75 Years Ago – Feb. 7, 1946
Washburn boy returned from ETO — Staff Sgt. Herman F. Nevers, son of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Nevers of Washburn, formerly of Presque Isle, returned to his home after four years service in the Army.
He was a veteran of the European War, where he served in six major campaigns. Sergeant Nevers was with the Third Infantry Division in Sicily, Italy, Southern France, Central France and Germany. He had been decorated several times for gallantry in action. His decorations included the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Soldier’s Medal European Theater Ribbon with six Battle Stars, the Good Conduct Medal with clasp and the Combat Infantry Badge. He also held two French decorations, the French Croix de Guerre and the French Fourragère. He returned to his organization afterwards to serve another three years.
Percy and Dana Street opened a new store — Percy and Dana Street opened a new store, Street’s Post Exchange. Presque Isle’s newest establishment, located on Main Street, featuring a fine line of work clothes. Fishing tackle was also a leading specialty.
50 Years Ago – Feb. 10, 1971
Local representatives — Louis R. H. McLaughlin of Fort Fairfield and Lionel Smith of Mapleton attended the National Association of Soil Conservation District’s 25th anniversary Convention held in Chicago. They both represented the Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District at this session. Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin was the principal speaker. The Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District encouraged representatives from their Board of Supervisors at these meetings in order to carry out a district program related conservation and environmental problems.
Lowe named Youth Corps leader — The Maine Youth Corps, a state program which is federally funded, hired Robert E. Lowe of Bangor as county leader for Aroostook County. The Youth Corps is a two phase program geared toward providing the youth of Maine, and in particular the disadvantaged youth, with the opportunity to participate in the development of the social and economic life of their communities and the state.
25 Years Ago – Feb. 7, 1996
Mullen won crown — Donna J. Mullen, 22 years old, the daughter of Clarence W. Mullen Sr. of Blaine and Donna E. Kenney of Presque Isle, was crowned Ms. Maine Petite USA by Midwest Pageants. She was employed as a desk clerk at Shiretown Motor Inn, a Certified Nurses Assistant and planned to continue her education in the medical field. The Petite Pageant System is especially designed for women between the ages 18-29 who are 5-feet 6-inches and under. The Midwest Pageant finals were held in Kansas City, Missouri. Mullen was actively involved in many pageants and held the state title in 1993-94 for American Petite as Miss Petite Maine. Mullen was also involved in Easter Seals, Central Aroostook Humane Society and a volunteer for ASSE, a prominent foreign exchange program.
Proud medalists — Seven area athletes were awarded medals after participating in the cross country skiing competition at the 26th annual Maine Special Olympics Winter Games, held Jan. 29 and 30 at Sugarloaf U.S.A. Those receiving medals were: Laurie Coffin of Presque Isle, Jon Robertson of Caribou, and Steve Kistner of Caribou, receiving a Gold medal each; Beth Flannery of Fort Fairfield, Silver; Donna Dodd of Fort Fairfield, and Steve Michaud of Presque Isle, Bronze; and Rodney Corey, Presque Isle, fourth. The team was coached by Irene Dafonte of Easton and Katie Endy of Mars Hill. According to Dafonte, the three gold medals were the most won by the area team in their five years of competition.
