September
• Presque Isle received over $10 million in loans and grants from the USDA. The Presque Isle Water/Sewer District received a Water and Waste Water Disposal Loan for $2,950,000 and a grant for $2 million to extend a pipeline from the Dyer Street facility to the Aroostook River. The Solid Waste Department received a Water and Waste Disposal Loan for $6,310,000 to be repaid over a 30-year period. Funds will be used to close a portion of the existing landfill and fix a portion of the site’s liner to prevent leakage.
• Vandalism along an ATV trail crossing landowner Paul Cyr’s property had Cyr asking for help in stopping the random acts of destruction and littering. Cyr said if it didn’t stop, he would have no option but to close the trail to all, effectively closing the sole connecting route for north/south recreational traffic.
• The newly constructed Doodle Wall was unveiled at the Wintergreen Arts Center at the Aroostook Centre Mall. With a donation of material from Lowe’s and help from the store’s staff, the wall went up quickly, giving visiting children a place to share their artistry on a reusable surface in the form of chalkboards recycled from Cunningham Middle School.
• A dedication ceremony was held marking the official opening of the Dr Gehrig T. Johnson Athletic Complex at Presque Isle Middle School.
• Presque Isle City Council approved an $85,130 boiler room project bid for Caribou-based Industrial Heating and Piping Company. The project will upgrade an ailing heating system, just in time for winter.
• The Presque Isle Historical Society held a barbecue and open house at the Church Street firehouse the organization is in the process of restoring. In less than a month, nearly $700 has been raised for the project.
• A clock garden was dedicated in Fort Fairfield in memory of Dolly Reed, an individual best known for her efforts to beautify the community.
• Momentum Aroostook, a networking group for people ages 20 to 40 who want to make a difference in the region, gained interest from community members. The group’s goals included promoting activities, events and businesses in the area.
• Bryan Cyr, 53, of Mapleton, died as the result of injuries sustained Sept. 8 in a motorcycle accident on the Hughes Road in Mapleton.
• All 290 school administrative units in the state met the Aug. 31 deadline for filing one or more Notices of Intent regarding school administrative reorganization or alternative plans.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture released figures indicating Maine potato farmers planted about 57,500 acres for the fall harvest. That’s down from the 2006 figure of 58,500, according to Maine Potato Board Executive Director Donald Flannery.
• The Presque Isle Middle School was evacuated on Sept. 18 following a bomb threat. Police searched the facility but found nothing.
• Local children left their mark on the new Doodle Wall at the Wintergreen Arts Center’s Children’s Art Studio. Chalkboard panels from Cunningham Middle School were removed from the school prior to its demolition, with the panels being incorporated into a creative activity wall for young visitors to the center located at the Aroostook Centre Mall.
• Enrollment figures dipped slightly in SAD 1; this year’s total enrollment was 2,070, down from 2006’s enrollment of 2,100.
• Gehrig Johnson, superintendent of SAD 1, hoped collaborative efforts would stand between SAD 1 in Presque Isle and SAD 32 in Ashland, where Johnson also serves as superintendent. Johnson said geographical and other concerns made it financially impractical to consolidate the two districts, in opposition to the recent decision by Augusta lawmakers to consolidate school systems in an effort to save money.
• Terry Gregg, of Mapleton, decided to incorporate an Amish technique to harvest oats, using horse-drawn equipment to do the work.
• Allen Deeves served his last day as executive director of the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce before moving on to take his new position as public relations director for Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent.
• Northern Maine Regional Airport Manager Scott Wardwell officially reopened the north-south runway following months of upgrades costing $113,500 under the budgeted amount of $4,271,000. HNTB Corporation, the company awarded the project bid, had officials on hand to see the first flight take off from the runway.
• UMS Chancellor Richard Pattenaude visited UMPI, taking time to discuss the economic impact campuses have on the communities around them. This was Pattenaude’s first official tour of the system’s campuses since becoming chancellor earlier in the year.
• NMCC, Maine Quality Centers signed a training partnership to coordinate education and training programs for over 40 new employees.
• Edward Buckley was named interim superintendent for SAD 45 in Washburn.
• Turner Memorial Library planned to observe Banned Books Week.
October
• The City Council’s and Planning Board’s position on where the proposed north-south bypass should be located was the primary reason the Presque Isle City Council returned the proposed Comprehensive Plan to the Board so that a section pertaining to the bypass could be re-worded to reflect the Council’s position as the governing body of the city. Councilors planned to attend the Board’s Oct. 18 meeting to work out the details.
• Dana Connors, former Presque Isle city manager and current president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, was named as the featured speaker for the PIACC’s Eggs and Issues breakfast on Oct. 12, speaking on both new business and business retention for the re-energizing of downtown Presque Isle.
• The American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter, WAGM-TV and NMCC planned to join forces to host the annual Real Heroes breakfast on Nov. 8 at the Edmunds Conference Center.
