On November 17, Down East Hospice Volunteers benefited from the Lubec Brewing Company hosting an evening of music provided by LAMPS (Lubec Area Musician Philanthropic Society).  

Jayna Smith

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On Nov. 30, 2023, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Mayor Artie Mingo presiding over Councilors Mike Sherrard, Marcia Rogers, Elery Beale, Bill Quinn, and James Macdonald.  Councilor Kevin Niles was absent from the meeting.

What follows is a brief summary of the meeting, with the full meeting available for viewing on the City of Calais’s Facebook page.

Jennifer Thornaton, Senior Banking Consultant at First National Bank, presents a $250 check to Calais Lions Club members Brian Nichols and Mike McLean for its annual Santa’s Helper Program.  The program, now in its 51st year, assists local families in need during the holidays. Donations in any amount can be mailed to Calais Lions Club, PO Box 1280, Calais, ME  04619. (Lions Club photo)

Jayna Smith

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Stuff the Bus celebrated another successful year on Saturday, December 2, with donation acceptance at both Walmart and Marden’s.  Originating in 2015 under the leadership of Baileyville Police Chief Bob Fitzsimmons, the campaign aims to alleviate the holiday burden on families, ensuring a brighter Christmas for many throughout the county.

Santa takes a ride on a fire truck, thanks to Calais Fire-EMS, creating a magical conclusion to the annual Lioness Christmas Parade last Friday, Dec. 1.  See more parade photos on page 8 and watch The Calais Advertiser’s parade coverage on its Facebook page.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

A hint of skepticism and a big smile show the mixed feelings that can come when meeting Santa. (Photo by Jayna Smith) See more photos in this week's The Calais Advertiser.

Jayna Smith

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New Brunswick’s Safety Minister Kris Austin has ended the local state of emergency in St. Stephen, addressing concerns raised by Mayor Allan MacEachern over homelessness less than 48 hours after its declaration.

The declaration was made after the death of a man the weekend prior whose body was found in a park.

Jayna Smith

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This year’s Feztival of Trees drew hundreds from across Charlotte and Washington counties over the weekend to view the near-50 decorated Christmas trees, each surrounded by gifts, at Washington County Community College.  

Paul Sylvain

After three grueling days of jury selection and pre-trial discussions between attorneys and Judge Robert E. Murray Jr., the trial of accused murderers Kailie Brackett and Donnell Dana Jr. finally got underway Friday morning in Washington County Superior Court in Machias.

Brackett, 39, and Dana, 40, both of Pleasant Point, Perry, are charged with “intentional or knowing or depraved indifference murder” in the stabbing death of 43-year-old Kimberly Neptune on April 21, 2022. 

Sandra Smith

Jayna Smith

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The charitable organization Calais Lioness Club, which is deeply involved in supporting members of the greater-Calais community during challenging times, has actively participated in the ongoing donation-match campaign initiated by Pratt dealerships to benefit local food pantries. 

Jon Reisman

The explosion of campus antisemitism and support for Jewish genocide (from the river to the sea) has shocked many Americans, but for this retired professor who spent 40 years on New England college campuses, it is no surprise at all. The sources of that antisemitism are relatively easy to identify.

Calais Community Hospital recently announced its Employees of the Year.  Recipient of the non-clinical Employee of the Year is Donald Day, while Alison Perkins, RN, is the clinical Employee of the Year. 

CCH staff nominated their peers for the awards.  Factors considered were dependability, initiative, attitude, teamwork, and how they conduct themselves as CCH staff.  

Jayna Smith

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In a great display of community spirit, what initially began this season as a modest initiative to illuminate the Memorial Park bandstand for the Christmas season has blossomed into a beautiful spectacle.

Lenny Hanson, Paul Woodman, Mike Smith, Dale Holst, Jeff Maker, Joyce Maker, Norman Gardner, Connor Cooper, and Kristy Crawford all laid wreaths during the Wreaths Across America Ceremony at the Alexander Municipal Building on Saturday, December 16.

Jayna Smith

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In a game held on Wednesday, December 13, the Calais Lady Blue Devils emerged victorious against the Narraguagus Knights with a final score of 42-30.  The game marked the first home-court appearance for the Blue Devils this season.

The team, led by three returning starters from the previous season, showcased their speed and agility on the court.  Junior standout Kate McPhee contributed 19 points, seven rebounds, and five blocks.

Jayna Smith

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In light of last week’s storm, with more than 2,000 people, including 1,400 line and tree crews, on the job working to restore power, Maine State Police issued a reminder of Maine’s “Move Over” Law, urging motorists to exercise caution when encountering emergency vehicles or public service vehicles displaying flashing lights.  

Jayna Smith

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Sophomore Karleigh Smith showcased her scoring ability by netting 18 points, leading Woodland to a 30-17 victory over Calais on Friday, December 22.  Smith's performance also included contributions of six rebounds, three steals, and two assists.

Freshman Mishun Cornelius made her presence felt with six points and an impressive 12 rebounds for the Lady Dragons.

At the final CHS boys’ game before Christmas break, the Zoo Crew got festive in their attire, while cheering on their Blue Devils.  (Photo by Jayna Smith) 

Submitted by Mary McFadden

Fort Fairfield Police Officer Cody Fenderson, a Charlotte native and 2007 Calais High School graduate, has graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

Fenderson, the son of Alan and Valerie Fenderson, was a member of the 44th Basic Law Enforcement Training Program class.  He was pinned at the December 15th graduation by his sister Caela, who graduated in the 42nd Basic Law Enforcement Training Program class and who works for U.S. Customs and Border Protection,