Kaileigh Deacon 

For many veterans, when they return home and long after, they need support and a community that gives them a safe place to be. For years there has been a need in the Calais area for a support system for veterans and their families, and now there is something to fill that void. 

Jayna Smith

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The Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry last week was the recipient of a $500 donation by the Calais St. Croix #6 Masonic Lodge.  That money, food pantry director Fr. David Sivret said, will go far.  

The St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce recently presented the annual awards for 2020, which are typically presented during the year end annual meeting.  Since there was no annual meeting due to the pandemic, chamber officers visited the businesses/individuals and presented each award.   

Jayna Smith

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When high school basketball teams have taken to the courts this season, it’s been in near-empty gyms under the shadow of the pandemic.  No fans have been permitted inside, leaving at Calais High School games, only teams and coaches, referees, a timekeeper, and, on the balcony overlooking the hardwood, members of the media.  

Natalie Boomer 

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Planning on venturing out into the Downeast Lakes region in the near future? Or maybe that’s in your very own backyard! Next time you’re outside, snap a few photos.

 These images of beautiful landscapes, plentiful wildlife, or traditions happening throughout the community can be entered in the Downeast Lakes Land Trust Photo Contest. 

This annual contest is designed to bring out the best photos of the area.

This group of deer was unphased by the messy mix that fell, blanketing their backs, Tuesday, Feb. 16.  (Photo by Jayna Smith) See more great wildlife photo submissions on page 17 of this week's paper!

Jayna Smith

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Dedicating 50 years to a single thing is rarely an easy task, but for one local veteran, he has done just that.  U.S. Marine Corps veteran Gerry Bartlett was recently recognized by the highest levels of the national veteran organization for his half-century service to The American Legion Post 3.

Happy Birthday to the Navy Reserve on March 3rd. It was formed in 1915 as a response to the outbreak of World War I and the Navy Reserve  made up almost 84 percent of the Navy's fighting force during the war. Among its ranks were five future U.S. Presidents and 15 recipients of the Medal of Honor. The Navy Reserve has since had reservists serve in every major war in which the United States has fought.

Jayna Smith

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Experts are reporting that positive COVID-19 cases are dropping, due in part by the end of the post-holiday upswing, increased preventive measures like masks and distancing and the millions of previously infected people who now have a level of natural immunity.