Jayna Smith

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Calais is once again preparing to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the U.S. armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Day, observed this year on Monday, May 26, 2025, will be a day of remembrance and gratitude throughout the community.

Four members of Calais Fire-EMS were each recently presented with Maine EMS’s prestigious Phoenix Award, a distinction given to emergency medical professionals who are directly involved in the successful resuscitation of a patient suffering a non-traumatic cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting. The award recognizes not only the critical medical skills required in such high-pressure situations, but also the teamwork, quick decision-making, and dedication that result in patients returning to their lives neurologically intact.

Calais High School is proud to announce Kate McPhee as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2025. She is the daughter of Bradley and Julie McPhee, of Calais. In the fall, Kate will attend Husson University, where she plans to pursue a degree in nursing. In addition to her academic pursuits, she will be a member of the university’s volleyball team. Kate aspires to become a travel nurse following graduation and intends to further her education to become a certified nurse anesthetist.

Jayna Smith

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On May 1, Calais Elementary School showed appreciation for their beloved principal, Mrs. Sue Carter, in a festive and heartfelt celebration.

A rare piebald deer was recently spotted downtown, displaying its striking mix of white and brown fur. The unusual coloration is caused by a genetic mutation found in fewer than 2% of white-tailed deer. (Photo by Jayna Smith)

Jayna Smith

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After 75 days and over 3,000 miles on two wheels, Emma Smith and her friend Sequoyah Amighetti rolled into Calais on Saturday, May 17, completing their ambitious trek along the East Coast Greenway. The duo began their journey in Key West, Florida, on March 4, making their way up the East Coast on bikes packed with gear, grit, and plenty of goodwill from strangers along the way.

Jayna Smith

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Calais City Councilor Kevin Niles, first elected in 2022, has resigned from his seat effective immediately, delivering a pointed rebuke of the council’s current direction and warning of a lack of urgency in addressing the city’s economic challenges.

Jayna Smith

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This Thursday evening, beginning at 6 p.m., is the next scheduled Calais City Council meeting. These meetings are held in the council chambers at the city building and are open to the public. They are also live-streamed on Zoom and the City of Calais Facebook page.

The second annual Colors for a Cause 5K Run, organized by the Bangor Area Chapter of Credit Unions, raised over $6,000 for Northern Light Hospital's Children's Miracle Network. Despite rainy conditions, more than 100 participants from across Maine gathered in downtown Bangor on Sunday, May 18, for the colorful charity event.

Washington County Community College (WCCC) proudly celebrated the achievements of its Class of 2025 during a heartfelt commencement ceremony held on Friday, May 16, at Calais High School. Families, friends, faculty, and community leaders gathered in person and online to honor more than 150 graduates receiving degrees and certificates across a range of fields from criminal justice and early childhood education to welding, heavy equipment operations, and human services.