Lincoln County residents received the recognition of the Maine Legislature in an “official expression of sentiment” read by County Commissioner William Blodgett at a June 1 meeting of the Lincoln County Commissioners.
The document, introduced to the Legislature by Rep. Les Fossel (R-Alna), provides a brief history of Lincoln County as well as the following statement: “We join the citizens of Lincoln County, and those counties that arose from Lincoln County, in celebrating their history and accomplishments of the last 250 years.
“We recognize the important roles that our counties have served, and continue to serve, in making Maine the strong, vibrant place it is today. We extend our best wishes to all for their future continued success…”
Senator David Trahan (R-Waldoboro), Sen. Seth Goodall (D-Richmond), Rep. Bruce MacDonald (D-Boothbay), Rep. Jonathan McKane (R-Newcastle) and Rep. Elizabeth Miller (D-Somerville) co-sponsored the legislation.
Commissioners discussed preparations, not just congratulations, for the approaching 250th anniversary of the county. Commissioners ordered and received coffee mugs and t-shirts bearing the anniversary logo.
According to chairman Lynn Gilley Orne, 25 t-shirts and five mugs have already sold. Mugs and t-shirts are available at the commissioners’ office in Wiscasset or online through the Lincoln County Historical Association, Orne said.
Banners and signs have also been ordered, Orne said, and should arrive by the end of the week.
Deputy Administrator Debbie Tibbetts reported between 75 and 100 people attended a Memorial Day service at Pownalborough Courthouse and all were invited to return for the 250th Anniversary celebration, Sat., June 19.
In other business, Deputy Administrator for Finance and Payroll Nancy Giles gave an emotional reading of her letter of resignation. Giles will retire before moving to Boise, Ida., to be closer to her family.
Tim Pellerin, director of the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Management, said hurricane season which started June 1, may have an unusual effect in Maine this year.
“The water temperature is already about four degrees warmer than it was last year,” Pellerin said. The warmer temperatures can help hurricanes maintain momentum as they travel up the Eastern seaboard.
According to a document provided by Pellerin, “Lincoln County Emergency Management has begun their annual hurricane campaign of preparedness and planning, with a piece written to all local news agencies about hurricane preparedness last week.”
On the recommendation of Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett, the commissioners approved a conditional offer of employment for Scott Hayden of Whitefield.
Brackett said the quality of all six candidates for an opening for a full-time patrol deputy was so high he “could’ve filled six positions,” but Hayden, with 10 years of experience with the Augusta Police Dept., emerged as Brackett’s first choice.
Hayden is subject to a pre-employment process including a background check, a polygraph and a psychological exam before employment can begin.
