Will Tuell

Blue skies and a warm breeze greeted the 68 cadets -- soon to be law enforcement officers -- graduating from Maine’s Criminal Justice Academy on May 17. The graduates, with throngs of family and friends watching on, began their journey eighteen weeks ago in the dead of winter, leaving loved ones behind as they went through a rigorous training program designed to initiate them into the ranks of Maine’s law enforcement community. 

Woodland High Recognizes Top 10 Graduates

Jayna Smith

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On May 9, 2024, Woodland High School celebrated its top 10 graduating seniors at an assembly attended by family and friends.

Leading the class as valedictorian is Hudson DePriest, son of Jerry and Sonya DePriest. Hudson is set to embark on a journey studying civil engineering at University of Maine, Orono.

Alexander homeschoolers, student council, Grangers, and several residents gathered together on Monday, May 20th, to place flags on veterans’ graves at the cemetery in time for Memorial Day.  Each veteran was remembered as their flag was placed by their name being read out loud.  Students learned a little bit about each person, including where they served, the branch of service, and the two special dates engraved on each.  

Jayna Smith

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Woodland High School honored its Class of 2024 with a graduation ceremony on Saturday morning, June 1, in a full gymnasium.  The 28 graduates, led by Class President Jaiden Wormell, marched to their seats to the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance,” in front of faculty, staff, friends, family, and community members.

Sandra Smith 

At last Tuesday’s Princeton Board of Selectmen's meeting was the dedication of Princeton’s Annual Report. The selection is kept secret until the award is presented. This has been a special honor and tradition since 1976-77. The first award was given to Ruth J. Shaw, who was the town treasurer for 38 years, a registered nurse, a school teacher, and had over 20 years with the post office, as well as being active in the church and Princeton Women’s Club. 

Jayna Smith

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The gymnasium of Woodland Elementary School was filled for its pre-kindergarten graduation ceremony on Monday afternoon, June 10.  Seventeen eager students, set to enter kindergarten in the fall, celebrated the end of their pre-k year with enthusiasm and pride.

Paul Sylvain

County officials and elected representatives gathered June 13 at the Court Street site of the future Washington County Safety Building to formally break ground on the $5.5 million project. 

Funding for the project is coming from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) signed by President Joe Biden in 2021, as part of a COVID stimulus deal.

Paul Sylvain and Will Tuell

Rebellion, in the name of independence, doesn’t wait for perfect weather. And cloudy skies and a little drizzle or rain shower were not going to prevent Margaretta Days festivities from taking place June 14 and 15 in and around the shire town.

The annual celebration honors events that culminated on the morning of June 12, 1775, with the Battle of the Margaretta, months after the more famous battles of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, which are widely considered to be the start of the Revolutionary War. 

Kendall Farm on Boyden Lake enjoyed ideal weather for the third annual Rhubarb Festival on June 1, contrasting last year's chilly conditions.  With temperatures at a comfortable 65 degrees, over 340 attendees celebrated all things rhubarb.

Highlights included the tasting table, music by local band Oatmeal Bear, and emcee John Z. Festival merchandise like T-shirts, hats, rhubarb barbecue sauce, and bumper stickers were available.