1. Harvest Festival Set to Bring Fall Fun to Calais this Saturday

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    This Saturday, October 5, Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC) will host its annual Harvest Festival, offering a full day of activities for all ages.  The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with the Scarecrow Shuffle, a one-mile fun run along the riverfront for kids up to grade eight.

    Read More
  2. Princeton Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

    Following the completion of the Princeton Community Playground build, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held last Monday, September 23, at Princeton’s Brewer Andrews Field. This was an enthusiastic celebration of four years of volunteer efforts to provide a playground for the younger children of Princeton.  

    Read More
  3. Area Faces Shipping Setbacks as UPS Drops Next-Day Delivery Service

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Calais residents and businesses are facing new shipping challenges as UPS has discontinued its next-day delivery service to the region.  According to Calais City Councilor Elery Beale, this change is already causing significant disruptions, especially for those relying on time-sensitive shipments like medication and critical business supplies.

    Read More
  4. Rumors of Asylum Seekers Being Sent to Calais Spark Clarification from City Officials

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    A recent social media post generated widespread discussion in Calais and surrounding towns, following claims that Governor Janet Mills contacted Calais Mayor Artie Mingo regarding the relocation of asylum seekers to the city.  The post alleged that Governor Mills informed the mayor she would be sending two busloads of asylum seekers to Calais and that Mayor Mingo responded by stating two buses would be waiting to send them back to Augusta.

    Read More
  5. Washington County Readying for Turkey-a-Thon on Oct. 11

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Washington County is preparing for a beloved tradition: the 20th Annual Turkey-a-Thon, scheduled for Friday, October 11.  

    Read More
  6. Public Meeting Held on ATV Trail Proposal Near Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The second of two recent meetings regarding the proposed extension of the Down East Sunrise Trail from Ayers Junction to Route 1 in Calais was held last week at the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.  According to the Refuge, nearly 60 people attended to hear presentations, provide feedback, and ask questions.

    Read More
  7. Local Conservation Groups Clear Trails for Public Use

    The Downeast Salmon Federation (DSF) and the Pleasant River Fish and Game Conservation Association (PRFGCA) partnered together with community volunteers to clear downed trees along trails in DSF’s Pleasant River Community Forest in Columbia last week.  

    Read More
  8. Applefest at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church

    Community members browse through a variety of books at the book sale, part of the annual Applefest held last Saturday at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church. (Photo by Pierre Little)

    Read More
  9. Clyde's Car Show Draws Record Crowd with Over 80 Classic Cars

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Clyde’s Car Show, now in its fourth year, drew a large crowd last Sunday once again as over 80 classic and antique cars filled the back lot of C&E Feeds General Market and Calais Package Hub, attracting enthusiasts of all ages. 

    Patrons strolled through the showcase, voting for their favorite vehicles.  A 50/50 raffle raised funds for the Kenny Murphy Memorial Fund, and prizes were awarded to standout cars and trucks.

    Read More
  10. Angus, Demi, and ME

    Jon Reisman

    Thirty years ago, I had an “Angus King for Governor” sign on the big white pine that towers over my mailbox. It was one of very few in Washington County. Angus kept his promise to get rid of car testing, opposed the salmon listing, and pushed $100 million (more than a million a mile) in improvements to Route 9 that significantly reduced both travel time and white knuckles on the airline. Despite that, the Two Maines problem got significantly worse during his tenure in both the Blaine House and the Senate. 

    Read More
  11. CDRC's Harvest Festival Schedule

    Scarecrow Lamp Pole Decorating, Main Street. Calling all businesses, groups, families, and individuals! Help add some seasonal décor to downtown by creating a scarecrow for the lamp posts for display throughout October. It’s free, and it’s fun! FMI, visit the Facebook page Calais, Maine Annual Scarecrow Contest.

    9 a.m. – Kids’ Scarecrow Shuffle 1-Mile Fun Run, Waterfront. Two groups – ages up to 8 and ages 9-12 – can lace up their sneakers and take part in the free 1-mile fun run. Sponsored by CDRC.

