Lincoln County commissioners promoted Maury Prentiss to County Emergency Management Agency director during the May 1 meeting. Prentiss served previously as assistant director to Casey Stevens, who resigned March 28. Prentiss served as interim director last month. Prentiss told commissioners he began meeting with local EMA directors around the county. “So far, I’ve met with three to see what plans they have in place. So outreach is what I’m working on now,” he said. 

In other action, Sheriff Todd Brackett announced Matthew Ryan’s promotion to detective. Ryan begins his new job in the criminal investigative division May 20. Commissioners also approved buying 15,000 rounds of pistol and 13,000 rounds of rifle training ammunition. The county is paying S7,821.05 to T.J. Morris and Son in Thorofare, New Jersey. 

Commissioners approved remote radio top laptop equipment and installation. The purchase allows for creation of a virtual private network at any location with WiFi. The new equipment would allow dispatchers to move to another spot if forced to abandon the communications center.  The equipment and installation cost $3,342.50.

County Administrator Carrie Kipfer reported the courthouse generator’s circuit breaker blade was replaced. Last month, the generator was being repaired when a technician discovered a problem in the electrical panel. A new blade was special-ordered. It was replaced on April 18 (Patriots’ Day) when the courthouse electricity was turned off. Commissioners approved a $3,957.88 payment to DiMauro Electric of Bristol for the blade and installation. “This was a very large part costing $3,397.88 by itself,” Kipfer said.

Commissioners meet next at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 in the courthouse.