by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Email threats received earlier this week led to the closure of the Machias schools on Tuesday, Oct. 3 and all A.O.S 96 schools plus Washington Academy on Wednesday, Oct. 4.  "Within the last 24 hours or so we got some email threats that a person or persons unknown may try to cause harm to the students at Machias High," said Machias Police Chief Grady Dwelly.

The Jonesport building that for nearly 30 years was known as Tall Barney’s Restaurant is no more. Created as an eatery over three decades ago, it grew in popularity with local patrons as it passed through several owners, including sisters Marlene Dobbins, Joyce Bryant and Deanna Chandler, who gave it its moniker in 1990. Recently, the property was purchased by Jonesport businessman Manford Durkee, who last month began removing fixtures and appliances from the building and, in the early hours of September 24, engaged the fire department to burn it down.

The Ark is hosting a dog show 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21.

The show was supposed to take place during an event Sept. 9 but was rained out.

Prizes will be awarded to both children and adults in categories including best trick, best groomed, best costume and most obedient. The Showmanship Award, Best Friend Award and Best in Show will also be presented.

All dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash and have a current rabies tag or certificate.

The Ark is located at 60 Barber Lane in Cherryfield. For more information, call 207-546-3484.

Last weekend a benefit supper was held in the Roque Bluffs Community Center to raise funds to repair the neighboring church. Photo courtesy Carlene Holmes

The Machias Ukulele Band performed for the packed house of diners. Photo courtesy Carlene Holmes

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

After undergoing brain surgery in New York to remove a tumor from her optic nerve, Shelbie Ross has returned to Washington County and is recovering at home. Ross’ total recovery time frame is estimated to be two to three months.

While she was away for the Sept. 21 surgery, her friends organized a benefit supper that raised more than $5,000 to assist with covering the staggering costs of the surgery and time out of work. 

by Ronie Strout

Congratulations to Michelle McLaughlin and Zachary Strout for filling her permit up in the Allagash on the Fox Brook Road in the North Maine Woods.

The warm temperature during the week made it difficult in seeing any moose, but by Friday morning the temps finally came down to the low 30’s. It was about 5:10 p.m. that they  saw the moose coming out of the woods to where they were. The hunt was now over.

by Hulda Peterson

Do not forget, Oktoberfest is being held next Saturday.  The parade lines up on East Main Street at eight in the morning.

There will be many participants, fire engines, and floats. The parade ends at Bigelow Park where there will be bounce houses, a train, music and wonderful music. It is a great time to visit friends and have an enjoyable time.  The evening brings a dance at the VFW starting at nine p.m.  The music is being provided by the band “Driven”.  We all look forward to this annual event.  Hope to see you there!

The University of Maine at Machias Art Gallery will open a show of the work of photographer Lisa Tyson Ennis with a reception on Oct. 18 from 5–7 p.m. Entitled What Once Was, the show will be on display in the gallery through Dec. 8. 

Responding to dramatic changes occurring within the inshore fisheries of New England and Atlantic Canada, fine arts photographer Lisa Tyson Ennis has focused her large format cameras on the area’s haunting symbols of another time – herring weirs, smokehouses and remote fishing outports in Newfoundland.

Providers came out in numbers for the education session on improving opioid prescribing and patient safety, hosted by Down East Community Hospital (DECH) and the Maine Medical Association.  The sessions took place at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Machias and at the Women’s Health Resource Library in Milbridge. Between the two locations, 42 area providers attended to learn about new prescribing laws. 

The Washington County Thriving in Place Initiative invites all seniors to the Senior Health & Safety Expo—a special event created to address some of the most pressing issues facing our aging residents—on Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon in the multipurpose room of the Maine Veterans’ Home in Machias.

Designed around issues of health and safety, this free event offers a unique opportunity for a private consultation with a licensed pharmacist to review your medications for dosage, drug interactions, and expiration dates.

William C. Moody, 83, of Palmer Township, Pennsylvania, formerly of Wesley, Maine, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2017 in Easton Hospital.

Born January 18, 1934, in Orange, NJ, he was a son of the late Paul L. and Helen H. Kretschmer Moody.

He retired in 1988 from the National Guard, Morristown, NJ, where he worked as a military technician for 25 years.   Bill had also been fire chief of the town of Wesley, Maine, served as fire warden in Wesley, Maine and was a firefighter for Basking Ridge Volunteer Fire Company.

by Lura Jackson

When thinking about the terms “community-building” and “life-affirming”, the situation of attending a dying person’s side may not immediately come to mind. As contradictory as it could seem, being in the role of a hospice volunteer is not simply about easing the passage of one individual into death – it is also about creating long-lasting, meaningful bonds with a network of people enriched by their experience with human compassion.

Please see page 16 & 17 of the paper edition on newsstands for full photo spread or view the Digital Version here.

Raider Jacob Figel gets a strong foot into the ball.

Mahoney Yahouili makes a Raider pass.

by Phil Stuart

The Ellsworth High School boys and George Stevens Academy (GSA) girls were winners at the Washington Academy (WA) cross country invitational in East Machias on Sept. 15.

The boys’ meet saw Ellsworth win easily with a low score of 37 followed by George Stevens Academy 70, Calais 78, Washington Academy 110, Searsport 124, