1. Calais Launches New Notification Service

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Calais citizens now have an easy way to stay updated on the latest city news, events, meetings, and emergencies through a new notification service. This service allows residents to receive updates via text or email, ensuring they are always informed about important community developments.

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  2. Sen. Moore Submits Bill to Restore Maine State Police Presence in Washington County

    Paul Sylvain

    In July 2023, Maine State Police (MSP) quietly ceased patrolling the state’s rural counties and instead focused their limited patrol resources on higher traffic and more populated parts of the state. Among those counties most affected by that decision was Washington County, in which Sheriff Barry Curtis and his deputies assumed the sole burden of providing law enforcement coverage once shared with state police.

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  3. Calais Outlasts Woodland in JH Basketball Showdown

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    At Woodland on Thursday, January 9, the junior high boys' basketball team hosted Calais in a competitive matchup. Calais emerged victorious with a final score of 48-38. 

    Jacob Footer led the charge for Calais, scoring an impressive 15 points. 

    Supporting Footer's efforts, Brock Collins and Rylan Harnoise each contributed 7 points, while Brayan Shirley added 6. 

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  4. The Last Dance: Longtime Refs Take the Court One More Time

    Phil Stuart

    Three Downeast Board basketball officials with over 120 years combined experience worked their last game together on Dec. 19 at Gardner Gymnasium in East Machias when the host Lady Raiders of Washington Academy played the Old Town Coyotes. 

    Wallace “Alvin” Hall of Gardner's Lake, Walt “Candy” Cummings of Deep Cover, and “The Doctor” Kevin Barbee of Milbridge, each have had over 40 years on the basketball court, and all three are tournament veterans as well. 

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  5. Downeast Credit Union and Insurance Partner with Calais High School

    Downeast Credit Union and Insurance is proud to announce a new partnership with area schools, including Calais High School Athletics.

     In a new program coined “Downeast Dunkers,” participating schools will receive around $4,000 in cash and in-kind contributions from Downeast Credit Union and Insurance throughout the 2024/2025 basketball season.

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  6. County Commissioner Howard Pushing to Catch up on 4 Years of Back Audits

    Paul Sylvain

    In his first official meeting as one of two newly elected Washington County commissioners, Billy Howard wasted little time, on Jan. 9, identifying his top priority for the upcoming year.

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  7. January Alarms

    Jon Reisman

    January has brought an array of alarms in California, Maine, and North America

    Fire alarms in California

    The California wildfires are both a natural and human-enhanced disaster. Governor Gavin Newsom’s inferno was made worse by decades of water policies prioritizing endangered snail darters and green liturgy over reservoirs and aqueducts. Controlled burns and fuel load management are apparently not consistent with a conviction that the cause of wildfires is anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change.

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  8. Superintendent Joins NHS Students in Effort to Support Good Shepherd Food Bank

    At a recent basketball game, the Calais High School National Honor Society hosted its annual fundraiser with a fun twist – selling strips of tape to help secure Superintendent Mary Anne Spearin to the wall. Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, the NHS state charity dedicated to fighting hunger. (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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  9. New Era Dawns as Burns, Howard Sworn in as First New Washington County Commissioners in 12 Years

    Paul Sylvain

    The Washington County commissioners have a new look for the first time in a dozen years, following the swearing-in of District 1 Commissioner Billy Howard and District 2 Commissioner David C Burns at a brief ceremony at the commissioners’ meeting room on Jan. 2. 

    Looking on was District 3 Commissioner John B. Crowley, whose seat was not up for reelection in 2024. 

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  10. Dragons Fall Short Against Blue Devils

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Woodland Dragons were defeated by the Calais Blue Devils in a home game for Calais on Monday, January 6, with a final score of 83-58. 

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  11. Pratt Annual Donation- Match Campaign Raises Record $27,600 for County Food Pantries

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    In a tremendous show of community support and generosity, the Pratt dealership in Calais has set a new record with its annual donation-match campaign to aid food pantries in Washington County. This year, the campaign reached an all-time high, collecting a total of $27,614 — the highest amount since Ian Pratt initiated this charitable effort.

