4-H photographers demonstrated their skills at the 2024 University of Maine Cooperative Extension Washington County 4-H Contest, capturing animals, architecture, farm life, and more.

Jayna Smith

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On Tuesday, September 3, the Enchanted Princess, a 1,082-foot cruise ship with a capacity of 3,900 passengers, docked in Eastport.  It was the largest cruise ship to visit Eastport, too large for the breakwater pier.

Paul Sylvain

Residents in Machias and neighboring communities awoke Tuesday morning to the tragic news of the sudden passing of the Shiretown’s energetic and much loved Town Manager Bill Kitchen. 

Kitchen, who passed away sometime Monday, Sept. 9,  will be remembered for his tireless devotion and efforts to help promote and grow the town that he so clearly loved. He was Machias’ biggest cheerleader and will be sorely missed.

Search for a Permanent Town Manager Begins

Paul Sylvain

In what visibly and emotionally was a difficult but necessary meeting for the Machias selectboard on Sept. 11, the five-member panel voted unanimously to appoint Christina Therrien interim town manager to temporarily fill the void left by the sudden passing of Bill Kitchen on Sept. 9.

Paul Sylvain

Renee Gray wrapped up her first year as Washington County manager on July 6. As she explained in an interview at her office in the county courthouse building on Sept. 17, it has been a rewarding, though at times challenging, year. 

As Gray digs in for her second year as the Sunrise County’s administrator, 2025 may be even more challenging for her, given the uncertainty over a proposed $10.8-million budget currently under scrutiny by the county’s budget committee.  

Sandra Smith

The Downeast Salmon Federation (DSF) and the Pleasant River Fish and Game Conservation Association (PRFGCA) partnered together with community volunteers to clear downed trees along trails in DSF’s Pleasant River Community Forest in Columbia last week.  

Jayna Smith

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Calais residents and businesses are facing new shipping challenges as UPS has discontinued its next-day delivery service to the region.  According to Calais City Councilor Elery Beale, this change is already causing significant disruptions, especially for those relying on time-sensitive shipments like medication and critical business supplies.

Following the completion of the Princeton Community Playground build, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held last Monday, September 23, at Princeton’s Brewer Andrews Field. This was an enthusiastic celebration of four years of volunteer efforts to provide a playground for the younger children of Princeton.  

Jayna Smith

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Baileyville’s Octoberfest is set to return next week with a variety of events, and as always, it will offer something for everyone.