by Wayne Smith

When you think of the word “scrubs’, one might picture someone wearing them while working in the emergency room of a hospital, maybe doing surgery on a patient that’s just been in an accident and the ambulance has just brought them in. Yet it couldn’t be farther from the truth, in this instance.

by Joseph Horn

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

As their property tax bills arrived in the mail, East Machias residents began calling the town office asking what caused their taxes to go up this year. The town’s mill rate rose from 19.75 mills in 2019 to 25 mills for 2020.

by Ruth Leubecker

After a Labor Day, Calais Regional Hospital nurses voted on Wednesday to strike.

“Unions have been under attack across the United States, and the tech staff at Calais Regional Hospital are bucking the trend,” said Chuleenan Svetvilas of National Nurses United. “In June they voted to join the Maine State Nurses Association, which is affiliated with NNU. The techs joining the union was a Labor Day move that would hopefully be a positive one.”

National 4-H Council and Microsoft are working together through the 4-H Tech Changemakers program to empower teens to create opportunities for people to participate in today’s increasingly digital world in unique ways. Tech Changemakers began with 43 teen leaders from 12 communities who invested over 1,600 hours in innovative community projects and digital skills training.

by Lauren Koss

by Ruth Leubecker

“I don’t think much was accomplished this session. One might wonder why we even had one,” said Rep. Will Tuell last week.

The East Machias legislator said he might’ve just as well stayed on his couch as gone to Augusta and collected a hundred dollars. “Basically everyone went to lunch and got caught up with their friends. It was a waste,” he said. “We were down there (Augusta) from about 10:30 or 11 in the morning until 8 pm. Probably we only had about one and a half hours of talking.”

by Jayna Smith

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death overall in the United States. Three years ago, for individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, it was the second leading cause of death, and for individuals between the ages of 35 and 54, it was the fourth leading cause of death.

The nation will observe Suicide Prevention Week Sept. 8-14 this year.

by Jayna Smith

When the City of Eastport celebrates any event, they do so in a big way, and this year’s Pirate Festival is no exception. Now in its 14th year, the Eastport Pirate Festival gets underway this Friday and runs through Sunday, and there will be plenty to do for pirates of all ages.

by Wayne Smith

This is a story about an interview with my uncle, Stanley Smith. He talked about his experience raking blueberries since he was a child and about how, at 72, he still has what it takes to rake blueberries. He and his wife Donna are some of the last pioneers who will pick up a rake and do what has been done since the beginning. Turning back time is what real blueberrying was all about.

by Natalie Boomer

18-year-old Alex Newsome was granted his wish on Tuesday, Aug. 20 when the Make-A-Wish Foundation arranged for him to get  his very own hot tub.

While he was working as a camp counselor at the Calais public pool, a limousine pulled up filled with his family to surprise him, along with his friends and campers holding signs that said “Yay Alex” and “We love you.” He was handed a ‘Make A Wish’ T-shirt and a pin that said “Wish Kid” and they took him to see his wish come true.

by Jayna Smith

A replica of the Nao Santa Maria, one of the most famous ships in history, will be docking at the St. Andrews wharf from Sept. 13-15 and will be open for visiting before its next stop in Portland, scheduled for Sept. 19-22. The visits are part of the ship’s North American tour and this is the ship’s first visit to Canada.

by Ruth Leubecker

Stakeholders were provided an update on the Downeast Correctional Facility last week when Gary LaPlante, director of operations for the project, visited the sheriff’s office.

by Jayna Smith

The 32nd Annual Eastport Salmon and Seafood Festival is set for this weekend, Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1, and attendees will not be disappointed with the jam-packed schedule of events.  

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

An online fundraiser set a goal of raising $500 to pay off overdue lunch accounts and as of Monday, Aug. 26 had raised $1,500.

Down East Community Hospital welcomes Jordan Porter, DNP, FNP-BC, to our Family Practice in Machias. Jordan is a highly trained nursing professional who is happy to be back in Washington County where he intends to do his best to improve the health outcomes for his family, friends, and the community.

Jordan is passionate about the people of Washington County. He grew up on Gardner’s Lake and has many family members who live and work in the Down East area. He loves the ocean and the rugged coast of Maine.

Calais Celtic Concerts is very excited to present one of Northern Ireland's best new groups, the multi-award-winning Connla, from Derry and Armagh, at the Calais High School on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m. US/ 8 p.m. Canadian time. The doors will open at 6 p.m. EST.

Hailing from the cities of Armagh and Derry, the group is made up of Ciara McCafferty (vocals/ bodhran), Ciaran Carlin (Flute/Whistles) Paul Starrett (Guitar) Emer Mallon (Harp) and Conor Mallon ( Uilleann Pipes/Whistles).

by Andy Egan

by Ruth Leubecker

Federal grant money earmarked for expanding broadband in rural Maine will soon find its way to Roque Bluffs.

“We’re excited about this federal emphasis on rural areas,” said Marc Ouellette, CEO of Axiom Technologies last week. “To date, enough attention has not occurred in rural communities, and we still have great gaps.”

by Jayna Smith

Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) are an important part of our legal system.  Representing the state government on behalf of the district attorney, ADAs investigate alleged crimes with law enforcement and determine if there is enough evidence to open a case.  Also, in such an incident where a case is opened, the ADA will bring evidence to a jury and seek jail or prison time for those found guilty of committing a crime.  

by Natalie Boomer

The Pembroke Trotting Association is hosting the Washington County Fair. On Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24-25, the fairgrounds will be set up on the Old Country Road in Pembroke.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. various events will take place like train rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, carriage rides, face painting, apple cider demonstrations, blacksmith demonstrations, children’s games, craft tables and more.