Jayna Smith

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Eastport is set to come alive with swashbuckling fun as the 20th Annual Eastport Pirate Festival takes over downtown from September 5-7. Known as one of New England’s largest pirate gatherings, the festival draws visitors from across the state and beyond to celebrate pirate history, community, and family-friendly entertainment.

The Garden Party was full of a major smorgasbord of Dr. Seuss books read and delicious foods eaten! The library folks, the children,  and parents are so appreciative of the faithful and skillful leadership with which Alyssa Schmitter has shared storybooks and crafts with the children this summer.

The WHS Class of 1975 50th Reunion was held August 15 at the Spednic Club in Baileyville. Twenty-three members attended, along with two teachers. (Photo submitted by Natalie Toth)

Can you let us know any of the names? Email: [email protected]

Jayna Smith

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Washington County Community College (WCCC) hosted its Adult Education graduation ceremony on Aug. 20, recognizing the accomplishments of students who earned their high school equivalency diplomas (HiSET) in 2024/25.

Jayna Smith

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Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC) wrapped up its Music on the Green summer concert series with a grand finale Saturday night, August 30, featuring a special performance by American Idol star Julia Gagnon. The popular Tuesday-night concert series, sponsored by local businesses, brought live music to the community all summer long, and the final show on Saturday proved a memorable send-off.

Paul Sylvain

A special meeting of the Washington County Commissioners on Sept. 3 has left those who were there asking when is a resignation a resignation?

On Aug. 15, Cobscook Institute, in partnership with Maine Sea Grant and Maine Audubon, hosted a Migration Birding Walk on the scenic South Lubec mud flats. The event drew significant interest, filling all available spots and generating a waitlist.

Sixteen participants joined expert guides Chris Bartlett and Doug Hitchcox for a two-mile trek across the mud flats in search of migrating shorebirds. Highlights of the morning included sightings of Least Sandpipers, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers, and a rare Baird’s Sandpiper.

Young riders dashed around barrels on handmade stick horses last month at the Washington County Fair in Pembroke in the Stick Horse Barrel Race. Claire Olsson- won second place and Lux McGivery earned first. (Submitted photo)

Burns Committed to Providing Essential County Services if Controversial Bond Fails

Paul Sylvain

If last week’s special meeting of the Washington County Commissioners is a preview of budget discussions to come, the 2026 county spending package could be in for a long, rocky ride over the next two months. 

The 20th annual Pirate Festival drew thousands to Eastport over the weekend, including young buccaneer Nora from Calais, who soaked up the swashbuckling fun.  See more photos on page 12 of this week's paper. (Photo by Jessie Tompkins Howard)

Paul Sylvain

Three men were arrested last Friday by Machias police and charged with aggravated drug trafficking, Class A. 

According to a prepared statement issued by the MPD Monday, officers were called to a reported disturbance at 1 Pleasant Street, in Machias, at 12:08 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12.

“Upon investigating the call, officers determined that a physical altercation had occurred, with two of the parties subsequently being transported to Downeast Community Hospital for cuts and bruises,” police said.

Woodland Christian Fellowship (WCF) in Baileyville recently completed its Annual Vacation Bible School. The church was decorated from the floor to the eaves, giving those in attendance the sense that they had stepped into a garden filled with God’s promises. 

Over 20 children attended and were challenged at the beginning of the week to bring in loose change to raise money for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse committed to sending shoeboxes filled with gifts and Jesus’ love to less-fortunate children around the world. 

Pierre Little, Editor and Publisher

With the capture of the alleged assassin in Utah, our hearts are not quite so stone-like, not quite so encased in the armor of indifference, for we have been confronted with the tragic spectacle of Charlie Kirk’s death, displayed before the world’s unblinking gaze. What horror, and yet—what revelation.

Jayna Smith

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Baileyville’s annual Octoberfest is just around the corner, and organizers say this year’s celebration will once again offer something for everyone — great food, family entertainment, and community spirit.

The festivities kick off on Monday, Oct. 6, with a community supper at the Spednic Club from 4 to 6 p.m. On the menu is sirloin tips with all the fixings and dessert. Take-outs will be available also

Jayna Smith

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Last week, Kamiwan and Paul Oliver, a Calais couple residing on Spring Street, announced their intent to file a lawsuit against the City of Calais over rules that restrict residents from keeping backyard chickens.

Jayna Smith

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Car enthusiasts and classic vehicle fans are revving up for the fifth annual Clyde’s Classic Car Show, set for Sunday, September 28, at 482 North Street in Milltown. The event will run from noon to 3 p.m. at C&E Feeds, General Market, and Calais Package Hub.

Isabella Bishop

On September 18, the junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams had wins at Orono. Our Calais girls are currently ranked fifth in the division with a record of four wins and two loses. Lets keep the victories going!

Our golf team celebrated another impressive victory, keeping up their undefeated record 7-0 for the season! 

Recent top scores for Calais were Jacob, 35 points (medalists); Micheal, 37 points; Chase, 38 points; and Brayan, 39 points.

Paul Sylvain

The assassination of conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down while giving a speech at a Utah college campus on Sept. 10, has rippled across every fabric of American society and in communities big and small.

One such small community is the Washington County town of Dennysville, where selectman Scott Corey is drawing fire from locals angered by social media posts he made, including one characterizing Kirk’s death as “karma.”

The creativity and dedication of local 4-H youth were on full display this year as part of the annual Washington County 4-H Photography Contest. Open to all enrolled 4-H members, the contest encourages participants to develop communication and expressive arts skills through photography.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 77th annual meeting and awards gala on Friday, September 19, 2025, at GameTime Sports Bar & Grill in Baileyville. Nearly 100 business leaders, community members, and volunteers gathered for the event, which showcased the strong spirit of the St. Croix Valley.