LEWISTON – Rumor has it that Somalis get free cars, free food and never have to work.

All are false but persistent beliefs in the Twin Cities.

City officials have attempted over the past five years to debunk the rumors, but some locals still insist that Somalis get government vouchers for cars and food or that they keep goats and chickens in single-room apartments.

“Those rumors are out there, and we can’t get rid of them,” said Deputy City Administrator Phil Nadeau. “No matter how many times we try, no matter how many times we tell the truth, we can’t kill them. But they’re not true.”

New rumors of abuse of Somalis by racist Mainers, passing this time among the Somali community, are becoming just as rampant. Police have found no evidence to support them and that feeds more rumors.

In one case, cars belonging to two Somalis were vandalized earlier this year. That was proof for many in the community that someone in Lewiston had it out for the newcomers.

Police Chief William Welch and his staff investigated. The two Somali-owned cars were vandalized – but so were 18 other cars owned by non-Somalis.