A large quantity of boats rested in Machiasport’s Bucks Harbor on the weekend before the 4th of July. Behind them and to the right, Bucks Head is visible, probably named for Captain Thomas Buck of Plymouth, Massachusetts who carried the first settlers to Machias in 1763. Bucks Head was a subject of discussion at the most recent town meeting, when Machiasport voters authorized selectmen to investigate the possible purchase of 23 acres there, which include one-half mile of shoreline, provided the purchase does not increase taxes. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Lovie B. Maker, 99, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2017 surrounded by her loving family at a Machias nursing home. She was born in West Lubec, October 20, 1917 the daughter of the late Arthur and Emily (Taylor) Batron.

The Bay of Fundy International Marathon took place this weekend, drawing more than 1,000 visitors to Washington County and putting 650 runners on the roads of Lubec and Campobello. This year marked the 5th year of the race, which is put on entirely by local volunteers. For me, the marathon and the community spirit evident on race weekend is one of the highlights of the summer, and I don’t even run toward chocolate.  

 On Thursday, June 8 the Washington County Commissioners held a special meeting to discuss the ongoing situation surrounding the Downeast Correctional Facility. Obviously the threatened closure of the facility has weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of the people of the county, a county that has long fought to grow and keep every employment opportunity it has. 

Jonesport

by Nancy Beal

 Jonesport selectmen discussed the cost of clam licenses at their June 21 meeting. Presently, resident diggers pay $80 for the privilege, while non-residents, who obtain licenses through a lottery system, pay twice that. Although the authority to set license fees rests with the town’s Shellfish Conservation Committee, selectmen, noting the gap between revenue and costs of running that committee, weighed in last week.