Lewis Wood, Sr., 80, died on April 27, 2018 at Down East Community Hospital surrounded by family and friends. He was born to Arthur and Vaughn Wood in Machias on November 19, 1937.

He worked as an ironworker most of his life. He also worked on the water; lobstering, scalloping, cohoging and clamming. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with family.

Lewis was predeceased by his wife Nancy (Reeves) Wood; parents, Arthur and Vaughn Wood; brother, Arthur (Punk) Wood, Jr.; and son-in-law, Joseph Berry.

3rd Grade; Honors- Aiden Espling, Abby Gagne; 4th Grade; Honors- Maya Henderson, Kieli Smith; 5th Grade; Honors- Thaddius Bridges,Ava Fitzhenry High Honors- Zoe Mercer, Kaiden Wood;6th Grade; Honors- Naomi Lauze; High Honors- Austin Fitzhenry, Harley Ingrish; 7th Grade; Honors- Jonathan O’Donnell; High Honors- Cameron Boynton, Eli Tremblay; 8th Grade; Honors- Elesia Berry, Gracie Guptill, Natasha Kilton, Caitlyn Link, Dalton Mercer; High Honors- Aviva Bridges

The 2018 class of Maine Policy Scholars (MPS) was recently honored during a special graduation ceremony in the Bangor Room in the Memorial Union on the University of Maine campus in Orono.

One student from six of the seven campuses of the University of Maine system pursued a year-long program of applied research in the area of Maine public policy. Issues addressed included care of mentally ill inmates in Maine prisons; how public policy can support literacy promotion for school-aged youth; and increasing recycling in rural Maine.

by Phil Stuart

Gladys Ganiel of Harrington and a 1995 graduate of Narraguagus High School, without a doubt, is Washington County’s most accomplished athlete. Ganiel excelled not just in athletics but also in the classroom.

In 1995 she was the valedictorian of her class and received the Maine Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence and Citizenship.

The list of athletic accomplishments both as an individual and team member for her four years as a member of the cross country, girls’ basketball team and track teams are nothing short of mind boggling.

by Phil Stuart

Over the years, Downeast softball has lagged behind other areas of the state. There have been some outstanding teams but very few have excelled much beyond the season. Since 1976, only 12 teams from Washington County have made it to a state championship game in Class C or Class D.

by Phil Stuart

Washington County has had its share of outstanding coaches over the years. Many have left their mark at schools within the county while other have taken their talents elsewhere.

I.J. Pinkham of Milbridge is the winningest boys’ basketball coach in the state of Maine. Pinkham has over 620 victories, all at Boothbay Region High School.

Ordie Alley of Beals amassed over 500 career victories while coaching at Beals High School and Jonesport-Beals High School.