Lincoln Memorial Public Library Storytime

With the beginning of this new year 2025, the Lincoln Memorial Public Library in Dennysville is going to be continuing their Tuesday afternoon Storytime program with students from the first through the fourth grades, alternating between children from the Pembroke School, which includes residents of Dennysville, and children who attend the Edmunds School. The first Tuesday in January will bring the Pembroke School students, and the second Tuesday will be hosting the Edmunds School students.

Read More

Freedom Studies - Pre-Inaugural Sturm Und Drang

Jon Reisman

The events in New Orleans, Las Vegas, and the Swamp have quickly turned post-election optimism and confidence to pre-inaugural Sturm Und Drang fear, uncertainty, and turmoil. I am, and have been certain, Joe Biden was never “sharp as a tack” or “in charge,” despite having been told that repeatedly over the last four years. A wide swath of the left and the media chose to ignore and cover up Biden’s decline.

Read More

Rep. Tuell Outlines Bills He’s Submitted for Jan. 8th Start of the 132nd Legislature

Paul Sylvain 

(This is the first in a series of articles spotlighting legislative bills being submitted by the Washington County Legislative Delegation.)

In the days leading up to the Jan. 8 start of the 132nd Legislature, District 10 Rep. Will Tuell, R-East Machias, has provided a preview of bills he’s already submitted or plans to enter by the Jan. 10 filing deadline for proposed legislation.

Read More

DECH: First Baby of the New Year Has Arrived

The first baby born at Down East Community Hospital in Machias for the new year arrived at 6:36 p.m. on January 5.

 Davis Joseph Green, the first child of Brenna Davis and Austin Green, of Campobello, weighed in at 9 pounds 7 ounces and a length of 21 ¾ inches. Both parents said Dr. Inegbenijie and the nurses were phenomenal, and they were very impressed by and happy to be at DECH. As to what they had to say about Davis, “We are in love; he is just perfect!”

Read More

State Fire Marshal’s Office Rules Cause of New Year’s Eve Bluebird Fire ‘Undetermined’

Water, Wi-Fi Issues Force Motel to Cancel Bookings Until February

Paul Sylvain

The cause of a Christmas Eve fire that destroyed two-thirds of the Bluebird Motel’s main lodging building, fronting Route 1/Dublin Street in Machias, has been classified as “undetermined” by investigators with the state Fire Marshal’s Office.

Read More

Snowmageddon: Remembering the Winter of 2014-‘15 a Decade Later

Paul Sylvain

Maine winters aren’t what they used to be, considering the string of relatively mild winters we’ve enjoyed Downeast the past several years. Of course, with the snowiest and coldest winter months yet to come, it remains to be seen how Washington County will fare in this winter of 2024-25.

Still, the lingering memory of that last truly harsh, “old-fashioned” Maine winter a decade ago is one that anyone who experienced it won’t ever forget. 

Read More

Public Invited to Comment on Big New Stream Bridge Replacement Project

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Residents and travelers along Route 9 are invited to participate in an on-demand formal public meeting concerning the replacement of the Big New Stream Bridge over the East Branch of New Stream in Wesley. This infrastructure project will replace the aging steel structural plate pipe arch with a more durable precast concrete box culvert.

Read More

Pratt Annual Donation- Match Campaign Raises Record $27,600 for County Food Pantries

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

In a tremendous show of community support and generosity, the Pratt dealership in Calais has set a new record with its annual donation-match campaign to aid food pantries in Washington County. This year, the campaign reached an all-time high, collecting a total of $27,614 — the highest amount since Ian Pratt initiated this charitable effort.

Read More

Dragons Fall Short Against Blue Devils

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The Woodland Dragons were defeated by the Calais Blue Devils in a home game for Calais on Monday, January 6, with a final score of 83-58. 

Read More

New Era Dawns as Burns, Howard Sworn in as First New Washington County Commissioners in 12 Years

Paul Sylvain

The Washington County commissioners have a new look for the first time in a dozen years, following the swearing-in of District 1 Commissioner Billy Howard and District 2 Commissioner David C Burns at a brief ceremony at the commissioners’ meeting room on Jan. 2. 

Looking on was District 3 Commissioner John B. Crowley, whose seat was not up for reelection in 2024. 

Read More

Superintendent Joins NHS Students in Effort to Support Good Shepherd Food Bank

At a recent basketball game, the Calais High School National Honor Society hosted its annual fundraiser with a fun twist – selling strips of tape to help secure Superintendent Mary Anne Spearin to the wall. Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, the NHS state charity dedicated to fighting hunger. (Photo by Jayna Smith)

Read More

January Alarms

Jon Reisman

January has brought an array of alarms in California, Maine, and North America

Fire alarms in California

The California wildfires are both a natural and human-enhanced disaster. Governor Gavin Newsom’s inferno was made worse by decades of water policies prioritizing endangered snail darters and green liturgy over reservoirs and aqueducts. Controlled burns and fuel load management are apparently not consistent with a conviction that the cause of wildfires is anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change.

