Paul Sylvain

Three men were arrested last Friday by Machias police and charged with aggravated drug trafficking, Class A. 

According to a prepared statement issued by the MPD Monday, officers were called to a reported disturbance at 1 Pleasant Street, in Machias, at 12:08 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12.

“Upon investigating the call, officers determined that a physical altercation had occurred, with two of the parties subsequently being transported to Downeast Community Hospital for cuts and bruises,” police said.

The 20th annual Pirate Festival drew thousands to Eastport over the weekend, including young buccaneer Nora from Calais, who soaked up the swashbuckling fun.  See more photos on page 12 of this week's paper. (Photo by Jessie Tompkins Howard)

Burns Committed to Providing Essential County Services if Controversial Bond Fails

Paul Sylvain

If last week’s special meeting of the Washington County Commissioners is a preview of budget discussions to come, the 2026 county spending package could be in for a long, rocky ride over the next two months. 

Young riders dashed around barrels on handmade stick horses last month at the Washington County Fair in Pembroke in the Stick Horse Barrel Race. Claire Olsson- won second place and Lux McGivery earned first. (Submitted photo)

On Aug. 15, Cobscook Institute, in partnership with Maine Sea Grant and Maine Audubon, hosted a Migration Birding Walk on the scenic South Lubec mud flats. The event drew significant interest, filling all available spots and generating a waitlist.

Sixteen participants joined expert guides Chris Bartlett and Doug Hitchcox for a two-mile trek across the mud flats in search of migrating shorebirds. Highlights of the morning included sightings of Least Sandpipers, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers, and a rare Baird’s Sandpiper.

Paul Sylvain

A special meeting of the Washington County Commissioners on Sept. 3 has left those who were there asking when is a resignation a resignation?

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC) wrapped up its Music on the Green summer concert series with a grand finale Saturday night, August 30, featuring a special performance by American Idol star Julia Gagnon. The popular Tuesday-night concert series, sponsored by local businesses, brought live music to the community all summer long, and the final show on Saturday proved a memorable send-off.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Washington County Community College (WCCC) hosted its Adult Education graduation ceremony on Aug. 20, recognizing the accomplishments of students who earned their high school equivalency diplomas (HiSET) in 2024/25.

The WHS Class of 1975 50th Reunion was held August 15 at the Spednic Club in Baileyville. Twenty-three members attended, along with two teachers. (Photo submitted by Natalie Toth)

Can you let us know any of the names? Email: [email protected]

The Garden Party was full of a major smorgasbord of Dr. Seuss books read and delicious foods eaten! The library folks, the children,  and parents are so appreciative of the faithful and skillful leadership with which Alyssa Schmitter has shared storybooks and crafts with the children this summer.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Eastport is set to come alive with swashbuckling fun as the 20th Annual Eastport Pirate Festival takes over downtown from September 5-7. Known as one of New England’s largest pirate gatherings, the festival draws visitors from across the state and beyond to celebrate pirate history, community, and family-friendly entertainment.

Sandra Smith

Paul Sylvain

Washington County Commissioners on Aug. 20 voted down a fleet vehicle leasing proposal, in favor of keeping with the past practice of purchasing three new vehicles yearly, at least until the 2027 budget year.

The unexpected vote came at an emergency meeting of the commissioners, held as a precursor to determine how to present 2026 budget options to the public at the commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting the next day.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The St. Croix Valley International Garden Club recently hosted a “Tea and Tour” at the gardens of Nancy Unobskey, drawing members and guests from both sides of the border to enjoy a rare glimpse of one of the area’s most spectacular private gardens.

Washington County Community College (WCCC) is proud to announce its selection as one of five New England higher education institutions to receive a prestigious Accelerator Grant from the New England Prison Education Collaborative (NEPEC), with support from Ascendium Education Group.

The background of Dr. Thomas Pomroy, a self-proclaimed clairvoyant physician born in Pembroke in 1832 who practiced throughout Maine, Canada, and New York in the 19th century, will be explored at the September meeting of the St. Croix Historical Society. 

Don’t it always seem to go

That you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone?

- Joni Mitchell, Big Yellow Taxi

Freedom Studies is going on hiatus while I ponder Joni Mitchell lyrics on my 69th birthday, including:

I’ve looked at life from both sides now

From up and down, and still somehow

It's life's illusions, I recall

I really don’t know life at all        - Both Sides Now

I hope to return soon

https://youtu.be/2595abcvh2M

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Records show that the Methodists were the first denomination to start Christian work in the area in about 1785, and that rich history of fellowship and unity has culminated in a new chapter for a long-standing local congregation. As of last month, the church formerly known as Calais United Methodist Church is now known as All Saints United Methodist Church, a name that reflects the combined legacy of many congregations over the decades.

Will Tuell

Twenty years ago last Friday — AuTwenty years ago last Friday — Aug. 15, 2005 — Maine Veterans Home in Machias opened its doors. In the two decades since, the residential care facility serving area veterans and their spouses has seen its share of ups and downs, from expansions and national awards to a worldwide pandemic and a near-closure three years ago after repeated warnings about the home’s financial woes. 

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

After days of work, the Baileyville fire on Track Road was declared 100% contained as of Monday, Aug. 18.

“As of today we will be 100 percent contained and working on picking up all of our equipment,” Baileyville Fire Chief Brandon Ireland said, noting that the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Paul Sylvain

And just like that, it was over. The 48th almost annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, that is. And what a festival it was.

Mother Nature even held off Sunday’s forecasted rains until after the live performances on the outdoor stage were finished and most of the festival’s vendors had packed up and were heading home or to their next festival stop away from Machias.