Pictured during Whiting's Bicentennial are Robert Curtis, Janice Bronson, Senator Marianne Moore, Steven Pressley Sr., and Representative Will Tuell. (Submitted photo)

The Washington County village of Grand Lake Stream may be just off the beaten path, but it will be well worth the drive to this magical setting as the ballfield comes alive on Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27, for the 29th Annual Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival. 

Paul Sylvain

Washington County Sheriff Barry Curtis and Commissioners David Burns, Billy Howard, and Courtney Hammond are weighing the possibility of entering into a county vehicle leasing arrangement with Enterprise Fleet Management Services in Boston.

If an agreement is reached, it would mean that, instead of replacing aging vehicles by purchasing them through traditional car dealerships, the county would eventually be replacing them at a regular five-year interval through Enterprise.

The Pembroke Library is honored to have Kate McCann as the chantey leader and banjo balladeer for the August 20 Chantey Sing. 

McCann has been studying and performing historic songs of the sea for many years and was recently awarded a two-year scholarship towards a master’s degree in ethnomusicology at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland. She is among a rising group of young people who have taken to singing songs of the sea, keeping the tradition going. 

Paul Sylvain

What’s in a name? Quite a lot, especially if it’s an award that recognizes public sector employers “who maintain an exemplary safety and health management system, reflecting a strong commitment to workplace safety.”

And it is especially noteworthy when the award’s recipient is entrusted with the assisted living needs and care of up to 30 proud military veterans who served our great nation, oftentimes during periods of conflict, such as during the Vietnam War. Spouses of eligible veterans may also qualify for care at the homes.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday through August, Maine Seacoast Mission welcomes the public to enjoy its new high- and low-ropes challenge course. Located at the Mission Downeast Campus at 6 Weald Bethel Lane in Cherryfield, the course will be open from 4 to 6 p.m. on August 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27. This event is free and open to all ages. 

The Washington County Commissioners recently held caucuses of municipal officers within each of their districts to select representatives for the county’s Budget Advisory Committee.

Paul Sylvain

Could the former Blueberry Ford at 241 Dublin St./Route 1 become the future home for a new Machias Municipal and Public Safety Complex?

That suggestion was floated by Bold Coast Properties real estate broker Bill Milliken at the Aug. 13 selectboard meeting. While openly receptive to the idea, town officials cautiously agreed that the first step in the process is for department heads to tour the facility, then meet and discuss whether or not investing in that property will meet their department’s and the town’s needs.

Paul Sylvain

And just like that, it was over. The 48th almost annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, that is. And what a festival it was.

Mother Nature even held off Sunday’s forecasted rains until after the live performances on the outdoor stage were finished and most of the festival’s vendors had packed up and were heading home or to their next festival stop away from Machias.

Jayna Smith

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After days of work, the Baileyville fire on Track Road was declared 100% contained as of Monday, Aug. 18.

“As of today we will be 100 percent contained and working on picking up all of our equipment,” Baileyville Fire Chief Brandon Ireland said, noting that the cause of the fire remains undetermined.