1. Retired Soldier’s Mission to Honor Local WWII Veterans

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    In a bid to uphold fading historical narratives, one man stands resolute in his mission to immortalize the past.  Peter Duston, a retired US Army veteran, volunteers as a researcher with the Stories Behind the Stars organization, dedicated to documenting wartime stories of veterans.  With a focus on individuals from Washington County, Duston tirelessly seeks information on those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.

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  2. Baileyville Man Takes on the Appalachian Challenge

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Christopher Carter from Baileyville has embarked on an extraordinary journey along the legendary Appalachian Trail.  Starting his odyssey on February 18th, 2024, at Amicalola State Park in Georgia, Carter, affectionately known as “Moxie” on the trails, aims to reach the trail’s northern terminus at Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park by mid-June.

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  3. Easter Bunny Makes Stop for JMG Event

     

    Despite the storm, the weekend’s Spring Festival – a huge Chinese auction-type raffle of various themed baskets – was able to be held. The second annual event was hosted by Calais High School’s JMG students. The Easter Bunny, shown with JMG instructor Lisa Brown, was also available for photo opportunities, along with a bake sale. All proceeds are benefiting the JMG students to help with their educational trips and apparel. (JMG photo)

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  4. EAAA Launches Community Cafe for Socialization and Nutrition

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) has introduced a valuable opportunity for the older community in Calais to socialize and enjoy a nutritious meal every Tuesday at the Calais Methodist Church.  This initiative aims to foster social connections among aging individuals, complemented by a hearty lunch, board games, and puzzles.

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  5. Princeton Parks & Recreation Annual Easter Egg Hunt

     

    Sandra Smith

    Princeton Parks & Recreation was not to be deterred by having to initially change the date due to a spring snowstorm the day before, plus the conflicting events of a school play and Maple Sunday. They persevered and held their annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Princeton Fire Station. 

    Rec. members arrived at 1 p.m. to set up tables, take care of refreshments, and hide Easter eggs. The fire department had moved out a truck to make space and helped out. At 2 p.m., the happy youngsters and parents began to arrive. 

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  6. Volleyball Tournament Raises $4,000 For Faith-Based Rehab

     

    Will Tuell

    Final figures are in for the annual Rise Above volleyball tournament organized by Steven and Britannia Balyint, and the charitable event has raised over $4,000 for Arise Addiction Recovery in Machias. 

    The event was held the weekend of March 8-10 and featured some fourteen pick-up volleyball teams from Downeast and beyond. Arise merchandise, concessions, and sweets were available for purchase as well. 

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  7. Feds Designate 2 Million Acres for Offshore Wind, Spare Maine’s Prime Fishing Grounds

     

    Will Tuell

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  8. UMaine to Livestream Solar Eclipse from the Stratosphere

     

    When Noah Lambert of Bar Harbor enrolled at the University of Maine, launching a giant balloon 90,000 feet in the air to livestream a total solar eclipse wasn’t an activity he imagined being able to do during his college career. 

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  9. Calais Fire/EMS Attends Post-Secondary Fair at Calais High School

     

    Calais firefighters Lieutenant Brandon Ireland, Michael Perkins, and EMT Erin Lincoln, and student firefighter Shayna Cook, participated in the job fair held at Calais High School. Approximately 400 students attended from several schools. Students were provided with information on the emergency services and had the opportunity to view some of the department’s equipment. 

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  10. What's Up, Calais?

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Congratulations to the students of Calais High School’s drama club.  Although I was not fortunate enough to attend their performance last week of Lafayette #1, they received stellar reviews!

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  11. NPV Tabled Amidst Some Confusion

     

    Jon Reisman

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  12. Yards to Get ‘Egged’ by Local Girl Scouts

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Contrary to the typical negative connotation associated with being "egged," Girl Scout Troop 1608 is flipping the script to raise funds for their adventures and community service endeavors.

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  13. Kids Invited to Hop into the Fire Station for Easter Bunny Meet & Greet

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Get ready for some egg-citing Easter festivities at Calais Fire-EMS.  On Saturday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to noon, the Easter Bunny will be hopping by the fire station for a special visit.

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  14. Washington County Lego Robotics Team Heads to International Competition in Texas

     

    The Fellowship Lego Robotics Team, part of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Cobscook Currents 4-H Club in Washington County, was one of 25 teams to compete in the state’s first Lego League Challenge.

     The team won the Champions Award and an invitation to represent Maine in the first Championship World Festival in Houston, Texas, in April. That event will feature 160 Lego League teams from all 50 states and 66 other countries.

