Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett announced in a March 4 commissioners meeting, a former county employee has re-joined the department. Kyle Canada of Boothbay previously worked 12 years for Lincoln County as the jail's support services supervisor, overseeing programs and training. Canada had reached the rank of sergeant in 2018 before taking a job as the Community School District's security officer. Canada is the sheriff's department transport deputy, starting March 10.

Three more new employees have joined the county staff. Maria Gasparel and Page Olson were hired in the communications center as emergency 911 dispatchers and Jeffrey Strachan will join the recycling center as an assistant. 

In other action, the sheriff's department will team with a behavioral health liaison. This provides the sheriff's department with a resource who can assist personnel during sensitive mental health cases. Commissioners approved a contract with Sweetser to provide a full-time liaison.

Brackett reported Sweetser would dedicate a liason full-time within the Wiscasset office at a $96,000 annual cost. 

Commissioners approved three purchases orders. The county purchased a new Dell computer server, $11,249; four Dell desktop computers, $4,301; and a guardrail for a Hibberts Gore bridge, $7,775. 

Commissioners presented $264,884 in opioid settlement money to seven local service providers: Healthy Kids, $30,000; Healthy Lincoln County, $51,884; Maine Health, $50,000; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, $23,000; Studio B, $40,000; Common Space, $20,000 and Hearty Roots, $50,000.

Lincoln County receives annual payments from a 2022 class action lawsuit settlement against the nation's top opiate producers. Under settlement terms, proceeds are distributed to promote opioid addiction recovery and prevention.   

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 18 in the courthouse.