Instructor Arlene Wren, Lucy Zwigard, and Tammy Corn show their completed braided rugs.  Wren will be teaching another braided rug class at Cobscook Institute in Trescott on Saturday, March 2nd.  (Photo by Susan Bolles)

On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at approximately 8 a.m., a tractor-trailer unit driven by 41-year-old Kristofer Higgins of Baileyville was traveling on the westbound on-ramp of I-395 in Brewer when Higgins failed to negotiate the turn. 

His vehicle rolled over, taking out the center portion of the guardrail and striking a Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office cruiser, which was traveling eastbound at the time. 

Jayna Smith

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The Calais Lady Blue Devils traveled to Machias to take on the Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, Jan. 31, only to suffer a setback with a score of 50-36.  

Junior Kate McPhee emerged as a standout for Calais, leading the charge with an impressive 13 points and securing 15 rebounds. 

Senior Brenna Critchley also made her mark with 10 points, while freshman Kaci Small contributed eight points to the effort.

Paul Sylvain

Rebecca Moores, the 43-year-old Robbinston woman who in December pled guilty to murdering her former lover and principal drug supplier in 2022, was sentenced Monday in Washington County Superior Court in Machias to serve 32 years in prison.

Jon Reisman

To paraphrase Don McLean in American Pie, “February makes me shiver.” February has Groundhog Day (the rodent predicted at least six more years of relentless climate catastrophe propaganda following every storm), Valentine’s Day (the legacy media is embarrassing itself with its slobbering embrace and protection of Joe Biden), and President’s Day, (which will probably be celebrating mandated electric vehicle sales).

Here are a few other items that are giving me chills:

Jayna Smith

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It’s a fun week for the local schools as they are leading up to February vacation.  The Blizzard Bash is taking place all week at CES, with fun and activities planned, including various dress-up days.  At CMHS, the students are in the midst of Winter Carnival with contests among the grades. 

Fishermen Skeptical of ‘Ropeless Gear’ Study at Zone A Council Meeting

Will Tuell

Jayna Smith

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Flat Iron Park in downtown Calais is poised to see a significant addition: an exhibit of sorts to recognize its historical importance as the site where Passamaquoddy Tribal members were recorded in 1890.  What’s most significant is that the recordings mark the first recording of any indigenous people in the world.

Jayna Smith

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On Thursday, February 8, 2024, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Councilor Mike Sherrard filling in for Mayor Artie Mingo, presiding over Councilors Kevin Niles (remotely via Zoom), Marcia Rogers, Elery Beale, Bill Quinn, and James Macdonald.

What follows is a brief summary of the meeting, with the full meeting available for viewing on the City of Calais’s Facebook page.

Jon Reisman

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” - Matthew 12:25

"A house divided against itself, cannot stand.” - Senate candidate Abraham Lincoln, 1858

Friends and acquaintances from left, right, and middle have shared their anxiety and concerns concerning possible violence and social unrest this year. Fear of desolation is a rare area of unity in our otherwise divided American house.

A highlight of a recent boys’ varsity basketball game was a halftime performance by The Bouncing Blue Devils.  The Bouncing Blue Devils is an afterschool introductory-level basketball program for kids in grades kindergarten through 2, sponsored by The Blue Devil Fund and CHS JMG.  The little guy pictured decided to have a seat while the others lined up to begin their performance.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

The Rising Stars cheerleading squad, made up of little ones in grades K to 2, put on a stellar performance at a recent high school varsity basketball game.  The team is coached by Kristie Cyr and is part of Calais Rec.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

The seniors on the Calais Blue Devils boys’ varsity basketball team were recognized recently at their last regular season game.  Senior team members include Kaden Small, Sean Look, Jeremy Turner, Kaiden Sockabasin, and Charlie Bitar, all shown with family members.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

Gabe Cropley and Evan McArthur, seniors on the Woodland Dragons varsity basketball team, were recently recognized at their final home game.  The two are shown with their coach Ryan Lincoln.  (Photo courtesy of Allison Wallace)

Jayna Smith

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Jayna Smith

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The Penobscot Valley Conference, with over 35 member schools, unveiled its All-Star selections for Class C basketball.  Among the distinguished honorees, Coach Dean Preston of the Calais Blue Devils Dean Preston was chosen as Coach of the Year.  

Jon Reisman

Goin’ to the chapel and we’re

Gonna get married

Goin’ to the chapel and we’re

Gonna get married

Gee, I really love you and we’re

Gonna get married

Goin’ to the chapel of love

“Chapel of Love” by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector. The Dixie Cups, 1964 

Love and marriage, love and marriage

Go together like a horse and carriage

This I tell ya, brother

Jury Selection Gets Underway March 1

Paul Sylvain

The trial of two men charged with felony murder in the  drug-related shooting death and robbery of 17-year-old Brandin Guerrero of Massapequa, New York., is set to begin with jury selection on March 1. Guerrero’s body was found dead on Nov. 4, 2021, in a resident’s yard on High Street.

Jayna Smith

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Got Dirt Car Wash has officially opened its doors for business, marking a new era of clean rides in town. Located at 284 North Street, this latest addition to the neighborhood commenced operations on Thursday, February 22nd.

Owner Tommy Chambers expressed that while operating hours may initially fluctuate, a set schedule will soon be established.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

On Saturday, February 17, all four Calais Rec. cheer teams showcased their talents at The Crown Championship, hosted by Legend Athletics at Ellsworth High School. 

Placing first runner-up in Division 1 was the Calais Rising Stars. This group is made up of Freya, Penelope, Lili-Ana, Nora, Lilley, Olivia, Aria M, Mya, Sawyer, Brynn, Aria R, and Daphne.  The Rising Stars are coached by Kristie Cyr and Shaylee Moores.