1. Six More Weeks of Winter Forecasted by Punxsutawney Phil

     

    By Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    February 2 is always the big day for Punxsutawney Phil, the apparent famed meteorologist.  The groundhog has been making predictions since 1887, with just ten years missing from the record.  In that time, Phil has seen his shadow now 105 times, resulting in the claim that winter will last another six weeks.

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  2. Learning in a Pandemic Brings Even More Struggles to Students with Special Needs

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The adjustment to new models of learning throughout the pandemic has been a challenge for many students, from the need for reliable internet access and necessary electronic devices to working against at-home distractions and isolation from peers, among other things.  For children with special needs, however, they are often faced with their own set of challenges. 

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  3. Woodland Senior Recognition

     

    Left: Senior Dragon Kobe Overlock is pictured at Woodland senior recognition with brother Justin and mom Jessica Poole.

    Center: At senior recognition Woodland Dragon Devon Wilder is pictured with Mom Opal Seeley. 

    Right: Woodland Dragon senior Jaidyn Williams is pictured with mom Tara, little sister Brayli, and grandparents Toni and Rocky Williams at the senior recognition on Saturday. (Photos by John Rogers)

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  4. Local Creates Cans 4 Cancer to Help Those Traveling for Treatment

     

    Natalie Boomer

    [email protected]

    A local woman has created an organization to help those with cancer who need to travel hours away from home in order to receive treatment. 

    Tammy Hoche of Eastport is now collecting “Cans 4 Cancer.”

    She receives donations of returnable cans and bottles from people all over Washington County and then uses the deposit money to purchase gasoline gift cards for patients traveling. 

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  5. The Beat of African Drumming Comes to Princeton Elementary School

     

    Kaileigh Deacon 

    There have been many things that students have lost out on with the precautions surrounding COVID-19. One thing that has suffered during the pandemic is access for students to musical instruction. Due to restrictions, schools have had a hard time figuring out how to get students the musical instruction that is essential to their total education. 

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  6. Pembroke Child Care Facility Meets a Community Need

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    It is a common fact that finding child care is a difficult task, as the quality child care providers in the area are usually at capacity and with long waitlists.  For one local woman, Tabitha Bennett, of Pembroke, becoming a solution to the problem was an easy decision, and that’s why she decided to open her own in-home child care.

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  7. Downtown Calais Rink Seeing Lots of Skaters

     

    These kids are just some of many who have been enjoying the new downtown skating rink.  (Submitted photo)

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  8. Emily Curtis Scores 1,000th Point

     

    Woodland’s Emily Curtis, a senior, scored her 1,000th career point in high school basketball at a home game last week.  Going into the game, Curtis needed 22 points to reach the feat, and conquered that in the fourth quarter with 3:37 left on the clock.  Her performance lifted the Dragons to a 50-19 victory over the Narraguagus Knights in the teams' season opener.  (Photo by John Rogers) Order Customized Action Shots At: [email protected]

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  9. Sewall Memorial Congregational Church

     

    Bonnie Lyons

    454-3252

    There will be no church services until Palm Sunday.

    The picture is of the steps that are on the side of the church. Someone started a fire on the steps. Please if anyone sees someone around the church that looks suspicious please call me. 

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  10. Support for Boy Provided by Staff at Downeast Credit Union and Downeast Insurance

     

    On Friday, January 15th, team Members from all of the eight Downeast Credit Union and Downeast Insurance branches dressed down in red to show support for the family of little Jace Griffin.  

    Jace is a four-year-old boy from Edmunds who was recently rushed to Boston Children's Hospital where he went through an 11-hour surgery and is now healing.  The Downeast Team opened up their own wallets and contributed $500 to help support Jace in his recovery and his family as they heal. 

    All of those at Downeast Credit Union and Downeast Insurance say, "Get well soon, Jace!"

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  11. Calais Regional Hospital Implements COVID-19 Information Line

     

    Due to continued limits on COVID-19 vaccine availability, Maine is using a phased approach to providing the vaccine, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.  As the state begins to transition from Phase 1a into Phase 1b, Calais Regional Hospital announced the implementation of its COVID-19 information telephone line, (207) 454-9299.  Messages cannot be left at the number; only vaccination availability details are provided.  

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  12. Local UPS Drivers Save Man’s Life After Motor Vehicle Accident

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Our local UPS drivers are greatly appreciated for their delivery service, bringing us our awaited packages, however, on a day just recently, two UPS drivers did much more than that and are credited with saving the lives of a man and his dog.

    Two weeks ago, UPS driver Josh Gillespie made a stop at an East Machias home.  This particular stop was not supposed to be part of Gillespie’s route that day, so he took care of it very first thing.  

