1. Make a Difference, Support Hospice Volunteers by Dining at Jo’s this Monday

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria has announced that Karleigh Smith, a junior at Woodland High School, is the winner of its inaugural Grammar for Giving contest. Karleigh’s essay highlighted the vital work of Down East Hospice Volunteers (DEHV), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care and support for families in the community, and now will earn a day’s worth of sales from Jo’s for the organization.

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  2. Stuff the Bus Marks 10 Years of Helping Local Families

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    On Saturday, December 7, Baileyville Police Department hosted the 10th annual Stuff the Bus event, once again with a great display of incredible generosity from local residents.

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  3. Calais Wrestling Has Strong Showing at Ryan Detour Tourney

    The Calais High School varsity wrestling team recently traveled to Bucksport for the Ryan Detour Tournament, where they made a strong showing, finishing 6th out of 13 schools. The Blue Devils earned four first place, one second place, and three third place finishes. The first place winners were Ashaleigh Sulkowski, Destiny Holmes, Jack Lanier, and Chase Scott. Rose Lozada took second place, while Kayla Wilson, Cadien Seeley, and Bradley Walton earned third place finishes. These athletes fought hard and represented their team with determination and pride. (Photo courtesy of CHS)

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  4. Locals Compete in Millinocket Marathon & Half

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Millinocket was alive with energy on Saturday, December 7, as thousands of runners and spectators gathered for the 9th Annual Millinocket Marathon & Half. Among the nearly 3,000 participants were some determined athletes from the greater Calais area.

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  5. 27th Annual Lioness Christmas Parade Shines Despite Frigid Temperatures

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The 27th Annual Lioness Christmas Parade brought festive cheer to downtown on Friday evening, Dec. 6, despite bone-chilling temperatures.

    Brightly lit floats adorned with holiday decorations made their way across Main Street, with many participants passing candy canes and other treats to spectators. While the bitter cold kept some at home, others watched the procession from the warmth of their vehicles, which lined the parade route. 

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  6. Princeton Tree Lighting

    Sandra Smith

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  7. Maine Public Expands Signals Across the State, Temporary Interruption Noted

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Area listeners of National Public Radio (NPR) have noticed they can no longer access the independent, nonprofit media organization through the Calais station. According to Maine Public, the interruption is temporary and part of a broader effort to enhance and expand radio coverage throughout Maine.

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  8. Local Scouts Meet Financial Goal for Trip to Europe

    Girl Scout Troop 2259 is excited to share with the community that they have successfully surpassed their $36,900 goal to go to Europe. Their most recent bottle drive in November raised $2,344.40. 

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  9. Robotic Knee Surgery Comes to Washington County

    Orthopedic surgeon Wendy Boucher Crawford, MD, and the medical staff at Calais Community Hospital are excited to offer Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA® Knee System, which brings together robotic technology with industry-leading knee implants to help surgeons personalize surgical procedures for their patients and is designed to help perform total knee replacement. It includes features to assist with bone resections and assessing the state of soft tissues to facilitate implant positioning intraoperatively. 

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  10. Washington County Lawmakers Sworn In Dec. 4

    Paul Sylvain

    It is a time-honored tradition mandated by the state’s constitution: newly elected state lawmakers take the oath of office on the first Wednesday following the first Tuesday of December — or, generally speaking, a month after being elected to two-year terms in the State House of Representatives and the State Senate. 

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  11. Ronin Reflections

    Jon Reisman

    My Policy Ronin column on political samurai without masters elicited a number of responses. Two readers sent uniform/wardrobe suggestions. The armored chain mail option would probably protect me from lefty lances, but I am skeptical it would be allowed through the security checkpoints in Augusta. The less martial masked alternative is clearly the post-Covid cosplay of choice.

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  12. Local Veteran Presented with Quilt of Valor

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Jan (Robb) Tollison, a retired Air Force veteran from Calais, was recently selected to receive a Quilt of Valor, an award given to honor veterans for their service and sacrifice. Tollison served in the Air Force from 1972 to 1992.