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  15. Local Author and Environmentalist Ken Ross Leaves Legacy of Conservation

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

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  16. State's Most Skilled Students Shine at SkillsUSA Championships

     

    The SkillsUSA Championships once again highlighted Maine's top talent in career and technical education, showcasing the pinnacle of hands-on workforce development.  Taking place on March 14-15, 2024, across venues including the Cross Center, United Technology Center, and Eastern Maine Community College, this year's event drew 829 student competitors from 29 schools statewide.

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  17. UMM Student Teams up with Trail Riders, Local Businesses to Plan Rest Areas on Sunrise Trail

     

    Will Tuell

    Despite unprecedented storm damage and the Sunrise Trail being closed to ATV traffic, a University of Maine Machias senior is working with the state, local businesses, and the Sunrise Trail Coalition to install benches along one of the most heavily traveled sections of the corridor, from Dunkin’ in Machias to Archibald’s One-Stop in East Machias. 

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  18. Value of Maine’s Commercial Fishery Up $25 Million in 2023

     

    Will Tuell

    According to figures released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) earlier this month, the state’s fishermen took home an additional $25 million in 2023 compared to the previous year. The findings, released at the onset of the state’s annual “Fishermen’s Forum” in Rockport, were based largely on the increased value of Maine lobster and the state’s lucrative elver fishery, which is set to kick off this week. 

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  19. Sewall Memorial Congregational Church

     

    Bonnie Lyons

    We will be having services this coming Sunday, Palm Sunday, at 4 p.m. Easter Sunday service is at 7 a.m. Come and worship the Lord. Prayer is the hand that rules the world.

    The new shingles are on the church roof. Stanley Roofing out of Ellsworth did the work. They had eight men and did it in four days. What a nice job they did. They also had one guy just raking and cleaning up the yard.

    We're still selling Easter lilies for $15.

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  20. Wrestling with A Down East Flair: Harrington Man Lives Out His Dreams in the Squared Circle

     

    Wayne Smith

    Since he was seven years old, wrestling has been a part of Ryan Colson’s life when he first saw it on TV. He’s wrestled professionally for twenty years, has been promoting shows in Downeast Maine since 2008, and even went to “wrestling school” to learn the tricks of the trade. This is his story. 

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  21. Calais Elementary School Strengthens Relationships Through BARR

     

    Calais Elementary School is one of more than 70 Maine schools using the Building Assets Reducing Risks (BARR) education model, and recently, Maine Education Commissioner Pender Makin visited to experience BARR in action.

    “We started BARR at the elementary school in September,” Principal Sue Carter said. “We applied for the state-provided program, and it has really grown and become part of our school, culture, and climate.”

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  22. NOLA Nuptials

     

    Jon Reisman

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  23. Publisher’s Statement regarding the withdrawal and reprinting of the Wednesday edition of the Machias Valley News Observer and the Thursday Edition of the Calais Advertiser

    Yesterday, Thursday morning, the office of the judge overseeing the ongoing Brandin Guerrero murder trial at the Washington County Superior Court reached out to us. They informed us that the Court Administrative Order for the press issued on February 29th, which initially granted permission for photography, was amended on Monday, March 11th, prohibiting photography in the courtroom. This was very late into our production windows for this week’s issue.  We were unaware of the court's modification to the order until this Thursday.

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  24. Super Tuesday Bruises

     

    Jon Reisman

    Bruises often turn purple, which is a much more interesting political color than red or blue. I took a couple of blows on Super Tuesday…what the bruises will look like and the degree to which they will heal remains to be seen.

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  25. Maine on the Map for Total Eclipse of the Sun

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

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  26. Charlotte Elementary School Closure Approved by School Board

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    At the latest Charlotte School Board meeting, held last month, members made a decisive vote of 2-1 to proceed with the closure of Charlotte Elementary School.  With the vote, the school, which forms part of AOS 77, along with elementary schools in Perry, Pembroke, Alexander, Lubec, Eastport, and Shead High School in Eastport, could close after the current school year ends on June 30, 2024.

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  27. Young Calais, Woodland Cheer Squads Win at States

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Bangor's Cross Insurance Center witnessed an explosion of youthful spirit and athleticism on Sunday, March 3rd, with the 27th annual Maine State Junior High School and Elementary Cheering Championships. 

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  28. Downeast Wrestling Club Holds Annual Tourney

     

    Downeast Wrestling Club held their annual wrestling tournament on Saturday, March 9.

    The tournament had over 40 youth wrestlers from three area teams – Tammaro Tanks, Washington Academy, and DWC, with the addition of one wrestler from Bucksport and one from Gardner.

    DWC placed as follows: First place: Addison Brown, Baylee Benson, Henley Green, Calvin James, Loud James; second place:  Brynlee Benson, Hudson Green, Colten Mcgouldrick, Dugan Kellenberger; third place:  Ethan Clark; fourth place:  Kenneth Ramsdell.

