The 2025 Maine 8 Man Small School Class State Champions - The Stearns Minutemen

Photo taken by local photographer Mike Peterson at the State Championship Game on November 15th. Check out more from Photography by Mike on by clicking the link for his website or Facebook.

The Magic City Monthly

November 2025

A Piece of Our Past

This “dining room” operated near the railroad station in the early days. A.B. Reed offered a dining room with meals at all hours just 25 cents. Note the sign on the hillside announcing MILLINOCKETT.

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 are participating in the discussion. All are welcome!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for our wonderful community! We're thankful for the opportunity to serve you and for the chance to celebrate the things that bring us together.

Important Notice: The Town Office will be CLOSED on Thursday, November 27th, and Friday, November 28th, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We'll resume our regular hours on Monday, December 2nd.

We wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy, and relaxing Thanksgiving! May your tables be filled with delicious food, your homes be filled with warmth and love, and your hearts be filled with gratitude.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always here to help.

Warmest wishes,

Team Millinocket

Municipal Updates

Town Clerk's and Tax Collector Department

Tax Billing (FY 25/26)

Commitment issued 10/13/2025.
1st‑half due 11/13/2025 (interest 11/14/2025).
2nd‑half due 3/13/2026 (interest 3/14/2026).
Real‑estate tax base: $3,138,888.16 (1,868 accounts).
Personal‑property tax base: $379,027.14 (95 accounts).

Vital Records & Other Services

September & October month‑end reports for Vital Records, IF& Wildlife, and Dogs reconciled and forwarded to the State.
Weekly motor‑vehicle reports filed with the BMV.
Preparing Municipal Referendum Charter amendments for distribution.
Surge in vital‑record requests ahead of Real ID rollout.
Ongoing advertising for elections, closures, board vacancies, and public hearings.
Marriage, cemetery, deeds, and maps continue to be recorded and digitized.

Elections (Certified 11/4/2025)

Total ballots cast: 1,251.
Town Council (vote for 2): Gould IV 716, Madore 466, Runyon 623, Stratton 328, blanks 369.
School Board (vote for 2): Gregory 740, Libby 908, Malcolm 515, blanks 339.
Charter amendments C202, C205, C301, C402, C405.A, 405.B, C1012 all passed.

Volunteer Opportunities

Recreation Advisory Committee (1 partial term ending 2/2026)
Personnel Appeals Board (1 partial term ending 11/2026)
Board of Appeals (1 full 3‑year term)

2026 Dog Registration

Began Oct 15 online and in person at the Clerk’s Office.

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.

Lori Santerre, Human Resource Director

Public Works Department

The crew has been busy keeping Millinocket safe, clean, and moving forward. Here’s a quick snapshot of what we’ve accomplished:

Safety & Training

Director Bryan Duprey and Operators Andy Locke & Jordan Lee completed a Snow & Ice Control workshop hosted by MEDOT.
All plow trucks are now equipped with the gear needed for the season’s first two winter storms—salt, sand, and plowing are on standby.

Roads & Infrastructure

Planted ten shade trees donated by Our Katahdin.
Built a gravel pad near the dog park for off‑lane parking and added gravel/graded Rec Complex Road.
Cleared and rip‑rapped the ditch on Central St (near Hannaford & Peddler’s Hill) and added material to the shoulders of Medway Rd and Rice Farm Rd to match the new hot‑top.

Transfer Station

Reminder: refrigerators/freezers must be empty with all grates/trays removed; brush longer than 8 ft cannot be accepted.
We continue to accept cardboard, plastic jugs, and tin cans for recycling—help us keep waste out of the landfill!

Cemetery

Completed final burials for the season; the cemetery entrance gate is now closed, though foot traffic can use the pedestrian gate.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. As always, we’re here to keep Millinocket moving—rain, snow, or shine.

Bryan Duprey, Director of Public Works

Millinocket Municipal Airport

The Millinocket Airport team is gearing up for winter while keeping the skies active. Here’s what’s been happening:

Operations

The G.A.R.D. system has logged 49 aircraft operations as of 11‑17‑25.

Recognition

Baxter State Park presented a plaque to the airport honoring its participation in the 2025 Search & Rescue missions.

Seaplane Activity

Local seaplane pilots have begun using the grass runway to prepare for the switch to winter operations.
Hangars have been cleared and cleaned to accommodate seaplanes.

Equipment & Facility Prep

All mowing equipment has been converted to snow‑removal gear.
First plowable storm of the season hit on 11‑16‑25, providing a valuable training exercise for our newest airport employee.

Based Aircraft

The number of based aircraft has risen again to 24, with one more expected next week.

We’re ready for whatever the weather brings and appreciate the community’s support as we keep Millinocket’s airport safe and operational.

Jeff Campbell, Airport Manager

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 team has been busy keeping Millinocket safe, orderly and moving forward. Here’s a quick snapshot of what we’ve done:

Community & Projects

Met with Sustainable Forest at 196 Penobscot Ave.
Discussed a potential campground on the former Boatman’s property on Hasbro Rd.
Continuing work with Suite Pad on accessible‑housing plans.

Permits & Inspections

Followed up on complaints and ongoing permit inspections.
Issued permits for a growing number of roof‑mounted solar projects.
Tracking projects that started without permits and bringing them into compliance.
Busy office fielding questions about Medway Rd. subdivision lots and the split‑up of the old Boatman’s site.

