1. What's Up, Calais?

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Wednesday afternoon, April 16, is the deadline to preorder takeout for the baked bean supper at Calais United Methodist Church, which takes place on Thursday, April 17, at 5 p.m. The supper will feature casseroles, coleslaw, rolls, pie, and more. To place an order, call 207-454-3926.

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  2. Princeton Parks & Recreation's Annual Easter Egg Hunt

    Sandra Smith

    Saturday was a dreary day, but a happy one at the Princeton Fire Station. Right at 2 p.m., children and their parents started arriving. They were greeted by the Easter Bunny (student volunteer Harlow Crowe, who was the bestest bunny and loved by all). Then each of the children picked up a container and gathered ten eggs of one color. 

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  3. DECU Encourages Youth Savings in April

    April marks Youth Month for Credit Unions across the nation, and Downeast Credit Union is proudly celebrating at all eight of its locations throughout Maine. This annual event highlights the importance of saving and financial education, encouraging young individuals to build strong financial habits early in life.

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  4. Park Rangers Visits WES

    On April 8, kindergarten through fifth grade Dragons got a visit from Park Ranger Karin Magera from the National Park Service. Kindergarteners and first graders listened to The First Blade of Sweetgrass by Suzanne Greenlaw and Gabriel Frey, a story about a Wabanaki girl who is excited to accompany her grandmother for the first time to harvest sweetgrass for basket making, and participated in a weaving activity. Grades 2 and 3 learned what would happen If the Statues Could Talk, a story from the French colony of 1604-05.

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  5. Calais School Principal Issues Challenge to Other Washington County Schools

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    In honor of what would have been Sarah Robinson’s 40th birthday, Sarah’s House has launched an ambitious campaign: to raise $40,000 in just 40 days to coincide with the special milestone.

    Located in Holden, Sarah’s House serves as a “home away from home” for rural Maine cancer patients. Over the past decade, it has supported more than 700 guests, saving patients and their families more than 1.3 million miles of travel during treatment.

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  6. Maine’s REAL ID Deadline is Just Weeks Away

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Mainers who plan to fly within the United States or enter secure federal buildings, time is running out to ensure your identification meets new federal standards. Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license — or another form of federally accepted identification — will be required for domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities.

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  7. 52nd International Homecoming Festival Set for August

    For 51 years, the City of Calais, Maine, and Town of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, have celebrated the International Festival, a testament to the strong friendship between the two communities. Despite challenges like COVID, border restrictions, and declining participation, the festival remains a beloved tradition. The International Festival Committee has committed to continuing this tradition, focusing on its core values of cross-cultural cooperation and respect.

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  8. Area Easter Events on April 19

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  9. Free Daytime Astronomy Program Next Month

    The Saint Croix Island International Historic Site, Downeast Maine Amateur Astronomers, and Calais Free Library will jointly host a daytime astronomy program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 17. This is a drop-in program, and participants can come whenever they would like between those times at the Calais Free Library, 9 Union Street, Calais.

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  10. Storytime at Lincoln Memorial Library

    Last Tuesday, there was the usual small group of children from the Edmunds School, in fact, the three faithful boys from one Marion family! They were, as usual, a delight, but the concern is how to make it possible for more of the children who attend the Edmunds Elementary School to be able to attend Storytime. If any readers have explanations or suggestions concerning this issue, please contact Ann Carter at [email protected] or 214-4540.

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  11. Federalism and Freedom

    Jon Reisman

    Federalism is the balance and sharing of powers between the national government and the states. Federalism is a means of protecting against the tyranny of majorities and of allowing for a diverse electorate and political cultures. Maine can be Maine rather than California, Massachusetts, or New Hampshire. The Electoral College, the U.S. Senate, and the 10th Amendment are all elements of Federalism designed to protect freedom.

