Blue Devils Cheerleaders:  (front) Taylor Carter, Shaylee Moores, Haylie Prickett, Emma Saunders, Madyson Parks, Alyssa Johnson, Sarah Kreft, Sierra Jones, (back) Kassidi Porter, Jordan Yarnes, Alexis Doten, Tristan Seavey, Aryana McConnico, Cadence Braughton, Lainey Johnson, Bailey O’Rourke.  (Photo by Coach Heidi Ryan-Braughton)

Jayna Smith

jayna@calais.news

Calais High School's Sophia McVicar has been selected as a 2021 Maine McDonald's High School All-Star.  She is one of only 12 girls representing the girls C/D North division.  

Jayna Smith

jayna@calais.news

Experts are reporting that positive COVID-19 cases are dropping, due in part by the end of the post-holiday upswing, increased preventive measures like masks and distancing and the millions of previously infected people who now have a level of natural immunity.

Happy Birthday to the Navy Reserve on March 3rd. It was formed in 1915 as a response to the outbreak of World War I and the Navy Reserve  made up almost 84 percent of the Navy's fighting force during the war. Among its ranks were five future U.S. Presidents and 15 recipients of the Medal of Honor. The Navy Reserve has since had reservists serve in every major war in which the United States has fought.

This group of deer was unphased by the messy mix that fell, blanketing their backs, Tuesday, Feb. 16.  (Photo by Jayna Smith) See more great wildlife photo submissions on page 17 of this week's paper!

The much-anticipated online exhibition, Covid Creations, a project of Eastport Arts Center’s Washington Street Gallery, is now viewable via the EAC site. The show includes works by 45 artists both local and far-flung, but all with Eastport connections. Most images are accompanied by artist statements revealing how these artists have approached their work as the pandemic unfolds. 

Jayna Smith

jayna@calais.news

When high school basketball teams have taken to the courts this season, it’s been in near-empty gyms under the shadow of the pandemic.  No fans have been permitted inside, leaving at Calais High School games, only teams and coaches, referees, a timekeeper, and, on the balcony overlooking the hardwood, members of the media.  

The St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce recently presented the annual awards for 2020, which are typically presented during the year end annual meeting.  Since there was no annual meeting due to the pandemic, chamber officers visited the businesses/individuals and presented each award.   

Kaileigh Deacon 

For many veterans, when they return home and long after, they need support and a community that gives them a safe place to be. For years there has been a need in the Calais area for a support system for veterans and their families, and now there is something to fill that void. 

The Town of St. Stephen recently shared to its Facebook page this photo and a post that read, “In a world full of chaos that this pandemic has brought on, we have raised this flag for Valentine’s Day weekend to remind everyone to love each other…love your neighbour…love that person you don’t know yet and always be kind.” (Town of St. Stephen photo)

Natalie Boomer 

natalie@calais.news

Local picker Brian Smith has found a literal piece of American history right in our small town of Calais, Maine. 

He took a document that was a mystery to many and brought its history back to life. 

According to Smith, a note he obtained has various signatures from confidential agents and personal friends of President George Washington who sold their land to him and the federal government to establish the nation’s capital.

Jayna Smith

jayna@calais.news

Calais PTO organized a great Valentine exchange for students, despite Calais Elementary School being closed to in-person learning.

According to PTO member Tomi Ellsmore, the group wanted to ensure the students still could celebrate the holiday, even away from classmates, especially since Valentine’s Day signifies friendship and kindness for so many of the youngsters.

Jayna Smith

jayna@calais.news

Hats and mittens are certainly a necessity, and one family hopes all will take advantage of their free offering that will help keep hands and heads warm this winter season.

Right in the dooryard of the Smith’s 1 Pleasant Street home, just off Union Street, a wooden frame – or “tree” of sorts – sits near the street, filled with new hats, mittens, and gloves.  All are free for the taking to anyone in need.

Jayna Smith

jayna@calais.news

For the third consecutive year, some unsuspecting VL Tammaro Oil customers received a nice treat on the Friday before Valentine’s Day when Mike Tammaro and his drivers showed up.  Their visit did not only bring the traditional Valentine’s Day treat of chocolates and flowers, but also brought 100 gallons of fuel or propane free of charge.  

Natalie Boomer 

natalie@calais.news

Maine Families of Washington County usually have car seat safety checks with inspections and installations each year. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they are unable to hold this event in person. 

With car seat safety still being a priority, a virtual question and answer will take place on Wednesday, March 10th at 10 a.m. 

Jayna Smith

jayna@calais.news

Are you a lover of the marshmallow treat Peeps?  Those sugary treats that used to be found in stores leading up to Easter have made their way to shelves for every holiday in recent years, it seems, except throughout the pandemic.

Jayna Smith

jayna@calais.news

Enacted in 2007, Maine’s “Move Over” law requires motorists to slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit when encountering an emergency vehicle or public service vehicle stopped with flashing lights.  If possible, the law also requires drivers to move over at least one lane from the scene where the vehicle is working.  Drivers who fail to do so can face a fine of $326.

Calais wasn't spared from the fast-falling snow that began early Tuesday morning.  The Nor'easter slammed across New England, bringing strong winds and dumping heavy snow.  Ron O'Brien, of O'Brien's Quality Auto Care, did his best plowing his lot to stay ahead of it.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)