The Magic City Monthly
September 2025
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An interesting aerial view of Millinocket from the late 1950’s. The Millinocket Historical Society has a number of aerial photos and early panoramic photos of Millinocket available for viewing at the museum. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday noon-3PM year-round (weather permitting).
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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STEPS TO SAFETY - FALL PREVENTION
Fall Prevention Awareness Week 2025 is Sept. 22nd through Sept. 26th. This week is dedicated to raising awareness about falls and promoting effective strategies to reduce fall risks.
- At age 65, older adults are twice as likely as the population at large to fall.
- An older adult is treated in the ER for a fall every 11 seconds in the United States.
- More than 32,000 deaths are reported from older adults falling every year.
- 1 in 4 older adults fall every year and those who do fall are 2X more likely to fall again.
Please take note of these (8) simple steps below that may help keep you from falling.
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Town Clerk's and Tax Collector Department
We're excited to share the latest news and updates from our department!
Financial Updates
- We've collected $816,918.44 in various transactions from August 23 to September 18, 2025.
- Delinquent account balances for Real Estate and Personal Property taxes are available in our attached reports.
Upcoming Tax Billing
- FY25/26 Tax Billing is pending commitment date for postage, expected to be submitted by the end of September.
Vital Records and Other Services
- We've seen a large increase in Vital Record requests and sales due to impending Real ID requirements.
- We're reconciling and submitting reports to State agencies, including Vital Records, IF&W, and Dogs.
Elections Department
- Town Council and School Board nominations are being verified for the November 4th Municipal election.
- We're preparing for State and Municipal Referendum Elections with 7 proposed Charter Amendments.
Volunteer Opportunities
- We're seeking volunteers for various Boards and Committees, including:
- Recreation Advisory Committee (1 member seat and 1 alternate seat)
- Personnel Appeals Board (1 partial term)
- Board of Appeals (1 partial term)
Other Reminders
- 2026 Dog Registration will be available online or in person starting October 15th.
- We're committed to maintaining accurate records, processing transactions, and providing excellent service to our community.
Thank you for your continued support!
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:
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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Public Works Department
We're excited to share the latest news and updates from our department!
Recent Projects
- Repaired a failing storm drain on Somerset St with new piping and paving
- Continued annual storm drain catch basin cleaning and summer flushing and inspection of town sewer lines
- Flail mowed overgrown road sides around town and assisted with new fall-themed flowers on Penobscot Ave
- Completed paving repairs in the cemetery and various shoulder spots around town
- Stockpiled 2500 yards of winter sand for the upcoming winter season
Transfer Station Updates
- Due to high fire danger, we're currently unable to accept materials in the burn pile area. We'll resume accepting these materials when conditions improve.
- We've hauled away the scrap metal pile for recycling and evacuated freon from refrigerators and air conditioning units.
- Reminders:
- Refrigerators and freezers must be empty and have all grates, trays, and compartments removed for disposal.
- Brush pile materials should be no longer than 8 feet to avoid plugging the grinder.
- We're always accepting cardboard, plastic jugs, and tin cans for recycling.
Cemetery Updates
- Mowing has been limited to avoid parched areas, focusing on the thickest and greenest portions.
- The cemetery crew has been assisting with cleaning up overgrown town-owned properties.
- Reminder: No small ornamental or decorative stones are allowed around grave markers or headstones, as they present a safety hazard.
We're committed to serving our community and maintaining our town's infrastructure. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
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
We're excited to share the latest news and updates from our department!
Recent Activities
- We've been following up on complaints and conducting inspections for permits issued in our community.
- We're working with various committees, events, and projects, including Suite Pad's accessible housing initiative and the renovation of MRH.
- We've received several requests for roof-mounted solar panel projects and are issuing permits accordingly.
New Initiatives
- We're working with a company looking to install E-Chargers in our community and discussing permits and stipulations.
- We're taking a series of webinars on lithium-battery safety and educating residents on important safety practices.
Community Engagement
- Our office has been busy answering questions and providing information on permitting requirements for various projects.
- We're working with residents, contractors, and developers to ensure compliance with town regulations and building codes.
Ongoing Projects
- We're working on issues related to the Accessible Home Attachment program and ensuring compliance with State of Maine building codes.
- We're collaborating with SMRT on the development and subdivision plan for Our Katahdin and with a developer on the old Boatman's property.
Upcoming Initiatives
- We're working with the town attorney on property development issues and nuisance ordinance revisions.
