The Magic City Monthly
December 2025
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The Christmas season in Millinocket the 1950’s featured a Santa’s Zoo. There were real live animals including several deer, raccoons, owls, a fox, a pheasant and a small black bear for young and old to view. The parking lot on Penobscot Avenue and a space across the street were the locations. This was a project for the very active Recreation Department.
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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Happy Holidays from Millinocket!
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we're thrilled to share that Santa Claus and his elves brought their magic to our local schools!
On the eve of school vacation, they visited Granite Street Elementary, Kids Peace, Penquis Pre-K, and Opal Myrick Elementary, spreading joy and gathering last-minute Christmas wishes from our little friends. As a special treat, each child received a delightful craft to enjoy over the holiday break, courtesy of Santa's workshop.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the schools for their help in making this event a success.
May your holiday season be filled with love, laughter, and all your favorite traditions.
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A HUGE THANK YOU TO DON NODINE!
Millinocket Town Council Honors Don Nodine for 40+ Years of Trail Maintenance
The Millinocket Town Council is beaming with pride as they recognize Donald Nodine's incredible dedication to local outdoor recreation! Don's tireless efforts have transformed the Bait Hole Trail and Northern Timber Cruisers trails into a winter wonderland for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
This man is a trailblazer (pun intended) with over 40 years of service! He's created free trail maps, maintains a DIY hotline for trail conditions, and is always ready to lend a helping hand. His friendly demeanor and attention to detail have made him a beloved figure in Millinocket.
THANK YOU, DON! for making our community a more beautiful and welcoming place. Your passion for outdoor recreation is contagious!
The Bait Hole Trail is a true gem, offering stunning views of Elbow Lake and Mt. Katahdin. Thanks to Don, it's a haven for families, beginners, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Let's all join the Millinocket Town Council in thanking Don Nodine for his outstanding volunteerism!
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Light Up Millinocket Winners Announced!
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this year's Light Up Millinocket contest! We had an amazing lineup of holiday displays, and we're grateful to all who decorated and submitted photos.
And the winners are...
- Home Winner: Picard - 16 Wassau St.
- Business Winner: Baby Ruthies - 190 Penobscot Ave.
Congratulations to our winners! They each take home $100 cash for having the top-voted display. A big thank you to everyone who voted and helped spread holiday cheer throughout our community.
Happy Holidays, Millinocket! We're grateful for your participation and can't wait to see what next year's contest brings!
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Town Clerk's and Tax Collector Department
Important updates from the Town Clerk's office:
New Charter in Effect Jan 1, 2026
The updated Town Charter, including changes passed by vote at the November 4th, 2025 Millinocket Municipal Referendum, goes live Jan 1. Copies available online or at the Town Office.
2026 Licenses Ready
All 2026 licenses now available in person (except boat stickers, delayed in-person but available online).
Property Taxes
2nd-half property taxes due March 13, 2026 (interest applies March 14, 2026).
Dog Registration
2026 dog registration began Oct 15 - online or in person at the Clerk's Office.
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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
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Public Works Department
As winter settles in, our Public Works crew is working hard to keep Millinocket safe and festive! Here's what's been happening:
Safety First
Our PW Crew recently completed in-house training on pre-trip truck and equipment inspections, as well as hearing preservation. We're staying safe and prepared!
Winter Services
- Responded to multiple winter events, plowing and salting/sanding roads
- Assisted with Millinocket Marathon prep and cleanup
- Completed nighttime downtown cleanups after snowfall
- Responded to sewer backups and other calls
Holiday Cheer
- Decorated Penobscot Ave with Christmas lights and decorations
- Hung solar-powered Christmas lights in trees along Central St
- Set up the annual Christmas Tree in the bandstand on Penobscot Ave
Transfer Station Updates
- Repair work on the overhead door is underway
- Freon recycler evacuated freon from appliances
- Municipal Waste Hub in Hampden now accepting our waste
- Brush pile removal is in progress (reminder: no items over 8 feet long, please!)
- Keep recycling cardboard, plastic jugs, and tin cans!
Cemetery
The entrance gate is closed for the season, but foot traffic is allowed through the pedestrian gate.
Thanks for your cooperation and support, Millinocket!
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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Fire/EMS Department
Our Fire/EMS team is staying busy serving Millinocket! Here's what's happening:
Leadership & Training
- Chief Cote elected to Maine EMS Region Council
- Attended various meetings and webinars on emergency preparedness, grants, and fire reports
- Coordinating Basic Fire School for Winter/Spring 2026
- Chief Cote working on 2026 BLS training plan and annual training calendar
Community Service
- Full-time crews participated in Christmas Light Parade Dec 19
- Installing CO/Smoke Alarms and conducting Home Safety Surveys
- Distributing File of Life Cards and Naloxone to residents
- Assisting with Chimney and wood stove/pellet stove inspections
Team Updates
- Firefighter/EMT-B Hakes completing Advanced EMT clinicals and National Registry Exam prep
- Hakes enrolled in Firefighter I & II Class in Houlton
- Chief Cote enrolled in Fire Officer 4 Class
- One full-time staff member on medical leave; one opening remains
Upcoming
- Basic Fire School Class starting late January
- Hose & Ladder Testing scheduled Spring 2026
Thanks for your support, Millinocket!
Chief Jonathon P. Cote, Fire Chief, Emergency Management Director
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School Department
As the holiday season approaches, we're thrilled to share the latest highlights from our schools! From stage performances to athletic achievements, our students and staff are making memories and making us proud.
The Unified Harmony Performing Arts recently showcased their talents in the Fall Musical "Mama Mia!" on November 20, 21, and 22. Kudos to our talented students in the Katahdin region for an amazing performance!
Sports Update
Our Stearns/Schenck Minuteman football team brought home the State Championship title! Congratulations to the players and coaches on an incredible season. The team loved the community support, and we do too!
Academic Highlights
Stearns had an impressive 70% attendance at their November Student Led Conferences.
Ms. Angela Jackson's junior high Science class participated in Maine BioScience week, exploring fermentation labs and BioScience careers.
Mr. Roger DeMello's Assent Program made Math fun by applying it to weightlifting, teaching students to convert units and understand strength training.
Food Service News
Our Food Service Department is growing! They welcomed a job trainee through Living Innovations and their first Student Kitchen Assistant. Exciting times ahead!
School Spirit
Granite Street School hosted a festive assembly, featuring staff as Grand Marshalls, a baton twirler, marching band, and blow-up costumes. The students had a blast!
Dr. Shelley Lane, Superintendent of Schools
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