    Read More
  12. Princeton’s New Playground Takes Shape Through Community Effort

    Sandra Smith

    Read More
  13. Hunter Safety Course Offered at Calais Rod & Gun Club

    Will Tuell

    New hunters in search of a required firearms safety course before the fall season kicks into high gear may be in luck as the Calais Rod & Gun Club is planning a daylong course for anyone 10 and up in need of certification. The course will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calais Rod and Gun Clubhouse -- 199 Charlotte Road in Charlotte. 

    Read More
  14. County Budget Committee Facing Tough Decision on $10.8-Million ‘Sticker Shock’ Budget

    Dispatchers, Information Technology Top County’s Wish List

    Paul Sylvain

    It is not the best of times for the Washington County budget committee after being handed a proposed 2025 budget that, if fully funded as presented — after subtracting projected revenues from expenditures — would ring in at  $10,845,108. That figure is up by $2.7 million, or approximately 33 percent, over the approved budget of $8,098,215.83 for the current year.

    Read More
  15. Kick Off Fall this Saturday at St. Anne’s Applefest

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Prepare for a day filled with autumn cheer as St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Calais hosts its Applefest this Saturday, September 28.  This year’s event will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Read More
  16. Lady Devils Score New Uniforms Thanks to St. Croix Lodge #46

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Calais High School Lady Devils soccer team recently received much-needed new uniforms, thanks to the generosity of St. Croix Lodge #46.  The lodge, through its youth matching grant with the Grand Lodge of Maine, funded half the cost of the uniforms.

    “The uniforms are in and look great,” said Coach Tom Parks.  

    Read More
  17. From Town Administrator to County Manager, Renee Gray Sees Her Role as Chief Troubleshooter

    Paul Sylvain

    Renee Gray wrapped up her first year as Washington County manager on July 6. As she explained in an interview at her office in the county courthouse building on Sept. 17, it has been a rewarding, though at times challenging, year. 

    As Gray digs in for her second year as the Sunrise County’s administrator, 2025 may be even more challenging for her, given the uncertainty over a proposed $10.8-million budget currently under scrutiny by the county’s budget committee.  

    Read More
  18. Freedom Studies - Climate Policy, Polls, and Polarization

    Jon Reisman

    September brought a super full moon, a partial eclipse, solar flares, and aurora alerts. The calendar included my late wife’s birthday, our anniversary, Labor Day, September 11th, Constitution Day, and a hermit-ending late summer trip down the airline to Bangor.  All those events are linked to less sleep and strong emotions (alas, Kamala’s “Joy” is not one of them). That may explain a somewhat scattershot column on climate policy, polls, and polarization.

    Climate Policy Anxiety  

    Read More
  19. Alexander Remembers Sept. 11

    Will Tuell

    Read More
  20. CDRC Brings American Idol Star to Calais

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    American Idol sensation Julia Gagnon took the stage Monday night in Calais, delivering an unforgettable performance after having to cancel her originally-scheduled show due to suffering with laryngitis.  

    Organized and sponsored by Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC), the concert drew hundreds of attendees to Flat Iron Park, marking one of the most anticipated and well-attended events in recent years.

    Read More
  21. Firefighters Contain Baileyville Brush Fire

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Baileyville Fire Department, alongside multiple local agencies, successfully contained a fast-moving brush fire on South Princeton Road on Saturday, Sept. 14.  Crews responded to the initial report of a small fire at 3:47 p.m., but, within 22 minutes, the blaze had doubled in size, fueled by dry marsh conditions, Fire Chief Bill Delnicki said.

    Read More
  22. Former Calais Resident Conquers the Appalachian Trail

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    In 2011, a hike through Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness sparked a passion for backpacking in former Calais resident Bobby Campbell, now a resident of Glenburn.  It was during this trek that Campbell encountered several Appalachian Trail "through-hikers," adventurers making the long journey from Georgia to Maine, and the idea of tackling the full 2,190-mile trek began to take root.

