On Aug. 1, Duke, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department’s German shepherd patrol dog retired after seven years of service, and now the hunt is on for a new K-9 team. Duke, 8, is struggling with spinal and bone structure problems which led to the department’s decision to replace Duke and Lt. Kevin Dennison as the K-9 team.

During the Aug. 4 county commissioners’ meeting, Sheriff Todd Brackett outlined the process for selecting a new crime fighting duo. Brackett reported the department is searching for a new handler and K-9. He expects Duke’s replacement will be about a year old and cost $10,000 to $15,000. Duke was bought from a Czech Republic trainer and the new dog or dogs would also be European-trained, according to the sheriff.

The search began with Brackett asking deputies if they were interested in becoming a handler. The next step requires interviewing applicants to review whether or not their home life would be compatible with a new dog and their other pets. “It will take a little time to do it, but we will work our way through it,” Brackett said. 

Commissioners also approved animal control officer contracts with Boothbay, Newcastle and Waldoboro. Last month, commissioners approved contract renewals with nine other towns. 

In other action, commissioners approved the 2020-21 budget calendar. The process began July 14 with distributing budget request forms to each department and ends Dec. 15 with an informational meeting with the budget advisory committee and legislative delegation.

Commissioners approved a purchase order for repairing the microwave radio on Red Hawk Hill in Boothbay following a July 13 electrical surge. Communications Director Tom Nelson explained a lightning strike is the probable cause for destroying the unit which connects to a Huntoon Hill tower in Wiscasset before reaching the communications center. Nelson asked to buy a new $1,000 microwave radio and asked for payment for assorted repairs. The purchase order is for $2,655 which may be covered by insurance. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer submitted an insurance claim, which, if approved, would require a $1,000 deductible.

Commissioners unanimously approved a one-year contract with Palermo to maintain Hibbert Gore’s roads. The contract pays Palermo $4,804 for plowing, salting, sanding and grading the unorganized territory’s roads. Commissioners also entered into an employee assistant program agreement with Midcoast Hospital. The program provides county workers with counseling for dealing with traumatic and special circumstances. The county pays $1,064 for a full year of service. 

Commissioners also approved grounds work around the courthouse to remove several dead or dying trees. The county received three proposals. Hawke Tree Services of Phippsburg was the low bidder at $3,000 and was unanimously awarded the job. The Lincoln County Recycling Center has a new employee. Commissioners approved hiring Jerry Grover Jr. of Thomaston for the vacant recycling driver job, unfilled for several weeks. Grover retired from the U.S. Air Force and previously worked for Maine Department of Transportation. He has a Class A driver’s license. Grover begins work Aug. 17.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 in the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission office.