These were the top stories in the second half of 2024:
July
The Eagle Lake Water & Sewer District petitioned the state to prohibit the use of pesticides within 500 feet of two wells that supply the town’s drinking water. Eagle Lake Water & Sewer District Superintendent Gerald Raymond said this is a preventative measure to make sure pesticides do not enter the groundwater.
The Northern Border Regional Commission awarded Grand Isle a $250,000 grant to help with a project to upgrade local water and wastewater facilities. The project, estimated to cost $4,195,000, includes upgrading the water and wastewater treatment plants along with four wastewater pump stations.
Madawaska residents showed optimism for the town’s future during a meet and greet with newly-appointed town manager David Daigle. Daigle said he was humbled by the well-attended event, hosted by the St. John Valley Chamber of Commerce. The event was hosted shortly after Daigle was officially appointed in late June.
August
An explosion in Sinclair destroyed two houses. The homeowner was inside his residence and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Both homes were considered a total loss, according to Maine State Police spokesperson Shannon Moss.
The 2024 Tour de la Vallee event was the most successful in its 34-year history. The event raised $46,375 to help cancer patients and their families, shattering last year’s record of $31,300 raised. The event benefits the Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund, which helps families and loved ones with travel and lodging when visiting relatives receiving treatment downstate.
Fort Kent Fire Chief Ed Endee retired after a career spanning over 60 years. Endee, born in 1944, began his career when he joined the Windsor volunteer fire department at age 17. He later moved to Fort Kent, and retired on September 1, capping his career just a couple months before his 80th birthday.
September
A little over two dozen residents in the unincorporated village of Sinclair came out to hear a public presentation about a new fire station project. Residents in attendance showed optimism for the new station, which will replace an aging facility that is over 80 years old.
The board that oversees recycling in four towns in the St. John Valley unanimously approved the purchase of a $28,000 truck in early September, replacing an aging vehicle that officials say is unlikely to pass inspection. The Valley Recycling Facility covers Madawaska, Fort Kent, Frenchville, and St. Agatha.
Aroostook County Commissioners unanimously voted to order Grand Isle to address a section of the Grivois Road deemed impassable during the spring months. County Administrator Ryan Pelletier said that, after reviewing state laws regarding roadways, the only part of the road that meets the definition of impassable is at the very end.
October
After an education career spanning over three decades, Dr. Levesque Elementary School and Wisdom Middle/High School Principal Cheryl Hallowell officially retired on Oct. 2. Hallowell began her education career in 1992 at Damon Elementary School, where she taught third grade. The school was located on the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone.
Madawaska set the date for a special election following the resignation of selectman Michael Williams, who resigned in early October. Williams’ brief resignation letter stated that he did not feel he was able to give the board a 100 percent effort. His term would have ended in June of 2027.
The town of Grand Isle received another $750,000 from the Northern Border Regional Commission for upgrades to its wastewater and water treatment facilities. With this additional funding, the town has now received a total of $1 million from the NBRC. The commission previously awarded Grand Isle $250,000.
November
Fort Kent officials formally approved three zoning changes during a special town meeting that will affect medical marijuana caregiver businesses, the usage of LED lights in town, and residential buildings in commercial areas. The marijuana ordinance specifically affects caregiver retail marijuana businesses that sell to medical patients by adding an annual license renewal fee of $500 and limiting the number of businesses allowed in Fort Kent to three.
Fort Kent Community High School’s theater program prepared for a production of “Chicago,” which theater director Doug Clapp said will have their most ambitious choreography yet. The school performed a “teen edition” of the play, which removes overtly adult themes from the original musical.
The town of Fort Kent appointed Chad Pelletier as its new public works director. Pelletier has been with the Fort Kent department for 17 years, and is set to begin at the start of 2025. He will be replacing outgoing director Tony Theriault who, after decades of working at the department, will retire.
December
Madawaska police have the St. John Valley area’s first drug and tracking dog. Luka, a German shepherd who is about a year and two months old, has nearly finished his drug training and will be ready to officially get to work in early 2025. Luka’s training includes the detection of cocaine, ecstasy, heroin and methamphetamine.
Josh Greene of Fort Kent traveled to North Carolina with about 1,000 gifts to an event that will help parents affected by Hurricane Helene pick up and wrap gifts for their children before Christmas. The event involved collaboration from a total of four states – Maine, Virginia, Kentucky, and New Hampshire.
The Van Buren Town Council voted to purchase a $50,000 fire truck via Firetec, a used equipment supplier. The truck is a 2005 American LaFrance with a turbo diesel engine. It has a 750 gallon tank and it is 38 feet long, 10 feet wide and 9 ½ feet tall.
