Northern Light Health Compromised by Hackers, Patient Data Secured

By Will Tuell

Northern Light Health announced on Feb. 2 that an unspecified number of its computer servers were compromised by hackers earlier in the day, adding that patient information is safe and that care would not be disrupted across Northern Light’s sprawling network of care providers. 

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Good Grief

 

Jon Reisman

It has been a month since Ernie, blessed be her memory, passed. I am in a state of grief, a distressed state of mind. The sea of sad tasks invokes memories, reflection, love, and tears but also actions and interactions that my maternal grandfather would have called “mitzvahs”- good deeds. Good grief, or so it seems.

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Braided Rug Class

 

Instructor Arlene Wren, Lucy Zwigard, and Tammy Corn show their completed braided rugs.  Wren will be teaching another braided rug class at Cobscook Institute in Trescott on Saturday, March 2nd.  (Photo by Susan Bolles)

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Early Spring Forecasted by Punxsutawney Phil

 

Jayna Smith

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February 2 marks a significant day for Punxsutawney Phil, the renowned “meteorologist” of the animal kingdom. Since 1887, this groundhog has been making weather predictions, with only ten years missing from the records. In the near-140 years of his tenure, Phil has seen his shadow just over 100 times, indicating six more weeks of winter.

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MSP Investigating Tractor Trailer Rollover in Brewer that Injured Sheriff’s Deputy

 

On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at approximately 8 a.m., a tractor-trailer unit driven by 41-year-old Kristofer Higgins of Baileyville was traveling on the westbound on-ramp of I-395 in Brewer when Higgins failed to negotiate the turn. 

His vehicle rolled over, taking out the center portion of the guardrail and striking a Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office cruiser, which was traveling eastbound at the time. 

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Calais, Woodland Make State Cheering Competition

 

Will Tuell

While many local high school sports fans are focused on basketball this time of year, it is also crunch time -- pun intended -- coaches, players, parents, and fans of the area’s high school cheering squads. 

And on Feb. 3, two Downeast cheerleading teams -- Woodland and Calais -- qualified for the state championship meet in Augusta this weekend. . 

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Calais Lady Blue Devils End Week with a Win

 

Jayna Smith

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The Calais Lady Blue Devils traveled to Machias to take on the Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, Jan. 31, only to suffer a setback with a score of 50-36.  

Junior Kate McPhee emerged as a standout for Calais, leading the charge with an impressive 13 points and securing 15 rebounds. 

Senior Brenna Critchley also made her mark with 10 points, while freshman Kaci Small contributed eight points to the effort.

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Beth C. Wright Center, Baileyville Community Connections Expand Resources for Area Residents

 

Learn More about Services and Resources at Upcoming Open House Event

Jayna Smith

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Moores Receives 32-Year Sentence for the 2022 Shooting Death of Pembroke Woman

 

Paul Sylvain

Rebecca Moores, the 43-year-old Robbinston woman who in December pled guilty to murdering her former lover and principal drug supplier in 2022, was sentenced Monday in Washington County Superior Court in Machias to serve 32 years in prison.

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February Follies

 

Jon Reisman

To paraphrase Don McLean in American Pie, “February makes me shiver.” February has Groundhog Day (the rodent predicted at least six more years of relentless climate catastrophe propaganda following every storm), Valentine’s Day (the legacy media is embarrassing itself with its slobbering embrace and protection of Joe Biden), and President’s Day, (which will probably be celebrating mandated electric vehicle sales).

Here are a few other items that are giving me chills:

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Calais Blue Devils End Regular Season Ranked No. 1

 

Calais Blue Devils junior Kaeson Dana and senior Kaden Small apply pressure on a Woodland Dragon at their last regular season game on Tuesday, Feb. 6.  The Blue Devils secured a decisive victory with a final score of 91-54, upping their record to 15-3 and claiming the top spot in Class C North. (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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What's Up, Calais?

 

Jayna Smith

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It’s a fun week for the local schools as they are leading up to February vacation.  The Blizzard Bash is taking place all week at CES, with fun and activities planned, including various dress-up days.  At CMHS, the students are in the midst of Winter Carnival with contests among the grades. 

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Woodland Lady Dragons Triumph with a Team of Six

 

Jayna Smith

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In a match held on Tuesday, Feb. 6, the Woodland Lady Dragons, with a team of just six players and a first-year varsity coach–Kieve Leeman, secured a 42-25 win against the visiting Shead Tigerettes.

Sophomore Kaylin Hamilton led all with 12 points, coupled with a tally of eight rebounds.

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New Rules to Change How Lobstermen Measure Catch

 

Fishermen Skeptical of ‘Ropeless Gear’ Study at Zone A Council Meeting

Will Tuell

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Chamber Announces Loyal to Local Cash Prize Winner

 

Jayna Smith

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Starting with Small Business Saturday in November and through the first week of January, all were encouraged to shop locally for a chance to win a cash prize with the St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Loyal to Local program.

