Jayna Smith

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Last Friday evening, December 5, the Calais Lioness Club hosted its 28th annual Christmas Parade. Despite frigid single-digit temperatures, hundreds of hardy spectators bundled up and lined Main Street to enjoy a festive and brightly lit night.

This year’s parade featured the largest number of entries in recent years. Leading the procession was Mrs. Claus, who warmly greeted excited children along the route, accompanied by the Lioness elves. 

Paul Sylvain

The Washington County Budget Advisory Committee slogged through an exhausting, sometimes repetitive four-hour meeting on Dec. 4, but in its final minutes managed to approve a 2026 county budget totaling $11,801,820. 

Sandra Smith

Downeast Credit Union & Insurance is excited to announce the launch of its 2025/2026 Downeast Dunkers program, all in support of local schools. This year, the program returns with an expanded goal, combining game-day contests with a guaranteed donation structure and a special perk for loyal Downeast members.

Last week, the medical staff at Calais Community Hospital presented a $550 donation to Ian and Erika Pratt for the Pratt dealership’s donation-match campaign for Washington County food pantries. Through December 24, checks can be dropped off directly at the dealership for it to be matched up to $10,000. (Pratt photo)

Jayna Smith

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Washington County Commissioner Billy Howard wants residents to understand both the size of the proposed 2026 county budget and who actually has authority over its final form. His message comes as the Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) approved an $11.8 million spending plan on Dec. 4 after a contentious four-hour meeting.

Jayna Smith

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The Baileyville Police Department marked the 11th year of its beloved Stuff the Bus event on Saturday, November 29, once again showing the generosity of local residents.

Jayna Smith

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At just ten years old, Calais resident Cora has already stepped into the world of entrepreneurship — and her new business is off to an impressive start.

A natural dog lover with a passion for baking, Cora began by making homemade treats for her family’s dog, Gronk. “I gave the treats to my dogs and my family’s dogs,” she explained. “I also gave some to my mom and dad’s co-workers who have dogs, and they loved them and asked for more.”

Jayna Smith

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Woodland High School junior Ethan Barnett is taking his first steps into the world of entrepreneurship through the school’s JMG program, and he’s asking the community to help shape his business idea.

Coach Spencer McCormick, Bradley Walton, Rhys Dilio, Chase Scott, Josh Crews, Ashaliegh Sukowski, Destiny Holmes, Caiden Seelye, and Manager Cecelia Mcgouldrick. (Submitted photo)

Jon Reisman

Jayna Smith

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Not quite 21 years old yet, Hunter Sousa is already making a big impression on Calais. The city employee recently gave one of Calais’ plow trucks a bold new makeover: the wing plow painted pink with the words “Find a Cure” and a breast cancer awareness ribbon, turning a winter workhorse into a moving symbol of hope.

Anneleise Rollins, daughter of Elizabeth Sivret, is a dedicated Cast Member at Walt Disney World. She was recently honored with a prestigious quarterly award at Disney’s Water Parks and Mini Golf, a recognition that celebrates her exceptional contributions to the team and guests.

Will Tuell

If Machias Christian Fellowship Pastor Aaron Dudley and Arise Addiction Recovery Executive Director Paul Trovarello had met for coffee and a meal in the Elm Street School gymnasium on a cold November Saturday night ten years ago, the police might well have hauled them off for trespassing. Yet on Saturday, Nov. 15, the two — joined by upwards of 300 of their closest friends — packed into that gym to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Arise, the faith-based recovery program born from a simple conversation all those years ago.

Jayna Smith

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The St. Croix Valley will shine bright with holiday cheer as two Christmas parades step off during the first weekend of December. Both events are free to enter, offering local businesses and organizations an excellent opportunity to advertise  before hundreds of spectators.

Calais Lioness Christmas Parade, Friday, Dec. 5

Jayna Smith

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The Robbinston Historical Society invites the community to its Christmas Yard Sale, returning this Saturday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shoppers will find a festive selection of holiday décor, gifts, and more, perfect for getting into the seasonal spirit. To keep warm while browsing, the sale will also feature hearty chili and chowder, available for $5 a bowl, for dine-in or take-out.

Jayna Smith

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Maine Indian Education/Wabanaki Culture Center, in partnership with the Maine Tourism Association, is proud to present the Wicukems Shelf at the culture center.

The shelf – named “Wicukems,” meaning “help yourself” in Passamaquoddy – provides a welcoming space for anyone facing food insecurity to take non-perishable items, no questions asked.

Contributing to a collection of nearly 50 shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts for children are members of the Perry Congregational Church, including Jane Eaton, Louise Newcomb, Sandra Pottle, Ann Carter, with Doug and Anita Pottle.  This distribution is organized by Samaritan’s Purse of the Billy Graham Ministries to children the world over, which this year included additional contributions from the Dennysville and Sewall Congregational Churches, to name but a few in Washington County.

Jayna Smith

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On Thursday, November 6, 2025, the Calais City Council held its organizational meeting. Mayor-elect Marcia Rogers presided, joined by councilors James Macdonald, Billy Quinn, and Pete Foster, as well as newly-elected councilors Mike Sherrard, Elery Beale, and Eddie Moreside.

The first order of business was the swearing-in of Mayor Rogers and the newly elected councilors. 

Jon Reisman

Jayna Smith

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Jayna Smith

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With cold weather arriving and household budgets already stretched thin, the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry is seeing more families in need — and expecting even more as winter settles in.

“People don’t have the money to get what they need,” said pantry president Dawn Noonan. “Kids going hungry just doesn’t work.”