By Jayna Smith

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Area Girl Scouts have begun their annual cookie sales campaign.  The girls are ready to demonstrate goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics--the “5 Skills" each Girl Scout learns through the cookie program.

By Jayna Smith

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Ruth Muller just celebrated her 105th birthday.  This likely makes her the oldest person in the City of Calais, possibly even in the state.  

Born in Germany on January 3, 1915, Ms. Muller immigrated to the United States with her parents and two sisters through Ellis Island.  Like others at that time, her parents were in search of a better life for her family.  Ms. Muller was eight years old and did not speak a word of English.

By Jayna Smith

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Common resolutions for the new year include losing weight, getting in better shape, and simply living a healthier lifestyle.  These goals don’t have to be difficult to attain, even after the season of sweets and merrymaking.  In Calais, there are many opportunities to accomplish these goals in 2020.

Pictured front l-r are members of the WHS varsity: Cyrus Sewell, Justin Overlock, Jaidyn Williams, Austin Murphy, Devon Wilder, Ian Howland, Chris Plissey, Ethan Monk, and Wyatt MacArthur. On the men’s alumni team back l-r: Todd Wormell, Chad James, Weston Kochendoerfer, Mark Seavey, Bill Smith, Chris Moreside, Sabre Phelps, Justin Worden, Bob Ferry Sr., Bobby Ferry Jr, John Kesel, and Frank Morrison. (Photo by John Rogers)

Calais Celtic Concerts, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus #149, collected $375 for the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry at its Dec. 21st Celtic Christmas show at Calais High School that featured Coig from Cape Breton, N.S.  At each of their stops, Coig donated food and money for food pantries and fuel assistance programs. At their Farmington concert, the fuel collection qualified for a $5,000 matching grant.

Calais Celtic Concerts wishes to thank its loyal audience members and Coig for their generosity this Christmas season.

By Jayna Smith

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Much of the state saw mixed precipitation last Friday, which consisted of rain, snow, and sleet, along with temperatures hovering around freezing.  Road conditions were extra slippery, with numerous motor vehicle accidents reported.

In Calais, around 11 a.m., police responded to a single-vehicle accident on River Road.  

Barbara’s International School of Dance recently held the Christmas Benefit Show at Calais High School. The proceeds were used to purchase the pictured toys and were donated to the Calais Elementary School to be distributed to children who would otherwise go without. This has been a tradition that has taken place every Christmas season for 56 years now. In the picture are José and Barbara Lara,  Sue Carter, Betsy Barnard and Felice Storey. (Submitted photo)

By Natalie Boomer

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On Wednesday, December 18th, members of the National Honor Society from Woodland Jr-Sr High School spent time spreading holiday cheer.

They started off their day by placing wreaths at Memorial Park, then baked cookies for the elderly in the area and delivered them all. 

Lieutenant Earle Stanhope receiving a plaque from Chief Bob Merrill for 50 years of dedicated service with the Robbinston Volunteer Fire Department. (Submitted photo)

By Jayna Smith

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Back in 2016, St. Croix Apartments on Main Street was declared unsafe and mandatorily vacated, and the Maine Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) refused to renew the building’s contract. The building provided housing for the elderly and the disabled, all of whom were then forced to find new residences.  

The Calais Middle/High School Music Department, under direction of Ms. Christine Proefrock, presented an impressive holiday concert last Friday night. Pictured are Members of the middle/high school chorus who certainly did not disappoint with their incredible vocal ability. (Photo by Jayna Smith)

Tom wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!

Congratulations to the Calais Lady Blue Devils for winning the 2019 Canadian Ganong & Rotary Basketball Tournament over this weekend in St. Stephen. Victorious members include front l-r: Lauren Cook, Trinity Jones, Olivia Huckins, Serina Fredette, and Sophie McVicar. Back l-r: Mercedes Owen, Alexis Donahue, Sage Phillips, Nedra Bassett, Nevaeh Thomas, Libby Bitar, Kendra Stevens, Manager Katie Bitar, and Coach Bill McVicar. Full tournament results in the next edition. (Photo by John Rogers)

Despite the cold, wet, and windy day, the fifth annual Stuff the Bus event on Saturday was a successful one.  Calais Police Sgt. Matt Vinson, U.S. Border Patrol Officer-in-Charge Todd Smith, Woodland High School Principal Dan Ross, Linda Fitzsimmons and Baileyville Police Chief Bob Fitzsimmons, and Indian Township Tribal Chief Billy Nicholas volunteered at the Stuff the Bus campaign at the Walmart location.  Jamie Bohanon and Indian Township Police Officer Jessica McCook volunteered at the Marden’s location. (Photo by Jayna Smith)

By Jayna Smith

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Christmas is, of course, a time of merriment, gift-giving, and decorations.  In Baileyville, the town shows just some of the festivity through the wreaths hung along Main Street.

These wreaths, between 45 or 50 of them, are donated every year by Mike Tammaro, owner of V.L. Tammaro Oil.  

Submitted by Sherry Sivret

The Post Christmas party was held after the December meeting at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church with a feast of ham, brisket, mashed potatoes and many sides and desserts.  After the meal, a Yankee swap was held with a healthy exchange of gifts including a shelf Santa, a watch and travel mugs with handles.  Post Commander David Sivret was a right jolly ole elf calling the names and helping with the exchange of gifts. 

By Natalie Boomer

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Washington County’s very own Wayne Sowers has just competed in the Weight Lifting World Championships in Las Vagas, Nevada.

This five-day event went on from November 12th through the 17th.

Sowers won three medals from the NABDL, National Association of Benchers and Deadlifters. He received a third-place medal in the bench press, a fourth place in the push-pull, and a fifth in the deadlift.

By Jayna Smith

Mr. Brian Giles has a few different roles at Indian Township School.  Not only does he teach special education, but he is also the food corps supervisor and a member of the orchard and garden planning committee.  Giles’ goal is to have a self-sustaining cafeteria at Indian Township School and to provide food for the local community.  He has received support from the school board and administration, tribal council and Chief, and local businesses. 

By Kaileigh Deacon

What’s better than a story that jumps off the page or the screen and makes you a part of it? For the last few years, that’s exactly the opportunity that the teachers and staff at the Calais Elementary School have been giving area kids.

The annual Polar Express event took place at Calais Elementary School last Thursday evening. This yearly event has grown a little more every year and gets kids a little more into the Christmas spirit. 

Guest Voice

By Vinton Cassidy