Renovations & Safety

Monitoring MRH renovations (still ahead of schedule).
Working with contractors on the 240 Penobscot Ave. remodel.
Completed LSC inspections for several clients.
Completed a series of “Charge Into Fire Safety” webinars on lithium‑battery handling.

Winter & Ordinance Prep

Preparing the Sand Bucket Program for the upcoming season.
Finalizing a notice (thanks to Bryan and Amber) about snow‑plowing ordinances and parking on tree belts.

Resident Assistance

Responded to a mold complaint on a vacant home and are contacting the owner.
Helped a new food‑cart owner navigate DHHS inspections and licensing.

As always, we’re here to answer questions, process permits and keep Millinocket running smoothly. Stop by or call the office with any code‑related concerns.

Tom Malcolm, Code Enforcement Officer

Fire/EMS Department

Our crew has been busy keeping the community safe as winter settles in. Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s been happening:

Training & Certifications

Full‑time crews completed the latest Maine EMS Protocol updates and annual airport training.
Low‑Angle Rescue training finished on Nov 6; equipment is now in service.
Hazmat Operations Refresher rescheduled to December.
Firefighter/EMT‑B John Brenenstuhl attended Fire Officer 3 in Bangor; Firefighter/Advanced EMT Noah Bachner completed orientation and is on regular rotation.

Equipment & Vehicles

Three video laryngoscopes arrived; training is underway before they go into service.
Cardiac monitors, stretchers, and the rescue snowmobile received annual service.
Ten SCBA bottles sent for hydrostatic testing; all fire extinguishers inspected.
Computers upgraded to the new Spillman dispatch software.
Forestry equipment removed from apparatus; trucks are winter‑ready.

Community Outreach

Distributed File of Life cards and Naloxone kits town‑wide.
Installed CO/smoke alarms and performed home safety surveys.
Assisted with chimney, wood‑stove and pellet‑stove inspections.
Participated in the Tractor Supply “Touch‑A‑Truck” event on Nov 1.

Licenses & Inspections

EMS Service License, Ambulance License, and CLIA Lab License all renewed.
Preparing for the SHAPE safety inspection with Maine Safety Works and updating SOPs, mutual‑aid and response plans.

Personnel

Two full‑time staff members on medical leave; one full‑time position remains open.

We’re grateful for the support of our residents and local businesses. As the season changes, the Millinocket Fire Department remains committed to keeping you safe—whether it’s a winter storm, a medical call, or a community event.

Stay safe, stay warm, and thank you for letting us serve you.

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

School Department

The Millinocket School Department has been busy with community events, new programs, and facility planning. Below is a snapshot of recent activity.

Events

Financial Fitness Fair – Held Oct 29 at Stearns. Special thanks to Tina Jamo of Katahdin Federal Credit Union. Participating schools included Region III, Schenck, Penobscot Valley, Lee Academy, Katahdin and Southern Aroostook. Students enjoyed hands‑on financial experiences.
Granite Street Assembly – Oct 30 featured Mrs. Katie DiFrederico’s pasta‑and‑sauces cart for the Stearns pantry drive. Resource Officer Frank Porfido appeared as Ninja Turtle Donatello to talk safety.
4th‑Grade Mad Science – A full day of sensory‑focused experiments kept the class engaged and laughing together.

Programs & Initiatives

Flex Farm Garden – Food Service’s garden is up and running; the team is working out early challenges before fresh vegetables are introduced into classroom lessons.
Student Kitchen Position – Created with Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator Chelsea Ehret. One student will gain work experience, earn credits and an hourly wage while attending school.
Ascent Program – Led by teacher Roger DeMello, the program offers non‑traditional learning for students from Millinocket, Medway and East Millinocket. A recent partnership with Mrs. Anna Loome’s Outdoor Education class gave participants a mountain‑bike morning.

Facilities & Grants

Facilities Director Louie DiFrederico submitted a $2 million renovation grant for Granite Street School. Decision expected in January.

We appreciate the support of our community partners and look forward to another successful semester.

Dr. Shelley Lane, Superintendent of Schools

East Millinocket Police Department

We’ve been busy keeping our streets safe. Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s happening:

Calls for Service

Over 9,375 calls to date, with 5,610 of those in the Town of Millinocket.

School Resource Officer

A big welcome to Officer Frank Porfido. In just a few months his presence has made a positive impact in our schools, and we’re excited to deepen the partnership with the school department.

10th Millinocket Marathon

Planning is in full swing. Expect a large crowd and heavy traffic on race day. Please avoid congested areas, drive carefully, and watch for pedestrians.

Holiday Safety Tips

Keep cash and valuables out of sight.
Track packages and bring them inside promptly.
Lock homes and vehicles; hide gifts.
Report any suspicious activity – if you see something, say something.

Winter Weather Reminder

Follow winter parking ordinances.
Be courteous to Public Works crews.
Avoid travel during severe storms; if you must drive, go slow and allow extra time.
Prepare for possible power outages and check on neighbors.

Congratulations

A huge shout‑out to the Stearns/Schenck Minuteman football team for winning the State Championship! Your success brings pride to the entire Katahdin Region.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. Together we keep the Tri-Town safe and thriving.

Chief Cameron McDunnah & Corporal Bradley Fitzgerald