Will Tuell

According to figures released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) earlier this month, the state’s fishermen took home an additional $25 million in 2023 compared to the previous year. The findings, released at the onset of the state’s annual “Fishermen’s Forum” in Rockport, were based largely on the increased value of Maine lobster and the state’s lucrative elver fishery, which is set to kick off this week. 

Wayne Smith

Since he was seven years old, wrestling has been a part of Ryan Colson’s life when he first saw it on TV. He’s wrestled professionally for twenty years, has been promoting shows in Downeast Maine since 2008, and even went to “wrestling school” to learn the tricks of the trade. This is his story. 

Jon Reisman

Jon Reisman

Bruises often turn purple, which is a much more interesting political color than red or blue. I took a couple of blows on Super Tuesday…what the bruises will look like and the degree to which they will heal remains to be seen.

Jayna Smith

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At the latest Charlotte School Board meeting, held last month, members made a decisive vote of 2-1 to proceed with the closure of Charlotte Elementary School.  With the vote, the school, which forms part of AOS 77, along with elementary schools in Perry, Pembroke, Alexander, Lubec, Eastport, and Shead High School in Eastport, could close after the current school year ends on June 30, 2024.

Downeast Wrestling Club held their annual wrestling tournament on Saturday, March 9.

The tournament had over 40 youth wrestlers from three area teams – Tammaro Tanks, Washington Academy, and DWC, with the addition of one wrestler from Bucksport and one from Gardner.

DWC placed as follows: First place: Addison Brown, Baylee Benson, Henley Green, Calvin James, Loud James; second place:  Brynlee Benson, Hudson Green, Colten Mcgouldrick, Dugan Kellenberger; third place:  Ethan Clark; fourth place:  Kenneth Ramsdell.

Jayna Smith

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Calais High School's Jobs for Maine Graduates class is gearing up for its second annual Spring Festival, featuring a lively spring basket raffle. Organized by JMG advisor Mrs. Lisa Brown, the event is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Calais High School.

Will Tuell

After months of congressional gridlock, lawmakers in the U.S. House and Senate passed six bills designed to avoid a partial government shutdown last week. The six bills, totalling an estimated $460 billion, provide at least $21 million in funding for Washington County projects, including $12.8 million for fish passage restoration on the St. Croix River, $7.8 million to reconstruct Route 1A between Milbridge and Harrington, and $1 million for wastewater treatment upgrades in Lubec.  

Jayna Smith

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Hundreds of children are expected to once again take part in the upcoming Calais Community Easter Egg Hunt, marking its fourth consecutive year.

Set for Saturday, March 30, just a day before Easter Sunday, the event will be hosted by the National Honor Society of Calais High School.

Jayna Smith

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What better way to kick off Maine’s Maple Syrup Sunday than with a breakfast consisting of pancakes and--what else?--Maine Maple Syrup!

On Sunday, March 24, the Robbinston Historical Society is hosting its annual Maple Syrup Sunday Pancake Breakfast.  Friends and family are invited to come out and enjoy the delicious meal, all while supporting the historical society.

Girl Scouts of Maine (GSME) recently announced Cheryl Ingersoll, of Calais, Maine as their March Volunteer of the Month. Currently, Ingersoll is a Downeast Service Unit Roster Administrator, Fall Product Sales Supervisor, Cookie Product Sales Supervisor, and Cupboard Supervisor in addition to being a troop leader. The Volunteer of the Month is a prestigious title recognized by GSME. It is awarded monthly to an adult volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and efforts within the organization to benefit Girl Scouts statewide.

National Park Service 

Jon Reisman

Jayna Smith

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On Saturday, Feb. 24, the 11th annual Down East Cheering Invitational took place at Calais High School.  The popular event saw over 175 young cheerleaders in grades pre-kindergarten through eighth compete, representing schools in Calais, Eastport, Woodland, Indian Township, and Mountain View. 

Jayna Smith

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The Calais Blue Devils entered the 2024 Maine Principals’ Association basketball tournament as the top-seeded team in the Class C North division with a regular season record of 15-3.  

On Tuesday, Feb. 20, the Blue Devils asserted their dominance over the #8 Piscataquis Community High School Pirates, securing a 57-33 victory in quarterfinal action.

Jayna Smith

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Since its inception in 2010, Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria has been a staple in the community at 195 Main Street.  Now, it is gearing up for a significant expansion, owner Tim Crowe says.

Shown are Calais High School Wrestling Coach Spencer McCormick, wrestlers Destiny Holmes and Ashaliegh Sulkowski, and Assistant Coach Madeline Tardiff at the recently held, first-ever Maine State Girls Wrestling Championship, where Ashaliegh secured third place and Destiny fourth. (CHS photo)

Jayna Smith

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On Thursday, February 22, 2024, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Mayor Artie Mingo presiding over Councilors Mike Sherrard, Elery Beale, Bill Quinn, and James Macdonald.  Absent were Councilors Kevin Niles and Marcia Rogers.

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

Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent of Maine Indian Education and former University of Maine Machias chemistry professor, has been selected to serve as a judge for the Future Engineers Program. 

Haidyn Newman, a cheerleader with the Calais Shooting Stars, was the winner of the Top Gun Individual jump competition for 3rd to 5th grade at last weekend’s The Crown Championship, hosted by Legend Athletics, at Ellsworth High School. Next week’s edition will showcase team photos of the four Calais Recreation teams that competed, three of which earned top honors in their respective divisions, while the fourth was named first runner-up.  (Submitted photo)

Jayna Smith

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After clinching a third-place spot in the Class B high school wrestling regional competition, Calais High School’s Chase Scott moved on to the State Championships in Rumford over the weekend.  There, Scott continued to show his wrestling skills, representing his teammates and school well with a fourth place finish.

Brenna Critchley, the lone senior on the Blue Devils girls’ varsity basketball team, and Emma McCray, team manager, were recognized recently at the final home game of the season.  They are pictured with family members. (Photo courtesy of Brenda Batson)