Fox kits playing - 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 2026
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Construction of the Great Northern Hotel began in 1899 and was completed in 1900. The three-story building housed top-level officials for Great Northern Paper Company. In 1961 the hotel was torn town. Today, the Millinocket Memorial library and the Episcopal Church sit on the same site where the grand hotel once stood.
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 and participating in the discussion. All are welcome!
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| Community Cleanup Day - Jerry Pond & Katahdin Pride Park | | |
On May 13th, community volunteers came together to help clean up Jerry Pond Park and Katahdin Pride Park to get ready for spring!
It was a strong collaborative effort with help from:
Our Katahdin
SUFU (Speaking Up For Us)
Town of Millinocket, Maine
Age-Friendly Committee
Public Works Department
Recreation Department
Community Initiatives Department
Thrive Penobscot
Creative Options
Living Innovations
Nazarene Church
and more...
Special thanks to the Freedom Riders for cooking lunch for us!
And to Outer Reach Broadband for donating gloves and bags!
| | Unearthing a Mystery in the Streets of Millinocket | | |
Help Solve the Mystery...
While prepping for paving, Public Works uncovered two sections of 40” pipe buried at the intersection of Forest Ave and Hillcrest Ave. It appears that other sections were removed when the sewer lines were laid in the 60s, leaving just these two.
Do you know what these pipes may have been used for?
If you think you've solved the mystery, let Public Works know: publicworks@millinocket.org
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Town Clerk's and Tax Collector Department
Here's a quick update from the Millinocket Town Clerk's office on important dates and information:
Notice of Elections: June 9, 2026 State Primary & Special Elections, and FY27 School Budget Validation Referendum.
The Notice of Elections and all associated documents are now available on our website: https://millinocket.org/notice-of-elections/
2027 ATV Registration Stickers are anticipated to arrive at the Town Office within the next few weeks. Current 2026 ATV registrations will remain valid until June 30, 2026.
Reminder that 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.
Thank you for staying informed!
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Human Resource Department
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
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Recreation Department
The Recreation Department has hit the ground running over the last month. I am thankful for the warm welcome I have received from everyone and look forward to meeting more members of the community as I continue to settle into this role.
Parks and playground clean-up efforts have begun, and with the help of the Age Friendly Committee and members of the community, Jerry Pond and Katahdin Pride Park are both looking fantastic. We have also started clean-up work at The Pines and the Carmen Bragelli Playground in Little Italy.
Our Lassie League season is now underway. With the help of the Medway Recreation Department and the East Millinocket Recreation Department, we have two teams with a total of around 25 players. These teams will not only face each other this year, but we have also added Sherman and Oakfield to our roster, giving even our youngest athletes the opportunity to travel for games this season.
The Millinocket Recreation Department and the Medway Recreation Department were invited to Literacy Night at Granite Street Elementary. We brought supplies to make pinecone bird feeders and a variety of games for the children to enjoy. It was a wonderful evening, and it provided a great opportunity for me to meet many parents and families from the area.
Hillcrest will be holding its annual youth clinic on June 17th and 18th this year. Anyone between the ages of 10 and 18 is eligible to sign up. The cost is $10, and participants will receive a student membership upon completion of the clinic. We are proud to be sponsoring this clinic alongside the Medway Recreation Department.
Hiring for our summer season is underway, and while most of our positions have been filled, we are still looking to hire a few more lifeguards. If you or someone you know is interested, please stop by the town office to pick up an application or visit the employment section of the town’s website for more information.
Taia Curtis, Recreation Director
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Public Works Department
The Public Works crew has been busy tackling spring's challenges and keeping our town running smoothly. Here's what we've been up to:
Around Town:
- Begun sweeping the neighborhood portions of Town
- Discovered a failed storm Basin on Wassau Street. Material is on order for repair
- Repaired a residential retaining wall damaged during the snowmobile parade in February
- Cleared the culverts on Bates St from debris
- Rebuilt the top of a sewer basin on Rush Blvd
- Rebuilt the top of a sewer Basin on Hillcrest Ave
- Cut brush around the Station Rd Bridge and added rip rap to the bridge wings
- Cleared a beaver dam on Medway Rd past the Transfer Station
Transfer Station News:
- Freon has been evacuated for recycling of the white good units
- Effective immediately, furniture, mattresses and demolition debris cannot go in the hopper. Please see the attendant for disposal directions
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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
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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 has had a spring cleanup of windblown decorations and regular maintenance has begun
- Repaired ruts and damage in the Millinocket Cemetery caused by trespassing
- The cemetery crew has started and burials are underway for the season
- The Public Works Director assisted the Granite St School 4 grade class with placing Veteran flags in the Millinocket Cemetery
- With the large number of obstacles to maintain around, we ask that discretion is used when placing items on gravesites. No loose rocks or marbles are allowed and will be removed immediately. Other small items that pose a danger for lawn maintenance will also be removed. No items may have wires or ropes securing them to the ground.
