Joining the news team are Sumi and Tuti. The dogs belong to Pierre and Wendy Little

Jayna Smith

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Perry Elementary School held its Haunted Trail last Saturday, October 19. The evening included a bounce house, face painting, and more.  (PES photo)

The Witches of Eastport, presented by Eastport ArtFests and Eastport Parks & Recreation, returns Saturday, October 26, with a dazzling array of experiences for all ages. From noon to 3 p.m., art and other activities, most of them offer for free, will be offered along Water Street, with Wizard Wand making at Bingville, Tarot Readings at Downeast Creations, and a Ghostly Chalk-Walk with Sweeties Downeast.

Jayna Smith

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Get ready for a spooktacular time! On Thursday, Oct. 31, starting at 3:30 p.m., librarian Joyce Garland and her spirited staff from Calais Free Library will resurrect a beloved community tradition—the annual Halloween Parade!

Jayna Smith

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Maine's Hunters for the Hungry Program is expanding its efforts to fill a crucial protein gap in the state’s food pantries, a need that has only grown with rising grocery prices and increased demand.

Established by the Maine Legislature in 1996, the program provides bear, moose, and deer meat to food pantries and soup kitchens across the state. Fish are not part of the initiative. 

It’s the month for a good ghost story, and a Maine author has the perfect tale: an account of North America’s first documented ghost, a specter that appeared in 1799 in Downeast Maine.

Michelle Shores’ book, The Gathering Room, concerns the haunting of the coastal town of Sullivan by Nelly Butler, the young wife of Capt. George Butler. She had died in childbirth three years before but returned in ghostly garb to urge her husband to marry another woman.

Paul Sylvain

Noted economist, policy analyst, and retired University of Maine at Machias professor Jonathan Reisman met with Washington County Commissioners John Crowley and Vinton Cassidy last week to seek their support for a bill to limit the amount of public land being taken in Washington County.

“As I think you know,” began Reisman, “the state developed a climate action plan four years ago. Governor Mills campaigned to do so, and she did.”

Jayna Smith

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This year’s Harvest Festival, an eagerly-anticipated event filled with activities for all ages, may have seen most of its events postponed to Sunday from Saturday due to rain, but that didn’t stop the fun. 

Paul Sylvain

In something of an annual rite of passage each fall, Washington County’s department heads and representatives met with the county’s budget advisory committee on Oct. 3, to present their arguments for a proposed budget that is up even more than first thought.

Washington County Republican Committee led a county-wide meet and greet tour last month to bring candidates to residents in Calais, Machias, Columbia Falls, and Beals. United by their goals to fight inflation, empower our small businesses, and preserve our values, these common-sense candidates were well received by crowds at each stop along the tour. Pictured are (back) Mathew McIntyre, HD 18; David Burns, County Commissioner, District 2; Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham, HD 12; (front) Rep. Austin Theriault, U.S. Congress, CD2; Will Tuell, HD 10; Sen.

Newly installed officers of the Knights of Columbus, Council # 149, in Calais are (front) Julian Joerges, financial sec.; George “Butch” McLaughlin, trustee; Michael Boies, Grand Knight; Claude Laundry, Outside Guard; Dayton Dineen, Chancellor; (back) Weston Ranaldi, treasurer; Ed Stover, Advocate and District Deputy; Gary Madore, District Warden; Rejean Roussel, Warden; and Fr. Jude, standing in for Fr. Roland, Chaplain.  Installation was held on Sunday evening, Sept. 22, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Calais. (Photo courtesy of Michael Boies)

Down East Hospice Volunteers of Washington County graduated seven new hospice volunteers after participating in a 25-hour training. They are Ellen Carle, of Big Lake Township; Ernest Carle, of Big Lake Township; Thelma Stevens, of Calais; Mary Kate O’Neill, of Lubec; Vicki Verge, of Pembroke; Arielle Richardson, of Eastport; and Linda Evans, of Grand Lake Stream; shown with Barbara Barnett, Executive Director of DEHV.  For information about DEHV’s free services and to become a hospice volunteer, call 454-7521 ext.

Jayna Smith

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This Saturday, October 5, Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC) will host its annual Harvest Festival, offering a full day of activities for all ages.  The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with the Scarecrow Shuffle, a one-mile fun run along the riverfront for kids up to grade eight.

Jayna Smith

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Calais residents and businesses are facing new shipping challenges as UPS has discontinued its next-day delivery service to the region.  According to Calais City Councilor Elery Beale, this change is already causing significant disruptions, especially for those relying on time-sensitive shipments like medication and critical business supplies.

Jayna Smith

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Washington County is preparing for a beloved tradition: the 20th Annual Turkey-a-Thon, scheduled for Friday, October 11.  

The Downeast Salmon Federation (DSF) and the Pleasant River Fish and Game Conservation Association (PRFGCA) partnered together with community volunteers to clear downed trees along trails in DSF’s Pleasant River Community Forest in Columbia last week.  

Jayna Smith

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Clyde’s Car Show, now in its fourth year, drew a large crowd last Sunday once again as over 80 classic and antique cars filled the back lot of C&E Feeds General Market and Calais Package Hub, attracting enthusiasts of all ages. 

Patrons strolled through the showcase, voting for their favorite vehicles.  A 50/50 raffle raised funds for the Kenny Murphy Memorial Fund, and prizes were awarded to standout cars and trucks.

Scarecrow Lamp Pole Decorating, Main Street. Calling all businesses, groups, families, and individuals! Help add some seasonal décor to downtown by creating a scarecrow for the lamp posts for display throughout October. It’s free, and it’s fun! FMI, visit the Facebook page Calais, Maine Annual Scarecrow Contest.

9 a.m. – Kids’ Scarecrow Shuffle 1-Mile Fun Run, Waterfront. Two groups – ages up to 8 and ages 9-12 – can lace up their sneakers and take part in the free 1-mile fun run. Sponsored by CDRC.

Will Tuell

New hunters in search of a required firearms safety course before the fall season kicks into high gear may be in luck as the Calais Rod & Gun Club is planning a daylong course for anyone 10 and up in need of certification. The course will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calais Rod and Gun Clubhouse -- 199 Charlotte Road in Charlotte. 

Jayna Smith

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Prepare for a day filled with autumn cheer as St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Calais hosts its Applefest this Saturday, September 28.  This year’s event will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.