    Read More
  23. Proud Dads

     

    Six father/son combos and even one grandfather/son/grandson combo took part in this year’s Club Championship at St. Croix Country Club. Shown are dads and sons Beau and Chase Scott, Toby and Parker Cole, James and Cameron Macdonald, Mike and Michael Barnard, Jason and Turner Redding, and Joe and Jacob Footer.  (Submitted photo)

    Read More
  24. Clyde’s Classic Car Show Returns for Fourth Year

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Car enthusiasts and classic vehicle aficionados are gearing up for the fourth annual Clyde’s Classic Car Show, set to rev into action on Sunday, September 29.  The event will begin at noon and take place at C&E Feeds, General Market, and Calais Package Hub, located at 482 North Street in Milltown.

    Read More
  25. CFD Joins in on Fun with Wellmore Place Residents to Celebrate Assisted Living Week

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    In celebration of National Assisted Living Week, residents and staff at Wellmore Place enjoyed a week filled with exciting activities.  Among the highlights were a make-your-own pizza event, a tailgate barbecue, live music, and a lively scavenger hunt.  

    Read More
  26. Former Town Manager Christina Therrien Appointed Interim Machias Manager

    Search for a Permanent Town Manager Begins

    Paul Sylvain

    In what visibly and emotionally was a difficult but necessary meeting for the Machias selectboard on Sept. 11, the five-member panel voted unanimously to appoint Christina Therrien interim town manager to temporarily fill the void left by the sudden passing of Bill Kitchen on Sept. 9.

    Read More
  27. Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Milltown Coffee

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Last week, members of the board of directors of St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce marked the opening of Milltown Coffee in Calais with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, welcoming the newest addition to the community. 

    Read More
  28. Young Entrepreneur Balancing College Studies and Food Truck Business

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Earlier this summer, recent Calais High School graduate Josh Sivret made a significant leap into the business world by taking ownership of Grampie Bill’s Place, a popular food truck stationed in the Calais IGA parking lot.  Sivret acquired the business from longtime owner "Grampie Bill" Gibson, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.

    Read More
  29. Calais City Council

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    On Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Mayor Artie Mingo presiding over Councilors Mike Sherrard, Marcia Rogers, Elery Beale, Bill Quinn, and James Macdonald.  Councilor Kevin Niles was absent.

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

    Read More
  30. Freedom Studies - Greenhouse Gas Lighting

    Jon Reisman

    Maine’s Climate Council, co-chaired by Office of Policy Innovation and the Future Director Hannah Pingree and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Melanie Loyzim is updating Maine Won’t Wait, Maine’s climate action plan. The plan seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (principally from transportation), phase out fossil fuels, encourage solar and wind, promote (undefined) “equity,” and have at least 30% of Maine publicly owned and controlled for conservation and carbon sequestration.

    Read More
  31. Critical Need for Hospice Volunteers in Washington County

    Make a Difference with Just a Few Hours

    Just a few hours of your time each week could bring comfort and companionship to someone in need.  Hospice volunteers are urgently needed in Washington County, particularly in Wesley, Alexander, Cooper, Crawford, Charlotte, Baring, Baileyville, Princeton, Grand Lake Stream, Calais, Perry, Robbinston, Eastport, Pembroke, Dennysville, Edmunds, Whiting, Lubec and surrounding towns.

    Read More
  32. Calais Branch Rail Use Advisory Council to Hold Public Meeting on Future of Rail Corridor

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Read More
  33. Washington County Reels at Loss of Machias Town Manager Bill Kitchen

    Paul Sylvain

    Residents in Machias and neighboring communities awoke Tuesday morning to the tragic news of the sudden passing of the Shiretown’s energetic and much loved Town Manager Bill Kitchen. 

    Kitchen, who passed away sometime Monday, Sept. 9,  will be remembered for his tireless devotion and efforts to help promote and grow the town that he so clearly loved. He was Machias’ biggest cheerleader and will be sorely missed.