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  13. What’s Up, Calais?

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Jolly Junction Market opened this past weekend. Vendors selling all sorts of goods are set up in the former Urban Moose building each weekend through Christmas. Organized by CDRC and Downeast Economic Development, this pop-up event is open Friday evenings from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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  14. John Preston Takes the Helm as Baileyville Police Chief

    On Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, Police Chief (Ret.) Bob Fitzsimmons (center) received his Retired Chief Badge from incoming Chief John Preston. Chief (Ret.) Fitzsimmons presented Chief Preston with his Chief's Badge and Sgt. Matthew Vinson with his Sergeant's Badge. (Baileyville Police Department photo)

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  15. Jolly Junction Market Opens as a Festive Holiday Hub

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    CDRC’s Jolly Junction Market kicked off its opening weekend with great success, drawing holiday shoppers eager to support local artisans, crafters, and other vendors.

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  16. Sky’s the Limit as King Construction Services Takes Off on $1.3 Million Airport Terminal Project in Eastport

    Paul Sylvain

    Move over, Kirby Grant. There’s a new Sky King in town, and he’s busy constructing a $1.12 million airport terminal building in Eastport.

    Unlike the main character in the television show that ran from 1951 to 1962, Northfield developer Justin King is not an airplane pilot, but his company — King Construction Services of Machias — continues to soar to new heights, it seems, with every new project it takes under its wing.

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  17. Holiday Music Concert Features Mount View Chamber Singers

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Calais-area residents are in for a special holiday treat as the acclaimed Mount View Chamber Singers bring their beloved “Carols in the Round” performance to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 14. The concert, beginning at 2 p.m., promises an intimate and moving celebration of the holiday season, featuring an array of carols.

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  18. Two Parades to Light up St. Croix Valley

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The St. Croix Valley will come alive with holiday spirit as two festive parades take place in early December. Both parades are free to enter, making them an ideal opportunity for local businesses and organizations to advertise their services to hundreds of onlookers. 

    Calais Lioness Christmas Parade, Friday, Dec. 6

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  19. Wreath Laying in Alexander

    Wreaths were laid on veterans’ graves at the Alexander Cemetery on December 2nd by volunteers (front) Connor Cooper, Pacey Sanford, Aiden Sanford, (middle) Crystal Roussel, Rhonda Oakes, Eileen Newman, Dolly Sullivan, Jim Sullivan, (back) David Sanford, Carl Oakes, Dale Holst, and Joe Manza. Missing from the photo is Jane Manza. (Submitted photo)

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  20. Fenway Bowl Honors Local Teacher Lauren Remington

    Students Join Celebration, Thanks in Part to Pratt Dealership Support

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Ms. Lauren Remington, an Early Childhood Education instructor at St. Croix Regional Technical Center in Calais, has been named to the 2024 Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll. This prestigious recognition celebrates educators who have gone above and beyond to support their students and communities.

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  21. CMHS Staff and Student of the Month Announced

    Brady Seeley has been named Calais High School Student of the Month for November. Brady has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude that inspires both peers and teachers alike. Congratulations, Brady! Keep up the fantastic work!

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  22. AROUND THE COUNTY - Permanent Dike Bridge Fix Delayed Indefinitely by Federal Fisheries Agency’s Concerns

    New $2 Million Long-Term Temporary Span Planned in 2025, as DOT Chief ‘Frustrated’ by Feds 

    By Paul Sylvain

    Machias area motorists using the Route 1 dike bridge and causeway can expect an extended period of detours in 2025 and a years-long delay before a permanent span is built to carry traffic into and out of Machias via the dike.