Read More

County Commissioner Howard Pushing to Catch up on 4 Years of Back Audits

Paul Sylvain

In his first official meeting as one of two newly elected Washington County commissioners, Billy Howard wasted little time, on Jan. 9, identifying his top priority for the upcoming year.

Read More

Downeast Credit Union and Insurance Partner with Calais High School

Downeast Credit Union and Insurance is proud to announce a new partnership with area schools, including Calais High School Athletics.

 In a new program coined “Downeast Dunkers,” participating schools will receive around $4,000 in cash and in-kind contributions from Downeast Credit Union and Insurance throughout the 2024/2025 basketball season.

Read More

The Last Dance: Longtime Refs Take the Court One More Time

Phil Stuart

Three Downeast Board basketball officials with over 120 years combined experience worked their last game together on Dec. 19 at Gardner Gymnasium in East Machias when the host Lady Raiders of Washington Academy played the Old Town Coyotes. 

Wallace “Alvin” Hall of Gardner's Lake, Walt “Candy” Cummings of Deep Cover, and “The Doctor” Kevin Barbee of Milbridge, each have had over 40 years on the basketball court, and all three are tournament veterans as well. 

Read More

Calais Outlasts Woodland in JH Basketball Showdown

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

At Woodland on Thursday, January 9, the junior high boys' basketball team hosted Calais in a competitive matchup. Calais emerged victorious with a final score of 48-38. 

Jacob Footer led the charge for Calais, scoring an impressive 15 points. 

Supporting Footer's efforts, Brock Collins and Rylan Harnoise each contributed 7 points, while Brayan Shirley added 6. 

Read More

Sen. Moore Submits Bill to Restore Maine State Police Presence in Washington County

Paul Sylvain

In July 2023, Maine State Police (MSP) quietly ceased patrolling the state’s rural counties and instead focused their limited patrol resources on higher traffic and more populated parts of the state. Among those counties most affected by that decision was Washington County, in which Sheriff Barry Curtis and his deputies assumed the sole burden of providing law enforcement coverage once shared with state police.

Read More

Calais Launches New Notification Service

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Calais citizens now have an easy way to stay updated on the latest city news, events, meetings, and emergencies through a new notification service. This service allows residents to receive updates via text or email, ensuring they are always informed about important community developments.

Read More

Craft, Pike Named IGA USA Retailers of the Year

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has proudly announced that Bob Craft and David Pike, the owners of Calais and Orono IGAs, have been named IGA USA Retailers of the Year. This prestigious accolade is the highest honor bestowed upon IGA retailer members, recognizing grocers who exhibit exceptional leadership and service within their communities.

Read More

sample

lkjhkjhkjhjhfg

sfdg

dfsgsdf

gsdf

gsd

fg

dsfg

Read More

Obituary - Holli A. Tapley Dec. 19, 1978-Jan. 7, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, daughter, and friend, Holli A. Tapley, on January 7th, 2025. Holli was born on December 19, 1978, in Presque Isle, Maine and raised in Calais,Maine. She was a basketball icon, known not only for her incredible skills but also for the positive influence she had on the Calais and Maine basketball communities.

Read More

2025 Opening Moves: Public Advocate, Equity Schadenfreude

Jon Reisman

The opening weeks of 2025 have brought home the consequences of mixing climate alarmism with identity/woke politics. The Energy, Utilities and Technology committee held a Public Advocate confirmation hearing where the Senate Chair ruled that any discussion of Maine’s energy and climate policies would not be allowed. 

Read More

Maine’s Sheriffs, Lawmakers Meet Over Breakfast to Discuss Rural Counties’ Dwindling Resources in Fight Against Crime

Paul Sylvain

Just because parts of Maine are considered “rural” and “sparsely populated” doesn’t mean there’s any lesser need for a strong law enforcement presence in places that fit those descriptions, like Washington County.

The county’s legislative delegation heard that message loud and early last week at a legislative breakfast sponsored by the Maine Sheriff’s Association. Among those traveling to Augusta for the 7 a.m. gathering were Washington County Sheriff Barry Curtis and Chief Deputy Mike Crabtree.

Read More

St. Croix Council #149 of the Knights of Columbus Donates Coats

The St. Croix Council #149 of the Knights of Columbus donated 48 brand-new coats to the We Care Community Baby Center in Machias in January. The donations were part of the Knights’ Coats for Kids program, which has distributed more than one million coats to children in need around the world. The Knights also delivered knitted clothing, diapers, and wipes donated by parishioners of St. Kateri Tekakwitha parish, as part of the ASAP (Aid & Support After Pregnancy) program.

Read More

Princeton Welcomes New, State-of-the-Art Laundromat

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Princeton residents can now enjoy the convenience of a local laundromat after a nearly 40-year absence. Main Street Laundry, owned by Moses and Susan Cilley, has officially opened its doors at 46 Main Street, right next to The Old School Family Restaurant, which the Cilleys also own.

Read More

Baileyville Scores Big with the Arrival of GameTime Sports Bar & Grill

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

GameTime Sports Bar & Grill celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 159 Main Street in Baileyville. This new hotspot boasts an array of amenities designed for sports enthusiasts and casual diners alike, including multiple large-screen televisions for optimal game viewing, a pool table, arcade games, and plenty of parking and seating to accommodate guests comfortably.