In its second year, the Chamber’s initiative witnessed great success, with widespread community engagement and enthusiastic participation from local businesses.

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City Looks to Pay Tribute to First Indigenous Recordings

 

Jayna Smith

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Flat Iron Park in downtown Calais is poised to see a significant addition: an exhibit of sorts to recognize its historical importance as the site where Passamaquoddy Tribal members were recorded in 1890.  What’s most significant is that the recordings mark the first recording of any indigenous people in the world.

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Calais Junior High Basketball Earns Washington County Championship Win

 

Jayna Smith

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The Calais Blue Devils' junior high girls team, under the expert guidance of coaches Ed Leeman, Maddy McVicar, and Joey Craig, concluded a remarkable regular season, boasting an impressive record of nine wins and just one loss.

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Calais City Council

 

Jayna Smith

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On Thursday, February 8, 2024, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Councilor Mike Sherrard filling in for Mayor Artie Mingo, presiding over Councilors Kevin Niles (remotely via Zoom), Marcia Rogers, Elery Beale, Bill Quinn, and James Macdonald.

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

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A House Divided

Jon Reisman

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” - Matthew 12:25

"A house divided against itself, cannot stand.” - Senate candidate Abraham Lincoln, 1858

Friends and acquaintances from left, right, and middle have shared their anxiety and concerns concerning possible violence and social unrest this year. Fear of desolation is a rare area of unity in our otherwise divided American house.

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What's Up, Calais?

 

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

This Saturday, February 24th, is the Down East Invitational cheering competition at Calais High School.  Doors open to the public at 10 a.m., with the competition at 11. The CHS cheer team hosts this annual event, and this year, it will showcase local teams from Calais, Baileyville, Eastport, and Indian Township before they all head off to the Maine State Cheerleading Championships at the Cross Insurance Center on Sunday, March 3rd.

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Bouncing Blue Devils

 

A highlight of a recent boys’ varsity basketball game was a halftime performance by The Bouncing Blue Devils.  The Bouncing Blue Devils is an afterschool introductory-level basketball program for kids in grades kindergarten through 2, sponsored by The Blue Devil Fund and CHS JMG.  The little guy pictured decided to have a seat while the others lined up to begin their performance.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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‘Rise Above’ Tourney to Benefit Local Rehab

 

Will Tuell

Organizers of a charity volleyball tournament are hoping to raise money for, and awareness of, the faith-based Arise Addiction Recovery program in Machias next month. The “Rise Above” Volleyball tournament, in its sixth year, attracts participants from northern and eastern Maine who enjoy playing volleyball and want to support the rehab that has been helping people overcome addiction through Jesus Christ since 2015. 

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Calais Rising Stars Perform

 

The Rising Stars cheerleading squad, made up of little ones in grades K to 2, put on a stellar performance at a recent high school varsity basketball game.  The team is coached by Kristie Cyr and is part of Calais Rec.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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Senior Members of the Woodland Dragons girls’ Basketball Team

 

Senior members of the Woodland Dragons girls’ basketball team were recognized at their final regular season game held recently.  They include manager Maygin Leighton, Brooke Smith, and Chloe Farrar, shown with family members.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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Senior Members of the Calais Blue Devils boys’ Varsity Basketball Team

 

The seniors on the Calais Blue Devils boys’ varsity basketball team were recognized recently at their last regular season game.  Senior team members include Kaden Small, Sean Look, Jeremy Turner, Kaiden Sockabasin, and Charlie Bitar, all shown with family members.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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Blue Devils Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team Senior Member

 

Brenna Critchley, the lone senior on the Blue Devils girls’ varsity basketball team, and Emma McCray, team manager, were recognized recently at the final home game of the season.  They are pictured with family members. (Photo courtesy of Brenda Batson)

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Senior Members of the Woodland Dragons Varsity Basketball Team

 

Gabe Cropley and Evan McArthur, seniors on the Woodland Dragons varsity basketball team, were recently recognized at their final home game.  The two are shown with their coach Ryan Lincoln.  (Photo courtesy of Allison Wallace)

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CHS’s Chase Scott's Grit Shines Through: Wrestler Battles to Fourth Place in State Championships

 

Jayna Smith

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After clinching a third-place spot in the Class B high school wrestling regional competition, Calais High School’s Chase Scott moved on to the State Championships in Rumford over the weekend.  There, Scott continued to show his wrestling skills, representing his teammates and school well with a fourth place finish.