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  23. Freedom Studies - Reality Check: Irrational Exuberance, Cautious Optimism, and Resolve

    Jon Reisman

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  24. What's Up, Calais

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

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  25. St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce Honors Local Excellence at 76th Annual Awards Gala

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrated the region’s achievements and community spirit at its 76th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on Friday, November 22, 2024. Held at the Princeton Rod & Gun Club, the event brought together local businesses, community leaders, and dedicated volunteers, drawing a crowd of about 80 attendees.

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  26. Princeton Library Story Hour

    Sandra Smith

    Thursday was story hour at the library. Heidi read the first story in the book Fluffy’s Thanksgiving about a guinea pig. Then they all worked on the craft project, which was making a guinea pig. The kids sure had fun with this project. Then Heidi finished with two more stories from the book.

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  27. Baileyville Church Merges with Calais Congregation, Building to Become Affordable Housing

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    In a move highlighting the evolving nature of ministry and community service, People’s United Methodist Church (PUMC) in Baileyville is merging with Calais United Methodist Church (CUMC). While the Baileyville building will no longer serve as a place of worship, the ministry of its congregation will continue as part of the Calais church.

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  28. Pratt Kicks Off Holiday Donation Match Campaign for Food Pantries

    Pratt is hosting its annual donation match campaign to benefit food pantries across the county. Donations made before Christmas will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000. The Calais Lioness Club has already joined in, making its annual $500 donation to the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry, recognizing the amount will double to $1,000 through the match. Contributions to the Pratt campaign will be distributed among local food pantries or sent directly to the one designated by the donor. Shown with Erika Pratt (center) are Lioness members Cindy O’Brien and Jan Tollison.

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  29. Calais City Council

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    At the Calais City Council's regular meeting, held on November 21, Councilor Marcia Rogers was unanimously appointed to serve as mayor, following the recent vacancy of Artie Mingo, who was elected to Maine’s House District 9.

    The meeting was called to order by City Clerk Brad Phillips, with councilors Kevin Niles, Mike Sherrard, Pete Foster, James Macdonald, and Marcia Rogers present and Councilor Billy Quinn absent.

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  30. County Budgeters Narrowly Pass 2025 Spending Package

    Paul Sylvain

    The fourth time — or in this case meeting — was a charm for the Washington County Budget Advisory Committee, as its members voted 5-4 on Nov. 21 to approve the heftiest county budget in memory for 2025. 

    With that, Budget Committee Chairman and Milbridge Town Manager Lewis Pinkham announced, “I assume we are done,” ending what had been an especially difficult deliberation over the course of four committee meetings in the past two months.

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  31. Dennysville Library Storytime

    Last week’s Tuesday Storytime for the Pembroke and Dennysville children was focused on a book named Dewey, the Library Cat, by Vicky Myron, which is based on the full-length book of similar name. Next thing we know, the children will be wanting a library cat at our Lincoln Memorial Public Library!

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  32. Loyal to Local Passport Returns to Support Local Businesses

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce has brought back its popular Loyal to Local Passport initiative, aiming to inspire residents to shop locally and support area businesses during the holiday season. The program, now in its third year, offers participants the chance to win a gift certificate of their choice from Chamber members simply by shopping at participating stores and restaurants. 

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  33. Freedom Studies - Maine to California and Back

    Jon Reisman

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  34. What's Up, Calais

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Now through Christmas is the perfect time to donate to your local food pantry at Pratt. The dealership is matching up to $10,000 of all donations for any food pantry across Washington County. Stop in with a check or cash. If you wish for your contribution to go to a specific pantry, be sure to note it; otherwise, donations are split among the pantries.

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  35. Tim Crowe to Lead 27th Annual Christmas Parade as Grand Marshal

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Calais Lioness Club is gearing up for its 27th Annual Lioness Christmas Parade, a beloved tradition that brings the spirit of the season to downtown Calais. Scheduled for Friday, December 6, the parade will kick off at 6 p.m., drawing crowds from all over the area to enjoy a festive evening of community celebration.

