Jayna Smith
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On Thursday, August 11, Calais City Council met for its regular meeting.  Present were Mayor Billy Howard and Councilors Mike Sherrard, Marcia Rogers, Mark Carr, James Macdonald, and Elery Beale.

The council approved the minutes of the previous meeting, along with departmental reports and treasurer’s warrants.

Jayna Smith
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Studies have proven that when students have basic school supplies, their grades improve, and in turn, as does their confidence.  One way to ensure Calais students have all they need to be successful in the classroom is through the annual Stuff the Bus event.

Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Many residents of central Washington County reported feeling an earthquake on Thursday, Aug. 11, and it was only one of six earthquakes recorded here last week.

“To me, the earthquake sounded like a distant muffled explosion followed quickly by my house shaking,” says Charlie Foster of Columbia Falls. “My stone foundation couldn't take many of those!”

Submitted by Sherry Sivret

Wreaths Across America established the Veterans Remembrance Tree Program as a way to remember and honor our veterans. It began when Gold Star families visited the land in Columbia Falls, Maine where they felt peace and tranquility from the land.  

Each year, balsam tips are harvested to make the wreaths that are placed on veteran’s graves.  The Remembrance Tree Program provides a living memorial to loved ones.  

Jayna Smith
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With summer fun and festivals nearly behind us, Calais will once again see the return of the Harvest Festival this October.

This annual event is organized and executed by Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC) and will bring music, fun, and more to downtown.

Last week was the final week for the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) at the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.  The YCC crew accomplished many projects, including completing a bridge over a washed-out culvert on the Conic Trail in the Baring Wilderness Area.  The crew designed and constructed the bridge, cutting all of the wood for it in the woodshop, carrying the lumber into the wilderness on their backs, and constructing the bridge using only hand tools.  (USFWS photo)

Calais Celtic Concerts will present the multi-award winning and Irish step champions “The Gothard Sisters” at Calais High School on Saturday, August 27.  Doors will open for the show at 6 p.m. with curtain time at 7 p.m.  This will be the only show for the Celtic concerts this summer.

School Year 2023 free and reduced-price meal benefit applications are available for families with students enrolled in Calais School Department which is participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Meals will be provided to enrolled students at no charge in Maine public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program due to State of Maine Legislation.   

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

School-aged children returned to classes this week, and Calais Police Department is reminding motorists to be extra cautious.

The presence of the department will be noticed in the areas where kids are going to and from the schools whenever officers are available. “We do plan to have the day shifts filled to make sure there is someone on during the day as much as possible when school is in session,” Calais Police Chief Dave Randall said.   

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

Calais High School has new leadership this year.  At the helm is Heather Bowles as principal and Kati Grass as vice principal.  Most recently, both women have been employed at the school in other positions.