- We met with a regional food safety inspector to follow up on complaints and ensure compliance with regulations.
We're committed to serving our community and ensuring that our Town's regulations and building codes are followed. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Tom Malcolm, Code Enforcement Officer
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Fire/EMS Department
We're excited to share the latest news and updates from our department!
Community Involvement and Training
- Chief Cote attended various committee meetings, including the Penobscot County Fire Chiefs Meeting, where he was re-elected to the Board of Directors.
- Chief Cote participated in an EMS Instructor workshop and a Community Risk Reduction Workshop, focusing on the evolution of EMS and community risk reduction strategies.
- The department is hosting emergency planning meetings with various agencies for the Millinocket Marathon.
Department Updates
- We're gearing up for Fire Prevention Month, scheduling fire prevention classes and tours.
- Our full-time crews participated in the September 11th events and the Trails End Festival, including the Touch A Truck Event.
- We're actively seeking applicants for two full-time openings.
Equipment and Maintenance
- Bangor Abatement is replacing the framing and weather striping around the department's overhead doors.
- Unit 780 (Chief's Vehicle) has been equipped with the Spillman Dispatch Computer Aided Dispatch software.
- Stryker inspected and serviced all department stretchers and powerlifts, and Fire Tech & Safety inspected and serviced all SCBA's and the cascade system.
New Initiatives
- We're developing a Low Angle Rescue program, with equipment arriving soon.
- Chief Cote is working on a Mental Health Program for department staff, including training.
- We're planning a Basic Fire School for the winter and coordinating an EMS Leadership Training in the Katahdin Region in early 2026.
Community Resources
- We're distributing File of Life Cards and Naloxone to residents.
- We're installing CO/Smoke Alarms and conducting home safety surveys for residents of Millinocket.
We're committed to serving our community and look forward to a safe and successful fall season!
Chief Jonathon P. Cote, Fire Chief, Emergency Management Director
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School Department
We're excited to share the latest news and updates from our schools!
Welcome to Our New Staff!
We're pleased to welcome the following new staff members to the Millinocket School Department:
- Alyssa Averill, History Teacher at Stearns
- Victoria Blanchette, Ed Tech I at Granite
- Simon Brightman, Ed Tech III at Granite Street
- Hillary Cyr, Granite Street Library
- Roger DeMello, Ascent Teacher at Stearns
- Ashleigh Doyle, Grade 4 Teacher
- Brad Henry, Science Teacher at Stearns
- Frank Porfido, School Resource Officer
- Michaela Qualey, Ed Tech II at Granite Street
- Corinne Reece, Grade 5 Teacher
- Catherine Shaw, Ed Tech III at Granite
- Faith Sinnott, Ed Tech I at Granite
Open Houses a Success!
Our open houses at Granite and Stearns on August 26 were well-attended, setting a great tone for the new school year.
Awards and Achievements
- Congratulations to our Food Service Department for receiving the School Lunch Trailblazer award from Action for Healthy Kids for their continued work in improving school meal quality.
- Our Summer Food Service Program served 2,969 breakfasts and 6,365 lunches across the tri-town area, despite a shorter service window.
New Initiatives
- Our new cell phone check-in procedure has led to improved student engagement, classroom participation, and social interactions during lunch.
- Stearns is now offering 3 Dual Enrollment classes, providing students with opportunities to earn college credits before graduating.
Behind-the-Scenes Work
- Our custodial crews did an outstanding job over the summer, completing deep cleaning, floor waxing, athletic complex maintenance, and more. Our buildings look great!
We're thrilled to start the new school year and look forward to a successful year ahead!
Dr. Shelley Lane, Superintendent of Schools
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Get ready for exciting opportunities and events in Millinocket's great outdoors!
Teen Internships Available at Katahdin Gear Library
The Katahdin Gear Library is offering teen internships for middle and high school students. Interns will gain valuable skills in rental procedures, gear maintenance, trail skills, and more. Students may be eligible for payment and/or school credit. For more information, email kgl@outdoorsi.org or visit the KGL during open hours.
Join the First Annual Fall Trail Rally!
Mark your calendars for October 4th! The Outdoor Sports Institute will host its inaugural Fall Trail Rally on the Hammond Ridge trails, located at Knife Edge Brewing. Enjoy racing options, free events, and activities, including a silent auction. Come out and say hi! Learn more by clicking here or the flyer below.
Stay tuned for more updates and get outside with us!
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