Wayne Sowers of Baring recently competed at WABDL (World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters) Northeast Regional weightlifting competition where he won 1st place in the bench press, deadlift, and push-pull events in the 61-67 age group and the 220-242 lb. weight class. 

By Dominic Gayton

On Thursday, August 15, 2019, the Indian Township School took delivery of a new school bus just in time for the first day of school.

The bus, a 2020 Thomas 77-passenger school bus, arrived around 1 p.m. on Thursday from W.C. Cressey & Son in Kennebunk, Maine. The bus features a state-of-the-art camera system, an electronically controlled diesel engine, and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) which is injected into the exhaust to reduce the emission of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOX).

By Dominic Gayton

When I arrived at Bohanon’s Garage to interview co-owner Jamie Bohanon for this article on July 26, 2019, he and his uncle and fellow co-owner, Monte Bohanon, were diligently trying to diagnose a problem with a customer’s car. I waited in the office for Jamie to finish. When he finished helping the customer, he apologized for making me wait. There was nothing to apologize for. Taking care of the customer first is why Bohanon’s Inc. has been in business for 50 years.

By Kaileigh Deacon

Anyone driving by the Calais Walmart on Saturday would have seen a big yellow school bus parked in front of the store. This was all part of the back to school initiative that the Calais Elementary School has done for the last several years.

Left: The crowned International Festival Princesses are kept busy during Festival week. Pictures is Carley Waycott Miss International Festival Grand Supreme Queen helping  out at Wednesday’s peanut fair.

Right: The peanut fair is a great way to spend the first afternoon of festival. With games of all sorts there is something for everyone. Pictured are Sophia Rogers and Alizay Mitchell racing.

(Photos by Kaileigh Deacon) 

By Jayna Smith

The annual Peter Mercier Memorial Co-ed Softball Tournament is quickly approaching, taking place this Saturday and Sunday at Calais’ Smith Field.  One of the many things Peter Mercier is remembered for is his support of area athletics, and that is what motivates tournament organizer Ryan Lincoln.  

By Dominic Gayton

Being a hospice volunteer is not about being there for someone while they are dying so much as it is about helping someone make the most out of the end of their life. The taboo of death and dying is an obstacle Down East Hospice Volunteers hopes to overcome as it seeks new prospective volunteers to participate in its volunteer training this September.

By Jayna Smith

The playground at Main Street’s Memorial Park has been revamped.  According to Parks and Recreation Director Craig Morrison, brand new playground equipment was installed last Wednesday, August 7th.  

The cost of the new equipment with installation, Morrison said, was approximately $26,000.  The company from which it was purchased--American Parks Company--is the same company the previous equipment was from, the equipment that is believed to have  been at that park  since the early 1970s.

Tuesday’s Music on the Green was a mix of guitar and banjo music. Averill Lovely played a collection of well-known songs as well as some original songs. Averill Lovely was sponsored by V.L. Tammaro. (Photo by Kaileigh Deacon)

Alumni from Princeton High School met at the Princeton Road and Gun Club on Saturday, August 3, 2019 to reminisce about old times.  Friends came from near and far to represent their class.  Princeton High School was open from 1873 until 1968.  Students attending the reunion graduated from 1948 through 1968. (Photo submitted by Lynn Lawless)

By Jayna Smith

There are some who give back to the community without ever being recognized.  Often, that’s because the person does things quietly, never relishing the spotlight.  One man who is the epitome of that is Ron Rice of Calais.   

Rice takes very little credit for the many things he does to help others.  When asked why he devotes his time to giving to others, his response is a humble one:  “I don’t know,” which is a good indication he does it simply because it’s his nature.  

By Jayna Smith

Many people have clipped what are known as “Box Tops” found on popular brands, including various food products and even on some non-food items.  Box Tops clipped and sent into participating schools--such as Calais and Woodland Elementary Schools--have earned the schools ten cents for each, which adds up quickly.

By Dominic Gayton

A contractor hired by the City of Calais applied an herbicide to downtown sidewalks a few weeks ago.

Between July 22nd and July 29th, Vegetation Management of Houlton applied the weed killer on North Street sidewalks between the intersections of Union Street and North Street (near the Waterfront Walkway parking lot) and of North Street and Washington Street. The same chemical was applied on Main Street sidewalks from the Marden’s parking lot to the intersection of Main Street and Calais Avenue.

Bangor’s ABC 7 to Broadcast Live!

By Jayna Smith

Thursday of International Homecoming Festival is always a fun one with the free Concert in the Park, this year happening on August 8th.  The evening brings friends and family together, while great performers take the stage at the downtown triangle park.  This year, one new kids’ event and one live television broadcast are also taking place at the park.  

Submitted by Sherry Sivret

By Jayna Smith

Festival goers will be pleased with the many popular events returning to the final day of International Homecoming Festival, in addition to some new events happening on both sides of the border.

Beginning at 10 a.m., the St. Croix Country Club in Calais will be host to part one of the International Golf Tournament, a new event this year.  At 2:30 p.m., part two of the tournament will begin at the St. Stephen Golf Club.  The details of this truly international tournament can be found on page 6 of the festival insert.

By Dominic Gayton

Some community members may be wondering what is happening with the historic St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Baileyville. A soon-to-be-retired flight attendant who has traveled the world and recently published a new book is renovating the building, along with her husband, to be their home in retirement.

By Jayna Smith

Having grown up in the Hinkley Hill home where he still resides today, John Mitchell has spent all of his life in Calais.  He graduated from law school in 1971, and in August of that year, was admitted to the Maine State Bar Association.  Now, 48 years later, Mitchell has announced his retirement.  

By Jayna Smith

The Calais Advertiser received confirmation from Indian Township Police Department last Thursday that around 2:40 a.m. that morning, the department received a call of “multiple fights” near a residence on US Route 1 in Indian Township.  

Pictured in summer league basketball action are the Calais Blue Devils. Members include front l-r: Tony Tinker, Alex Richard, Jace Cook, Reece Sabattus, Tyler Furtek, Ryland Sabattus, Ti Bennett, Josh Calder, and Kyle Richard. Back l-r: Coach Darrin Constant, Dawson Critchley, Tony Dana, Cameron Kelley, Sebastian Moore, Mason Ritchie, Luke Furtek, Matthew Dana, JD Turner, and Coach Marty Cushing. (Photo by John Rogers)

By Natalie Boomer