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Writing and Photography by Lee and Connie Rand
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STORIES WILL BE REMOVED APPROXIMATELY EVERY 30 DAYS EXCEPT IN RARE CASES
EVERETT MCLEOD TO SEEK RE-ELECTION
February 28 - State Representative Everett McLeod (R-Lee) has announced his intention to seek re-election in the fall elections. McLeod represents Maine House District #11, which includes Lee and several surrounding towns. McLeod has represented the area in Augusta for several years and serves on the House Government Oversight and Inland Fisheries & Wildlife committees.
DUTCH OVEN BEING RESTORED
February 22 - George King of the Lincoln Historical Society told us today that the dutch oven discovered in the kitchen of the Corro house is undergoing restoration. George says the job is now 90% complete, and should be finished in April. Here are some photos for you.
NEW SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT COMING ALONG NICELY
February 22 - If you visited downtown Lincoln today, you probably noticed that the new senior housing project being built on the former Lake Mall property is taking shape fast. The new building is a welcome change!
HOMECOMING '10 ENTERTAINMENT BEING FINALIZED Rise Above Extreme BMX/Skateboarding Pro Show Signed
February 5 - According to Shelly Crosby, Events Coordinator for the Town of Lincoln, the entertainment for this summer's Homecoming is really starting to take shape! One particular act that has been finalized after months of negotiating is the Rise Above Extreme BMX/Skateboarding Pro Show. This exciting ensemble of characters is known nationally for stunt work and professional gigs such as: X-Games, The Mt. Dew Action Sports Tour, MTV, MTV2, CBS, NBC, ABC, Camp Woodward, The CBS Early Show, Great American Fundraising, QSP Fundraising, Levis, CVS, Pepsi, Ball Park Beef Franks, The Wasserman Media Group, Clear Channel, Live Nation, NBA, NFL, Time-Warner,to name only a few. They'll be in the parade on July 17th as well as performing two shows that afternoon in Veteran's Memorial Square.
According to Crosby," “This is the first time that this nationally known group has performed in the State of Maine, and it is exciting that Lincoln has the opportunity to share this dynamic group during our festival. I’m sure that the kids and older folks too, will get a kick out of their performances!”
The Roaming Railroad (pictured above) was enjoyed by kids and adults alike last year, and plans are being made for a return again this summer. Much more is being planned for this summer's Homecoming here in Lincoln, the week of July 11th, so mark your calendars now!
It's ALWAYS a fun time to be in Lincoln, Maine over Homecoming! To see coverage of past homecoming celebrations on the Lincoln area web site, justCLICK HERE!
- Lee Rand
STATE PREPARING TO PAVE WEST BROADWAY
No Specific Date Set Yet
February 5 - The condition of West Broadway is a disgrace! And, has been for a couple of years now. Since West Broadway is the main road into Lincoln this is unacceptable! Although no start date was mentioned, Lincoln Town Manager Lisa Goodwin today that she and Lincoln Public Works Director David Lloyd have been in discussions with the MDOT last week to discuss what the State was doing.
According to Goodwin the State's plans have changed a little since they last talked. She's quoted as saying," Since I last reported on this subject, the MDOT plans have changed a bit to accommodate the cost of fixing West Broadway. The original plan was to pave Route 2 from the River Road intersection north to the tracks in North Lincoln. The new plan calls for a shim coat from just south of the intersection at the River Road to Hannaford. The pavement from Hannaford to the bridge will be ground and replaced. There will be a 1,000’ section beginning in the area of the Family Dollar store heading north where the base will also be reconstructed. The Main Street area from the bridge to Evergreen Drive will not be paved. Route 2 from Evergreen Drive to the railroad crossing in North Lincoln will be paved. Also along this route any gaps in the 4’ shoulder will be fixed as well as installation of some new catch basins." The Town Council will be asked to change our local noise ordinance so the work can be done at night to help alleviate any problem that would result from disrupting the traffic during the day on this busy road.
The railroad crossing on West Broadway is a VERY bad spot on the road and a meeting between the MDOT, Lisa Goodwin, and representatives of Pan Am Railways is being planned. Still, no dates for the work to start or when it will be finished. The attached photos were taken from the section of West Broadway from (approx.) the Vocational School to the McDonald's intersection - it's worse now than when these photos were taken!
