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

    Will Tuell

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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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.

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  8. 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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  9. Need a Last Minute Christmas Gift!?

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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. Calais Fire Chief Honors Brave Youngster for Heroic Response to Fire

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    At last week’s city council meeting, Calais Fire Chief Billy Lee shared details of an impressive act of bravery on the evening of November 22, when local elementary school student Reed Leachman helped prevent a potentially devastating fire. 

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  13. Gardner, Cassidy Honored for Their Many Years as Washington County Commissioners

    Paul Sylvain

    County Commissioners Chris Gardner (R-Edmunds) and Vinton Cassidy (R-Calais) have seen a lot in their combined three decades of service to Washington County. And as Gardner said during this year’s county budget negotiations, a 21-percent budget increase is not the horse he and Cassidy wanted to ride off into the sunset on.

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  14. V.L. Tammaro Adorns Woodland’s Main Street with Christmas Wreaths

    Lining the poles on Main Street in Woodland are beautiful Christmas wreaths, courtesy of V.L. Tammaro. Each year, the oil company ensures they’re hung just in time for the town’s Christmas parade, adding to the festive spirit. (Baileyville Holiday Committee photo)

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  15. Pratt Donation Boosts Shriners’ Feztival of Trees Fundraiser

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Just ahead of this year’s International Feztival of Trees, Ian Pratt from the Pratt dealership generously presented a $2,000 donation to the event’s hosting organizations — the Schoodic and Washington County Shrine Clubs.

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  16. Calais City Council

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    On Thursday, December 12, 2024, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Mayor Marcia Rogers presiding over Councilors Kevin Niles, Mike Sherrard, Elery Beale, Pete Foster, Bill Quinn, and James Macdonald. 

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

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  17. Freedom Studies - Equity Jeopardy

    Jon Reisman

    Jeopardy Answer: Policy goal that is loudly proclaimed and pursued across nearly every sector of American society but is rarely (if ever) defined or assessed. 

    Jeopardy Question: What is Equity?

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  18. Make a Difference, Support Hospice Volunteers by Dining at Jo’s this Monday

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria has announced that Karleigh Smith, a junior at Woodland High School, is the winner of its inaugural Grammar for Giving contest. Karleigh’s essay highlighted the vital work of Down East Hospice Volunteers (DEHV), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care and support for families in the community, and now will earn a day’s worth of sales from Jo’s for the organization.

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  19. Stuff the Bus Marks 10 Years of Helping Local Families

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    On Saturday, December 7, Baileyville Police Department hosted the 10th annual Stuff the Bus event, once again with a great display of incredible generosity from local residents.

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  20. Calais Wrestling Has Strong Showing at Ryan Detour Tourney

    The Calais High School varsity wrestling team recently traveled to Bucksport for the Ryan Detour Tournament, where they made a strong showing, finishing 6th out of 13 schools. The Blue Devils earned four first place, one second place, and three third place finishes. The first place winners were Ashaleigh Sulkowski, Destiny Holmes, Jack Lanier, and Chase Scott. Rose Lozada took second place, while Kayla Wilson, Cadien Seeley, and Bradley Walton earned third place finishes. These athletes fought hard and represented their team with determination and pride. (Photo courtesy of CHS)

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  21. Locals Compete in Millinocket Marathon & Half

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Millinocket was alive with energy on Saturday, December 7, as thousands of runners and spectators gathered for the 9th Annual Millinocket Marathon & Half. Among the nearly 3,000 participants were some determined athletes from the greater Calais area.

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  22. 27th Annual Lioness Christmas Parade Shines Despite Frigid Temperatures

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The 27th Annual Lioness Christmas Parade brought festive cheer to downtown on Friday evening, Dec. 6, despite bone-chilling temperatures.

    Brightly lit floats adorned with holiday decorations made their way across Main Street, with many participants passing candy canes and other treats to spectators. While the bitter cold kept some at home, others watched the procession from the warmth of their vehicles, which lined the parade route. 

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  23. Princeton Tree Lighting

    Sandra Smith

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  24. Maine Public Expands Signals Across the State, Temporary Interruption Noted

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Area listeners of National Public Radio (NPR) have noticed they can no longer access the independent, nonprofit media organization through the Calais station. According to Maine Public, the interruption is temporary and part of a broader effort to enhance and expand radio coverage throughout Maine.

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  25. Local Scouts Meet Financial Goal for Trip to Europe

    Girl Scout Troop 2259 is excited to share with the community that they have successfully surpassed their $36,900 goal to go to Europe. Their most recent bottle drive in November raised $2,344.40. 

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  26. Robotic Knee Surgery Comes to Washington County

    Orthopedic surgeon Wendy Boucher Crawford, MD, and the medical staff at Calais Community Hospital are excited to offer Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA® Knee System, which brings together robotic technology with industry-leading knee implants to help surgeons personalize surgical procedures for their patients and is designed to help perform total knee replacement. It includes features to assist with bone resections and assessing the state of soft tissues to facilitate implant positioning intraoperatively. 

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  27. Washington County Lawmakers Sworn In Dec. 4

    Paul Sylvain

    It is a time-honored tradition mandated by the state’s constitution: newly elected state lawmakers take the oath of office on the first Wednesday following the first Tuesday of December — or, generally speaking, a month after being elected to two-year terms in the State House of Representatives and the State Senate. 

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  28. Ronin Reflections

    Jon Reisman

    My Policy Ronin column on political samurai without masters elicited a number of responses. Two readers sent uniform/wardrobe suggestions. The armored chain mail option would probably protect me from lefty lances, but I am skeptical it would be allowed through the security checkpoints in Augusta. The less martial masked alternative is clearly the post-Covid cosplay of choice.

