Kaileigh Deacon 

In a world of technology and instant access to information, it’s hard for some to imagine what the appeal of paper between two covers can be, but for many, it’s the pathway to the imagination as well as a life of learning and growing. For the local non-profit Blue Devil Fund, they understand the importance of reading and giving that gift to kids to build strong foundations. 

Jayna Smith

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Last month, in an effort to spread some much-needed cheer, residents were encouraged to decorate their home for the holidays, perhaps a bit earlier than usual.  Businesses and individuals were quick to offer up prizes for a contest, and well over 100 people requested to be put on the “List of Lights,” which allowed for folks to travel around town to enjoy the lights without missing any of the fantastic displays.

Jayna Smith

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A local student has been accepted to Harvard, a private Ivy League university in Cambridge, Massachusetts and the oldest institution of higher education in the country.  Calais High School’s Hannah Gadway is just one of 747 accepted to Harvard’s Class of 2025 from the 10,086 who applied through the early action program.  

Jayna Smith

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When people think of Christmas gifts, sometimes the older population is not the first to be thought of.  This was not the case this year for residents at area assisted living facilities, thanks to the generosity of local woman Tomi Ellsmore, along with some help from others, who made sure every resident received a gift.

In the past year, we have been living in extremely difficult times that stressed our community and we had struggles.  However, from these difficulties, our resolve has strengthened with a solid response to the pandemic.  We are saddened for those in the community that have passed away from the virus.  Our prayers are with their loved ones and for their recovery.  We are extremely grateful to our health care workers, Calais Regional Hospital and all first responders who are keeping us safe and healthy.

Kaileigh Deacon

Below freezing temperatures and a bit of wind wouldn’t stop the youth at United Methodist Church in Calais from celebrating the meaning of the Christmas season. The group met outside the church at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday and again on Wednesday to hold a live Nativity scene. 

Jayna Smith

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Members of the Calais Fire Association, in a normal, non-pandemic year, keep busy with many community events they host for the children.  Their annual Easter Bunny visit and egg hunt draws hundreds to the fire station every year, while their Fourth of July games at the athletic complex have been a community tradition for years.  Also a popular tradition is the annual visit with Santa, a highly-anticipated event at the fire station.  

Jayna Smith

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Calais High School Athletic Director Randy Morrison recently caught up with former basketball standout Lauren Cook to present her with a special plaque that lists many of her high school accolades.  Among them, noted at the top of the long list, is “All-time leading scorer at CHS, 1,704 points.”  

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Last Thursday, Dec. 31, Calais Fire-EMS began COVID-19 vaccinations of area first responders.  

 According to Calais Fire Chief Ken Clark, the department received enough of the Moderna vaccine for licensed EMS personnel in the area, not just those members of Calais Fire-EMS.  

Those receiving the first dose of the vaccine will be required to receive the second dose in 28 days.