Read More

Lost at Sea: Coast Guard Calls Off Search for Missing Fishermen, Scallop Dragger

Sunken Vessel Found Under 160 Feet of Water Off Long Point Believed to be F/V Sudden Impact

Paul Sylvain

After a more than 25-hour search involving 11 rescue vessels over two days, and encompassing 950 square miles of open sea and coastline in eastern Washington County, the U.S. Coast Guard has officially called off its search Sunday evening for a South Addison scallop dragger and its two-man crew reported missing since Jan. 18. 

Read More

Winter Wonderland Adult Prom this Saturday to Benefit CES Playground Fund

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The Calais Elementary School PTO recently announced its upcoming Winter Wonderland Adult Prom, an evening set to bring the community together for a night of nostalgia and fun. Scheduled for this Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 8 to 11 p.m., the event will take place at St. Croix Tap & Table.

Read More

Remembering Holli Tapley, from Blue Devils Success to Fairfield University Fame

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The Calais community mourns the loss of Holli Tapley, a standout basketball player and beloved member of the Calais Blue Devils family, who passed away on January 7, 2025. A graduate of the class of 1997, Holli left an indelible mark on the basketball court, earning numerous accolades and inspiring her teammates and fans alike.

Read More

What's Up, Calais?

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The City of Calais has announced that all items and objects must be removed from city sidewalks by Monday, January 20, 2025, to ensure safe and efficient snow removal during the winter season. Items left on sidewalks make it difficult for crews to plow effectively, impacting the safety and accessibility of the community, and crews appreciate everyone’s cooperation.

Read More

Trump Sworn in as 47th President

Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th US President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/POOL/AFP via Getty Images, digital license - The Calais Advertiser, Inc.)

Read More

Freedom Studies - Semiquincentennial

Jon Reisman

That mouthful refers to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, now less than 18 months away. I have a feeling that Donald Trump’s TV and showman experience is going to play a big part in what I hope is a huge, happy party. I think there is a lot of work and planning to do for that to happen.

Read More

Downeast Credit Union Lending Expert Earns First Place in Nationwide Contest

Downeast Credit Union Lending Expert Jason Theriault was recently awarded the Top Protector in the nation by CU Certified during its annual competition, outranking 284 other lenders. Theriault has protected hundreds of credit union members, meaning that costly or unexpected auto repairs will be covered, preventing financial hardships, or loss of transportation.

Read More

Calais City Council

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Mayor Marcia Rogers presiding over Councilors Mike Sherrard, Elery Beale, Pete Foster, and Bill Quinn. Councilors Kevin Niles and James McDonald were 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.

Read More

Calais Lady Devils Edge Machias in Overtime Victory

Coach Dean Preston’s Lady Blue Devils improved their record to 9-4 with an overtime win over the Machias Lady Bulldogs on Tuesday, January 21. Calais’s Kayleigh Scott, shown here launching a three-pointer, led all scorers with 21 points.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

Read More

Blue Devils Play to the Wire in Trio of Nail-Biters

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The Calais Blue Devils hosted the Machias Bulldogs on Tuesday, January 21, in a matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats. Despite a valiant effort, the Blue Devils came up just short, as Machias secured a narrow 43-42 victory and upped their record to 11-2.

Leading the charge for Calais was Kaesen Dana, who delivered an impressive performance with a team-high 16 points. 

Read More

Storytime at Lincoln Memorial Public Library

During Storytime with seven children from the Pembroke School, which includes the children of Dennysville, grades first through fourth, there were plenty of things to interest all of the young folks. After some outdoor wiggling and simple indoor snacks, the story of the day, called How Big Is a Million? by Anna Milbourne and Serena Riglietti, was read and discussed. 

Read More

What's Up, Calais?

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

A cribbage tournament benefiting the elementary school’s playground fund is set for this Saturday, February 1, at St. Croix Tap & Table. This doubles tournament has a $20 entry fee per team, with the winning team taking home half the pot. To register, stop by, message, or call St. Croix Tap & Table at 207-454-4177.

Read More

Chase Scott Reaches 100 Career Wins on the Mat

Calais High School junior wrestler Chase Scott achieved a remarkable milestone on Saturday, January 25, 2025, securing his 100th career victory during a match in Bucksport. He is shown with his coaches Madeline Tardiff and Spencer McCormick. (CHS Boosters photo)

Read More

Winter Wonderland Prom Raises Funds for Safer School Playground

Playground Fundraiser Continues this Saturday with Cribbage Competition

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Last Saturday evening, January 25, the Calais Elementary School PTO transformed St. Croix Tap & Table into a magical Winter Wonderland for an adults-only prom night, all to raise funds for the school’s playground fund.

Read More

Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Mad Mardigan’s to the St. Croix Valley

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Some members of the St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce board of directors recently joined Julianna Mahan and her son, Toby Sanchez-Mahan, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their business, Mad Mardigan’s Cafe & Catering, located at 28 North Street in Calais.

Read More