2nd CD Riffs

 

Jon Reisman

Golden is running against former Congressmen Bruce Poliquin and Independent Tiffany Bond. I cannot bring myself to vote for any of them.
We got an envelope and card from Ms. Bond last week, which was a refreshing break from the glossy mailers supporting or attacking Mills, LePage, Golden and Poliquin with assorted lies and half-truths. Ms. Bond invited me to e-mail her any questions I had. She responded pretty quickly:

Read More

K9 Memphis for the Win

 

K9 Memphis of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was last week requested to assist the Penobscot Sheriff’s Office in Clifton, where K9 Memphis located over 300 grams of methamphetamine hidden inside a vehicle on Oct. 24. Memphis is handled by Deputy Toni Bridges and worked together with K9 Kia. Good job, K9 Memphis! (Photo courtesy Washington County Sheriff’s Office)

 

Read More

Chambers Receives Endorsement from Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township

 

Jake Chambers, Republican candidate for House District 9, recently met with Passamaquoddy Chief Billy Nicholas and was awarded full endorsement of the tribe, according to Chambers.  

“We had great conversation, discussing everything from tribal issues, the economics of fuel oil, cost of gasoline, and the cost of food,” Chambers said of the meeting.  

“We also discussed the drug epidemic and the loss of lives in this area,” he added, both topics on which Chambers has heavily focused throughout his campaign.  

Read More

Calais Junior High Soccer

 

Calais 8th graders recently played their final soccer game before they move up to high school next season.  Those student-athletes are Sarah Wentworth, Mackenzie Smith, Mikah Smith, Liam Travis, Noah White, Kaci Small, Wyatt Short, Bradley Walton, and Parker Bailey. (Submitted photo)

Read More

CHS Runners Qualify for States

 

At the recently-held regional cross country race in Belfast, Calais High School runners Bailey O’Rourke (left photo) and Phillip Bassett (shown right in right photo) both qualified for the state race held in Cumberland last weekend.  (Submitted photos)

 

Read More

Holiday Bazaar Expected to Draw Hundreds

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

The Holiday Bazaar at Calais Middle/High School will surely be one not to miss.  Slated for Saturday, November 19th, the event will allow all to get a headstart on their holiday shopping, while supporting the students in grades 7 and 8 with a trip of a lifetime.

Read More

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

 
Like the 1971 Five Man Electric Band song “Signs” (covered by Tesla in 1990) says, “Sign, sign | Everywhere a sign | Blocking’ out the scenery | Breakin’ my mind,” campaign signs are a common sight leading up to Election Day.  

Nearly all candidates utilize this type of advertising, specifically for name recognition.  But regardless of whether or not these types of signs influence how one votes, there is plenty of regulation surrounding them.

Read More

DOT Sign with Misspelling to be Replaced

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

This sign, erected by the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) on Baring Street in Calais, indicates that downtown St. Stephens is just 3 miles away.  The town referenced on the sign, however, is actually spelled without an S on the end: St. Stephen.  

Read More

Students Working to Prepare Veterans Ceremony

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

The tradition of celebrating veterans continues at Calais Middle/High School with its annual Veterans Ceremony, set for Thursday, November 10.  

The ceremony is organized and executed by Mrs. Lori Ellis’s AP English class.  Because of the global pandemic, however, this will be the first year it has been held since 2019.

Each student in the class has been assigned to specific tasks in preparation of the event.  

Read More

Polls, Press, Propaganda and Predictions

 

Jon Reisman

Read More

SCRFHC Director Receives General Excellence Award

 

St. Croix Regional Family Health Center is pleased to announce that Executive Director Cori LaPlant has been recognized and awarded the 2022 General Excellence Award from the Maine Primary Care Association.

The General Excellence Award is presented to an individual, clinician or care team member who models the highest standards of care for the underserved, reaches high standards of quality care, adopts and advances innovations as part of the primary care team, promotes

Read More

Community Chorus to Present ‘A Harvest of Song’

 

Quoddy Voices, our region's community chorus, once again takes the stage with a pair of concerts on Friday, November 18, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 20, at 3 p.m., at Eastport Arts Center. The chorus’ program, ‘A Harvest of Song,’ celebrates the season of thanksgiving as well as the upcoming feast day of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians.

