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. 

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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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.

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. 

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.

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)

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). 

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.

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.

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. 

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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Jon Reisman

Maine’s Climate Council, co-chaired by Office of Policy Innovation and the Future Director Hannah Pingree and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Melanie Loyzim is updating Maine Won’t Wait, Maine’s climate action plan. The plan seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (principally from transportation), phase out fossil fuels, encourage solar and wind, promote (undefined) “equity,” and have at least 30% of Maine publicly owned and controlled for conservation and carbon sequestration.

Jayna Smith

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Earlier this summer, recent Calais High School graduate Josh Sivret made a significant leap into the business world by taking ownership of Grampie Bill’s Place, a popular food truck stationed in the Calais IGA parking lot.  Sivret acquired the business from longtime owner "Grampie Bill" Gibson, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.

Search for a Permanent Town Manager Begins

Paul Sylvain

In what visibly and emotionally was a difficult but necessary meeting for the Machias selectboard on Sept. 11, the five-member panel voted unanimously to appoint Christina Therrien interim town manager to temporarily fill the void left by the sudden passing of Bill Kitchen on Sept. 9.

Jayna Smith

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Car enthusiasts and classic vehicle aficionados are gearing up for the fourth annual Clyde’s Classic Car Show, set to rev into action on Sunday, September 29.  The event will begin at noon and take place at C&E Feeds, General Market, and Calais Package Hub, located at 482 North Street in Milltown.

Jayna Smith

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In 2011, a hike through Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness sparked a passion for backpacking in former Calais resident Bobby Campbell, now a resident of Glenburn.  It was during this trek that Campbell encountered several Appalachian Trail "through-hikers," adventurers making the long journey from Georgia to Maine, and the idea of tackling the full 2,190-mile trek began to take root.

Jayna Smith

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American Idol sensation Julia Gagnon took the stage Monday night in Calais, delivering an unforgettable performance after having to cancel her originally-scheduled show due to suffering with laryngitis.  

Organized and sponsored by Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC), the concert drew hundreds of attendees to Flat Iron Park, marking one of the most anticipated and well-attended events in recent years.

Jon Reisman

September brought a super full moon, a partial eclipse, solar flares, and aurora alerts. The calendar included my late wife’s birthday, our anniversary, Labor Day, September 11th, Constitution Day, and a hermit-ending late summer trip down the airline to Bangor.  All those events are linked to less sleep and strong emotions (alas, Kamala’s “Joy” is not one of them). That may explain a somewhat scattershot column on climate policy, polls, and polarization.

Climate Policy Anxiety  

Jayna Smith

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The Calais High School Lady Devils soccer team recently received much-needed new uniforms, thanks to the generosity of St. Croix Lodge #46.  The lodge, through its youth matching grant with the Grand Lodge of Maine, funded half the cost of the uniforms.

“The uniforms are in and look great,” said Coach Tom Parks.  

Dispatchers, Information Technology Top County’s Wish List

Paul Sylvain

It is not the best of times for the Washington County budget committee after being handed a proposed 2025 budget that, if fully funded as presented — after subtracting projected revenues from expenditures — would ring in at  $10,845,108. That figure is up by $2.7 million, or approximately 33 percent, over the approved budget of $8,098,215.83 for the current year.

Sandra Smith