• The Presque Isle Police Department and various other law enforcement officers searched unsuccessfully for a suspect wanted in connection with several car burglaries in Presque Isle.
• Fifteen inspectors from the Maine Department of Agriculture canvassed grocery stores to make sure meat products manufactured by Topps Meat Co. LLC in Elizabeth, N.J., were pulled from the shelves, following a report of E. coli contamination in ground beef products.
• Homeowners were encouraged to talk solar energy, as part of the American Solar Energy Society’s 12th annual National Solar Tour scheduled for Oct. 6.
• A unique potato, shaped like an old-fashioned catcher’s mitt, was discovered during harvest at the Guerrette Farm in Caribou. The 3-pound Russet was found on opening day of the American League Division Series, creating hope among local fans that it would be a good omen for the Red Sox.
• United Way of Aroostook kicked off their annual workplace campaign with a breakfast meeting in Presque Isle.
• Firefighters rescued a tenant from a fire at a Dyer Street residence. The woman was later charged in connection with the apartment house fire. The woman, who is cared for by the state, was not identified.
• Ashland’s Sheridan Road was closed for a few days to a crew from Cianbro Corporation to repair a Montreal Maine and Atlantic train trestle that was damaged when a truck hauling equipment hit it earlier in the summer.
• MMG, of Presque Isle, was named the number-one place to work in Maine during a ceremony held at the Augusta Civic Center.
• Chris Bowring, 21, of Ashland, remained in a coma at EMMC in Bangor following an ATV accident in Castle Hill.
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation contributed $100,000 to establish an allied health simulation center on the NMCC campus.
• Shawn Murchison stepped down as executive director of the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce to take a position with Acadia Medical Supplies.
• Numbers improved the last week of moose hunting season, despite an unseasonably warm first week. With most Aroostook County stations’ numbers in, this year’s total count was only slightly lower than last year’s final figure.
• Presque Isle City Council dedicated the 2006 Annual Report to Hugo A. Olore Jr., city solicitor for over 40 years, for his dedication to serving the community.
• Tim Hobbs, director of development/grower relations for the Maine Potato Board, indicated the board was quite pleased with this year’s harvest and the “ideal digging conditions” that went with it.
• Kate Muriel, Liana Cao and Kate Allen – teenagers from Presque Isle – organized a walk to raise funds for Ugandan children through the Invisible Children program.
• Retired Maine Legislator James McBreairty established a $60,000 scholarship fund at NMCC through the Campaign for the County’s College. The fund will provide $1,000 scholarships annually for first-year students – one each from the communities of Perham, Wade and Washburn.
• Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe was the guest speaker at UMPI at an event hosted by the Maine Hospice Council and Center for End-of-Life Care. The program, entitled “A Conversation with the Attorney General: Perspectives on End-of-Life Care” focused on ways health professionals, lawyers, clergy, friends and family could better help people with end-of-life care and decisions.
• Filomena Irving, a Washburn teacher, related her experience attending the Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy in Huntsville, Ala. over the summer.
• Fort Fairfield residents will be able to keep track of time, with the installation of a two-sided clock on Fields Lane property near the senior citizens housing project.
• Presque Isle City Council got its first look at the 2008 budget, as they began reviewing each city department’s portion of the budget for the new year.
• Plans got under way for the Presque Isle Sesquicentennial Celebration, during a meeting Oct. 10 organized by members of the Presque Isle Historical Society. Events are being planned to mark the occasion throughout 2009.
• Romeo Bouchard, a member of the local American Red Cross and a resident of Woodland, headed west to help the California wildfire relief effort.
• The Presque Isle Fire Department worked to educate the public on the dangers of novelty lighters getting into children’s hands.
• Presque Isle High School reported 123 students worked the 2007 harvest, earning $118,676 in harvest-related work.
• Washburn students’ essays earned scholarships to attend a summer program at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. next June.
• Ashland Community High School boys’ soccer team celebrated their victory in the Class D championship. The ACHS girls’ team was also victorious. Both teams advanced to the state finals.
November
• Jerry R. Desmond Sr. was remembered as a fun-loving guy who valued academics, athletics and his community. The former educator passed away Oct. 29 at the age of 77.
• Forest Chandler, 98, of Mapleton, was presented the Boston Post Cane and a plaque recognizing him as the oldest citizen of the community.
• The Battered Women’s Project held its annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk in Presque Isle, brining awareness to a problem that affects the lives of many throughout the state and the country.
• The Aroostook Centre Mall planned a VIP evening Nov. 11, with tickets required for entry to the three-hour event. Proceeds from the sale of the tickets went entirely to the 35 Aroostook County non-profit organizations selling them.
• The Presque Isle High School Shipmates Playhouse planned for opening night of “Fiddler on the Roof,” Nov. 8-10 and Nov. 15-17, at the PIHS auditorium.