Read More

Poppy Day

 

Pictured left: Local Girl Scouts and grandchildren provide support for local Poppy Day collection for VFW. All funds collected stay in the community to benefit veterans. Pictured right: VFW Commander David Sivret presents Poppy Buddy Volunteer pins. (Submitted photos)

Read More

WCCC Welcomes New Trio Director

 

Washington County Community College would like to introduce Rob Schadt, the new Director of TRIO Student Support Services (SSS).

TRIO SSS is an esteemed program that serves students who are working to achieve their academic and lifetime goals. TRIO SSS provides services like tutoring, academic advising transfer services, career counseling, financial literacy education, accessibility services, cultural events, college fairs, seminars, workshops, and more.

Read More

American Legion Post #3 Heats Things up with Chili Cook Off

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

It's the perfect time of year for chili, and American Legion Sherman Brothers Post #3 is heating things up with a chili cook off.
On Sunday, November 20, all are invited to the Calais Veterans Center at 255 Main Street between noon and 3 p.m.  

There, according to Commander Jim Myers, attendees can make a donation of one’s choosing to sample ten different chili recipes and then cast their votes for their favorite.  

Read More

CPD Sees Increased Number of Motorists Passing School Buses Illegally

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

According to Calais Police Department Sgt. Matt Vinson, the number of motorists passing school buses when lights are flashing has increased in recent weeks.

Passing school buses with lights flashing is a major safety concern, Vinson explained, and each year, many local drivers are issued summonses for driving around school buses parked in the schoolyard while the bus lights are flashing.  

Read More

Food Pantry Donation Match at Pratt Returns Again throughout November

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

It is that time of year again, when Pratt auto dealership matches food pantry donations, making November a great month to make a contribution to your local food pantry.

Recognizing how great the need is for the pantries in Washington County and in an effort to decrease food insecurity locally, businessman Ian Pratt is again doing a donation-match campaign for the entire month, dollar for dollar, up to $7,500, an increase from prior years’ $5,000.  

Read More

International Feztival of Trees Back Next Month

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

The International Feztival of Trees has been a highlight of the Christmas season since it began in Calais in 2016, with exception of 2020 when it was halted by the pandemic.  This year, it returns and promises to be an impressive event for all.

Read More

Princeton Students Get Inspired by Island Readers & Writers Visit

Natalie Boomer
[email protected]

On Tuesday, November 8th, The Island Readers & Writers visited Princeton Elementary School.
The Island Readers & Writers work to inspire a passion for reading and learning among children on Maine’s coastal islands and in rural communities in Washington County.

Read More

Sheriff Asks for Four More Deputies; County Weighs Whether it Can Afford Them

 

Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Responding to an increase in violent crime and a reduction in local state police coverage, Washington County Sheriff Barry Curtis has asked the county to fund the hiring of four additional patrol deputies, a budget increase of almost $700,000, including equipment and cars.

Read More

Motorists Reminded of Move Over Law

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

In light of Crash Responders Safety Week, November 14 through 18, all drivers are reminded to slow down and move over when encountering any emergency vehicle or public service vehicle stopped with flashing lights.  

These types of vehicles include police cruisers, ambulances, fire trucks, tow trucks, wreckers, and highway safety vehicles, such as those used by DOT.  

Read More

Honey Beer for Hospice is a Successful Fund Raiser

 

The Lubec Brewing Company in Lubec has created "Honey Beer for Hospice" for the last three years to benefit Down East Hospice Volunteers (DEHV), the only volunteer hospice program in Washington County. The honey is provided by Mark and Arlene Wren, of Robbinston, from their hard-working busy bees. The brew is created by Gale White and McGinley Jones, owners of the brewery.

Read More

As New DA, Granger Talks Priorities, including Record County Case Backlog

 

Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Bob Granger is ready to catch his breath. He’s spent the past five months on the campaign trail while continuing his work with Acadia Law Group in Ellsworth. Those efforts paid off and Granger, an Independent, won the Nov. 8 election for District Attorney of Prosecutorial District  7, defeating two-term Republican incumbent Matt Foster with a 3-point lead.

Read More

Dead River Hosting Big Heating Oil Giveaway for Calais-area Residents

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

With home heating fuel prices having skyrocketed this season, many are feeling anxiety around how they will make it through the cold winter months.  Dead River Company in Calais wants to help.  