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  13. Woodland High School Inducts Three to National Honor Society

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    At Woodland High School, last Thursday evening, three students were inducted to that school’s chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS).  Advisor Ms. Kimberly Mason welcomed the members and inductees in attendance, including one participating virtually, and students, families, friends, and faculty members watching the livestream from home.   

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  14. Calais High School Inducts Nine to National Honor Society

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Last Thursday evening, Calais High School held its annual National Honor Society (NHS) Induction ceremony.  Due to COVID-19 guidelines, each NHS member was permitted two family members to attend in person, while others viewed from home, thanks to the event being live streamed on the school’s Facebook page.

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  15. Unity?

     

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  16. Democratic Governor Damages Small Businesses for Receiving Federal COVID Relief Funds by State Budget Provisions, Effectively Creating a Confiscation Tax

     

    Should the state of Maine impose a tax on the federal emergency loan funds sent to Maine’s private businesses who were forced to shut down last year?

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  17. O. Henry Meets George Orwell

     

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  18. The Pembroke Historical Society ZOOM History Program Series:

     

    Risk & Reward Off Cape Horn: The Story of Captain Jesse Thayer Carver, of Searsport, Maine, and the Wreck of the Maine-built Downeaster St. Mary

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  19. New Community Coat Closet

     

    New community coat closet located at Immaculate Conception Church, 21 Calais Avenue in Calais. Open on February 7 and 21 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Coats, hats, mittens and scarves are available. Items for men, women and children all free of charge. Mask must be worn and there is a limit of 5 people inside. Contact tracing information will be collected.

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  20. Local Creates Handmade Pendants Inspired by Downeast Maine

     

    Natalie Boomer

    [email protected]

    A local woman has turned her hobby into a business.

    Chelsea Hampton creates resin jewelry and ornaments inspired by the great state of Maine.

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  21. COVID-19 Vaccine Questions Answered

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    With the coronavirus vaccine giving people a sense of promise that things may get back to normal, many questions are still being asked, specifically why one still must follow social distancing of at least six feet and still wear a mask in public, among the other pandemic precautions, even after having received the vaccine.  We reached out to Robert Long, of the Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC), for answers to some common questions.

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  22. Princeton Elem. School Spelling Bee

     

    On Friday, January 15, Princeton Elementary School held its annual spelling bee with fans joining via Zoom. Participants were: grade 6: Nathan Batson and Alex Chesebrough; grade 7: Tristan Crowe; grade 8: Evan Borden, Rain Dee-Charles, and Jack Surles. Winners are shown in the picture with Nate placing first, Alex 3rd, and Rain 2nd. Congratulations to all the participants! (Submitted by Michele Cochran-Barnes, assistant to the principal Princeton Elementary School)

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  23. EMEC Assists Refuge with Eagle Nesting Platform Repairs

     

    Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge recently shared the following information to its Facebook page:  The original bald eagle nesting platform on the Magurrewock Marsh was erected in the late 1980s and was intended for use by ospreys as an alternative to potentially nesting on nearby electrical transmission line poles.  The platform was first used by ospreys in 1990, but in 1991 a pair of bald eagles re-established their territory and took over the platform.

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  24. Eastport Health Care Begins Vaccinating Staff

     

    Eastport Health Care recently received a partial shipment of COVID-19 vaccines from the State of Maine, in accordance with phase 1a of the plan to vaccinate healthcare workers. 

     “Over the coming weeks,” EHC’s Facebook page read, “we plan to receive the remaining vaccine doses allocated to our healthcare staff.  We are excited about the protection it offers us, in order to safely provide care to our community!”

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  25. Karen M. Polley

    Karen M. Polley, 73, passed away peacefully in her home after a brief battle with ovarian cancer on December 16, 2020. She was born in Calais, Maine on May 15, 1947 to Leo L. and Ruth E. (Durling) Kneeland of Wesley, Maine. The second of three children, she is predeceased by her elder sister, Donna (Kneeland) Eagan, and younger brother, Leo L. Kneeland Jr. She attended Calais High School and received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Maine. Karen spent the last 30 years helping families in DownEast Maine as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

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  26. Chance Posting Reunites Man with Class Ring, 32 Years Later

     

    Sarah Craighead Dedmon

    Richard Skinner doesn’t know exactly when he lost his class ring, but guesses it was not long after he graduated from Baileyville’s Woodland High School in 1989.  

    “I had lost it so long ago, I figured it was long gone,” said Skinner. “I wasn’t even looking for it.”

    It turns out he did not have to. Now, thanks to an enthusiastic community effort on Facebook, Skinner will soon be reunited with his ring, and it all began when Mary White received a text from a total stranger.

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  27. Fort McHenry or Fort Sumter?