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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Airport Department
- The Taxiway Extension Project began the construction phase on May 18th. This project will allow us room for five more Hangar lots beyond the new hangar that was constructed last year. Sargent is the contractor working on this project.
- The Taxiway project should be wrapped up by the end of June. Hangar lot leases will be available after that date.
- Senator Collins announced last week that we were awarded $6,845,251.00 towards the Runway Reconstruction and Extension project.
- Sargent won the bid for the Runway project as well, and that should be constructed between May and August of 2027.
- The G.A.R.D. System recorded 85 aircraft operations as of May 21st, there have been no interruptions in air traffic due to the construction project that is ongoing.
Jeff Campbell, Airport Manager
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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 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.
- Property at 82 Prospect St. has been sold and we’re working with the new owner on getting it cleaned up.
- 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.
- Continue to work with Birches Campground on their plans.
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.
- Attended MBOIA training in Brewer on “Propane heat and heat pump installation”
- Have attended ZOOM meeting on Brown Tail Moths and the severe health effects they can cause.
- Conducted Life Safety Code (LSC) inspections, helping clients with compliance.
- Conducted numerous Certificate of Occupancy permits for apartments and businesses in our community.
- Completed final inspection for Certificate of Occupancy for Millinocket Regional Hospital on ER upgrade and will continue to work with them on the existing ER renovations.
Administrative & Collaboration:
- Attended Council Meetings and FY27 Budget Workshops.
- 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!
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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
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School Department
It's been an exciting and productive month for our students and staff here at the Millinocket School Department.
Highlights:
Howland, Lee, Schenck, Southern Aroostook, Mattanawcook Academy and Stearns participated in the Career Fair and 3 of the 5 schools toured the Anne Frank Exhibit with some of our students as guides. Many thanks go to Mrs. Susan Buzzell and Mr. Kyle Leathers for their work on the Career Fair and Mr. Leathers for his work on bringing the Anne Frank Exhibit to Stearns.
On Thursday May 7, a Regional Band Concert was performed at Stearns Jr/Sr High School. This is the first season that all 4 schools Stearns Jr./Sr. High School, Schenck High School, Mattanawcook Academy, and Penobscot Valley High School participated in a combined concert. Thank you to Mr. Zach McEwen for bringing it together!
Stearns 8th Grade students participated in a Civics Fair. Congratulations to Dainan, Landon, Chloe, Laney, Anna, and Lorelei (photo below)
Staff Appreciation:
Thanks to the Millinocket School Department staff! We had a week of showing appreciation to them May 4-8. Their hard work with our students is appreciated!
Other Exciting News:
Mrs. Laurie Moscone received a grant and has been able to purchase new archery equipment for our students to use and learn. She was able to purchase 5 new compound bows and arrows for her PE classes.
Mark Your Calendars...
2026 Graduation Events:
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Baccalaureate/Scholarship Night - June 4th at 6:30PM - Stearns Auditorium
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Class Day - June 5th at 1:00PM - Stearns Auditorium
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Graduation - June 7th at 2:00PM - Stearns Gymnasium
Public Community Meeting:
A public community meeting will be held on Monday, June 8 at 5:30 - 7:00PM in the Stearns Library for discussion and information regarding reorganization of education in the Katahdin Region. Please join us!
We appreciate everyone's continued support of our students and schools!
Dr. Shelley Lane, Superintendent of Schools
| | | Grade 6-8 Regional Math Meet at UMaine Orono | | 8th Grade students - Civics Fair | Mrs. Amy Anderson's Kindergarten Class - One of six classes with perfect attendance! | | 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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