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  12. Sunrise County Farmers Market Cancels 2025 Season Due to Economic Pressures

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    After years of providing fresh, local produce and artisan goods to the communities of Calais and Eastport, the Sunrise County Farmers Market has announced it will not operate in 2025. The announcement, posted to the market’s social media, cited multiple economic challenges that have made it financially unsustainable for farmers and organizers to continue this year.

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  13. Lioness Club Celebrates 41st Charter Night, Welcomes New Member

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Calais Lioness Club recently celebrated its 41st Charter Night, marking more than four decades of dedicated community service.

    Founded in 1985 by 43 pioneering women, the club honors its legacy each year during this special event by welcoming new members and recognizing the original founders.

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  14. Hop Into Easter Fun with Local Egg Hunts

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

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  15. Upgrades Coming to Calais International Bridge, Public Input Sought

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has launched an on-demand preliminary public meeting to gather feedback on planned improvements to the International Bridge connecting Calais and St. Stephen.

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  16. Maine Veterans Homes Facing Closure in Two Years Without Additional State Funding

    Paul Sylvain 

    Maine Veterans Homes — the state-run nonprofit providing long-term care for Maine’s veterans and their spouses — is once again warning that, without roughly $13 million in state funding, two or more of its facilities in the state, which includes homes in Machias and Caribou, will have to close their doors by 2026. 

    The news comes three years after MVH nearly closed its Machias facility, located on the Down East Community Hospital campus, and a facility in Caribou before lawmakers intervened with emergency funding. 

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  17. Bishop Johnny Chambers Honored with Award

    Bishop Johnny Chambers was awarded the 2025 We Believe Change Marker Award at the annual gala on Friday, April 4. Selected from over 800 nominees across the Maritime Provinces, Chambers received the highest number of nominations, a testament to the widespread recognition of his compassionate leadership and far-reaching impact.

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  18. Young Actors Deliver Golden Performance at Princeton Elementary

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Last month, students from Princeton Elementary School's drama club showcased their talent in the annual play, this year featuring Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the story by Roald Dahl. The cast brought to life the adventures of young Charlie Bucket as he visits Willy Wonka's magical chocolate factory. 

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  19. Maine Indian Education Students Visit MIT

    During the week of March 24, 2025, 32 middle school students and 12 staff from Maine Indian Education’s three schools – Indian Island School, Indian Township School, and Sipayik Elementary School – journeyed to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for a transformative STEM experience hosted by the Beaver Works Summer Institute @ MIT. 

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  20. WCSO’s Kia, Tango get ‘Vested’

    Washington County Sheriff’s Office canines KIA and TANGO recently received their ballistic vests as well as some other equipment, which will keep them better protected while on patrol. Our K9s help keep their communities and their handlers/partners safe, and also help locate elderly family members who may suffer from things like Alzheimer’s or Dementia.

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  21. Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology a ‘Driving’ Force in CDL Training

    In 2022, Dead River Company donated a truck it could no longer use to Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology in Columbia.

    Over the past two years, many students at the career and technical education (CTE) Center have had a hand in refurbishing the vehicle for use as a Class B training truck. Most of the heavy lifting was done by Jason Tyler and his diesel class. The welding technology students also played a big part in the truck body’s reconstruction.

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  22. White Rabbits and Jabberwocky in Augusta

    Jon Reisman

    This Maine political season of partisan budgets and censures, gubernatorial and presidential petulance, DEI deflection, and narrative nonsense from Maine’s Soros bought-and-sold legacy media have brought Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass into clear metaphorical focus.

    My first white rabbit sighting came with apologies to Grace Slick and Jefferson Airplane:

    White Rabbit in Augusta

    Budgets can make you larger,

    Or they can make you small.

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  23. Key Tariff Rules for Maine Travelers Bringing Goods from Canada

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Until recently, cross-border travel was a routine part of life for many in the area. Now, for both travelers and businesses, understanding what to expect at the U.S.-Canada border regarding tariffs and import regulations is crucial to avoid unexpected costs. To help clear up common concerns, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided insights on how tariffs and duties apply to goods entering Maine from Canada.

