We at the Presque Isle Police Department realize the current state of affairs has folks worried, isolated, depressed — and yes, bored!
As citizens, though, we have already seen great displays of kindness, empathy and gratitude from within our own community and on the news from around the globe. Folks are also coming up with new ideas on how to homeschool, stay home with families all the time, and generally be “alone together” through Instagram, Facebook and other social media like Zoom.
(OK. Am I the only one who is old enough to remember “Zoom” as a childrens’ learning program, back when we had three channels? But I digress …)
Early on, we saw people hoarding many essential products, but I think rationing has helped with that.
You may also see scams coming your way with folks trying to elicit money or information from you. Government entities will not ask for your private information on the phone, nor will they threaten to have the police “come get you if you do not respond within 30 minutes.” We will not be knocking at your door because you DID NOT give out your information.
The latest scam is a call indicating “Your stimulus check is ready,” and you only need give your personal banking information to receive it. You will not be asked to give any information in order to receive this check. It will either be direct deposited into your bank account or mailed directly to you (according to your normal tax information).
We want to thank everyone for following executive orders set by Governor Mills and the CDC. These rules definitely inconvenience folks and even deter income and businesses, but, in the long run, keep us all safer and alive.
With the latest order: You may still go for drives — as long as it is your immediate (household) members in the car. You may still get gas, groceries and other essentials (the list is on our Facebook page or online through the Maine attorney general’s office). This means you may get your lunch and/or eat in your car.
If you have other questions, please do not hesitate to call the Presque Isle Police Department at 207-764-4476. Dispatch can answer questions you may have.
We also want to thank those within the city who have reached out to the Police Department with everything from flower arrangements, notes of encouragement, food, support and protective gear. We really appreciate your support in every way.
We hope everyone remains well and maintains guidelines set by both executive order and by the CDC. My grandmother used to say, “This, too, shall pass.” Perhaps it will be painfully, like a kidney stone, but we promise it WILL pass. Try to stay positive and we will get through this, likely for the better, “alone together.”
Call us if you need us. Stay well.
Chief Laurie J. Kelly of the Presque Isle Police Department can be reached at 207-764-2535 or via email at lkelly@presqueisleme.us.
