Jayna Smith

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Jayna Smith

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On Tuesday, September 3, the Enchanted Princess, a 1,082-foot cruise ship with a capacity of 3,900 passengers, docked in Eastport.  It was the largest cruise ship to visit Eastport, too large for the breakwater pier.

Jayna Smith

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Coming up, on September 21, the Red Knights of Maine Chapter 5 will host their second annual Stuff the Bus ride to help local families in Washington County. 

Lynn Amakehs Mitchell, Maine Indian Education Facilities Manager, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Community Service of the Year Award. This national recognition highlights Ms. Mitchell's outstanding contributions to Native education and her dedication to serving the community.

On Saturday, September 7th, family, friends, and fellow Calais Lions Club members gathered at Gerald Farr’s home along the St. Croix River to celebrate his life and contributions. Gerald and his wife, Margot, who predeceased him, retired to Calais where they embraced the community and found their own slice of heaven.

On Monday, Sept. 23, federal, state, and local Republican candidates will be making stops in Calais (9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Fitzgerald’s Restaurant, 234 Main Street) and Machias (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Washington County Republican Committee Headquarters at 86 Main Street). Their third stop will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Friendship Trap, 13 Indian River Road, Columbia Falls (beside Abs), and their final stop will be from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Beals Island at Back Field Park (location subject to change). 

Bishop James Thomas Ruggieri of the Catholic Diocèse of Portland, making a tour of the diocese, stopped in Calais on Monday at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish.  He celebrated Mass and provided a Benediction of the Blessed Sacrement to all who attended the Mass.  He was welcomed by President of the Parish Council and Grand Knight of council 149. Pictured are Fr. Jude Lawsamba, Michael Boies, John  Magera, Bishop James Ruggieri, Fr. Roland Berngeh, Ed Stover, George Mclaughlin and Claude Landry. (Submitted photo)

Last week, the Calais Lions Club proudly presented the Calais Fire Department with six new inflatable Personal Flotation Devices (life vests) for their rescue boat crew. This generous contribution is part of the Calais Lions Public Safety Program, which was launched last year as an addition to their long-standing charitable efforts.

By Will Tuell

Last spring Washington County’s two regional hospitals -- Calais Community and Down East Community -- brought Hawaii’s Kyle Quilausing to the area to address sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders about the dangers of drug abuse. Hospital officials and Quilausing, one of the top youth golfers in the country before a life of drugs and crime derailed his career, crisscrossed the county, visiting junior high schools in western Washington County, the Machias area, and the St. Croix region. 

Jayna Smith

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School is back in session for all the area students.  Here’s to everyone starting for the first time or returning, especially to our amazing teachers who are diving into the classroom, ready to inspire, educate, and tackle the ups and downs of the classroom.

Downeast Community Partners (DCP), the community action program (CAP) that serves Hancock and Washington counties, received a $20,000.00 gift from Versant Power, recently, for The Heating And Warmth (THAW) fund.

“The THAW fund has a tremendous impact in our community and helps families when they need it most,” said Versant President John Flynn. “Versant Power is happy to contribute to the fund and allow Downeast Community Partners to keep more homes warm this winter.”

Jayna Smith

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As students are now back to school, local authorities are reminding drivers to reduce speed and remain vigilant, particularly in school zones. 

Jon Reisman

Jayna Smith

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Julia Gagnon, the American Idol sensation known for her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence, has rescheduled her performance at Flat Iron Park in downtown Calais to Monday, September 16, following a brief vocal rest due to laryngitis.  Gagnon’s one-hour performance will showcase a variety of familiar tunes, promising an impressive and unforgettable concert experience.

Jayna Smith

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The National Park Service (NPS) was created on August 25, 1916, by President Woodrow Wilson.  This federal agency, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, oversees more than 400 national parks, monuments, historical sites, and other protected areas across the United States.

Will Tuell

Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife drew the winners of its 2024 Antlerless Deer Permit Lottery on Aug. 15 with winners having until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2024, to purchase their permit through the state website. Of the approximately 128,000 names drawn, 442 hail from Sunrise County. 

Princeton Parks & Recreation along with the Princeton Fire Department held their Second Annual Summer Sunset Bash this past Saturday, August 24, from 2-4 p.m. at Brewer Andrews Field. This was a free event to celebrate the end of summer. The fire department brought their Weenie Wagon and provided lots of water for the slip ’n slide and dunk tank. Because it was a hot day, there were plenty of volunteers for the dunk tank. Other activities included balloon darts, nerf targets, cornhole, air hockey, soccer, basketball, frisbee, and rubber ducky pool.

Helen Brooks was chosen to go to Washington on the Honor Flight in June, and to her honor, she laid the wreath on the unknown soldier’s grave.  (Submitted photo)

Jon Reisman

Hannah Pingree was appointed by Governor Mills as the Director of Maine’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and as the co-chair of the climate council. She is a former Speaker of the Maine House and the daughter of longtime 1st District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. Hannah is the Governor’s right-hand woman on policy and planning and is on the short list of potential Democratic Gubernatorial and/or Senatorial nominees. She is also one of Maine’s most visible climate alarmists.

Calais Fire/EMS continues its tradition of welcoming a new generation of members to its ranks.  Over the past few years, the department has successfully filled open positions with a diverse group of dedicated individuals.  The fire service operates as a family, and it’s this unity that enables them to serve their community with excellence.  Pictured are Hunter Sousa, Remy Courtois, and Collin Fraser.  Hunter and Remy joined through the Washington County Community College program, while Collin is a graduate of Calais High School.  If you see them, be sure to thank them for their service!  (C

Pictured are Dwayne Tomah, Joseph Sapiel, and Gary Moore. (Passamaquoddy Cultural Museum photo)

Jayna Smith

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Residents of Calais may have noticed an unusual taste or odor in their tap water recently, particularly during the hot summer months.  The Calais Water Department is addressing these concerns by focusing on the issue of iron in the water supply.