by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Midday reports of smoke in a Marshfield forest led area fire departments to investigate on the ground while the Maine Forest Service investigated from the air. The fire was located on a section of land operated by Wagner Forest Management, and spread to cover roughly six acres. Marshfield Fire Chief Daniel Bowker said the fire was caused by a logging operation.

by Ruth Leubecker

Last week’s special session of the Maine Legislature faced a myriad of conflicts, ranging from the taxation of legalized marijuana to the ramifications of ranked-choice voting.

Labeled a one-day special session, the subject matter was never to be constrained to one day. “Marijuana is one topic, as is funding the state mapping office, food sovereignty and another go-around with ranked-choice voting,” said Rep. Will Tuell a week before the session was to convene. 

by Lura Jackson

Those who are in need of health insurance for the coming year will have half as much time to enroll in coverage through the federal government’s Health Insurance Marketplace than in previous years. Open enrollment this year will begin on Nov. 1 and continue until Dec. 15. Regardless of what changes are enacted to the Affordable Care Act in 2018, anyone who signs up for health insurance during open enrollment will have coverage all year.

Students in Machias schools were encouraged to walk to school on Friday, Oct. 20 as part of Healthy Acadia’s annual Walk to School program. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon 

Addison’s Tuscan Lodge 106 will put on its traditional haunted house on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28. The lodge uses the event as a fundraiser to raise money for its community projects.

The event will run from 6 p.m. until the last survivor leaves the building. Individual and family rates available, located at 325 Water Street, Addison. 

Attention all birders and plant loving people! On Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. at Porter Memorial Library, Anne Archie, well-known local birder will be presenting “Berried Treasure.” Her talk will include a power point for visual enjoyment. 

October’s Downeast Feast public supper will be held at Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School in Machias and is sponsored by the Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) 7th and 8th grade students.

The Downeast Feast is a shared, free community meal held the fourth Thursday of every month at 5 p.m. The location varies. Feasts are potluck-style meals so bring some food to share. If you can’t bring any, please come anyway! 

In light of the season, this month’s theme is autumn soups and bread. 

Feed me, Seymour! The Little Shop of Horrors is easily one of the best horror comedy musicals ever made. Maybe that doesn’t say much, but this is a one of a kind film — even though it’s a remake — that everyone should see at least once. Filled with fun guest appearances, surprisingly catchy musical performances, and enough campy horror to make this film an instant cult-classic, nothing comes close to mimicking this film’s quirky charm.

The Conway Area Humane Society and The Cleo Fund are bringing a lost-cost spay and neuter clinic to Machias on Nov. 6-7. The event will be held in the Holy Name Parish Hall at 45 Broadway, Machias.

The $30 service is offered to low-income Washington County residents and will include: a physical exam, the spay or neuter surgery, nail trim, ear cleaning, a Capstar flea pill, and a rabies vaccine for cats over 12 weeks.

Space is limited so appointments are necessary. Call 603-447-5955 ext. 3 to reserve your place.

Float on down to the University of Maine at Machias for a night of terror in this year’s Stephen King-themed haunted forest, with scares inspired by “It”, “The Mist and Pet Sematary.” 

For younger children, the thrills are muted to be age-appropriate. Ages four to nine attend between 6 and 7 p.m.

Ages 10 and up attend between 7 and 8 p.m. Minimal entry fees charged.

The event takes place Thursday, Oct. 26 and Friday, Oct. 27. For more information, call 255-1200.