialize.
Celebrating Our Staff
We celebrated National School Lunch Hero Day on May 2 and Staff Appreciation Week from May 5-9. Thank you to our dedicated staff for their hard work and commitment to our students and community!
Summer Food Service Program
Our Summer Food Service program will run from June 23 to August 15, and we're working on a grant to enhance the program with new picnic tables and umbrellas.
Recipe Development Team
Our Food Service Department has a new recipe development team, funded by our HMI grant, which will update our recipes and nutrition information using new software.
We're proud of our students, staff, and community's achievements! Stay tuned for more updates from the School Department.
Dr. Shelley Lane, Superintendent of Schools
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