CNN reported that three US service members were killed by an improvised explosive device near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan on Monday, April 8th, according to the US military. Three other US service members were wounded.

The Taliban claimed credit for the attack, which involved a car bomb targeting a US military convoy near one of America's largest military facilities in Afghanistan.

By Jayna Smith

Maine could soon be the first state in the nation to make it illegal for public schools to use Native American mascots.

School Administrative District 54, which includes Skowhegan, recently voted 14-9 to stop its use of the “Indian” nickname and mascot for all schools in the district.  This came after a year-long debate over the use of the name for the Skowhegan Area High School teams.

By Jayna Smith

A structure fire last Thursday, April 4th, resulted in a complete loss of the home of Brian Seavey and family.  The fire was at 648 Houlton Road in Baileyville, across from the garage of VL Tammaro.

According to Baileyville Fire Chief John McPhee, his department was called out at about 2:20 p.m.  He said, “The house is still standing, but is a complete loss.” Chief McPhee said the windy conditions that day made things even more difficult for the firefighters.

By Jayna Smith

Eastport Arts Center welcomed over 30 talented jazz musicians last week for its annual High School Jazz Night.  The concert showcased bands from Calais Middle/High School, Washington Academy, and Shead High School.

The evening allowed for each band to perform in front of a packed house, including in front of the peers from the other schools.  None of the bands disappointed, impressing the audience with their great sounding performances.

By Natalie Boomer

The Maine Country Music Hall of Fame will induct Jane Brooks and five others on May 19th. 

Staff at Woodland Jr./Sr. High School recognized Autism Awareness Month last week by wearing shirts with the quote "In a world where you can be anything, be kind," a good reminder to live by every day. 

On April 4th, a family in Baileyville suffered the loss of their home and nearly all of their belongings.  The home, at 648 Houlton Road, was occupied by residents Brian Seavey, Tasha Jordan, and their children Joshua, age 13, and Conor, age 12, who has autism.  They did not have fire insurance.  

By Natalie Boomer

The Second Baptist Church in Calais held an early Easter dinner on the 13th. The dinner was free for all who attended. The dinner was hosted by members of the church and by Grampie Bill’s Place. 

“We welcome everybody and anyone to please come. Both sides of the border, or wherever you’re from,” said Bill Gibson of the church. “We hope and pray everybody comes.” 

By Jayna Smith

On Thursday, March 7th, Chen Family Garden Restaurant was ordered closed by a state public health inspector until further notice.  According to Emily Spencer, Public Information Officer of Maine’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an “imminent health hazard” (IHH) was found.

The public health inspector who served the IHH notice indicated on the form that the health hazard was “rodents on premise and unable to operate in a sanitary manner.”