Lincoln County police dog "Bear" is recovering from a soft tissue injury after receiving medical attention last month in a South Portland veterinary hospital. Sheriff's Department officials noticed Bear had a pronounced limp and they feared the German shepherd may have bone cancer. On Dec. 2, Chief Deputy Rand Maker updated commissioners about Bear's recovery.

"We took him down for a check-up fearing the worst," Maker said. "But Bear is going to be fine. The vet asked Bear not run, but all he wants to do is run." Commissioners also approved a $3,014.13 payment authorization for Bear's medical bill.

In other action, Maker reported the department had sent out animal control contract renewals. "We should be pretty busy the next four to five meetings with these renewals," Maker said. He reported no major changes in the contract. Boothbay Harbor and Bristol were returning their renewals. Commissioners Hamilton Meserve and William Blodgett signed both ACO contracts.

Commissioners approved an enhanced training leadership course for the sheriff's department. Maker told commissioners the training would likely begin in February. The online course is presented in individual modules taking about 10 hours total. "We want our personnel to take ownership of their decisions and come up with solutions. We want them to be leaders and take accountability for their actions," Maker said.

Sheriff Todd Brackett said all 40-plus department staff will participate. The program's total cost is $2,600, which is about $65 per participant, according to Maker.

The department will move its vehicle cleaning inside from Dec. 24 to April 25. Commissioners approved a $3,780 contract with Coastal Car Wash in Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta to use those facilities.