Will Tuell

Twenty years ago last Friday — AuTwenty years ago last Friday — Aug. 15, 2005 — Maine Veterans Home in Machias opened its doors. In the two decades since, the residential care facility serving area veterans and their spouses has seen its share of ups and downs, from expansions and national awards to a worldwide pandemic and a near-closure three years ago after repeated warnings about the home’s financial woes. 

Will Tuell

Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, will be a solemn day for the family of slain Korean War soldier Oscar Sprague, who lost his life serving our country during the Korean War. Sprague, 22, was reported missing in action on Sept. 3, 1950, in the vicinity of Yongsan, South Korea, and, until recently, remained unaccounted for. Now, 75 years later, Sprague’s hometown of Milbridge will welcome home their fallen hero with full military honors, funeral organizers said last week. 

Paul Sylvain

“We’re just staying afloat, and I mean just barely.”

 Those words, spoken by Washington County Commissioner Billy Howard at an Aug. 21 public hearing, sum up the current state of the county’s government finances. And the situation could get worse — a lot worse — if a $11 million bond referendum being sought by the county fails in the Nov. 4 election. Among other things, the county will be unable to repay its $7.6 million tax anticipation note that comes due in full on Dec. 31.

Paul Sylvain

Washington County Commissioners on Aug. 20 voted down a fleet vehicle leasing proposal, in favor of keeping with the past practice of purchasing three new vehicles yearly, at least until the 2027 budget year.

The unexpected vote came at an emergency meeting of the commissioners, held as a precursor to determine how to present 2026 budget options to the public at the commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting the next day.

These kids loved the pig scramble at Washington County Fair this past weekend. See more photos on page 11 of this week's paper. (Submitted photo)

By Paul Sylvain

There used to be a TV ad that asked, “Is it live or is it Memorex?” Now, Washington County Manager Renee Gray is hoping to bring the monthly county commissioners meetings “live” to your cell phone, tablet, or computer screen soon.

Currently in her third year as the county government’s manager, and working for an all-new board of county commissioners, Gray is poised to make several changes to increase transparency in the county’s operation and better inform county residents about what the commissioners are doing.

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.

Early fall enrollment is up 3.2% at Maine’s community colleges for a third straight year of record-breaking enrollment at the seven colleges.

Manager Confirms County Contacted State Auditor

By Paul Sylvain

Washington County Commissioners Dave Burns, Courtney Hammond, and Billy Howard were meeting Sept. 3 to continue their work on a 2026 budget package. What that budget ultimately looks like is anybody’s guess, given the turmoil stirred up by the current fiscal crisis at the county.

Will Tuell

But for the heroic actions of the family’s St. Bernard, Jeremiah and Katherine Jurdak of Pembroke, their daughters, and infant grandchild would not have escaped a blaze that took their Pembroke home, and virtually all of their belongings last week.