- Lee Rand
The big potholes around the railroad tracks on West Broadway were patched (sort of) this week. This photo was taken Saturday morning......
LINCOLN MOVIE GALLERY TO CLOSE
February 3 - With the parent company in bankruptcy, it was announced today that a number of Movie Gallery stores would be closed "immediately", including the one on West Broadway here in Lincoln. The video rental store is located in the same building as the Dollar Store in the little strip mall on Lincoln's main thoroughfare. What exactly "immediately" means is sort of up in the air, but it's expected to be soon. The Movie Gallery has been at this location since the mall was built several years ago.
Movie Gallery's main competition, Billeen's Video, is located on the other end of town on North Main Street, and has been in business for over 20 years. Pat's Pizza has a franchise in the same building.
Lynette Jipson, owner of Billeen's/Pat's Pizza, said when reached today for comment, " I'm sorry to hear of any local business that's closing. We've been very fortunate that the current economic downturn has not affected our business. Hopefully, that will continue. How will it affect Billeen's (if the downturn continues)? I have no idea!", she said.
The future of the Lincoln Dollar Store is unchanged as far as we know at this time.
- Lee Rand
TUESDAY MORNING ON WEST BROADWAY
REPUBLICAN CAUCUS ANNOUNCED
February 1 - The Lincoln Republican Caucus will be held Sunday, February 7, 2:00 pm, at the Lincoln Town Hall, according to Lincoln Republican Chairmam Traci Gauthier. Un-enrolled voters or those wishing to register as a Republican can do so starting at 1:30 pm.
The purpose of the caucus is to nominate and elect officers for the town committee as well as nominate and elect delegates to the State Convention which will be held May 6th and 7th in Portland. Attendees will also get a chance to hear from area candidates and network with others.
Any questions may be directed to the sitting Town Chairman Traci Gauther at 794-8540.
The local Democrats held their caucus last Sunday with 6 people in attendance.
HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN
January 26 - It's time to take down the Christmas decorations, so today firefighters used their new ladder truck to reach the upper branches of the tree downtown. They also drove the truck around town to get accustomed to navigating Lincoln's streets with it.
The new ladder truck will need to be relettered, as it still sports the name of its hometown of Stepney, Connecticut. Voters approved the purchase of the new truck last November. Your Lincoln web site is always on the job bringing you local happenings! Bookmark this page and come back often.
CHILDREN'S FISHING POND COMING ALONG NICELY
Lincoln Children's Fishing Pond As Seen From The River Road AKA The I-95 Access Road.
July 21 - Lincoln's long awaited "Children's Fishing Pond", first announced in the fall of 2006, is coming along nicely and should be ready this spring. It's located between the I-95 access road (River Road) and Park Avenue.
LINCOLN EXPO '10 TO BE HELD
Saturday, April 10th
Barker Business Services booth at Expo '09
January 20 - The Lincoln Lakes Chamber of Commerce has announced that Lincoln's Expo 2010 will be held this year on Saturday, April 10, at the Mattanawcook Academy gym. Businesses and organizations wishing to take part in this year's event should contact Cheri Archer at the LLRCC at llrc@myfairpoint.net for information and registration.
- Lee Rand
LINCOLN SKATING RINK OPEN - BUT EMPTY!
January 17 - Lincoln's ice skating rink opened today, but nobody was there skating when we went up. Everything seemed to be fine - the ice was nice and hard, and the sun was out - mostly. With temperatures in the low 20's, it was a perfect day for ice skating.
As the word gets out, hopefully more people will make use of the rink that's located on the Lee Road a mile or so from downtown Lincoln. Many people put a lot of work into making this rink and getting it ready .......
THELINCOLNWEBSITE.COM EXCLUSIVE
HISTORIC FIND AT CORRO HOUSE
January 16 - When Lincoln Historical Society members gathered this morning at the Corro house on West Broadway, they had intended to work on the kitchen floor. As the work progressed, a brick hearth was discovered along an interior wall. The ladies suspected that there might be something behind the wall, so George King moved a section of mopboard to make an exploratory hole in the wall small enough to be covered up by the mopboard if nothing was found.