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  12. Public Invited to Comment on Big New Stream Bridge Replacement Project

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Residents and travelers along Route 9 are invited to participate in an on-demand formal public meeting concerning the replacement of the Big New Stream Bridge over the East Branch of New Stream in Wesley. This infrastructure project will replace the aging steel structural plate pipe arch with a more durable precast concrete box culvert.

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  13. Snowmageddon: Remembering the Winter of 2014-‘15 a Decade Later

    Paul Sylvain

    Maine winters aren’t what they used to be, considering the string of relatively mild winters we’ve enjoyed Downeast the past several years. Of course, with the snowiest and coldest winter months yet to come, it remains to be seen how Washington County will fare in this winter of 2024-25.

    Still, the lingering memory of that last truly harsh, “old-fashioned” Maine winter a decade ago is one that anyone who experienced it won’t ever forget. 

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  14. State Fire Marshal’s Office Rules Cause of New Year’s Eve Bluebird Fire ‘Undetermined’

    Water, Wi-Fi Issues Force Motel to Cancel Bookings Until February

    Paul Sylvain

    The cause of a Christmas Eve fire that destroyed two-thirds of the Bluebird Motel’s main lodging building, fronting Route 1/Dublin Street in Machias, has been classified as “undetermined” by investigators with the state Fire Marshal’s Office.

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  15. DECH: First Baby of the New Year Has Arrived

    The first baby born at Down East Community Hospital in Machias for the new year arrived at 6:36 p.m. on January 5.

     Davis Joseph Green, the first child of Brenna Davis and Austin Green, of Campobello, weighed in at 9 pounds 7 ounces and a length of 21 ¾ inches. Both parents said Dr. Inegbenijie and the nurses were phenomenal, and they were very impressed by and happy to be at DECH. As to what they had to say about Davis, “We are in love; he is just perfect!”

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  16. Rep. Tuell Outlines Bills He’s Submitted for Jan. 8th Start of the 132nd Legislature

    Paul Sylvain 

    (This is the first in a series of articles spotlighting legislative bills being submitted by the Washington County Legislative Delegation.)

    In the days leading up to the Jan. 8 start of the 132nd Legislature, District 10 Rep. Will Tuell, R-East Machias, has provided a preview of bills he’s already submitted or plans to enter by the Jan. 10 filing deadline for proposed legislation.

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  17. Freedom Studies - Pre-Inaugural Sturm Und Drang

    Jon Reisman

    The events in New Orleans, Las Vegas, and the Swamp have quickly turned post-election optimism and confidence to pre-inaugural Sturm Und Drang fear, uncertainty, and turmoil. I am, and have been certain, Joe Biden was never “sharp as a tack” or “in charge,” despite having been told that repeatedly over the last four years. A wide swath of the left and the media chose to ignore and cover up Biden’s decline.

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  18. Lincoln Memorial Public Library Storytime

    With the beginning of this new year 2025, the Lincoln Memorial Public Library in Dennysville is going to be continuing their Tuesday afternoon Storytime program with students from the first through the fourth grades, alternating between children from the Pembroke School, which includes residents of Dennysville, and children who attend the Edmunds School. The first Tuesday in January will bring the Pembroke School students, and the second Tuesday will be hosting the Edmunds School students.

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  19. Princeton’s Mary Powling Celebrates a Century

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Mary (Mulholland) Powling, a beloved matriarch and long-time resident of Princeton, celebrated her 100th birthday on December 26, 2024. Born in 1924 to Isaac and Delphine Mulholland, her life has been filled with love, dedication, and an enduring connection to her family and community.

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  20. Christmas Eve Fire Destroys Huge Section of the Bluebird Motel in Machias

    Remains Under Investigation

    Paul Sylvain

    Firefighters from Machias and surrounding towns struggled against single-digit temperatures and unrelenting winds that enveloped them in thick, breath-choking smoke to battle a Christmas Eve fire at the Bluebird Motel on Route 1/Dublin Street in Machias.

    That’s according to Machias Fire Chief Joey Dennison, who, on Wednesday — though still exhausted from the experience the previous night — recounted the details of the Christmas Eve fire.

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  21. Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria Supports Local Hospice Volunteers with $5,000+ from Grammar for Giving Contest

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Jo's Diner & Pizzeria, owned by Tim Crowe, has announced the success of its inaugural Grammar for Giving contest, which culminated in a significant donation to Down East Hospice Volunteers (DEHV). 

