By Dominic Gayton

A contractor hired by the City of Calais applied an herbicide to downtown sidewalks a few weeks ago.

Between July 22nd and July 29th, Vegetation Management of Houlton applied the weed killer on North Street sidewalks between the intersections of Union Street and North Street (near the Waterfront Walkway parking lot) and of North Street and Washington Street. The same chemical was applied on Main Street sidewalks from the Marden’s parking lot to the intersection of Main Street and Calais Avenue.

By Jayna Smith

Many people have clipped what are known as “Box Tops” found on popular brands, including various food products and even on some non-food items.  Box Tops clipped and sent into participating schools--such as Calais and Woodland Elementary Schools--have earned the schools ten cents for each, which adds up quickly.

By Jayna Smith

There are some who give back to the community without ever being recognized.  Often, that’s because the person does things quietly, never relishing the spotlight.  One man who is the epitome of that is Ron Rice of Calais.   

Rice takes very little credit for the many things he does to help others.  When asked why he devotes his time to giving to others, his response is a humble one:  “I don’t know,” which is a good indication he does it simply because it’s his nature.  

Alumni from Princeton High School met at the Princeton Road and Gun Club on Saturday, August 3, 2019 to reminisce about old times.  Friends came from near and far to represent their class.  Princeton High School was open from 1873 until 1968.  Students attending the reunion graduated from 1948 through 1968. (Photo submitted by Lynn Lawless)

Tuesday’s Music on the Green was a mix of guitar and banjo music. Averill Lovely played a collection of well-known songs as well as some original songs. Averill Lovely was sponsored by V.L. Tammaro. (Photo by Kaileigh Deacon)

By Jayna Smith

The playground at Main Street’s Memorial Park has been revamped.  According to Parks and Recreation Director Craig Morrison, brand new playground equipment was installed last Wednesday, August 7th.  

The cost of the new equipment with installation, Morrison said, was approximately $26,000.  The company from which it was purchased--American Parks Company--is the same company the previous equipment was from, the equipment that is believed to have  been at that park  since the early 1970s.

By Dominic Gayton

Being a hospice volunteer is not about being there for someone while they are dying so much as it is about helping someone make the most out of the end of their life. The taboo of death and dying is an obstacle Down East Hospice Volunteers hopes to overcome as it seeks new prospective volunteers to participate in its volunteer training this September.

By Jayna Smith

The annual Peter Mercier Memorial Co-ed Softball Tournament is quickly approaching, taking place this Saturday and Sunday at Calais’ Smith Field.  One of the many things Peter Mercier is remembered for is his support of area athletics, and that is what motivates tournament organizer Ryan Lincoln.  

Left: The crowned International Festival Princesses are kept busy during Festival week. Pictures is Carley Waycott Miss International Festival Grand Supreme Queen helping  out at Wednesday’s peanut fair.

Right: The peanut fair is a great way to spend the first afternoon of festival. With games of all sorts there is something for everyone. Pictured are Sophia Rogers and Alizay Mitchell racing.

(Photos by Kaileigh Deacon) 

By Kaileigh Deacon

Anyone driving by the Calais Walmart on Saturday would have seen a big yellow school bus parked in front of the store. This was all part of the back to school initiative that the Calais Elementary School has done for the last several years.

By Dominic Gayton

When I arrived at Bohanon’s Garage to interview co-owner Jamie Bohanon for this article on July 26, 2019, he and his uncle and fellow co-owner, Monte Bohanon, were diligently trying to diagnose a problem with a customer’s car. I waited in the office for Jamie to finish. When he finished helping the customer, he apologized for making me wait. There was nothing to apologize for. Taking care of the customer first is why Bohanon’s Inc. has been in business for 50 years.

By Dominic Gayton

On Thursday, August 15, 2019, the Indian Township School took delivery of a new school bus just in time for the first day of school.

The bus, a 2020 Thomas 77-passenger school bus, arrived around 1 p.m. on Thursday from W.C. Cressey & Son in Kennebunk, Maine. The bus features a state-of-the-art camera system, an electronically controlled diesel engine, and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) which is injected into the exhaust to reduce the emission of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOX).

Wayne Sowers of Baring recently competed at WABDL (World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters) Northeast Regional weightlifting competition where he won 1st place in the bench press, deadlift, and push-pull events in the 61-67 age group and the 220-242 lb. weight class. 

By Heather Henry-Tenan

Labor Day weekend is typically a stressful time for Lubeckers. It is when the locals’ “Ayuh” is replaced with a defensive Lubec “Arghhhh.”  Every year tourists and locals join forces to defend the tiny coastal community of Lubec, Maine, from northern Eastport  “pirates” invading by sea, land, and air.

By Kaileigh Deacon

Fairs and festivals are the events of the summer for a lot of families, and this year the Washington County Fair made its comeback. Though there was excitement about the fair and the announcement that the horse show would be making its comeback as well, later there was some concern regarding a decision made to not allow young participants.

By Dominic Gayton

The Maine Visitor Information Center in downtown Calais is a valuable resource for visitors to Maine and the Downeast region from all over the United States, Canada, and the world, but according to manager Vicki Farrell, locals are welcome as well to “learn about what is in their own backyard.”

By Jayna Smith

On your marks, get set…the Suddy 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile Fun Run is set to take place on Saturday, September 7th.  Having originated in Boston in 2005, the race is now entering its 10th year in Eastport and is always held during the Pirate Festival.  

Former Lady Blue Devil, a 1991-graduate, was honored this year by being placed in the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame, and at the past alumni contests at CHS Becky’s uniform was deservedly retired at Calais High School. Becky Moholland was a standout 5’ 11” forward who scored 1056-points while helping the Lady Blue Devils win over 80 percent of their games during her four year career. She was a three-time All-Tourney selection and a MVP during her senior year at CHS. In 1991 Becky was a third team All-State selection, All-Tourney, and a McDonald’s All-Star.

By Dominic Gayton

From new teachers and staff members, to freshly painted walls and a new intercom system, many changes await students as they return to Woodland Jr.-Sr. High School on September 3rd and 4th.