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  36. IHOP Set to Replace Baileyville Big Stop Restaurant

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Baileyville Big Stop Restaurant, a long-standing part of the Irving-owned truck stop since the 1980s, will soon transition to an IHOP.

    The IHOP franchise, operated by Connecticut-based Great American Real Food Fast, recently expanded its presence in the region with the opening of a new location at the Irving Oil travel plaza in Houlton last month, making it the only IHOP north of Augusta. 

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  37. Help Stuff the Bus with Gifts and Essentials for Local Kids This Holiday Season

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The annual Stuff the Bus event, aimed at making Christmas brighter for disadvantaged children throughout the area, will take place Saturday, Dec. 7, at Calais Walmart and Marden's. As in past years, the local community’s generosity is expected to be great.

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  38. It’s the ‘Witching Hour’ for the Washington County Budget, Says Outgoing County Commissioner Gardner

    Paul Sylvain

    Chris Gardner’s and Vinton Cassidy’s days as Washington County Commissioners are numbered, with newly elected commissioners David Burns and William “Billy” Howard set to step into their shoes when their terms expire on Dec. 31. 

    Burns is a retired Maine State Police trooper, and Howard is the former mayor of Calais.

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  39. Downtown Holiday Market to Showcase Local Craftsmanship

    Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition members Chris Niles, Anne Nixon, Denise Barker, and Jayna Smith worked to clean the former Urban Moose store to prepare for the upcoming Jolly Junction Holiday Market. The market will showcase local artisans and crafters on weekends leading up to Christmas, offering the perfect stop for unique holiday gifts, handmade crafts, and festive fun. The grand opening of the pop-up shop is slated for Saturday, Nov. 30, at 11 a.m. Follow CDRC - Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition on Facebook for details. (CDRC photo)

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  40. CES Receives Playground Donation from Brendan Leddy Memorial Fund

    On Halloween Day, Calais Elementary School Principal Sue Carter, dressed as the “Wicked Witch of CES,” accepted a $1,000 donation from the Brendan Leddy Memorial Fund. This generous contribution will go toward the school’s effort to replace its outdated and unsafe playground.

    The Calais Elementary School Playground Fund has also received significant support from local businesses, including Calais Motor Inn, International Motel, and T&P Drew Construction, as well as a substantial personal donation from community member Ronnie McLain.

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  41. Woodland High Welcomes New National Honor Society Members

    The newest members of the Woodland High School chapter of the National Honor Society are recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service during the recently held induction ceremony. New members are Karleigh Smith, grade 11; Haylee Scott, grade 12; Mishun Cornelius, grade 10; Cameron Dwelley, grade 10; Colin Dwelley, grade 10; and Matthew Glidden, grade 12. (WHS photo)

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  42. Suspected Armed Robber Gets No ‘Props’ from Police for Passing Bogus Bills

    Paul Sylvain

    A 28-year-old East Machias man arrested in connection to a Nov. 11 armed robbery at the Irving gas station and convenience store on Main Street in Machias, is facing additional charges related to counterfeit cash.

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  43. Lincoln Memorial Public Library Storytime

    Last week’s storybook for young students from Edmunds at the Lincoln Memorial Public Library in Dennysville was Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes, as it had been the previous Tuesday for children from Pembroke and Dennysville. Then some paper pocketbooks were created, snacks were enjoyed, and, with a little time left over, leader Sarah Guiltner was able to share the classic The Story of Ferdinand, the young bull who didn’t want to fight like the other bulls did but far preferred just sitting by himself in a field and smelling the flowers!

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  44. Freedom Studies - Policy Ronin

    Jon Reisman

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  45. What's Up, Calais?

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    This Saturday, Nov. 16, the Second Baptist Church is offering its free Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 2 p.m. All are welcome to dine in or get a meal to go. Those who live within 10 minutes of the church and could use a meal delivered, call 207-454-2579 by 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, to get on the list. 

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