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  24. Dragon Pride and Blue Devil Spirit Fuel Student Success with Booster Clubs

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

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  25. Beckett Center Basketball Team Secures Second Place at Special Olympics

    Last Saturday, March 29, 2025, the Calais Beckett Center basketball team showcased their talent and determination at the Basketball Special Olympics in Orono, bringing home an impressive second-place finish. Congratulations to the team on their outstanding achievement! (Submitted photo)

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  26. Dog Owners Urged to Follow Cleanup Rules

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    With warmer weather finally here, Calais residents have been taking advantage of the riverfront walkway and other routes around town. Many of these outdoor enthusiasts are accompanied by their four-legged companions. A growing problem, however, has sparked frustration among city officials and residents alike — pet owners failing to clean up after their dogs.

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  27. Sipayik Elementary Weaves Traditional Practices with New Technology in Electric Buses

    Article Submitted

    Sipayik Elementary School has been nationally recognized for pioneering the implementation of electric school buses in rural Tribal communities. The initiative, which has successfully electrified the school bus fleet at Sipayik Elementary School on the Pleasant Point (Sipayik) Reservation, was featured in a prominent national publication as part of their Electric School Bus Series.

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  28. Calais City Council

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Mayor Marcia Rogers presiding over Councilors Kevin Niles, Mike Sherrard, Elery Beale, Pete Foster, Bill Quinn, and James Macdonald. 

    What follows is a brief summary of the meeting.

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  29. Woodcock Walks at Moosehorn NWR

    Join Maine Master Naturalists as a rite of spring is observed, while watching for the evening dance of the American woodcock and new sounds of spring at the Woodcock Walks on April 4, 11, and 25 at the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. 

    The walks begin at 7 p.m., or 30 minutes before sunset. Participants will meet in the upper parking lot by bathrooms. Bring a flashlight with red covers, and binoculars will be provided. Dress warmly. 

    The walk, sponsored by Fundy Audubon and Friends of Moosehorn, will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain. 

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  30. Regional Policing Plan Gets Lukewarm Reception from Machiasport Selectboard

    Paul Sylvain

    A plan being floated by Machias Police Chief Keith Mercier, offering neighboring towns regional law enforcement services by the Machias Police Department, received a lukewarm reception from Machiasport officials at their March 24 meeting.

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  31. Freedom Studies - Spring?

    Jon Reisman

    I am more than ready for Spring, so the fresh, wet, white blanket that I observed at sunrise several days after spring had allegedly sprung was worth at least a question mark, but the preceding days of melting, initial raking, and garden prep, and baseball dreams were sufficient to somewhat salve the political and policy pounding Governor Mills and her Democratic legislative majorities have been so kindly administering to me, rural Maine, and the 2nd Congressional District.

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  32. Calais, Orono IGAs Recognized with Prestigious Awards

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Bob Craft and David Pike, owners of Calais IGA and Orono IGA, were honored for their outstanding leadership and commitment to their communities at the IGA Awards of Excellence Ceremony in Las Vegas on February 24, 2025. Nominated by their licensed distribution center, C&S Wholesale Grocers, they were among seven U.S. retailers celebrated, alongside IGA’s Retailers of the Year from Australia and South Africa.

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  33. Marden’s Surplus Accused of Selling Counterfeit Patagonia Gear, Lawsuit Filed

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Patagonia, a well-known outdoor clothing company, has filed a lawsuit against Maine-based retailer Marden's Surplus and Salvage, accusing the company of knowingly selling counterfeit products.

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  34. Border Patrol Stops Van, Detains Five for Immigration Violations

    On March 5, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Calais Station stopped a black passenger van carrying multiple occupants. Upon investigation, agents determined that five individuals were unlawfully present in the United States. They were charged under 8 USC 1182 for alien inadmissibility and transferred to Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), for processing and removal. (U.S. Border Patrol photo)

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  35. Spring Snowstorm Brings Sudden Change to St. Croix Valley

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Spring officially arrived on Thursday, March 20, with only remnants of snow in sight — a few small piles left over from previous plowing, offering a glimpse of warmer days ahead. However, by Sunday morning, residents of the St. Croix Valley awoke to a fresh blanket of snow, marking an abrupt return to winter conditions.