     

    Donald Trump incited a riot on January 6th. In doing so, he destroyed much of what he accomplished, validated the complaints about his narcissism, divisiveness and character flaws, and invalidated the legitimate grievances of his 75 million supporters about stolen elections, Black Lives Matter and Antifa “mostly peaceful” violence, arson and riots, media bias and leftist hypocrisy. He managed to legitimize the Biden crime family and provide aid and comfort to the very socialists and leftist tyranny he opposed. 

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  28. Virtual Winter Camp Gives Kids Chance to Win a Lifetime Fishing License

     

    Natalie Boomer

    [email protected]

    The Maine Youth Fish and Game Association is hosting a virtual winter camp throughout the months of January and February.

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  29. Rep. Perry Suggests Maine Decriminalize Use or Possession of Hard Drugs

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    A bill that could come before Maine’s 130th legislature, one that would suggest decriminalizing use or possession of class W, X, Y and Z drugs, is being introduced by Rep. Anne Perry (D-Calais).  

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  30. King Grant Awarded to Lincoln Memorial Public Library

     

    The Lincoln Memorial Public Library in Dennysville is the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation for urgent repairs and future planning.  “We couldn’t be more grateful for this timely gift,” says the Chairman of the Library’s Board of Trustees, Colin Windhorst.  “We look forward to working with the community,” he adds, “to ensure the Library continues to serve the needs of the people well into the 21st  century.”

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  31. Woodland Parks and Recreation Department Prepares for Ice Skating

     

    Natalie Boomer 

    [email protected]

    Snow has finally made its way into Washington County and many have been patiently waiting to start partaking in fun winter sports and activities. 

    The Town of Baileyville usually has a skating rink for families in the area and this year will not be any different.

    “Just waiting on some colder weather for the ice to thicken up. 

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  32. City Crews Busy With Snow Removal

     

    First thing Monday morning, city crews began the work of clearing snow.  When piled up, the snow causes issues with navigation, blocking sight lines, making storefront and driveway access difficult.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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  33. Sustainable Community Million Dollar Homes on Howard Lake Can Be Reserved Now

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Plans to build 50 sustainably-designed homes at Howard Lake are in works for the development group Sustainable Community Partners (SCP), according to one of its four members, Randall Solomon, who lives in New Jersey.  

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  34. Lace Up Your Skates: Downtown Rink is Ready

     

    Some kids took advantage of the nice winter weather over the weekend and tried out the new ice rink on Main Street.  The rink was purchased by Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC) and put in place recently by Calais Recreation and Public Works Departments.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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  35. CRH Begins Vaccinating Employees Against COVID-19

    On Wednesday, Dec.

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  36. Head Start Offered Virtually

     

    Natalie Boomer 

    [email protected]

    Downeast Community Partners is now offering a Head Start program online to help younger children learn and grow throughout the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    Teachers will be available to help parents learn and explore at home. 

    “Head Start at home can be fun for your child and helpful for you,” said Trista Eaton, Enrollment Specialist at DCP. 

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  37. New Restaurant to Open this Spring

     

    Kaileigh Deacon 

    The days are shorter and darker but are starting to get longer. We’ve finally left 2020 in the past, so despite the snow-covered ground, things are looking up. The start of a new year can mean changes and opportunities. The new year has resulted in a new restaurant for Main Street in Calais.

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  38. Baileyville PD Kicks Off New Year with Free Hot Dogs

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Baileyville Police Department kicked off 2021 by bringing out the grill and treating folks with a New Year’s Day hot dog stand, all in an effort to bring the community together with much needed positivity and friendship.

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  39. Eastport City Council Votes in Favor of Reinstating Fired Police Chief

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    On Monday night, Jan. 4, Eastport City Council met for “a hearing on a Request for a Notice of Appeal” to the council “by an Employee with Regard to Termination of Employment.”  After approximately two hours of discussion, the council voted in favor to reinstate Police Chief Peter Harris.

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  40. Calais Fire-EMS Begins COVID-19 Vaccinations

     

    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.  

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  41. Location to Change for Brewery Set to Open in Calais

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

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  42. CHS All-Time Leading Scorer Lauren Cook Honored

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    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.”  

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  43. Princeton Man, Deer Rescued from Frigid Waters

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Water rescue training provides first responders with knowledge and skills required to safely and effectively respond to rescue and recovery events in, on, and around the water.  That type of training came in handy for members of Princeton Fire Department on Monday when they were called to an incident involving a man in the water.

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  44. Santa and the Grinch Get a Tour of Calais, Thanks to Fire Association

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    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.  

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  45. Sewall Memorial Congregational Church

     

    Bonnie Lyons

    454-3252

    We will not be having church services again until Palm Sunday.

    Helen Brooks is shining the front window of the church in memory of her husbands brother Charles Brooks. He was killed when his platoon landed in Italy on December 24, 1943. He was only 19 years old. See photo below.

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