Lincoln County commissioners are questioning a request from the state Attorney General's office seeking expert witness fees in a recent murder trial. Tyler Witham-Jordan was found guilty in Sagadahoc County Superior Court March 3 of depraved indifference murder in the death of 3-year-old Makinzlee Handrahan.

The murder occurred in Edgecomb. The first trial in Lincoln County ended Dec. 11, 2024 in a mistrial and was rescheduled for Bath. In the second trial, state prosecutors paid $5,926.20 to a DNA expert for testimony. 

On March 17, District VI District Attorney Natasha Irving accepted an invitation to attend commissioners' meeting and further explain the state's request. She told commissioners the request was more of a "loan" because the state didn't have the funds readily available and would likely repay the money later in the year. 

County Commissioner David Levesque is a practicing attorney in Damariscotta. He asked "why should local taxpayers be on the hook for a state expense in which the county had no control over the amount?" 

Irving said she had spoken with Assistant Attorney General Lisa Bogue who assured her this was a legitimate request based on state statute.

Still, commissioners were looking for a stronger argument. Irving agreed to contact Bogue to provide a more extensive explanation or, at least, send another AG office representative to meet with commissioners in April. 

Commissioners did approve Irving's $2,024 request for out-of-state travel. Commissioners approved sending Deputy District Attorney Kent Murdick to Nashville. He will attend The Rise Conference, July 20-23, which focuses on addiction, mental health and justice innovation topics.

In other action, commissioners entered into a new opioid settlement agreement. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer reported on the "Six Remnants Defendants" settlement. "This cleans up pending suits and we're being asked to join the settlement," she said. The defendants include Associated Pharmacies, Inc. (and American Associated Pharmacies), J M Smith Corporation, Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., Morris and Dickson Co., North Carolina Mutual Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., and United Natural Foods, Inc.

Kipfer said settlement figures would be available soon.

Commissioners will hold their July 7 meeting in a special location. The board will meet at Pownalborough Courthouse in Dresden, at 9 a.m. Kipfer made arrangements with Lincoln County Historical Association for the occasion. The courthouse is a colonial era courthouse and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse is now a museum run by LCHA.

Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission has a new employee. Erin Quetell was hired as the land use and transportation planner. Executive Director Emily Rabbe reported Quetell moved to Maine 14 months ago and has extensive planning experience in Michigan. In Maine, Quetell recently worked for the Island Institute. She begins her new job April 6. 

The Communications Center is getting a new look. Commissioners authorizing purchasing $4,514.91 in furniture for the  supervisor's office. Items include three new desks with a sit-and-stand option and a filing cabinet. 

Commissioners approved $3,390 for 10 sheriff's department personnel and one guest to attend the Maine Sheriff's Association Spring Conference at Sunday River Resort. The conference is April 8 and 9 in Newry. 

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 7 in the county courthouse.