Sheriff’s office to receive drug testing workstation
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office personnel will be able to test suspected drugs safely with a forthcoming NARKsafe Ductless Testing Workstation to filter potentially harmful substances out of the air.
Funding for a NARKsafe Ductless Testing Workstation for the patrol and investigation building on Hudson Avenue comes from a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant secured for the sheriff’s department by the Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency.
The workstation is a specialized safety enclosure designed for law enforcement and forensic professionals to analyze unknown substances and illicit drugs safely. It eliminates exposure to dangerous airborne particulates — such as fentanyl and cocaine — by establishing a negative-pressure containment environment.
“If something becomes airborne it goes through a filter and protects the officers that are testing the substances,” Chief Deputy Todd Lyford told the Piscataquis County Commissioners during a July 21 meeting. He believes the approximate cost is $11,000.
Delivery is six to eight months out, Piscataquis County EMA Director Deb Hamlin said in a followup email.
In other business, while a rare surviving copy of the Declaration of Independence will be on display Sept. 3-5 at the Jim Robinson Field House in Dover-Foxcroft the sheriff’s office will provide continual security.
“That’s 24 hours a day for the time it’s here,” Lyford said.
As part of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Maine Historical Society is providing residents across the state with the opportunity to view the document. The organization will steward one of 26 surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence printed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, and sent to the Colonies to announce American independence.
From July to October, the declaration will travel across Maine to all 16 counties with great pomp and circumstance. Stops at host sites will include public and student visitation, community celebrations, readings and special events.
Maintenance Head Josh York said a nice new sign is up for the courthouse.
“The old one was made of some cheap wood so every time you tried to scrape the paint the sign came apart,” he said.
York’s assistant spent spare time over the last year working on the new handmade sign, which includes the lettering and etching.
No bids came in for work in front of the courthouse, repairing the front steps, ramp and retaining wall, but York did receive a quote.
Knowles Industrial Services Corporation of Gorham proposed $49,785 for two employees working 8-hour shifts over five weeks. There is money in capital to fund this.
The work does not need to be done right away. The county courts won’t be as busy in September as in other months. A plan for handicapped access during construction will need to be developed.
Piscataquis Area Community Center Executive Director Manda Stewart thanked the county for the continual support of the Park Street facility.
The summer is a slower time of year for memberships, Stewart said. Thanks to sponsorships, dozens of children have been able to take part in free lessons in Dexter and Dover-Foxcroft. Others are receiving private lessons in the center pool.
A pool fundraiser is slated for next month in which people can come in and put their handprints on the wall.
Raffle tickets are available for a custom-built Lamson Guitar. Just 100 are available at $100 apiece. Proceeds will benefit new shower fixtures.
A pickleball doubles round robin is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5. The courts are full with regular use, Stewart said.