The Machias Valley News Observer was honored with the 2019 Business of the Year Award at the Machias Bay Chamber of Commerce Auction and Dinner held Friday, April 26. Angela Fochesato of Healthy Acadia announced the award.

By Jayna Smith

After our story regarding the health inspector’s findings at Chen Garden was first published in the April 18, 2019 edition, we received many comments regarding concerns with the other Chinese restaurant in town.  We made several attempts to obtain copies of and information from inspections of that location but received no response from Emily Spencer, Public Information Officer of Maine’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or from Lisa Silva, Program Manager of that state department.

By Jayna Smith

Many understand that keeping unused or expired prescription medications that are no longer being used is a safety issue.  Accidental poisoning, misuse and even overdose can result when these medications get into the wrong hands. 

 Last Saturday was National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  According to its website (www.takebackday.dea.gov), the day addresses an important public safety and public health issue. 

By Natalie Boomer

By Kaileigh Deacon

Pageants mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people; for some, it is a fun, exciting adventure and others it’s not something they want to have anything to do with. For Sherry Sivret, pageants have been something she has been participating in since high school and something she has found to be a meaningful part of her life. “It pushes me out of my comfort zone and pushes me to be a better person,” Sherry said.

Troopers said the large pickup truck overturned and struck a tree.   Both men were not wearing seat belts and they were hauling a load of scrap metal on the trailer.  The crash took place about a mile and a half from the Route 1 intersection.

By Jayna Smith

A single-vehicle accident last Wednesday morning, May 1st, claimed the life of an Edmunds man and sent another to the hospital.  The accident occurred at approximately 9:45 a.m. on Route 214 in Pembroke, about a mile and a half from the intersection of Route 1. 

 Stephen McCausland, spokesperson for the Maine State Police, said 35-year-old Michael Kilby of Edmunds was driving a 2008 Chevrolet K3500 pickup truck, towing a trailer with a load of scrap.  The truck lost control and went off the road, striking a tree. 

By Jayna Smith

Last week, The Calais Advertiser received a photo from a concerned reader.  The photo, which the reader said was a recent one, showed debris dumped on the waterfront walkway.  The trash included an automobile tire and a tricycle. 

 As a result of the photo, The Calais Advertiser followed up with City Manager Mike Ellis. Ellis received an update from the city’s public works department about the area where the trash was found.  He assures residents that areas such as this one will be cleaned up soon.

By Jayna Smith

Children are taught from a very young age to respect the environment, yet some litter being found around town is being left by adults.  This is evident by the type of packaging that is being noticed.   

By Natalie Boomer

By Jayna Smith

The Major League Baseball Jr. Home Run Derby is back for a second year in Calais. This fun and exciting youth competition is hosted by Calais-Area Fall Baseball, under the direction of coaches Matt Vinson and Matt Dana. 

 This local event is a free way for all area youngsters to showcase their hitting abilities, with the opportunity of competing at the National Finals in Cleveland during MLB All-Star Week in July.

By Jayna Smith

A Sunday morning fire was caused by “improperly disposed of cigarette butts,” according to Calais Fire Chief Ken Clark.  The department received the alarm to an apartment house at 91 North Street around 9 a.m. Sunday morning.  

“The cigarette butts were placed in a plastic cup outside the apartment on the deck next to the entrance door,” Chief Clark explained.  

By Kaileigh Deacon

Benefits have been a way to help families in need and bring communities together in a way that continually astounds and amazes everyone. There is no support system like small communities, which is shown time and time again with the resounding turnout for each benefit.

For the benefit for Pheobe Lloyd and her family to help with the medical costs, not only was the turnout incredible but the support was above and beyond what anyone could ever have imagined.

By Natalie Boomer

Pictured is the Calais High School Lady Blue Devil softball team. Members include front l-r: Sophie McVicar, Madyson Parks, Grace Duplisea, Kelsey LaCoote, Mackenzie LaPointe, Ivy McLellan, and Trinity Jones. Back l-r: Assistant Coach Kari Cole, Haley Calder, Brynne Lander, Hannah Gadway, Haley-Ann Way, Alexis Donahue, Sage Phillips, Allison Yost, and Coach Toby Cole. (Photo by John Rogers)

By Kaileigh Deacon

At the council meeting on Thursday night, the Calais City Council heard a proposal from Wireless Partners regarding placement of a cell tower in the center of Calais. Todd Rich of Wireless Partners and Rising Tide Towers came before the council to present the proposal to build a cell tower in the Meridian Park on the hill by the recreation department parking lot.

By Jayna Smith

Dubbed the “coolest shop in town,” Artemis’s Attic is well-known for its vast selection of wares.  Included at “The Attic” is furniture, antiques, handmade items, artwork, jewelry, brand-name bags and purses, candles, and so much more.  With so many offerings, there is undoubtedly something for everyone.  “We have a lot of old, we have a lot of new,” owner Shari Doten said. 

By Natalie Boomer

Members of the Calais 8th Grade Class braved the chilly spring temperatures on Saturday to stand outside Walmart to collect nonperishable items for the Irene Chadborune Ecumenical Food Pantry. This was part of their community service work to help fund their class trip. 

Pictured is the Calais High School Blue Devil baseball team. Members include front l-r: Bernie Yost, Gavin Parks, Kobe Saunders, Tony Dana, Zach Bridges, Jarrod Mcdonald, and Ti Bennett. Back l-r: Coach Marc Rohde, Kyle Richard, Justice Bassett, John Socobasin, Blake Collins, Sebastian Moore, Alex Newsome, Dawson Critchley, David Damon, and Coach Matt Dana. (Photo by John Rogers)

By Jayna Smith

Police in Massachusetts are searching for a former Princeton, Maine woman.  Jacqueline “Jackie” Coutinho, age 53, was last seen on the morning Wednesday, May 15th in Hinsdale, Massachusetts.  She had been spending time there with her sister for the last month.

Coutinho is described as a white female, approximately 5’ 6”, 130 pounds, with blonde and gray hair.  She was last seen wearing a purple and red sweater, blue jeans, and white sneakers.

By Jayna Smith

The morning of Memorial Day in Calais is always much more than a simple day to kick-off summer and enjoy friends and barbecues.  The annual parade and wreath laying service help ensure that the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces are honored and remembered.  

By Natalie Boomer

George and Jane Enman unveil the Veterans’ Memorial Monument at a ceremony at Round Pond Cemetery on Memorial Day. The monument is a gift to the Town of Charlotte from the Charlotte Historical Society. (Submitted photo)

By midday on Friday, May 17th, 137 degrees and certificates were conveyed to the graduates of Washington County Community College during its annual ceremony. As important and valuable as said credentials are, both the graduates and those addressing them focused on a relationship fostered by the WCCC experience during the event: bettering the community through individual success.