Will Tuell

Jayna Smith

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The Calais Fire Association continued its cherished tradition of hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the fire station on Saturday, March 30.

Excited children eagerly took part in the fun, getting a chance to meet with the beloved Easter Bunny and participate in a unique egg hunt right within the station.

Sheila Huckins and family were this year's winner of the Dennysville Snowmobile & ATV Club’s $1,000 5-minute shopping spree.  Shown are WQDY's Jeremy Pottle, club representative Derick Brown, Sheila Huckins and family, and IGA owner Bob Craft.  

Will Tuell

Washington County is in line for upwards of $50 million in federal spending, according to Maine’s Congressional delegation, following the passage of a second round of budget bills approved late last month. Earlier in March, the delegation had secured an estimated $20 million for Washington County projects, a figure which more than doubled with the most recent round of budget bills designed to avert a partial government shutdown. 

Jayna Smith

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A significant transformation is in progress for the St. Croix Apartments building in Calais, heralding a resurgence in senior housing.  Tom Michaud, the executive director of Sunrise Opportunities, confirmed that upon completion, the building will accommodate 26 units exclusively for senior citizens.

Nineteen Maine community college students, including Calais’s Elizabeth Sivret and WCCC student Kayla Taylor, of Raymond, have been named to the All-Maine Academic Team in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service, the Maine Community College System said in a media release April 2. 

The 19 students will each receive the award and a $500 scholarship from the MCCS Board of Trustees.

Eastport Arts Center’s Open Mic Night on Friday, April 12, will be dedicated to Sadi, the Eastport service dog, who is undergoing treatment for liver cancer. Sadi’s owner, Jeanne Katkavich, will bring Sadi for an appearance at the event and share the pair’s tale. Performers and event emcee Dave Grieco, a confirmed 'dog person,' are preparing to offer anecdotes and songs about canines they’ve known and loved.   

Washington County Community College is proud to announce that Kristin Crowley, a student in the Human Services program, has been named the 2024 Student of the Year.

“Kristin chose WCCC because she could take courses as a resident of Southern Maine Women’s Reentry Center through the Second Chance Pell program and wanted to earn a degree to help others who struggle with substance use disorder,” WCCC said in a press release last week. 

Jayna Smith

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Spring's arrival and the flip of the calendar to April did little to deter the grasp of winter as heavy snowfall and fierce winds swept through the state late Wednesday, April 3, leaving Calais in its icy grip by dawn Thursday morning.

Jayna Smith

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The highly-anticipated total eclipse of the Sun was witnessed across the state on Monday, April 8, 2024, an event that will not occur again until 2044. 

Johnny Chambers

LD227 has caused Maine to become the most anti-child, anti-family State in the nation. LD227 is the child of LD1735 which is better known as the "trans-trafficking bill," brought you by Anne Perry Democrat, is pushing for "gender affirming care" and "reproductive health care" as legal rights, without considering the detrimental effects it may have on children, parents, and the overall well-being of the state.

​National Library Week was celebrated at the Lincoln Memorial Library in Dennysville with a special Story Time to welcome and enjoy over 40 new titles by the famous Dr. Seuss, acquired during the month of March. The library, of course, already had some of the famed children’s author’s works, since he is credited with lifting literature for young readers from the Dick and Jane stories of a former generation, through the wonderful menagerie of creatures and memorable rhymes that became his trademark. 

Jayna Smith

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The Calais Branch Railroad Corridor Rail Use Advisory Council (RUAC) has officially commenced, marking a significant step in the ongoing discussion surrounding the future use of the rail corridor that connects to the Sunrise Trail.  

Members of the Calais Lioness Club were pleased to have these five original members at the 40th annual Charter Night celebrated last week.  From left to right are Mary Hazelwood, Norma Van Devander, Rita Stewart, Donna Madsen, and Ann Boyd.  (Calais Lioness Club photo)

Will Tuell

Wayne and Roberta Seeley of Edmunds have been synonymous with the Dennys River Ambulance service since the mid-70s and are widely credited with keeping one of the state’s last remaining volunteer EMS services running despite being in their late 70s. That commitment to the community did not go unnoticed as the Seeleys were honored with a “Spirit of America” award earlier this year and went to the State House to receive recognition for it on April 10. 

Jon Reisman

I said goodbye to my wife and the Maine legislature last week. I will always miss Ernie, but I cannot say goodbye to the freedom-crushing 131st Maine Legislature fast enough. 

Ern’s memorial service was a blessing with friends, family, and community. Our grown-up sons delivered testimony that swelled me with both pride and grace. Testimony of her giving heart and many mitzvahs from friends and community buoyed me. Several suggested that Ernie was a Saint, which prompted me to bless her memory for sticking with me for 44 years.

Will Tuell

Barring a last-minute agreement, a union representing nurses and lab technicians at Down East Community Hospital (DECH) in Machias announced on April 19 that they will be going on strike for two days later this month. The decision comes as the two sides remain at loggerheads over a contract, which expired last October, and follows a late January rally where union members pushed for what they call “safe staffing” levels and better pay. 

Jayna Smith

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According to second-year Woodland Dragons softball coach Sophia McDonald, 11 players are on her roster this season, with the team bracing for what promises to be an eventful season.

“We are definitely expecting to have a successful season this year, whether that be by winning or by solidifying our skills and working as a unit,” McDonald noted. 

All Welcome to Learn More this Friday

Jayna Smith

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Leonard Rafferty, a dedicated Calais resident and pastor of Keys to Life Church on North Street, has taken proactive steps to address growing concerns about safety and community well-being.