Last week, St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce Board members officiated a ribbon-cutting for Positively Beautiful Salon & More, a new business located at 1090 Houlton Road in Baileyville. The salon offers a variety of services including hair and nails, tanning, halotherapy (salt therapy), FAR infrared sauna, massage therapy, and deluxe full body zero gravity massage chairs. Owner Carrie Morrell (center) is pictured with staff members Jayden O’Neill and Angela Sabattus, along with chamber board members, family, and friends.

Jayna Smith

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The annual Harvest Festival is back this Saturday, October 4, promising a full day of fun for the whole community.

In addition to the popular Fall Market that will be set up at Flat Iron Park, the festival will feature children’s activities, a snack and paint, whoopie pie eating contest, hay rides, and plenty of other seasonal fun. One of the major highlights this year is the return of the Community Harvest Dinner.

‘Nothing but a Money Grab’ by Conservation Nonprofits, Whitney Says

Paul Sylvain

According to Machias businessman David Whitney, the efforts to replace the 150-year-old Machias dike and its flapper gates with a full-span bridge, mainly led by several nonprofit conservation groups, are simply a bridge too far.

Washington County Community College (WCCC) has announced the appointment of Dr. Stephanie Brown as the new Dean of Academic Affairs, effective December 15, 2025. Dr. Brown, a seasoned higher education administrator and accomplished architect, brings extensive experience and a passion for supporting diverse student populations to this pivotal leadership role.

Jon Reisman

Riots Versus Revivals

When career criminal and fentanyl-infused George Floyd died in police custody, the left’s response was months of violence, arson, riots, and grievances. When conservative evangelist and faith-infused Charlie Kirk was assassinated, his political brethren responded with a revival and forgiveness.

A Day Chock-Full of Fall Fun and Family Activities  

Jayna Smith

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Calais is set to celebrate the colors and flavors of fall with Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition’s (CDRC) Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 4. The day promises a full lineup of family-friendly activities, from lively events for children to a festive evening community dinner.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The 21st annual Turkey-a-Thon is set for Friday, October 10, 2025. Hosted by Classic Hits 92.7/95.3 FM and The Border 102.9 FM, the event raises funds to support local residents facing food insecurity. This year’s goal is $40,000, building on the last two years’ success, when local students, businesses, organizations, and generous individuals helped exceed that amount.

Gallina Vows Scrutiny of County’s ‘Champagne’ Budget Proposal

Paul Sylvain

Admitting that the county is facing “profound challenges,” Washington County Budget Committee Chairman Brian Schuth opened the committee’s inaugural budget forging session for fiscal year 2026, on Sept. 17.

Paul Sylvain

Thanks to a $500,000 Brownfields Cleanup Grant that was awarded to the Washington County Development Authority (WCDA) in 2021 by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, work is now underway to remove contaminants at the former Cutler Navy base recreation building.

That’s according to a press release issued last Friday by Washington County Manager Renee Gray. The statement notes that Brownfields cleanup funding is used to remediate contaminated properties and prepare the site for redevelopment and reuse for the community’s benefit

Jon Reisman

August brought my 69th birthday and big personal, political, and policy challenges which shocked and shattered my retired widower/curmudgeon existence. My initial reaction to the personal challenges was a hiatus from Freedom Studies, as I was pretty upset and not thinking or writing clearly. When Charlie Kirk was assassinated, my depression deepened. 

Jayna Smith

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Don’t forget the public baked bean supper at All Saints United Methodist Church this Thursday, September 18, beginning at 5 p.m. On the menu with the beans are corn scallop, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, rolls, and an assortment of desserts. The cost is $10 per person. These suppers are held March through October on the third Thursday of each month, with the final one of the year scheduled for October 16.

Maine State Senator Marianne Moore and State Representative Will Tuell recently presented Alexander town officials with a Legislative Sentiment in honor of the town’s 200th birthday. Shown are (back) school board chair Stephen Seavey, AES Principal Trevor Flood, selectperson Carl Oakes, first responder Jan Sullivan, fire chief Ed Burgess, Alexander Grange President Dale Holst (front) Senator Marianne Moore, selectboard chair Skip Colson, selectperson Beth Johnson, and Representative Will Tuell. (Photo by Rhonda Oakes)

Former Commissioner Chairman Gardner Accepts Blame, Admits, ‘I’m Your Huckleberry’

Paul Sylvain 

A packed trial room at Washington County Superior Court was the setting for a highly anticipated, often fiery public hearing on the county’s fiscal crisis last week, with County Commissioners David Burns (R-Whiting), Courtney Hammond (R-Harrington), and Billy Howard (R-Calais) presiding. 

On Friday, September 19, all are invited to join the local VFW for a moving POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony at the Calais Fire Station. This solemn occasion, hosted by Boyd Smith Mitchell Sivret VFW Post 9779, honors the immeasurable sacrifices of American service members who were Prisoners of War (POWs) and those still Missing in Action (MIA).

On Tuesday, September 30, at 6:30 p.m., the Dennys River Historical Society (DRHS) will be presenting the story of the community as seen through the eyes of a local nineteenth century teacher, storekeeper, selectman, magistrate, deacon, and family man. 

Paul Sylvain

Washington County’s budget advisory committee — made up of municipal officials and staff from across the Sunrise County — did not waste any time rolling up their sleeves and getting down to business at their Thursday, Sept. 11, inaugural meeting. 

Jayna Smith

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The Calais Lioness Club reconvened last week following its regular summer hiatus, with the primary focus of the meeting on the installation of the club’s officers for the upcoming year.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Calais is set to celebrate the season with its annual Harvest Festival, packed with a number of family-friendly activities, all thanks to Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC). The festival kicks off Saturday morning with the Kids’ Scarecrow Shuffle, a free one-mile fun run for children, followed by a fall market featuring local crafters and vendors running through to early afternoon.

Will Tuell

Downeast Community Partners (DCP) of Ellsworth has announced it is phasing out its transportation services program by Sept.30, ending what it says is a “long-standing and vital service that has connected thousands of residents in Washington and Hancock counties to essential resources for decades.” 

Will Tuell

But for the heroic actions of the family’s St. Bernard, Jeremiah and Katherine Jurdak of Pembroke, their daughters, and infant grandchild would not have escaped a blaze that took their Pembroke home, and virtually all of their belongings last week. 

Manager Confirms County Contacted State Auditor

By Paul Sylvain

Washington County Commissioners Dave Burns, Courtney Hammond, and Billy Howard were meeting Sept. 3 to continue their work on a 2026 budget package. What that budget ultimately looks like is anybody’s guess, given the turmoil stirred up by the current fiscal crisis at the county.