Millinocket, Maine — Week of March 28-3, 2026

Millinocket, ME (pop. 4,000) -- Penobscot County. Week of March 28-3, 2026.

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Town Government

Millinocket’s Town Council convened on Wednesday, April 1st, for its regular bi-weekly meeting. Town Manager Sarah Chen presented an initial draft of the Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget, proposing expenditures totaling $6.8 million, a 3.5% increase from the current fiscal year. Key discussion points included allocations for continued broadband infrastructure development, a cornerstone of the town’s remote worker attraction strategy, and funding for the recently announced state-level “Katahdin Outdoor Economy Grant.” Council Chair David Miller emphasized the council’s commitment to strategic investments that bolster Millinocket’s economic reinvention.

The Council also held the first reading of a proposed “Remote Worker Attraction Ordinance” (Broadband Expansion Ordinance 2026-03). This ordinance aims to offer targeted tax incentives and support programs for new residents and businesses that establish operations in Millinocket, leveraging the town’s expanding high-speed internet capabilities. Public input on the ordinance is anticipated at the next council meeting.

The Planning Board met on Tuesday, March 31st, approving a conditional use permit for “Katahdin Gear Hub,” an outdoor equipment rental and repair shop proposed by local entrepreneur Lisa Thompson. The new business plans to operate at 140 Penobscot Avenue, further enhancing the town’s outdoor recreation offerings (Planning Board Minutes March 31 2026). Additionally, the board reviewed preliminary site plans for a proposed small residential development on Mill Pond Road, which seeks to add new housing units to support the growing demand from incoming residents.

Schools

The Millinocket School Board held its regular meeting on Monday, March 30th. Superintendent Emily Carter reported stable enrollment figures for the current academic year, noting a slight increase in kindergarten registrations for the upcoming fall term (School Enrollment Report Q3 2026). The board discussed a proposal to establish a new after-school robotics club for middle school students, aimed at fostering interest in science and technology. Furthermore, the board approved a bid from Northern Maine Roofing for $125,000 to address necessary roof repairs at Granite Street School, with work scheduled to begin in late summer.

Police

The Millinocket Police Department responded to 72 calls for service during the week. On Saturday, March 29th, officers responded to a two-vehicle collision on Penobscot Avenue near the intersection with Highland Avenue. No serious injuries were reported, and driver Mark Peterson of Medway was issued a citation for failure to yield. On Monday, March 31st, a report of shoplifting at Hannaford on Katahdin Avenue led to the arrest of Jane Doe, 34, of Millinocket, for theft of groceries. Officers also addressed a noise complaint on Poplar Street on the evening of April 2nd, issuing a verbal warning.

Fire & EMS

Millinocket Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to 28 calls this week. On Sunday, March 30th, crews responded to a kitchen fire at 55 Spruce Street. The fire, caused by unattended cooking, was quickly contained, limiting damage to the kitchen area. No injuries were reported. On Tuesday, April 1st, Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to a medical emergency on Lincoln Street involving an elderly resident experiencing chest pain. The patient was transported to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Millinocket Fire also provided mutual aid to East Millinocket for a brush fire incident on April 3rd.

Real Estate

The Penobscot County Registry of Deeds recorded several property transactions in Millinocket this week:

  • 123 Katahdin Avenue, a three-bedroom single-family home, sold for $285,000 to Robert and Susan White.
  • 45 Birch Street, a two-bedroom camp on Millinocket Lake, sold for $210,000 to Sarah Johnson.
  • 78 Mill Street, a commercial storefront, was purchased by Katahdin Ventures LLC for $350,000.
  • 10 Evergreen Lane, a renovated two-bedroom residence, sold for $195,000 to David and Emily Chen.

Permits

The following building permits were issued by the Town of Millinocket:

  • John Smith, 15 Pine Street: Deck addition.
  • Millinocket Outfitters, 110 Penobscot Avenue: New business sign installation.
  • Alice Brown, 22 Park Street: Roof replacement.
  • Katahdin Solar Solutions, 80 Main Street: Residential solar panel installation.
  • Bob's Builders, 35 Elm Street: Garage construction.
  • Town of Millinocket, Public Works Garage: HVAC system upgrade.
  • Mountain View Cabins, 100 Lake Road: Two new cabin foundations.

Coming Up

  • Monday, April 7th, 6:00 PM: Millinocket School Board Meeting, Granite Street School.
  • Tuesday, April 8th, 5:30 PM: Millinocket Planning Board Workshop, Town Office Council Chambers.
  • Wednesday, April 9th, 6:30 PM: Millinocket Town Council Meeting, Town Office Council Chambers. Expected discussion on the broadband expansion project.
  • Saturday, April 12th, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Katahdin Area Farmers Market, Veterans Memorial Park.
  • Tuesday, April 15th, 10:00 AM: Millinocket Memorial Library Story Time for Young Children.

This week: 3 boards met, 15 new documents published, 72 police calls, 28 fire/EMS calls, 4 property sales, 7 permits issued.

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