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  22. Students Find the Perfect Gifts at the CES Santa Shop

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The holiday spirit continued to shine at Calais Elementary School as the Santa Shop returned from December 16 to 19. Organized by the CES Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), the event gave students the opportunity to purchase affordable gifts for their loved ones, each priced at just 25 cents.

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  23. Remembering my Friend Ron Pooler

    Pierre Little

    I never thought I would be writing this article about my dear friend Ron Pooler, but unfortunate circumstances have given me the desire to share this story about a wonderful American and veteran. I owe it to him and our friendship to share the connection I forged with one of America’s most honest and straightforward soldiers.

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  24. Lady Dragons Prepare for Busy Schedule Following Loss to Blue Devils

    In a matchup between local rivals, the Calais Blue Devils were victorious with a 56-36 win over the Woodland Dragons on Saturday, December 21.

    Dragon junior Karleigh Smith led all with  21 points at the game hosted by Woodland.

    Other Dragons in the scoring column were sophomore Mishun Cornelius with 7 points, junior Lara Salan Hurtado with 3, freshman Addison Tripp and eighth grader Jordyn Phelps each with 2, and freshman Maddison Coleman with 1.  

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  25. Eastport Arts Center 15th Annual Festival of Trees a Success

    EAC is very grateful to the many creative, energetic, and tireless hands that made its 15th annual holiday fundraiser — the Festival of Trees — a great success. 

    EAC expressed gratitude to this year’s tree decorators and the many helping hands who assisted with set up and break down, raffle sales and drawings, cookies and beverages, food donations, tree and light donations and cuttings, and photographers. 

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  26. Machiasport Celebrates New Town Office with Well-Attended Open House

    Paul Sylvain

    On Dec. 20, Machiasport Town Clerk Marcia Harward and Deputy Clerk Ashley Warren put out the red carpet and opened the doors for an open house and tours of the new town office building at 3 Bayview Drive.

    The event, held from 3 to 5 p.m., attracted a steady stream of residents who stopped in for an up-close look-see inside the former hospice building. There were plenty of goodies to snack on and beverages, including coffee and tea, to wash it down.

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  27. PFAS Remediation Tests Using Hemp Plants at Machias Valley Airport Planned for 2025

    Paul Sylvain

    The long talked about plan for PFAS remediation research testing at Machias Valley Airport, appears to be cleared for take-off in 2025, according to Machias Selectboard Vice Chairman Ben Edwards.

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  28. Clearing Snow from Your Vehicle Isn’t Optional — It's the Law

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    As winter settles in, it's important to remember that failing to clear snow from your vehicle’s roof and windshield isn’t just dangerous — it’s against the law. Maine law imposes fines for those who neglect this responsibility.

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  29. In the year 2025…

    Jonathan Reisman

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  30. Barbara’s School of Dance Show Bring Toys for Local Children

    Toys purchased from the proceeds of Barbara’s School of Dance Santa’s Benefit Show, held Sunday, December 15th, were  donated to Calais Elementary  School. Pictured are Barbara, Michaela, Felice, José, and from CES, Megan and Betsy. (Submitted photo)

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  31. CES Santa Shop Brings Affordable Holiday Giving to Students

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The holiday spirit was alive and well at Calais Elementary School as the much-loved Santa Shop made its return from December 16 to 19. Organized by the CES Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), the special shopping experience gave students the chance to purchase gifts for their loved ones, all priced at just 25 cents each.

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  32. Tiernan Cox Named Winner of VFW Voice of Democracy Contest

    Boyd-Smith-Mitchell Memorial VFW Post #9779 proudly announces Tiernan Cox as the Post-Level winner of the 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy Contest.

    Since its inception in 1947, the Voice of Democracy has served as the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW) premier scholarship program. This competition invites students to showcase their thoughts on an annual patriotic theme through written and recorded audio essays. For this year, participants reflected on the theme, “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?

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  33. Calais Elementary PTO Funds New Tool for School Nurse

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) at Calais Elementary School has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the school community by fulfilling a much-needed request for the school nurse, Heather White. Using funds raised through various PTO fundraisers, the organization recently purchased a new otoscope — a medical tool used to check ears.

