By Conrad Black

The most immense and dangerous public scandal in American history is finally cracking open like a ripe pomegranate. The broad swath of the Trump-hating media that has participated in what has amounted to an unconstitutional attempt to overthrow the government are reduced to reporting the events and revelations of the scandal in which they have been complicit, in a po-faced ho-hum manner to impart to the misinformed public that this is as routine as stock market fluctuations or the burning of an American flag in Tehran.

Congratulations to Calais JHS basketball as they captured the 2019 County Championship with a 50-39 win over runner-up Woodland JHS. Pacing the win was Jace Cook and Ryland Sabattus each with 15-points and Alex Richard and Matt Dana each adding 8-points. On the Dragon ledger Ethan Monk hit 10-points and Brogan Brown added 9-points; Shain McIver and Nate Scharff each had 4-points. Pictured for Calais are l-r:  Reece Sabattus, Coach Nib Sabattus, Ryland Sabattus, Landon Ritchie, Ales Richard, Zack Johnson, Matt Dana, Jace Cook, Aidon Benson, Josh Calder, and Coach Hornbrook.

The St. Croix Knights of Columbus #149, held their Council Free Throw Contest, this past Saturday, March 2nd, at the Woodland High School. The proud winners, posed for a photo with the local Knights.

Four boys are 10 to 13, were named Council champions of the 2019 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship and have earned the right to compete at the State Level. The St. Croix Council #149 in Calais, sponsored the local competition at the Calais Elementary School. All youngsters ages 9 to 14 were eligible to participate.

By Lura Jackson

An orphaned boy goes on to join the Canadian Army during World War I, leads his platoon, negotiates a frontline truce, and is later decorated by King George V. While Gordon Lasky never called himself a hero, his story tells of the finest kind of heroism – one based on principles of fairness and goodwill. Lasky’s exceptional biography has been captured in the newly-released New Brunswick Lad: Memories of a World War I Canadian Soldier by Red Beach native Dr. Ken Ross.

By Lura Jackson

After nearly 24 years, Shirley Ray Coburn has retired from First National Bank in Calais. A retirement celebration for Coburn was held at the branch on Friday, March 1st.

“I don’t really have any plans,” Coburn said. “Just to enjoy life.” She plans to do so with her husband, Barry, at their family camp as well as by visiting her three sons and five grandchildren, currently spread between Colorado, Albuquerque, and Delaware.

By Lura Jackson

What’s better than being able to enjoy locally produced homemade desserts and fresh bread? The answer – at least according to Crumbs and Katahdin House, Calais’s most popular dessert makers – is being able to get them at more places. 

Both eateries are expanding into other businesses around Calais, and the response thus far has been enthusiastic.

Crumbs available at Yancy’s, Motor Inn

Living in a remote rural area like Washington County is synonymous with traveling long distances for certain kinds of medical care, including cancer treatment. The combination of travel and lodging is often too much for local families to handle on their own – and that’s where the Ronald McDonald House and Sarah’s House come in, offering free lodging to those in need. The role of these organizations is so important that the Student Senate of Washington County Community College coordinates the Polar Bear Dip every year to support them.

A vehicle fire in a Baring trailer park on Thursday, February 21st was rapidly handled by the Baileyville Fire Department. The fire, according to Baileyville Fire Chief John McPhee, fully engulfed the front half of the vehicle. Once responders arrived, it was contained within five minutes. The vehicle was parked next to a home but was pulled back to prevent the fire from spreading. No damage took place to the nearby properties. (Photo by Wendy Little)

By Lura Jackson

“Oh, the places you’ll go” – the Dr. Seuss quote is often used to encourage students at Calais Middle High School in considering their future, and it rarely feels more appropriate than when reflecting on the highly successful career of a CMHS graduate. After graduating from CMHS in 2004, Anav Silverman has gone on to become a respected and prolific international journalist.

Posted by Silent-Strength on Facebook:

Jim Walker (custodian at Princeton Elementary in Princeton, Maine) purchased a Silent Strength t-shirt, because he wanted to give it to a deserving student. After conferring with Ms. Disher, they chose to give the shirt to Lucian. Here is the response that Ms. Disher sent to us as to why they picked Lucian. May God bless all of the “Lucians” out there who are making a positive impact on all of the students (and adults) in their schools!

By Lura Jackson

One of Calais Middle High School’s [CMHS] greatest basketball stars has been recognized with a truly distinguished honorific. Becky Moholland Ireland is one of 24 inductees this year to the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame, and the first person from Calais to receive such an award.

One of the most popular Main Street eateries has taken a major step forward by reopening in an adjacent storefront. Katahdin Coffee House – soon to be known as simply Katahdin House – is now located at iconic Bank Corner in the heart of downtown Calais, and the new, much larger venue is creating a significant buzz.