Paul Sylvain

In something of an annual rite of passage each fall, Washington County’s department heads and representatives met with the county’s budget advisory committee on Oct. 3, to present their arguments for a proposed budget that is up even more than first thought.

Washington County Republican Committee led a county-wide meet and greet tour last month to bring candidates to residents in Calais, Machias, Columbia Falls, and Beals. United by their goals to fight inflation, empower our small businesses, and preserve our values, these common-sense candidates were well received by crowds at each stop along the tour. Pictured are (back) Mathew McIntyre, HD 18; David Burns, County Commissioner, District 2; Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham, HD 12; (front) Rep. Austin Theriault, U.S. Congress, CD2; Will Tuell, HD 10; Sen.

Newly installed officers of the Knights of Columbus, Council # 149, in Calais are (front) Julian Joerges, financial sec.; George “Butch” McLaughlin, trustee; Michael Boies, Grand Knight; Claude Laundry, Outside Guard; Dayton Dineen, Chancellor; (back) Weston Ranaldi, treasurer; Ed Stover, Advocate and District Deputy; Gary Madore, District Warden; Rejean Roussel, Warden; and Fr. Jude, standing in for Fr. Roland, Chaplain.  Installation was held on Sunday evening, Sept. 22, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Calais. (Photo courtesy of Michael Boies)

Down East Hospice Volunteers of Washington County graduated seven new hospice volunteers after participating in a 25-hour training. They are Ellen Carle, of Big Lake Township; Ernest Carle, of Big Lake Township; Thelma Stevens, of Calais; Mary Kate O’Neill, of Lubec; Vicki Verge, of Pembroke; Arielle Richardson, of Eastport; and Linda Evans, of Grand Lake Stream; shown with Barbara Barnett, Executive Director of DEHV.  For information about DEHV’s free services and to become a hospice volunteer, call 454-7521 ext.

Jayna Smith

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This Saturday, October 5, Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC) will host its annual Harvest Festival, offering a full day of activities for all ages.  The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with the Scarecrow Shuffle, a one-mile fun run along the riverfront for kids up to grade eight.

Jayna Smith

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Calais residents and businesses are facing new shipping challenges as UPS has discontinued its next-day delivery service to the region.  According to Calais City Councilor Elery Beale, this change is already causing significant disruptions, especially for those relying on time-sensitive shipments like medication and critical business supplies.

Jayna Smith

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Washington County is preparing for a beloved tradition: the 20th Annual Turkey-a-Thon, scheduled for Friday, October 11.  

The Downeast Salmon Federation (DSF) and the Pleasant River Fish and Game Conservation Association (PRFGCA) partnered together with community volunteers to clear downed trees along trails in DSF’s Pleasant River Community Forest in Columbia last week.  

Jayna Smith

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Clyde’s Car Show, now in its fourth year, drew a large crowd last Sunday once again as over 80 classic and antique cars filled the back lot of C&E Feeds General Market and Calais Package Hub, attracting enthusiasts of all ages. 

Patrons strolled through the showcase, voting for their favorite vehicles.  A 50/50 raffle raised funds for the Kenny Murphy Memorial Fund, and prizes were awarded to standout cars and trucks.

Scarecrow Lamp Pole Decorating, Main Street. Calling all businesses, groups, families, and individuals! Help add some seasonal décor to downtown by creating a scarecrow for the lamp posts for display throughout October. It’s free, and it’s fun! FMI, visit the Facebook page Calais, Maine Annual Scarecrow Contest.

9 a.m. – Kids’ Scarecrow Shuffle 1-Mile Fun Run, Waterfront. Two groups – ages up to 8 and ages 9-12 – can lace up their sneakers and take part in the free 1-mile fun run. Sponsored by CDRC.

Will Tuell

New hunters in search of a required firearms safety course before the fall season kicks into high gear may be in luck as the Calais Rod & Gun Club is planning a daylong course for anyone 10 and up in need of certification. The course will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calais Rod and Gun Clubhouse -- 199 Charlotte Road in Charlotte. 

Jayna Smith

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Prepare for a day filled with autumn cheer as St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Calais hosts its Applefest this Saturday, September 28.  This year’s event will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Paul Sylvain

Renee Gray wrapped up her first year as Washington County manager on July 6. As she explained in an interview at her office in the county courthouse building on Sept. 17, it has been a rewarding, though at times challenging, year. 

As Gray digs in for her second year as the Sunrise County’s administrator, 2025 may be even more challenging for her, given the uncertainty over a proposed $10.8-million budget currently under scrutiny by the county’s budget committee.  

Will Tuell

Jayna Smith

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The Baileyville Fire Department, alongside multiple local agencies, successfully contained a fast-moving brush fire on South Princeton Road on Saturday, Sept. 14.  Crews responded to the initial report of a small fire at 3:47 p.m., but, within 22 minutes, the blaze had doubled in size, fueled by dry marsh conditions, Fire Chief Bill Delnicki said.

Six father/son combos and even one grandfather/son/grandson combo took part in this year’s Club Championship at St. Croix Country Club. Shown are dads and sons Beau and Chase Scott, Toby and Parker Cole, James and Cameron Macdonald, Mike and Michael Barnard, Jason and Turner Redding, and Joe and Jacob Footer.  (Submitted photo)

Jayna Smith

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In celebration of National Assisted Living Week, residents and staff at Wellmore Place enjoyed a week filled with exciting activities.  Among the highlights were a make-your-own pizza event, a tailgate barbecue, live music, and a lively scavenger hunt.  

Jayna Smith

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Last week, members of the board of directors of St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce marked the opening of Milltown Coffee in Calais with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, welcoming the newest addition to the community. 

Jayna Smith

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On Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Mayor Artie Mingo presiding over Councilors Mike Sherrard, Marcia Rogers, Elery Beale, Bill Quinn, and James Macdonald.  Councilor Kevin Niles was absent.

What follows is a brief summary of the meeting, with the full meeting available for viewing on the City of Calais’s Facebook page.

Make a Difference with Just a Few Hours

Just a few hours of your time each week could bring comfort and companionship to someone in need.  Hospice volunteers are urgently needed in Washington County, particularly in Wesley, Alexander, Cooper, Crawford, Charlotte, Baring, Baileyville, Princeton, Grand Lake Stream, Calais, Perry, Robbinston, Eastport, Pembroke, Dennysville, Edmunds, Whiting, Lubec and surrounding towns.

Paul Sylvain

Residents in Machias and neighboring communities awoke Tuesday morning to the tragic news of the sudden passing of the Shiretown’s energetic and much loved Town Manager Bill Kitchen. 

Kitchen, who passed away sometime Monday, Sept. 9,  will be remembered for his tireless devotion and efforts to help promote and grow the town that he so clearly loved. He was Machias’ biggest cheerleader and will be sorely missed.

Jayna Smith

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The Calais Lioness Club is poised to begin another exciting year of community service, following a summer break.  With a fresh sense of purpose, the club's members gathered last week to kick off their new season of charitable efforts under the leadership of newly-elected President Elise Jensen.