By Will Tuell

Organizers of a charity volleyball tournament are hoping to raise money for, and awareness of, the faith-based Arise Addiction Recovery program in Machias next month. The “Rise Above” Volleyball tournament, in its sixth year, attracts participants from northern and eastern Maine who enjoy playing volleyball and want to support the rehab that has been helping people overcome addiction through Jesus Christ since 2015. 

All are invited to “Writers Read,” an open stage for creative writing, on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2-4 p.m., at Eastport Arts Center.  Writers of all kinds, whether seasoned wordsmiths or emerging talents, are invited to share their written work. The event aims to create an atmosphere of inspiration and connection and to celebrate creativity and the power of storytelling in all of its forms.

By Will Tuell

Fishermen Skeptical of ‘Ropeless Gear’ Study at Zone A Council Meeting

By Will Tuell

Town Attorney Claims DeFalcos, Aschettino ‘Offering Land They Do Not Own’

By Paul Sylvain

More than 100 of Machiasport’s estimated 1,000 citizens packed the Fort O’Brien School gymnasium on a bitterly cold evening on Feb. 5 for a tense and emotionally charged public hearing on eminent domain.

By Phil Stuart

The 2024 high school basketball post-season is here, and it looks as though both teams from Jonesport-Beals, Machias, and Washington Academy will be in action.

The Washington Academy teams will both have to go through a preliminary round this week  in order to play at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. The Woodland girls, Calais boys, and Narraguagus boys will also be in the hunt.

By Wayne Smith

On Dec. 10, 2023, the Merchant family of Sullivan’s lives were changed forever when they lost their son, Cole, in a car accident in Steuben. Two months later, Cole’s mother, Holly Merchant, decided it was the right time to tell her story. Speaking with her on the phone last week, she never sugarcoated the emotions that she is dealing with from the loss of her younger son. At times, I could feel the emotions running through the phone line as we talked.  

The Roque Bluffs Community Center received a $3,000 gift from Machias Savings Bank on Feb. 8. 

Sam Whitney, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of the bank’s Machias branch, made the award, which will help cover the cost of new flooring as part of renovations of the RBCC’s lower level. The Center said in a press release that its lower level is being converted into a permanent art gallery for the area and that most of the work is being done by community volunteers. 

University of Maine Cooperative Extension 4-H will offer “Science Fridays” beginning Feb. 23. The in-person program is designed to engage youth, ages 9-14, in exploring various science topics and develop scientific skills. 

By Phil Stuart

Many times, success on a basketball court is achieved because other family members have been involved in the game as well.

On Jan. 31, Kristin Grant of Machias scored her 1,000th career point as the Lady Bulldogs defeated Calais 50-36 at the “Doghouse.”

Grant, a native of Lubec, became the second member of her family to join the 1,000-point club.