Manager Stacy Crosby came up with a unique way to assist local folks with heating their homes.  As a thank you to those in the greater Calais community, a drawing will provide ten people with $500 each to use for fuel for their tanks.

Read More

Calais High School Students Pay Tribute with Veterans Ceremony

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

For the first time since 2019, Mrs. Lori Ellis’ AP English class at Calais High School was able to host a Veterans Ceremony.  The event drew many, leaving standing room only in the school’s cafetorium on Thursday, November 10.    

The ceremony began with the Color Guard presenting the flags, followed by a welcome speech, thanking and honoring all veterans, given by Danielle White.  

Read More

Veterans Day Flag Waving in Alexander

 

Just a few of the kids that waved flags on Veterans Day thanking veterans for their service were Joseph Spencer, Blake Spencer, Stephen Seavey, Olga Brady, Ellah Seavey, and Carlos Oakes Jr. (Submitted photo)

Read More

Arthur Mingo Sworn in as New Calais Mayor

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

Calais City Council held a special organizational meeting last Thursday, November 10, 2022, where new Mayor Arthur Mingo took his oath to office.

Mingo captured 745 of the mayoral votes at the municipal election held on November 8.  Billy Howard, who served the last two terms as the city’s mayor, received 327 votes, while newcomer Bryan Stevens took 144.

Read More

Mill Workers Prepare to Strike if Agreement Cannot be Reached, Union Says

 

USW Local 27 members at Woodland Pulp are on the verge of a “strike vote,” according to a press release from a spokesperson at Maine AFL-CIO on Thursday, November 17. 

The workers are “demanding that the company present a contract offer that provides high enough wage increases to keep up with the cost of living.”  

Read More

Thanksgiving

 

Jon Reisman

Bitter cynicism is a recipe for heartburn and despair. It is not a healthy state of being, and I have been struggling to find a more positive state of mind in the wake of a very disappointing election for Maine and the nation. It also makes it hard to write a Thanksgiving column, but here goes-

Read More

Chili Cook Off Proves Successful for American Legion Post #3

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

American Legion Post #3 held its first-ever Chili Cook Off on Sunday, November 20 at the Veterans Center, 255 Main Street, Calais.

Organized by Commander Jim Myers, the cook off brought the best chilis from local chefs, just for fun, but more importantly, all in an effort to raise funds for veterans.

Read More

WCCC Students Construct LED Sign

 

Students from Washington County Community College’s Residential & Commercial Electricity class recently completed a project to acknowledge a Maine National Guard Troop recently deployed to Poland.

The students worked as a group and used their newly-acquired electrical skills to construct an LED-lighted WCCC sign. A picture and a short video message were sent to Sgt. Alex Clifford and his National Guard Troops.  Clifford was Academic Dean at WCCC for several years before moving to another college.

 

Read More

Calais High School Inducts Six to National Honor Society

 

Last Thursday evening, Calais High School held its annual National Honor Society (NHS) Induction Ceremony with six new members welcomed into the organization.  Those students inducted were Kaitlin Morrell, Bailey O'Rourke, Tia Murphy, Cadence Braughton, Noah Hart, and Keegan Trainor.  (CHS photo)

 

Read More

Calais to Celebrate Shop Small, Community Tree Lighting this Saturday

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

The community is invited to Calais’s tree lighting event this Saturday evening, Nov. 26.

As a new event hosted by the St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce, all are welcome to gather downtown at the triangle park beginning at 4:30.  

At that time, Calais Visitor Information Center will be offering free hot chocolate and cider, while the ladies of the Lioness Club will provide goodies and sweets.  

Read More

Nova Night Slated for Wednesday at WHS

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

It’s no secret that basketball is big in Downeast Maine, but what’s even bigger is the number of community members who step up to help when others are in need.

The varsity basketball teams at Woodland High School, along with the senior class, are doing just that with a pre-season game event next week.

According to boys’ Coach Ryan Lincoln, the boys’ and girls’ teams will each host Deer-Isle Stonington for some pre-season action this Wednesday, November 30.

Read More

Lioness Announce Wreaths for Hope Founder Artie Mingo as Parade Grand Marshal

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

The Calais Lioness Club is always working on some type of great event, all to raise funds for those in need in the greater Calais area.  For the last couple of weeks, however, the focus of the club has been on the 25th Annual Lioness Christmas Parade.  This one event draws hundreds to downtown Calais on the first Friday of each December, this year, December 2.