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  29. Local Veteran Presented with Quilt of Valor

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Jan (Robb) Tollison, a retired Air Force veteran from Calais, was recently selected to receive a Quilt of Valor, an award given to honor veterans for their service and sacrifice. Tollison served in the Air Force from 1972 to 1992.

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  30. What’s Up, Calais?

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The Jolly Junction Market opened this past weekend. Vendors selling all sorts of goods are set up in the former Urban Moose building each weekend through Christmas. Organized by CDRC and Downeast Economic Development, this pop-up event is open Friday evenings from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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  31. John Preston Takes the Helm as Baileyville Police Chief

    On Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, Police Chief (Ret.) Bob Fitzsimmons (center) received his Retired Chief Badge from incoming Chief John Preston. Chief (Ret.) Fitzsimmons presented Chief Preston with his Chief's Badge and Sgt. Matthew Vinson with his Sergeant's Badge. (Baileyville Police Department photo)

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  32. Jolly Junction Market Opens as a Festive Holiday Hub

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    CDRC’s Jolly Junction Market kicked off its opening weekend with great success, drawing holiday shoppers eager to support local artisans, crafters, and other vendors.

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  33. Sky’s the Limit as King Construction Services Takes Off on $1.3 Million Airport Terminal Project in Eastport

    Paul Sylvain

    Move over, Kirby Grant. There’s a new Sky King in town, and he’s busy constructing a $1.12 million airport terminal building in Eastport.

    Unlike the main character in the television show that ran from 1951 to 1962, Northfield developer Justin King is not an airplane pilot, but his company — King Construction Services of Machias — continues to soar to new heights, it seems, with every new project it takes under its wing.

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  34. Holiday Music Concert Features Mount View Chamber Singers

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Calais-area residents are in for a special holiday treat as the acclaimed Mount View Chamber Singers bring their beloved “Carols in the Round” performance to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 14. The concert, beginning at 2 p.m., promises an intimate and moving celebration of the holiday season, featuring an array of carols.

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  35. Two Parades to Light up St. Croix Valley

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    The St. Croix Valley will come alive with holiday spirit as two festive parades take place in early December. Both parades are free to enter, making them an ideal opportunity for local businesses and organizations to advertise their services to hundreds of onlookers. 

    Calais Lioness Christmas Parade, Friday, Dec. 6

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  36. Wreath Laying in Alexander

    Wreaths were laid on veterans’ graves at the Alexander Cemetery on December 2nd by volunteers (front) Connor Cooper, Pacey Sanford, Aiden Sanford, (middle) Crystal Roussel, Rhonda Oakes, Eileen Newman, Dolly Sullivan, Jim Sullivan, (back) David Sanford, Carl Oakes, Dale Holst, and Joe Manza. Missing from the photo is Jane Manza. (Submitted photo)

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  37. Fenway Bowl Honors Local Teacher Lauren Remington

    Students Join Celebration, Thanks in Part to Pratt Dealership Support

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    Ms. Lauren Remington, an Early Childhood Education instructor at St. Croix Regional Technical Center in Calais, has been named to the 2024 Wasabi Fenway Bowl Honor Roll. This prestigious recognition celebrates educators who have gone above and beyond to support their students and communities.

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  38. CMHS Staff and Student of the Month Announced

    Brady Seeley has been named Calais High School Student of the Month for November. Brady has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude that inspires both peers and teachers alike. Congratulations, Brady! Keep up the fantastic work!

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  39. AROUND THE COUNTY - Permanent Dike Bridge Fix Delayed Indefinitely by Federal Fisheries Agency’s Concerns

    New $2 Million Long-Term Temporary Span Planned in 2025, as DOT Chief ‘Frustrated’ by Feds 

    By Paul Sylvain

    Machias area motorists using the Route 1 dike bridge and causeway can expect an extended period of detours in 2025 and a years-long delay before a permanent span is built to carry traffic into and out of Machias via the dike.

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  40. Freedom Studies - Reality Check: Irrational Exuberance, Cautious Optimism, and Resolve

    Jon Reisman

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  41. What's Up, Calais

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

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  42. St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce Honors Local Excellence at 76th Annual Awards Gala

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrated the region’s achievements and community spirit at its 76th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on Friday, November 22, 2024. Held at the Princeton Rod & Gun Club, the event brought together local businesses, community leaders, and dedicated volunteers, drawing a crowd of about 80 attendees.

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  43. Princeton Library Story Hour

    Sandra Smith

    Thursday was story hour at the library. Heidi read the first story in the book Fluffy’s Thanksgiving about a guinea pig. Then they all worked on the craft project, which was making a guinea pig. The kids sure had fun with this project. Then Heidi finished with two more stories from the book.

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  44. Baileyville Church Merges with Calais Congregation, Building to Become Affordable Housing

    Jayna Smith

    [email protected]

    In a move highlighting the evolving nature of ministry and community service, People’s United Methodist Church (PUMC) in Baileyville is merging with Calais United Methodist Church (CUMC). While the Baileyville building will no longer serve as a place of worship, the ministry of its congregation will continue as part of the Calais church.

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  45. Pratt Kicks Off Holiday Donation Match Campaign for Food Pantries

    Pratt is hosting its annual donation match campaign to benefit food pantries across the county. Donations made before Christmas will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000. The Calais Lioness Club has already joined in, making its annual $500 donation to the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry, recognizing the amount will double to $1,000 through the match. Contributions to the Pratt campaign will be distributed among local food pantries or sent directly to the one designated by the donor. Shown with Erika Pratt (center) are Lioness members Cindy O’Brien and Jan Tollison.

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