Jayna Smith

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A much-needed child care and education center is coming to the former Charlotte Elementary School, providing services for children from infancy through middle school. Maritime Munchkins LLC, founded by Heather Doughty, is set to open soon, offering daycare, a private K-8 school, after-school care, and summer programs to families throughout Washington County.

Will Tuell

As Maine’s commercial fishing industry gathered at the Samoset Resort in Rockland last weekend for the industry’s annual Fishermen’s Forum, the state’s Department of Marine Resources (DMR) released new data showing growth across the industry in 2024. Fishermen, DMR said, earned $74 million more in 2024 than in 2023, with landings valued at $709,509,984. 

Jayna Smith

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Calais Fire-EMS responded to a structure fire at 293 River Road on Wednesday, Feb. 26, after receiving a direct report of the blaze.

Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy fire rolling out of the front side of the building, CFD Chief Bill Lee said. Firefighters were informed that two dogs were inside, and crews managed to locate and remove the dogs from the garage, but despite efforts to revive them, the dogs did not survive.

Jayna Smith

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Every fourth Sunday in March, the Maine Maple Producers Association invites all to celebrate Maine Maple Sunday. Sugarhouses across the state open their doors, offering visitors the chance to tour, learn about the maple syrup-making process, and enjoy one of Maine’s most cherished products. Notably, Maine ranks among the top three maple syrup producers in the nation.

Jon Reisman

I drove down to Augusta under the theory that showing up at the work session for LD 495, requiring the DEP to issue an estimate as to how much adverse climate change their policies were averting and at what cost to consumers in terms of energy prices, might influence the outcome. The DEP testified neither for nor against, admitting that the estimates could be provided at minimal cost.

Last week, Storytime at the Lincoln Memorial Public Library had a record dozen young folks enjoying the wonderful book You Are Special by Max Lucado and making “All About Me” books to show how special and unique each child is. This group was from the Pembroke school and included children from Dennysville.

Jayna Smith

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The American Red Cross is bringing its Home Fire Campaign to Calais on Friday, April 26, offering free smoke alarm installations for individuals and families in need. This program works to improve home safety and preparedness by ensuring that residents have working smoke alarms and a plan in case of fire.

Paul Sylvain 

Former Maine Game Warden and Master Guide David Craven of Bucks Harbor is speaking out against a bill to restrict coyote hunting in Maine after defeating a similar bill during the last legislative session. Craven, now a respected shepherd who has judged international competitions in the field, joined popular talk radio host Ric Tyler Feb. 28 to discuss LD 716, “An Act to Restrict the Hunting of Coyotes,” prior to a March 3 public hearing on the issue in Augusta. 

Jayna Smith

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Last month, area fire crews responded to a devastating blaze at 319 River Road in Calais. The home, owned by Pete and Brandi Cline, was completely destroyed.

Peter and Brandi, a beloved teacher at Calais High School, their daughter, Jenna, a well-known student and friend to many, and their son, Josh, a college student, lost all their belongings and pets. 

Jon Reisman

Amid increasing contretemps over Trump, tariffs, taxes, and transgender toxicity, I watched the Soros backed, matching blood-red shirt, pro-Hamas/anti-Israel/antisemitic protest/rant at Trump Tower in Manhattan Thursday afternoon, followed by the blood-red lunar eclipse moon at 2 a.m. Friday. 

Paul Sylvain

Machias Historical Society and Revolutionary War Reenactors of Downeast Maine member Joe McBrine reports that work is continuing at a fever pitch in preparation for the upcoming 250th celebration of the 1775 Battle of the Margaretta, considered by the U.S. Navy to be the first naval engagement of the American Revolution

On March 14, 2025, all AOS 90 staff had the opportunity to participate in Wellness Day, a biennial event dedicated to promoting health and well-being. Staff from across the district came together to engage in a variety of activities, including yoga, hiking, cooking classes, crafting, drawing, forestry and environmental activities, pickleball, weightlifting, and more.

After months of hard work, this event provided a much-needed opportunity for staff to reconnect, relax, and focus on their well-being.

Jayna Smith

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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.

Jayna Smith

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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.

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.

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)

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.

Jayna Smith

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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.

Jayna Smith

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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.