Slow down! This is the message Walter Voskian of Bremen has for motorists on Route 32. Voskain believes a 45 mph speed limit for Route 32 is unsafe. He previously requested Bremen selectmen and Maine Department of Transportation lower the rate to 35 without success. Voskian spoke to Lincoln County commissioners March 18. 

Voskian is now seeking assistance from Lincoln County Sheriff's Office in hopes of slowing down traffic. He described the state road as filled with bumps and curves with drivers occasionally exceeding the posted 45 mph speed limit. "There are blind spots along with those drivers who go 10-15 mph over the limit. The road is filled with pedestrians, joggers and bikers. I come to you for help before God forbid somebody gets killed."

Sheriff Todd Brackett assured Voskian his department would provide assistance. Brackett plans on providing more patrols and posting electronic speed signs to remind motorists to slow down and obey the posted limit. 

In other action, Lincoln County Television is interested in televising the bi-monthly commissioners' meetings. Executive Director Larry Sidelinger and Marva Nesbit, LCTV vice chairman, believe the telecasts would benefit the entire community. "We already televise several town meetings and selectmen's meetings. I'm not sure what county commissioners do so I think it would be great to broadcast your meetings," Sidelinger said. 

Commissioners requested more information and Sidelinger promised to bring a more formal proposal to a future meeting. 

There are some big changes regarding the county's administrative assistant job. Commissioners approved an updated job description which calls for expanded responsibilities and training, and for a major jump in pay grade from a Class 9 to 12. "There have been many changes over the years in the assistant's duties. There is more technology involved and more responsibilities," County Administrator Carrie Kipfer said. "The assistant will serve as an extra set of hands in a back-up role in human resources and finance offices, so I see this as a position with at least a Grade 11 or 12."

Lincoln County is taking a leading role in providing expanded adult education in the county jail systems. The county is seeking a $750,000 grant from Maine Connectivity Authority for a digital opportunity networks grant authority. Kipfer has sent a letter of intent to MCA. The county's next step is submitting an application in April. 

Kipfer told commissioners county jails have lacked finances to expand the adult education offerings. The MCA grant is providing funding to expand these services. "It was talked about at a recent county jails meeting and nobody really wanted to take the lead," Kipfer said. "So, Two Bridges (Regional) Jail and Lincoln County stepped forward."

If Lincoln County receives the grant, Kipfer reported the grant would provide the prison adult education program with tablets to assist non-English speaking inmates, software programs designed to assist lawyers and clients' digital communication, and remote educational program. "We will roll the program out at Two Bridges and expand to other jails who express interest in the program," she said.

Commissioners approved two out-of-state travel requests for the sheriff's office. Det. Sgt. Ronald Rogers will attend training focused on illicit labor trafficking in New Orleans from April 29 to May 1. "This will help us investigate the foreign marijuana growers here in Lincoln County," Brackett said. There is no cost to the county as the sponsor covers training and expenses. "The only thing we pay is his wages," Brackett said. 

The sheriff's department is also sending four representatives to Washington, D.C. from May 13 to 16 for the National Law Enforcement Memorial. Brackett expects over 10,000 law enforcement officers to participate in the annual event which will honor family members of law enforcment personnel who died in the line of duty in 2024. "Events include laying a wreath and participating in a candlelight vigil," Brackett said. "We can't go every year but it's a special event so we try to send our honor guard."

Commissioners approved up to $2,400 for travel expenses. Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 1 in the courthouse.