Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset now has a little more room inside as all U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees are no longer there. Feb. 3, Lincoln County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Rand Maker reported the jail numbers were down mostly due to the loss of ICE detainees. "I'm not sure why, or if they will be returning," Maker said.

The Boothbay Register contacted jail administrator Col. James Bailey, who confirmed the ICE detainees had left there. "I can confirm that TBRJ currently has no ICE inmates housed in our facility. I do not have information regarding the reason for this change and would need to direct you to ICE for further details," he wrote on Feb. 3.

In other action, County Emergency Management Agency Director Emily Huber requested authorization to accept two grants the county rejected last year. The Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Performance grants required county cooperation with ICE in apprehending illegal aliens. County officials declined to accept the condition and rejected the HMEP Grant, for $10,095.84, and EMPG, for $63,742.93.

Last fall, Maine and 11 other states filed a lawsuit objecting to the new conditions. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer reported a court ruled in the states' favor. "We are no longer bound by those restrictions and now can enter into an agreement. These funds will greatly help our budget," Kipfer said.

The county also entered into animal control contracts with Southport and Waldoboro. Maker said there would be no other ACO contracts until the fall.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb.  17 in the courthouse.