Calais IGA owners David Pike and Bob Craft recognized local first responders last week by providing items for an Easter dinner, includng a cake that read, “Thank You To Our Dedicated First Responders.”  Pictured are Craft and Fire Chief Ken Clark.  (Facebook photo)

Calais Regional Hospital (CRH) has lost over 40% of its patient volumes while also assuming additional costs to prepare for a potential influx of COVID-19 patients.    With regular operations coming to an almost halt, there is little revenue projected to cover costs in the coming weeks.   This is a never before seen financial crisis for many hospitals like CRH, that threatens the ability of the organization to provide care and maintain its presence as an economic engine in our community.  

By Natalie Boomer

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Due to the statewide social distancing guidelines, the annual Easter Egg Hunt held by Calais Fire-EMS had to be canceled. 

Captain Bill Lee of the fire department wanted to give children of the area something fun to do while they were stuck inside their homes, so he had the idea of a virtual tour of the fire station. 

To share with students the various roles at Calais Regional Hospital, as well as how patients are taken care of and how staff uses personal protective equipment (PPE), Calais Elementary School nurse Mrs. Heather White created a video with some of the CRH staff.  Mrs. White, who also works at the hospital, shared the video to her Facebook page to give students a better understanding of how the hospital is ready to serve them if needed.  (Facebook photo)

The Washington County Commissioners yesterday delivered a letter to Governor Janet Mills stating that rural Maine occupies a unique position relative to the coronavirus pandemic, and asking the governor to include the three most rural counties in conversations about how to reopen the state for business. 

The full text of the letter appears here:

By Jayna Smith

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Police officers in Baileyville and in Calais each were treated to lunches through gift certificates donated by local business owner Mary Pelletier at S&M Designs.

Local Border Patrol Agents recently donated 213 pounds of food, along with $150 in cash, to Irene Ecumenical Food Pantry, to assist during the pandemic with the increased number of people using the food pantry.  (Facebook photo)

By Jayna Smith

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Glowforge, an American-based company that makes 3D laser printers, has encouraged Glowforge owners across the country to make Ear Savers to provide to first responders and other essential workers.

By Kaileigh Deacon

For many, the only thing that gets them through their day is knowing that when they get home they have their families waiting there for them, especially the furry ones! With a number of businesses changing the way they do things or are forced to close until the gathering restrictions for the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted, PAWS animal shelter in Calais is still open for business, though a bit modified.

What a wonderful surprise! Meg & Moxie Rothberg (PAWS adopter and ME Coon alum) made hand crafted masks for our staff! These colorful animal prints have really brought cheer and hope to everyone, including the kitties who couldn’t understand a word we were saying through our folded bandanas! We can’t thank you enough! (Facebook photo)