Jayna Smith

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The Calais Branch Railroad Corridor Rail Use Advisory Council (RUAC) has officially commenced, marking a significant step in the ongoing discussion surrounding the future use of the rail corridor that connects to the Sunrise Trail.  

​National Library Week was celebrated at the Lincoln Memorial Library in Dennysville with a special Story Time to welcome and enjoy over 40 new titles by the famous Dr. Seuss, acquired during the month of March. The library, of course, already had some of the famed children’s author’s works, since he is credited with lifting literature for young readers from the Dick and Jane stories of a former generation, through the wonderful menagerie of creatures and memorable rhymes that became his trademark. 

Johnny Chambers

LD227 has caused Maine to become the most anti-child, anti-family State in the nation. LD227 is the child of LD1735 which is better known as the "trans-trafficking bill," brought you by Anne Perry Democrat, is pushing for "gender affirming care" and "reproductive health care" as legal rights, without considering the detrimental effects it may have on children, parents, and the overall well-being of the state.

Jayna Smith

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The highly-anticipated total eclipse of the Sun was witnessed across the state on Monday, April 8, 2024, an event that will not occur again until 2044. 

Jayna Smith

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Spring's arrival and the flip of the calendar to April did little to deter the grasp of winter as heavy snowfall and fierce winds swept through the state late Wednesday, April 3, leaving Calais in its icy grip by dawn Thursday morning.

Washington County Community College is proud to announce that Kristin Crowley, a student in the Human Services program, has been named the 2024 Student of the Year.

“Kristin chose WCCC because she could take courses as a resident of Southern Maine Women’s Reentry Center through the Second Chance Pell program and wanted to earn a degree to help others who struggle with substance use disorder,” WCCC said in a press release last week. 

Eastport Arts Center’s Open Mic Night on Friday, April 12, will be dedicated to Sadi, the Eastport service dog, who is undergoing treatment for liver cancer. Sadi’s owner, Jeanne Katkavich, will bring Sadi for an appearance at the event and share the pair’s tale. Performers and event emcee Dave Grieco, a confirmed 'dog person,' are preparing to offer anecdotes and songs about canines they’ve known and loved.   

Nineteen Maine community college students, including Calais’s Elizabeth Sivret and WCCC student Kayla Taylor, of Raymond, have been named to the All-Maine Academic Team in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service, the Maine Community College System said in a media release April 2. 

The 19 students will each receive the award and a $500 scholarship from the MCCS Board of Trustees.

Jayna Smith

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A significant transformation is in progress for the St. Croix Apartments building in Calais, heralding a resurgence in senior housing.  Tom Michaud, the executive director of Sunrise Opportunities, confirmed that upon completion, the building will accommodate 26 units exclusively for senior citizens.

Will Tuell

Washington County is in line for upwards of $50 million in federal spending, according to Maine’s Congressional delegation, following the passage of a second round of budget bills approved late last month. Earlier in March, the delegation had secured an estimated $20 million for Washington County projects, a figure which more than doubled with the most recent round of budget bills designed to avert a partial government shutdown. 

Sheila Huckins and family were this year's winner of the Dennysville Snowmobile & ATV Club’s $1,000 5-minute shopping spree.  Shown are WQDY's Jeremy Pottle, club representative Derick Brown, Sheila Huckins and family, and IGA owner Bob Craft.  

Jayna Smith

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The Calais Fire Association continued its cherished tradition of hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the fire station on Saturday, March 30.

Excited children eagerly took part in the fun, getting a chance to meet with the beloved Easter Bunny and participate in a unique egg hunt right within the station.

Will Tuell

Jon Reisman

NPV

The National Popular Vote Scooby-Doo Mystery continued last week. The House Advanced Calendar included possible votes to “untable” or take some unspecified action, but none materialized. Rep. Laurel Libby (R-Auburn) reported that Speaker Ross chose not to bring it up when a full rostrum of potential opponents was present, but the Democrats appear to have the votes to do what they want- it may be that they don’t quite agree on what they want- or don’t want.

Jayna Smith

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Christopher Carter from Baileyville has embarked on an extraordinary journey along the legendary Appalachian Trail.  Starting his odyssey on February 18th, 2024, at Amicalola State Park in Georgia, Carter, affectionately known as “Moxie” on the trails, aims to reach the trail’s northern terminus at Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park by mid-June.

Jayna Smith

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Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) has introduced a valuable opportunity for the older community in Calais to socialize and enjoy a nutritious meal every Tuesday at the Calais Methodist Church.  This initiative aims to foster social connections among aging individuals, complemented by a hearty lunch, board games, and puzzles.

Will Tuell

Final figures are in for the annual Rise Above volleyball tournament organized by Steven and Britannia Balyint, and the charitable event has raised over $4,000 for Arise Addiction Recovery in Machias. 

The event was held the weekend of March 8-10 and featured some fourteen pick-up volleyball teams from Downeast and beyond. Arise merchandise, concessions, and sweets were available for purchase as well. 

When Noah Lambert of Bar Harbor enrolled at the University of Maine, launching a giant balloon 90,000 feet in the air to livestream a total solar eclipse wasn’t an activity he imagined being able to do during his college career. 

Jayna Smith

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Congratulations to the students of Calais High School’s drama club.  Although I was not fortunate enough to attend their performance last week of Lafayette #1, they received stellar reviews!

Jayna Smith

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Contrary to the typical negative connotation associated with being "egged," Girl Scout Troop 1608 is flipping the script to raise funds for their adventures and community service endeavors.

The Fellowship Lego Robotics Team, part of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Cobscook Currents 4-H Club in Washington County, was one of 25 teams to compete in the state’s first Lego League Challenge.

 The team won the Champions Award and an invitation to represent Maine in the first Championship World Festival in Houston, Texas, in April. That event will feature 160 Lego League teams from all 50 states and 66 other countries.