Presque Isle area From our Files – Week of May 22, 2024

6 months ago

99 Years Ago – May 21, 1925

Instructive and interesting facts — Hon. F. A. Peabody of Houlton, member of the State Highway Commission, in a speech before the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, gave numerous instructive and interesting facts and figures regarding state roads and their construction, state aid roads and matters closely connected therewith. He claimed that Aroostook had received more mileage in state roads than any other county, and that it is as high as four among the counties in Maine in the factual amount of money received for state roads.

50 Years Ago – May 22, 1974

Received award — Donald Burtchell, the manager of Grossman’s Lumber in Presque Isle, received a “store of the year award” from district manager Neil Ross. The award was one of six awarded to stores in six Grossman’s districts. As part of the award, Burtchell and his wife received a trip to the Canary Islands earlier in the year. While there, the couple also visited Marrakech on the coast of Africa. The awards were made on the basis of a number of items, including sales and profits. The Grossman’s store here expanded during the year, creating a larger lumber yard, enabling the store to increase its inventory.

Bike rodeo held by Cub Scouts — Cub Scout Pack 168 held a bike rodeo under the direction of Cub Master Reuben R. Grass and James Rempson, Saturday, May 18. Use of the Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute parking lot area was allowed by the NMVTI Director Harold Mailman. Cubs participated in eleven events and were judged on knowledge and skill. Winners of the bike rodeo were first place, Allen Dow from Den 5; second place, Richard Palmisano from Den 5; third place was tied by Zachary Grass from Den 4 and Gavin O’Brien from Den 1. Parents served as judges for the event.

25 Years Ago – May 26, 1999

$2,000 donation — KeyBank made a $2,000 donation to the Presque Isle Youth Hockey Association to help fund a new locker room area at the Forum. Naldo Gagnon, president of the local youth hockey group, accepted a check from Penny McHatten, assistant vice president of KeyBank in Presque Isle. Mike Cyr, who headed up the locker room project, also was present at the check presentation.

Electrification segment winners — Winners in the electrification segment of the Maine Public Service Company contest were in attendance with Nancy Chandler, MPS Education Specialist. The winners were Reuben Caron, a junior from Ashland Community High School who won a $300 scholarship for third place; Matt Grass, a senior at Presque Isle High School who placed second and was awarded a $500 scholarship; and Nick Poitras, a junior from Limestone High School who won a $1,000 scholarship and placed first. 

Miss Maine National Teenager pageant winners — County girls who took home titles in the Miss Maine National Teenager pageant Winners. Awards were given to Charlene Ricciardi of Eagle Lake, Jr. winner; Renee Graham of Presque Isle, Sr. winner;  Melinda Duchardt of Presque Isle, Miss Hospitality; Jennifer Clayton, third runner-up, Sr. division; Crystal Nelson, first runner-up, Jr. division; Melinda Duchardt, second runner-up, Jr. division; Renee Graham, winner, Sr. division; Charlene Ricciardi, winner, Jr. Division; Rasha Sweet, first runner-up and talent winner, Sr. division; and Melissa Butler, second runner-up and essay winner, Sr. division. Brandy Sloan was named Miss Photogenic in the Miss Maie National Teenager pageant.