By Natalie Boomer, Pierre Little

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Editor’s Note: Wearing a mask helps protect the common good and health of everyone in the community at times of pandemic and is an act of kindness and it is not a political act.

By Jayna Smith

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Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) recently received $1,000 from United Way of Eastern Maine’s COVID-19 Response Fund. “This pandemic required a swift response in how we deliver services to the most vulnerable in our catchment area,” shared Ellen Bemis, CEO. “Behavioral health services are more critical than ever, and we are grateful for the help United Way of Eastern Maine (UWEM) has provided.”

By Jean-Pierre Keikens, covexit.com

When compared to its neighbor Quebec, the Province of New Brunswick shows extraordinary results in its fight against COVID-19.

To date, there have been 118 cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick, and 112 of them, or 95%, have been reported to have recovered. There were no deaths.

Quebec meanwhile is at 24,982 cases. Only 5,517 (or 22%) were declared recovered, and there have already been 1,599 deaths.

Jayna Smith

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With businesses nationwide suffering amid the COVID-19 pandemic, border-town businesses have faced an added disruption with not only a decrease in American customers but also a decrease--or even a halt--in Canadian traffic.  Such is true at the two Calais-based Duty Free Americas (DFA) and its two convenience stores/gas stations, Hardwicke’s and Best Stop.  

Jayna Smith

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Vigorous debate erupted last week after Eastport Port Authority Executive Director Chris Gardner announced the possible arrival of the 785-foot Oceania Cruises vessel, Riviera, in the coming days or weeks. If approved, the vessel would arrive in Eastport carrying only crewmembers and could stay docked there for several weeks.

By Kaileigh Deacon

Spring is a long time coming in Maine, and the urge to get outside and be active builds as we push through the winter months of snow, ice, and cold. The anticipation of spring and finally being able to get outside in warmer weather is especially strong for kids and can make them just a little antsy.  At Calais Elementary School and other elementary schools around Washington County, the Masons have partnered with them to reward some lucky students for keeping the learning going at home with the Books for Bikes campaign.

Jayna Smith

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Most in the area are familiar with Tom Brennan and his works of art.  From his annual art shows during International Homecoming Festival to his work displayed in the city building, much of his work depicts familiar faces and other images representative of the St. Croix Valley.

By Jayna Smith

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On Saturday, May 2nd, barricades had to be placed in front of the former Over & Under Beef & Brew building, also known as the McAllister building, at 393 Main Street. This occurred after debris from the face and roof of the building was falling to the sidewalk below.

Jayna Smith

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Fiddleheads, the young coiled fronds of the ostrich fern, are a springtime delicacy in Maine and New Brunswick, and in other Northeastern states and Maritime provinces.  According to University of Maine Cooperative Extension, nearly all ferns have fiddleheads, but not all fiddleheads are edible.