Read More

Chamber of Commerce Names O’Brien’s as Business of the Year

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

It was a packed house last Thursday, November 17, 2022, for the annual meeting and awards banquet of St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Held at Calais Motor Inn, tickets to the event, which also included dinner and a comedy act, were sold out earlier in the week, with 100 people in attendance.  

Read More

Holiday Shopping Kicks Off at Bazaar

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

As expected, the Holiday Bazaar held at Calais Middle/High School last Saturday drew many to kick off their holiday shopping.

The event was a first one at the school, all to raise funds for the middle school’s trip to Washington, D.C.  The educational experience is set for April, and to help alleviate some of the financial burden on parents, fundraisers, such as the bazaar, are being held to help offset the associated costs.

Read More

‘Please don’t come any closer, Santa. I’m only here for the candy.’

 

Three-year-old Asher got his first visit of the season with Santa on Saturday when he attended the Holiday Bazaar at Calais Middle/High School.  Asher kept a close watch on the bearded man, and instead of a traditional visit, opted only for a candy cane.  Learn more about the Holiday Bazaar and see more photos on page 14 of this week's The Calais Advertiser.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

Read More

Game Theory Rx: Tit for Tat

 

Jon Reisman

Elections have Consequences- Barack Obama

Read More

Beware: Maine Law Mandates Fines for Not Clearing Snow from Vehicle Roof

 

Jayna Smith
jayna@calais

 
The morning rush may have you skipping clearing the windshield and rooftop of your vehicle, but those not taking the few minutes necessary to brush off the snow and ice before hitting the road may be slapped with a fine.

Leaving a buildup of snow and ice on one’s windshield poses a threat with the increased likelihood of an accident, said Calais Police Sgt. Matt Vinson. 

Read More

County Says No to Four Deputies, Approves One Citing Rising Cost of Everything

Sarah Craighead Dedmon

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will hire one new deputy in 2023, not four, as requested by Sheriff Barry Curtis, following a vigorous debate and a 5 to 3 vote from the county budget advisory committee (BAC) on Monday, Nov. 21.

Read More

Expectations High for Blue Devils Basketball

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

The Calais boys, under second-year Blue Devil Coach Dean Preston, are anxious to get back on the court for regular season play this month.

Having lost two players from last season to graduation, the Blue Devils are determined to build on the chemistry they ended with last season, Preston explained.  The Blue Devils finished last year with a 10-9 record.

Read More

Lady Dragons Return Four Starters

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

The Woodland girls’ varsity basketball team, led by second-year coach Mark Hornbrook, has 13 players on its roster this year.

Having lost just one player last season to graduation, Hornbrook said he is anticipating a more successful run this year with five seniors on the team and four returning starters.  

Read More

Winter Parking Ban in Effect

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

With the winter months comes parking ban enforcement, and Calais Police Department reminds motorists to be mindful…or risk getting towed.

According to Sgt. Matt Vinson, the winter parking ban is now in effect.  This means that parking is prohibited on city streets or in city-owned parking lots between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.  

Read More

Volunteers Light up Memorial Park Bandstand with Christmas Trees

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

In true Calais-community fashion, some locals have come together to add some holiday spirit for all to enjoy.  

Johnny Chambers and Lorraine Mitchell both took to Facebook recently asking if anyone might have an artificial Christmas tree to donate.  Any trees received would be used to light up the Main Street Memorial Park bandstand.  

Read More

St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce Kicks off Christmas Season in Calais

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce helped spread holiday spirit when it hosted its Community Tree Lighting and Gathering last Saturday night.  

The event was a first for the Chamber and was well attended, with over 100 people braving the cold at Triangle Park for the occasion.  

Read More

‘Truly One of a Kind’: Community Mourns Unexpected Passing of Chaplain Major David Sivret

 

Jayna Smith
[email protected]

“David always said that as a chaplain he needed to be a comedian, as laughter has great healing power,” Chaplain Major David Sivret’s family shared.  “He also was known to say that Jesus was a carpenter and fed the people both physically and spiritually and he worked hard to follow the example of Christ.”

Read More