As the sawdust was swept up, ashes and a small corncob were discovered, so everybody pitched in to see what was behind the wall. As dust filled the room , little by little a fireplace and dutch oven were uncovered. The fireplace is thought to date from the1830s when the house was built. In those days, the fireplace was used for cooking and heating water for daily use. Cooking pots would have hung from metal brackets in the fireplace.
LHS members are trying to figure out how the dutch oven to the right of the fireplace was heated. At the bottom of the oven area is a piece of wood set into the bricks. It was carved into a curved shape that may have been to make room for a water pot. A built-in bookcase in an adjacent room intrudes into the dutch oven area. The LHS will decide if the depth of the bookcase should be reduced and whether any of the brickwork can be restored.
According to LHS members, "This is an unexpected, historic find!" If you have any idea how these old fireplaces worked, e-mail us and we'll share the information with our visitors and the Lincoln Hisltorical Society. For more pictures, CLICK HERE.
- Connie RandUPDATE: January 17 - Jeff Page wrote to tell us that the firelplace discovered at the Corro house is a Count Rumford fireplace. He sent THIS LINK as evidence. Thanks Jeff!
WAL-MART TO EXPAND FOOD PRODUCTS SECTION Application Filed With Town
January 8 - Lincoln Code Enforcement Officer Jerry Davis reports that Wal-Mart has filed a building permit application for a $300,000 expansion of its existing store on West Broadway. Mr. Davis was told that the expansion will consist of a mechanical room to house refrigeration units to expand the store’s food products line.Wal-mart opened in Lincoln 17 years ago. The murals on the inside front walls were painted by Lincoln artist Connie Rand. One of the town's largest employers, the store brings people into Lincoln from as far away as Millinocket and Milo. Lincoln serves as a shopping hub for several nearby towns as well.
GAUTHIER ANNOUNCES FOR STATE SENATE Sets Up Possible Conservative Vs. Liberal Showdown
January 7 - Lincoln resident Traci Gauthier has announced her intentions to run for the Maine State Senate from District #30. The seat is presently occupied by Elizabeth Schneider, D- Orono. Here is the text of Gauthier's announcement:
PRESS RELEASE: Gauthier has been active in Lincoln-area community affairs and said it is time that her part of Penobscot County had strong representation in Augusta which reflects the needs of working Maine families. “We need representation that will uphold the oath to protect the constitution and serve the people, not use their position in the legislature for progressive activism,” she said. She said restoring the economy and business environment to bring the dignity of good paying jobs should be the major priority of a legislator.
Gauthier, who spent 19 years in the social services fields including work as a hospice aid and as a mental health and substance abuse case worker for families and children, said, “With no job opportunities, welfare becomes generational and robs families of their dignity. Maines greatest resource is its people and their work ethic.” The state’s punitive taxes and anti-business climate hurt working families because Maine lacks incentives for start-up small businesses which create jobs, Gauther said. “Taxes are restrictive and spending is out of control. Both effect private sector job creation and opportunity for this and future generations. There are areas to cut state spending that do not impact essential services,” she said. Traci Gauthier’s husband, Robert, is an independent building contractor. She is currently in direct sales. She has two children, Vanessa Knights, 23, and Tom Knights, 21. Traci is a fifth generation Mainer. Her father is Stuart Whitney, a truck driver, and her mother is Mary Whitney Twist, the Administrative Assistant for the Town of Winn.
Gauthier is Lincoln Town Republican Chair, a Lincoln representative to the Penobscot County Republican Committee and a Republican State Committee representative for Penobscot County. Senate District 30 includes the municipalities and unorganized territories of Alton, Argyle Twp., Bradford, Edinburg, Enfield, Greenbush, Howland, Hudson, Kingman Twp., LaGrange, Lee, Lincoln, Mattawamkeag, Maxfield, Old Town, Orono, Passadumkeag, Penobscot Nation Indian Island (a/k/a Penobscot Nation Voting District), Springfield, Twombly a/k/a T3-R1, Veazie, Webster Plantation and Winn.
TRACI GAUTHIER FOR STATE SENATE Po Box 760 Lincoln Maine 794-8540 / 290-2035.