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  34. CDC to Rewrite Rules for Bringing Dogs into the U.S.

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced plans to revisit and revise rules governing the importation of dogs into the United States. The decision, revealed on December 17, 2024, comes in response to continued pushback from U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), other northern border state senators, and stakeholders concerned about the impact of earlier regulations.

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  35. Princeton Parks & Recreation’s Home Decorating Contest

    Recently, members of Princeton Parks & Recreation gathered at the library to determine the order of judging the homes that entered the home decorating contest and to pick up their judging forms. A small contingent of our vehicles followed President Amanda Woodruff to the first home, Z Baby Farm on Main Street, then on to Patsy Landry’s on Willow Street. Next, the group drove to Big Lake Township’s Lois Farrell’s home and then to Indian Township’s James Mendoza’s home. Last on the list was the Potter family in Waite.

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  36. Wesley Foundation Raises $100K for Third Straight Year, Details Plans on Outdoor Rec. Center

    Will Tuell

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  37. Lady Dragons Fight Hard in Back-to-Back Games

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    At Woodland on Tuesday, December 17, the Lady Dragons secured a hard-fought victory over the Jonesport-Beals Royalettes, edging them out 55-50.

    Mishun Cornelious delivered a standout performance, leading the Dragons with 23 points and an impressive 18 rebounds.

    Karleigh Smith contributed 21 points, including three 3-pointers and making six steals.

    Lara Salan Hurtado added 11 points, rounding out the Dragons’ scoring effort.

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  38. Trump to Push to End Daylight Saving Time

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Twice a year, millions of Americans shift their clocks forward or back, an act that disrupts their sleep cycles and circadian rhythms. As the body adjusts to the sudden change — often feeling more fatigued or out of sync with natural light — the debate over the necessity of daylight saving time (DST) continues. 

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  39. Washington County Land Trusts Form Partnership

    The Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) and Meddybemps Lake Land Trust (MLLT) recently formed a landmark long-term partnership for the purchase and management of 503 acres of property along Meddybemps Lake. DLLT will own the property, and MLLT will manage the land. This partnership succeeds in conserving for generations to come two parcels of land that are part of the Meddybemps Lake watershed. These properties include shoreline on Meddybemps Lake and Ryan Lake.

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  40. Freedom Studies - December Attention Deficit Disorder

    Jon Reisman

    December has been a bit of an emotional and political rollercoaster, which can make focusing on weekly wordsmithing problematic. End of year Christmas and New Year’s columns often have early deadlines, and that is the case this year. On top of that, my head is spinning from a strange combination of sadness and grief one year after my wife’s passing and confident optimism, pride, and pleasure in my writing and political and policy productivity. The result is a somewhat scattershot column.

    Equity and ME

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  41. Remembering my friend Ron Pooler

    I never thought I would be writing this article about my dear friend Ron Pooler, but unfortunate circumstances have given me the desire to share this story about a wonderdul American and veteran.  I owe it to him and our friendship to share the connection I forged with one of America’s most honest and straightforward soldiers.

    Read More
  42. Festival of Lessons and Carols at Dennysville

    With the anticipation of Christmas, the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will take place at the Congregational Church in Dennysville on Sunday, December 22, at 4 p.m. Carols illuminating the Christmas story will accompany traditional lessons from the Old and New Testaments read by members of the congregation. 

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  43. Need a Last Minute Christmas Gift!?

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  44. Holiday Spirit Lights Up Baileyville with Annual Christmas Parade

    Baileyville’s holiday committee put together another fantastic Christmas Parade that brightened the town on Friday night, December 13. This entry by V.L. Tammaro, its blue truck as recognizable as Santa’s sleigh, was adorned with festive decorations and certainly did not disappoint. After the parade, children eagerly lined up at Woodland Elementary School to share their holiday wishes with Santa. (Baileyville Holiday Committee photo)

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  45. Blessing of the Christmas creche Knights of Columbus Council #149

    Dan LaLonde

    Full Video Here 

    Parishioners from St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish gathered Sunday evening, December 8, 2024, for the blessing of the Christmas creche in downtown Calais. Knights of Columbus Council # 149 sponsored the event, setting up the manger scene.

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