Jon Reisman

September brought a super full moon, a partial eclipse, solar flares, and aurora alerts. The calendar included my late wife’s birthday, our anniversary, Labor Day, September 11th, Constitution Day, and a hermit-ending late summer trip down the airline to Bangor.  All those events are linked to less sleep and strong emotions (alas, Kamala’s “Joy” is not one of them). That may explain a somewhat scattershot column on climate policy, polls, and polarization.

Climate Policy Anxiety  

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

American Idol sensation Julia Gagnon took the stage Monday night in Calais, delivering an unforgettable performance after having to cancel her originally-scheduled show due to suffering with laryngitis.  

Organized and sponsored by Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC), the concert drew hundreds of attendees to Flat Iron Park, marking one of the most anticipated and well-attended events in recent years.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

In 2011, a hike through Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness sparked a passion for backpacking in former Calais resident Bobby Campbell, now a resident of Glenburn.  It was during this trek that Campbell encountered several Appalachian Trail "through-hikers," adventurers making the long journey from Georgia to Maine, and the idea of tackling the full 2,190-mile trek began to take root.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Car enthusiasts and classic vehicle aficionados are gearing up for the fourth annual Clyde’s Classic Car Show, set to rev into action on Sunday, September 29.  The event will begin at noon and take place at C&E Feeds, General Market, and Calais Package Hub, located at 482 North Street in Milltown.

Search for a Permanent Town Manager Begins

Paul Sylvain

In what visibly and emotionally was a difficult but necessary meeting for the Machias selectboard on Sept. 11, the five-member panel voted unanimously to appoint Christina Therrien interim town manager to temporarily fill the void left by the sudden passing of Bill Kitchen on Sept. 9.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Earlier this summer, recent Calais High School graduate Josh Sivret made a significant leap into the business world by taking ownership of Grampie Bill’s Place, a popular food truck stationed in the Calais IGA parking lot.  Sivret acquired the business from longtime owner "Grampie Bill" Gibson, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.

Jon Reisman

Maine’s Climate Council, co-chaired by Office of Policy Innovation and the Future Director Hannah Pingree and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Melanie Loyzim is updating Maine Won’t Wait, Maine’s climate action plan. The plan seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (principally from transportation), phase out fossil fuels, encourage solar and wind, promote (undefined) “equity,” and have at least 30% of Maine publicly owned and controlled for conservation and carbon sequestration.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

On Tuesday, September 3, the Enchanted Princess, a 1,082-foot cruise ship with a capacity of 3,900 passengers, docked in Eastport.  It was the largest cruise ship to visit Eastport, too large for the breakwater pier.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Coming up, on September 21, the Red Knights of Maine Chapter 5 will host their second annual Stuff the Bus ride to help local families in Washington County. 

Lynn Amakehs Mitchell, Maine Indian Education Facilities Manager, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Community Service of the Year Award. This national recognition highlights Ms. Mitchell's outstanding contributions to Native education and her dedication to serving the community.

On Saturday, September 7th, family, friends, and fellow Calais Lions Club members gathered at Gerald Farr’s home along the St. Croix River to celebrate his life and contributions. Gerald and his wife, Margot, who predeceased him, retired to Calais where they embraced the community and found their own slice of heaven.

On Monday, Sept. 23, federal, state, and local Republican candidates will be making stops in Calais (9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Fitzgerald’s Restaurant, 234 Main Street) and Machias (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Washington County Republican Committee Headquarters at 86 Main Street). Their third stop will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Friendship Trap, 13 Indian River Road, Columbia Falls (beside Abs), and their final stop will be from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Beals Island at Back Field Park (location subject to change). 

Bishop James Thomas Ruggieri of the Catholic Diocèse of Portland, making a tour of the diocese, stopped in Calais on Monday at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish.  He celebrated Mass and provided a Benediction of the Blessed Sacrement to all who attended the Mass.  He was welcomed by President of the Parish Council and Grand Knight of council 149. Pictured are Fr. Jude Lawsamba, Michael Boies, John  Magera, Bishop James Ruggieri, Fr. Roland Berngeh, Ed Stover, George Mclaughlin and Claude Landry. (Submitted photo)

Last week, the Calais Lions Club proudly presented the Calais Fire Department with six new inflatable Personal Flotation Devices (life vests) for their rescue boat crew. This generous contribution is part of the Calais Lions Public Safety Program, which was launched last year as an addition to their long-standing charitable efforts.

By Will Tuell

Last spring Washington County’s two regional hospitals -- Calais Community and Down East Community -- brought Hawaii’s Kyle Quilausing to the area to address sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders about the dangers of drug abuse. Hospital officials and Quilausing, one of the top youth golfers in the country before a life of drugs and crime derailed his career, crisscrossed the county, visiting junior high schools in western Washington County, the Machias area, and the St. Croix region. 

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

School is back in session for all the area students.  Here’s to everyone starting for the first time or returning, especially to our amazing teachers who are diving into the classroom, ready to inspire, educate, and tackle the ups and downs of the classroom.

Downeast Community Partners (DCP), the community action program (CAP) that serves Hancock and Washington counties, received a $20,000.00 gift from Versant Power, recently, for The Heating And Warmth (THAW) fund.

“The THAW fund has a tremendous impact in our community and helps families when they need it most,” said Versant President John Flynn. “Versant Power is happy to contribute to the fund and allow Downeast Community Partners to keep more homes warm this winter.”

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

As students are now back to school, local authorities are reminding drivers to reduce speed and remain vigilant, particularly in school zones. 

Jon Reisman

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Julia Gagnon, the American Idol sensation known for her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence, has rescheduled her performance at Flat Iron Park in downtown Calais to Monday, September 16, following a brief vocal rest due to laryngitis.  Gagnon’s one-hour performance will showcase a variety of familiar tunes, promising an impressive and unforgettable concert experience.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The National Park Service (NPS) was created on August 25, 1916, by President Woodrow Wilson.  This federal agency, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, oversees more than 400 national parks, monuments, historical sites, and other protected areas across the United States.