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Haidyn Newman Jumps to Victory at The Crown Championship Cheering Comp

 

Haidyn Newman, a cheerleader with the Calais Shooting Stars, was the winner of the Top Gun Individual jump competition for 3rd to 5th grade at last weekend’s The Crown Championship, hosted by Legend Athletics, at Ellsworth High School. Next week’s edition will showcase team photos of the four Calais Recreation teams that competed, three of which earned top honors in their respective divisions, while the fourth was named first runner-up.  (Submitted photo)

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Blue Devils’ Dean Preston Named PVC Coach of the Year

 

Jayna Smith

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The Penobscot Valley Conference, with over 35 member schools, unveiled its All-Star selections for Class C basketball.  Among the distinguished honorees, Coach Dean Preston of the Calais Blue Devils Dean Preston was chosen as Coach of the Year.  

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Maine Indian Ed Superintendent Selected as Judge for Future Engineers Program

Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent of Maine Indian Education and former University of Maine Machias chemistry professor, has been selected to serve as a judge for the Future Engineers Program. 

 

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Going to the Chapel

 

Jon Reisman

Goin’ to the chapel and we’re

Gonna get married

Goin’ to the chapel and we’re

Gonna get married

Gee, I really love you and we’re

Gonna get married

Goin’ to the chapel of love

“Chapel of Love” by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector. The Dixie Cups, 1964 

 

Love and marriage, love and marriage

Go together like a horse and carriage

This I tell ya, brother

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Calais City Council

 

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

On Thursday, February 22, 2024, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Mayor Artie Mingo presiding over Councilors Mike Sherrard, Elery Beale, Bill Quinn, and James Macdonald.  Absent were Councilors Kevin Niles and Marcia Rogers.

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

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Trial to Begin for 2 Men Charged with 2021 Drug-Related Murder in Machias

 

Jury Selection Gets Underway March 1

Paul Sylvain

The trial of two men charged with felony murder in the  drug-related shooting death and robbery of 17-year-old Brandin Guerrero of Massapequa, New York., is set to begin with jury selection on March 1. Guerrero’s body was found dead on Nov. 4, 2021, in a resident’s yard on High Street.

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CHS Athletes Place in Debut Maine State Girls’ Wrestling Tournament

 

Shown are Calais High School Wrestling Coach Spencer McCormick, wrestlers Destiny Holmes and Ashaliegh Sulkowski, and Assistant Coach Madeline Tardiff at the recently held, first-ever Maine State Girls Wrestling Championship, where Ashaliegh secured third place and Destiny fourth. (CHS photo)

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Expansion Coming at Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria

 

Jayna Smith

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Since its inception in 2010, Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria has been a staple in the community at 195 Main Street.  Now, it is gearing up for a significant expansion, owner Tim Crowe says.

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Got Dirt Car Wash Opens for Business

 

Jayna Smith

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Got Dirt Car Wash has officially opened its doors for business, marking a new era of clean rides in town. Located at 284 North Street, this latest addition to the neighborhood commenced operations on Thursday, February 22nd.

Owner Tommy Chambers expressed that while operating hours may initially fluctuate, a set schedule will soon be established.

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Calais Blue Devils End Season as Northern Maine Runners-Up

 

Jayna Smith

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The Calais Blue Devils entered the 2024 Maine Principals’ Association basketball tournament as the top-seeded team in the Class C North division with a regular season record of 15-3.  

On Tuesday, Feb. 20, the Blue Devils asserted their dominance over the #8 Piscataquis Community High School Pirates, securing a 57-33 victory in quarterfinal action.

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Calais Cheer Teams Shine at The Crown Championship

 

Jayna Smith

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On Saturday, February 17, all four Calais Rec. cheer teams showcased their talents at The Crown Championship, hosted by Legend Athletics at Ellsworth High School. 

Placing first runner-up in Division 1 was the Calais Rising Stars. This group is made up of Freya, Penelope, Lili-Ana, Nora, Lilley, Olivia, Aria M, Mya, Sawyer, Brynn, Aria R, and Daphne.  The Rising Stars are coached by Kristie Cyr and Shaylee Moores.

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Young Cheerleaders Showcase Talent at Down East Invitational

 

Jayna Smith

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On Saturday, Feb. 24, the 11th annual Down East Cheering Invitational took place at Calais High School.  The popular event saw over 175 young cheerleaders in grades pre-kindergarten through eighth compete, representing schools in Calais, Eastport, Woodland, Indian Township, and Mountain View. 

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JMG Students Honor Nova and Jack with Fundraiser Benefiting Scholarship Fund

 

Jayna Smith

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In January 2023, the local community mourned the loss of young Nova, who bravely battled Peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase deficiency, a condition causing early neurodegeneration. Only months later, tragedy struck again with the unexpected passing of her older brother Jack, a student at Woodland High School, in a car accident.

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