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  29. First Hoop Celebrates its 19th Season With $37,300 Contribution

     

    As the Maine high school basketball season has come to a close, First National Bank is pleased to report the successful results of their signature athletic programming sponsorship “First Hoop.”  

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  30. Calais High School’s JMG’s Spring Festival Returns

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Calais High School's Jobs for Maine Graduates class is gearing up for its second annual Spring Festival, featuring a lively spring basket raffle. Organized by JMG advisor Mrs. Lisa Brown, the event is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Calais High School.

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  31. Maine Lobstermen Honor Marine Patrol Officer with Local Ties at Fishermen’s Forum

     

    Will Tuell

    Maine Marine Patrol Officer Alex Michaud received the 2024 Maine Lobstermen’s Association Officer of the Year Award during a ceremony at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum on March 2 in Rockport. Michaud, who is the grandson of former state Senator Joyce Maker of Calais and whose parents Rik and Elizabeth “Liz” (Maker) Michaud are summer residents of Lubec, joined Marine Patrol in 2017. 

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  32. Washington County to Receive $20+ Million in Federal Budget Deal

     

    Will Tuell

    After months of congressional gridlock, lawmakers in the U.S. House and Senate passed six bills designed to avoid a partial government shutdown last week. The six bills, totalling an estimated $460 billion, provide at least $21 million in funding for Washington County projects, including $12.8 million for fish passage restoration on the St. Croix River, $7.8 million to reconstruct Route 1A between Milbridge and Harrington, and $1 million for wastewater treatment upgrades in Lubec.  

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  33. Biden, Trump Win Maine Presidential Primaries

    By Staff

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  34. NHS Students Prep for Egg-citing Calais Community Easter Egg Hunt Event

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Hundreds of children are expected to once again take part in the upcoming Calais Community Easter Egg Hunt, marking its fourth consecutive year.

    Set for Saturday, March 30, just a day before Easter Sunday, the event will be hosted by the National Honor Society of Calais High School.

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  35. Familiar Names Among Maine Basketball Hall of Fame 2024 Inductees

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Maine Basketball Hall of Fame has announced its distinguished Class of 2024, set to be honored at the induction ceremony on August 11th at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. 

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  36. Maple Syrup Sunday Kicks off with Pancake Breakfast in Robbinston

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    What better way to kick off Maine’s Maple Syrup Sunday than with a breakfast consisting of pancakes and--what else?--Maine Maple Syrup!

    On Sunday, March 24, the Robbinston Historical Society is hosting its annual Maple Syrup Sunday Pancake Breakfast.  Friends and family are invited to come out and enjoy the delicious meal, all while supporting the historical society.

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  37. 24th Annual Polar Dip

     

    Washington County Community College’s Student Senate hosted its annual Polar Dip on Friday, March 1.  Several dippers braved the cold temperatures at Pleasant Point Pier in Perry and brought in over $16,000 for the Ronald McDonald House and Sarah's House of Maine. 

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  38. Girl Scouts of Maine Select Cheryl Ingersoll as March Volunteer of the Month

     

    Girl Scouts of Maine (GSME) recently announced Cheryl Ingersoll, of Calais, Maine as their March Volunteer of the Month. Currently, Ingersoll is a Downeast Service Unit Roster Administrator, Fall Product Sales Supervisor, Cookie Product Sales Supervisor, and Cupboard Supervisor in addition to being a troop leader. The Volunteer of the Month is a prestigious title recognized by GSME. It is awarded monthly to an adult volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and efforts within the organization to benefit Girl Scouts statewide.

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  39. CCH Reminds Readers March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

    March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The CDC recommends you should get screened beginning at the age of 45, but you may need to get screened earlier if you have a history of  inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colorectal cancer. If you think you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, please talk to your provider about when you should get screened.

    Screenings are available with General Surgeon Thomas Crosslin at Calais Community Hospital and with General Surgeon Aziz Massaad at Down East Community Hospital.

    Screenings save lives!

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  40. SS Jeremiah O’Brien

     

    National Park Service 

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  41. What's Up, Calais?

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Be sure to get to the new Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center and Baileyville Community Connections for the open house at their shared location, 163 Main Street in Baileyville, this Thursday, March 7. All are welcome from 3 to 6 p.m. to tour the center, sign up for raffles, and obtain lots of information on offerings.

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  42. Odds and Ends: NPV, Climate Club Crusade, Collars, and Class

     

    Jon Reisman

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  43. JMG Students Honor Nova and Jack with Fundraiser Benefiting Scholarship Fund

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    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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  44. Young Cheerleaders Showcase Talent at Down East Invitational

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected] 

    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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  45. Calais Cheer Teams Shine at The Crown Championship

     

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    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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