By Jayna Smith

On Friday afternoon, May 24th, Calais Fire-EMS responded to a structure fire at 180 Union Street.  

According to Fire Chief Ken Clark, fire was coming out the second floor window when his department arrived at the scene.  “The fire was contained to that room, but heat and smoke damage was throughout the building,” he said.

Chief Clark said the cause of the fire “was deemed to have been caused by a human element, so the fire marshal’s office was called in to investigate.”  

First National Bank recently announced it has made donations totaling $2,200 to eleven Emergency Medical Service organizations in the bank’s market area in response to National EMS Week.

In 1974, President Gerald Ford proclaimed EMS Week to celebrate and recognize EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation. The 45th annual National EMS Week was held May 19th through May 25, 2019.

By Jayna Smith

The once Silverados football team, made up of students from both Calais and Woodland High Schools, proved to be successful during its four seasons of varsity-level play.  One of its players, Cam Shorey, was even offered a full scholarship to play football at UNH, a division 1 school.  The team, coached by Ian Pratt and funded by the Pratt auto dealership, however, dissolved in 2012 after difficulties attracting interested kids to play.  

By Natalie Boomer

By Jayna Smith

The manager of the Calais McDonald’s has quashed a rumor that the fast-food restaurant will be closing for renovations.

It was recently reported by some residents that the restaurant at 191 North Street would be temporarily closing for three to six months while it underwent a complete overhaul.  Dan Barnard, manager at the restaurant, said this is untrue.

By Natalie Boomer

By Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Becky Bard used to attend the Margaretta Days Festival each year with her small children, but this year she’ll be at the festival tending something altogether different — her husband’s first book, which is also the very first guide book ever written exclusively about Washington County.

Maine Connections Academy (MCA), the state’s first online public charter school, has selected Lana Wilson, an 8th grader from Calais, as its May 2019 STAR Student of the Month.   

This is Lana’s second year at MCA after having first been a student in public school and being home-schooled. Once her parents discovered MCA, Lana tried it out and “I really loved it.” Her online course schedule includes classes in English, algebra, science, social studies art and physical education. Her favorite teacher is Mr. Hoskins, who teaches English. 

Registered nurses and medical laboratory scientists at Calais Regional Hospital--joined by some community members--held an informational picket on Monday morning, June 17th.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

By Kaileigh Deacon

Every day brings advancements in technology that changes the way our days go and how our lives work. For a growing number of people, the change comes in the form of choosing an electric vehicle over the traditional fuel run models.

By: Kaileigh Deacon

With the beginning of summer also comes the start of music filling downtown Calais. For the last 12 years, every Tuesday night the Triangle Park on Main Street comes to life with music and people as the Music on the Green concert series welcomes local musicians and allows them to showcase their talent in an outdoor venue.

By Natalie Boomer

Fr. Kevin Martin from St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish provided a $3,500 check to Fr. David Sivret, President of Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry. The money will be used to purchase and install a large upright freezer.  St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish applied for a grant from Catholic Charities Maine.  A $2,000 grant was approved from the “Matthew 25 Award.” The remainder was donated by a St. Kateri Parish family who wished to remain anonymous. (Photo by Pierre Little)

By Jayna Smith

On Monday, members of the St. Croix No. 1 Fire House Restoration Committee gathered to honor Kay Wright, daughter Laura Wright, and granddaughter Ammi Allen.  

Through the Charles G. Wright Foundation, the Wright’s recently provided the committee with a donation of over $8,000.  This money is being used for all costs associated with purchasing and installing the carriage doors, a project that is expected to be completed this summer.

By Natalie Boomer

By Sandra Smith

Woodland's Cal Ripken team went undefeated this year and recently claimed the championship title in a win against Eastport.  Pictured (front, L to R) are Logan DePriest, Gabe Walker, Brayden Dana, William McIver, Cameron Windsor, Nick Siering, Jakoby Berry, (back, left to right) Coach Chris Siering, Coach Barry Coleman, Jayshawn Monk, Ethann Coleman, Wyatt Cropley, Isaac Podschine, Sheayn Ferreira, Logan McArthur, Noeah Collins Corbett, Liam O'Neill, Coach Keith Ramos, Kaden Ramos, and Coach Mike Boies.  (Submitted photo)

By Kaileigh Deacon

School teaches students a lot of different things from academics to sports to leadership. There are times when funding has prevented students from getting more opportunities, but thanks to grants and other programs, teachers have alternate ways to provide new experiences and educational opportunities to their students. Mrs. Andrews’ fourth grade class at Princeton Elementary School received just such an opportunity when they received their Fast Track Grant.