As of now, Gauthier faces no Primary opposition to her nomination.
- Lee Rand
LINCOLN CHAMBER TO STAY OPEN
DUES WILL INCREASE
January 6 - The Board of Directors of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce have decided in a closed meeting to keep the Chamber open. No actual vote on dissolving the Chamber was taken. A number of actions were decided upon that, hopefully, will keep the organization solvent. These include, but aren't limited to the following : The yearly dues will increase based on the model used by the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce in Millinocket.
The Chamber's information building on West Broadway will be closed from Labor Day till Memorial Day. Every second Wednesday of the month they will hold a business meeting open to all Chamber members. EXPO '10 will be held this year; tentatively the first Saturday in April. The Board of Directors have held several meetings, some open and some closed, over the past couple of months concerning the fate of the organization whose membership includes over 100 businesses.
PVH would like to thank several local businesses and individuals for donating or making items for the New Year’s Baby basket presented to the family of the first New Year’s baby born at the hospital each January.Baby Breena, along with any other babies born at PVH this year and hospitals around the state, will be eligible for the Harold Alfond College Challenge and can apply to receive a $500 grant to start a NextGen College Investing Plan® account. Beloved philanthropist Harold Alfond established the program before he died to ensure access to higher education for all Maine’s children. There is no income limit or need to contribute additional money to receive the grant, and all Maine resident babies born in 2010 and those who become Maine residents before their first birthday will be eligible for the program. Prior to leaving the hospital, the parents of all babies born at PVH are offered information about the Harold Alfond College Challenge and how to open a NextGen® account. Babies’ families must open a NextGen account before the child’s first birthday to receive the Alfond Grant, and more money may be put into the account by the parents if they so choose.
“We’re very pleased to participate in this program,” says PVH Spokesperson Allison Bankston. “This is a great opportunity for young families to start college funds for their children and for PVH to help them plan for the future.” About 14,000 babies are expected to be born in Maine in 2009. The Alfond Grant program is administered by FAME--the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). For more information on the Harold Alfond College Challenge please call 800-228-3734 or visit www.500forbaby.org.
Before investing in the NextGen Plan, parents should carefully consider the investment objectives, charges, expenses and risks of investing in the NextGen Plan. Families should also consider whether Maine offers state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in the plan. Request a program description from FAME by calling 800-228-3734 or online at www.500forbaby.org and please read it carefully. NextGen is a Section 529 plan administered by the Finance Authority of Maine. Merrill Lynch is the Program Manager and underwriter.
10" OF NEW SNOW!!
IT'S NOW OFFICIALLY A BLIZZARD!
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CARIBOU HAS ISSUED A BLIZZARD WARNING WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST SUNDAY.
SNOW...HEAVY AT TIMES...WILL CONTINUE TONIGHT. TOTAL SNOWFALL AMOUNTS THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING WILL RANGE FROM 10 TO 18 INCHES ACROSS THE REGION. THE SNOW COULD MIX WITH RAIN AT TIMES LATER TONIGHT ALONG THE DOWNEAST COAST AND NEAR THE CANADIAN BORDER... POSSIBLY LIMITING ACCUMULATIONS THERE. NORTH WINDS WILL CONTINUE TO INCREASE THROUGH THE EVENING HOURS... REACHING SUSTAINED SPEEDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH BY LATER THIS EVENING. SIMILAR WINDS WILL CONTINUE TONIGHT. THIS WILL CAUSE SIGNIFICANT BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW WITH BLIZZARD CONDITIONS AT TIMES WITH VERY DIFFICULT AND HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS EXPECTED THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING.*
STORM DROPS 11" OF WHITE STUFF ON LINCOLN!!
Springfield Fire Meetings Every Wednesday
Please note that the meeting night for Springfield Fire has changed to Wednesday. It is still at 6:30 PM. All neighboring volunteers are invited for training, which commences at 7 PM.
U.S. Web Spending Hits New Record
Businesses Spending More On Internet Advertising As Consumers Use The Net More
And, in a new Harris poll just out it found that 80% of American adults now use the internet and they spend an average of 11 hours a week surfing, shopping, and gathering information using the world wide web!