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  36. Matthew J. Glidden Receives MPA Principal’s Award

    Matthew J. Glidden, son of Wendy Glidden, of Baring, and a senior at Woodland Jr./Sr. High School, has been selected to receive the 2025 Principal’s Award, Principal Pat Metta announced. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association, is given in recognition of a high school senior’s academic achievement and citizenship.

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  37. Downeast Credit Union and Insurance Donate to Calais Middle High School

    Downeast Credit Union and Insurance has wrapped up the first year of its Downeast Dunker program, raising funds for five Maine schools throughout the basketball season.

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  38. WCCC Celebrates Athletes Named to USCAA All-Academic Basketball Team

    Washington County Community College (WCCC) is proud to announce that three student-athletes have been selected for the prestigious 2024-2025 United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Women's Division II National All-Academic Basketball Team. This honor recognizes the dedication, hard work, and excellence of student-athletes who excel both on the court and in the classroom.

    Named are Ryleigh Andrews, Eastport; Ashlee Morang, Pembroke; and Rianna Newman Campobello, NB.

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  39. Washington County Public Safety Building Nears Completion

    The new Washington County Public Safety Building, which will house the Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement entities, is nearing completion. County Manager Renee Gray  briefed County Commissioners John Crowley, Billy Howard, and Chairman David Burns at their March 20 meeting, saying that the project should be completed by mid-April, just a week behind the original schedule and still under budget. An official ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for sometime in May, (Photos courtesy Paul Sylvain)

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  40. From Troubled Past to Promising Future, Michelle Murphy Helping Others Find a Path Forward

    Paul Sylvain

    In a life full of choices, Michelle Murphy of East Machias readily admits that she’s made her share of poor ones, as she told County Commissioners John Crowley, Billy Howard, and Chairman David Burns at their March 20 meeting.

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  41. Sustain This

    Jon Reisman

    At the heart of green liturgy is the holy concept of sustainability. Everyone wants to be sustainable, but actually defining it in practice has proven wholly unlikely. Sustainability is often explained with the saying, “Don’t eat the seed corn,” or managing our resources in a manner that doesn’t reduce the opportunities of future generations. As a practical policy matter, what is or is not sustainable depends on baseline and future assumptions about technology, human behavior, and the planet/nature.

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  42. O’Brien’s Quality Autocare Passes the Torch to New Owner

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Since 1982, O’Brien’s Quality Autocare at 520 Main Street has been a trusted name in vehicle maintenance and repair. Owned and operated by Ron and Cindy O’Brien, the shop has built a reputation for quality service and customer care.

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  43. Waite General Store to Close Its Doors for Good on March 31

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    After serving the community for many decades, the Waite General Store will officially close its doors for good on March 31, marking the end of an era for the small town of Waite. The store has long been a staple of the community, offering everything from milk and eggs to moose tags and friendly conversation.

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  44. Peat-Carrying 18-Wheeler Wrecks and Burns in Wesley

    According to Wesley Fire Chief Lee Philbrook, on Sunday afternoon this tractor trailer truck carrying a load of peat moss, left the roadway on Route 9 at Day Hill to avoid hitting traffic, then struck several low-hanging power lines, and caught fire. Philbrook, who reported the driver of the truck escaped with minor injuries, said the intense blaze and thick smoke was caused by the burning peat moss. A section of Route 9 was closed for several hours. (Photo by Alvah Hawkins of Wesley used with permission)

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  45. Calais City Council

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    On Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Mayor Marcia Rogers presiding over Councilors Mike Sherrard, Elery Beale, Pete Foster, 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.

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