    Read More
  34. Enchanted Princess Docks in Eastport with The Love Boat Stars Aboard

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    On Tuesday, September 3, the Enchanted Princess, a 1,082-foot cruise ship with a capacity of 3,900 passengers, docked in Eastport.  It was the largest cruise ship to visit Eastport, too large for the breakwater pier.

    Read More
  35. Lioness of the Year, New Club President Announced

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Calais Lioness Club is poised to begin another exciting year of community service, following a summer break.  With a fresh sense of purpose, the club's members gathered last week to kick off their new season of charitable efforts under the leadership of newly-elected President Elise Jensen.

    Read More
  36. Red Knights Gearing Up for Stuff the Bus Ride, and All are Invited

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Coming up, on September 21, the Red Knights of Maine Chapter 5 will host their second annual Stuff the Bus ride to help local families in Washington County. 

    Read More
  37. 4-H Youth Capture Washington County in Photo Contest

    4-H photographers demonstrated their skills at the 2024 University of Maine Cooperative Extension Washington County 4-H Contest, capturing animals, architecture, farm life, and more.

    Read More
  38. Maine Indian Education Educator Honored with National Award

    Lynn Amakehs Mitchell, Maine Indian Education Facilities Manager, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Community Service of the Year Award. This national recognition highlights Ms. Mitchell's outstanding contributions to Native education and her dedication to serving the community.

    Read More
  39. Calais Sports News

    Calais High Girls Soccer Secures 7-0 Victory Over Narraguagus

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    In a dominant display on Sept. 5, Coach Tom Parks led the Calais High School girls soccer team to a resounding 7-0 win against Narraguagus.  

    Kayleigh Scott, Sarah Wentworth, and Alexis Bowen each contributed goals. The standout performance came from Natalie MacDonald, who notched a hat trick in the victory.

    Read More
  40. Lion Gerald Farr Remembered for His Legacy of Service

    On Saturday, September 7th, family, friends, and fellow Calais Lions Club members gathered at Gerald Farr’s home along the St. Croix River to celebrate his life and contributions. Gerald and his wife, Margot, who predeceased him, retired to Calais where they embraced the community and found their own slice of heaven.

    Read More
  41. Washington County Dems Open Headquarters in Machias

    Washington County Democrats celebrated the grand opening of their party headquarters in Machias Saturday, Sept. 7. The office is located at 97 Main Street (formerly Berry Vines) in Machias. (Photo courtesy Washington County Dems) 

    Read More
  42. Washington County Republican Committee to House Cross-County Candidate Tour

    On Monday, Sept. 23, federal, state, and local Republican candidates will be making stops in Calais (9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Fitzgerald’s Restaurant, 234 Main Street) and Machias (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Washington County Republican Committee Headquarters at 86 Main Street). Their third stop will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Friendship Trap, 13 Indian River Road, Columbia Falls (beside Abs), and their final stop will be from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Beals Island at Back Field Park (location subject to change). 

    Read More
  43. Freedom Studies - Election Stress Dysfunction

    Jon Reisman

    2024

    Read More
  44. Bishop James Thomas Ruggieri Visits St. Kateri

    Bishop James Thomas Ruggieri of the Catholic Diocèse of Portland, making a tour of the diocese, stopped in Calais on Monday at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish.  He celebrated Mass and provided a Benediction of the Blessed Sacrement to all who attended the Mass.  He was welcomed by President of the Parish Council and Grand Knight of council 149. Pictured are Fr. Jude Lawsamba, Michael Boies, John  Magera, Bishop James Ruggieri, Fr. Roland Berngeh, Ed Stover, George Mclaughlin and Claude Landry. (Submitted photo)

    Read More
  45. Washington County Fair Pageant

    The very first Washington County Fair Pageant for the Washington County Fair in Pembroke was held at the Pembroke Elementary School. The pageant is open for girls ages 10 to 18, with three titles being presented: junior princess, teen, and miss.

    Read More

Pages

Pages