• The American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter, WAGM-TV 8/FOX 8 and NMCC honored recipients of the 2007 Real Heroes award during the 10th annual Real Heroes Breakfast at NMCC. Recognized were: Norma Milton, Esther Caldwell, Scott Austin, Shirley Fortin, Ssgt. Harold Maker, Gregory Collagan, Alex LeShane, Charles Mancib, Noah Garrison and Sam the dog (posthumously honored).
• Janet Kelle was selected as the next director of the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, following the departure of Shawn Murchison.
• UMPI was one of six New England public, postsecondary institutions to participate in Project Compass, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation’s new multi-year initiative aimed at increasing the number of underrepresented populations graduating with four-year degrees. UMPI could potentially receive up to $1 million in grants to assist underserved students.
• As part of Red Ribbon Week, students at Presque Isle Middle School donated a bulletproof vest to the Presque Isle Police Department for use by the department’s K-9s, Hunter and Dozer, to help protect the animals while on duty.
• Presque Isle City Council approved the closure of a section of Main Street during Main Street Mania, to allow customers safer passage from stores on one side of the street to those on the other side.
• Plans were unveiled for the new Ashland school.
• The National Guard announced it had sold the Presque Isle Armory to BLD LLC, a real estate development firm based in Yarmouth, for $795,000 and $110,000 more than the appraised property value. The company indicated possible uses for the site included retail, a multiple retail site or a big box store.
• John Cariani, a native of Presque Isle and Tony-nominated actor for his role in “Fiddler on the Roof” on Broadway, returned to the Star City to give members of the Shipmates Playhouse tips on their own production of the play.
• Potatoes were packed and shipped from Danny Stewart’s farm on the Houlton Road to governors in all 50 states as part of the Governor’s Potato Plot project.
• The Presque Isle Police Department, through various grants, acquired five in-car cameras that will enable both audio and visual recording, providing added evidence when responded to a call.
• Chris Dow, co-owner of the Braden Theater, said plans were to have the facility open by Christmas, if finish work inside – painting, installing seats – could be completed in time.
• The 60th annual Rotary Auction got under way in the Star City.
• SAD 32 adopted a new hornet logo.
• PIHS students filled shoeboxes with various items as part of Operation Christmas Child.
• Merchants were prepared for Black Friday and the many shoppers out looking for a bargain. A strong Canadian dollar saw more Canadian shoppers crossing the border in search of a deal.
• SAD 1 planned to discuss school consolidation with SAD 32. The two districts were looking to combine services to meet state requirements.
December
• The Presque Isle Rotary Club’s 60th annual Radio/TV Auction raised thousands of dollars and surpassed a 50-year goal when a $1 million commitment to local health care was reached and even surpassed through the auction’s Gold Brick program.
• The Star City lit up for the annual light parade. Extreme cold weather didn’t hamper spectators and participants turning out for the evening event.
• Presque Isle city officials teamed up with UMPI faculty and students to create a citizen satisfaction survey. Students prepared the surveys and called local residents to get their feedback on what works and what needs improvement in the city.
• Graves Shop ‘N Save donated 16 pallets of food, cleaning supplies and other products, valued at $15,000, to Catholic Charities of Maine. Graves obtained the food when Smythe’s IGA Plus closed earlier in the fall and decided to donate the items to the non-profit organization.
• Rep. Jeremy Fischer was honored by the Maine Association for Community Service Providers for his advocacy on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Volunteers and local businesses pulled together to help the Arlo Johnson family, of Bridgewater, rebuild a garage and repair their home, following a fire Nov. 28.
• Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and former Presque Isle city manager, praised the efforts of Star City citizens and the Downtown Revitalization Committee for progress being made to bring life back to the downtown area. City officials continued to work with the DRC to make the heart of the community a destination to be enjoyed by all.
• Presque Isle Middle School students turned into ‘elves,’ assisting pre-kindergarten students in writing letters to Santa.
• The Northern Maine Fair Association announced a new building campaign, following its decision to construct an Agricultural Heritage Building that will serve as an agricultural museum and educational center to be located on the fairgrounds.
• Richards Christmas Tree Farm, of Mapleton, donated Christmas trees to the National Christmas Tree Association’s Trees for Troops project, with trees destined for families of U.S. military personnel.
• Frank Patane Jr. donated a kidney to his mother, Micheline Patane, of Caribou, during an operation at Maine Medical Center in Portland.
• Governor John Baldacci appointed Jason Parent of Caribou and Virginia Joles of Presque Isle to serve on the Maine Commission for Community Service Board.
• The Maine Community College System announced investments totaling $6.2 million in programs and services it provides to rural Maine, with much of the funding earmarked to assist high school students in pursuing a college education.
• Fort Fairfield municipal officials moved into new offices at the Fort Fairfield Community Center.
• The University of Maine at Presque Isle wind project got a $50,000 boost, thanks to a grant from the Voluntary Renewable Resources Fund.
• Santa got a little help from Angel Flight Northeast and Hasbro Inc., bringing Christmas cheer and gifts to five Aroostook children during a visit at the General Aviation building at the Northern Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle.
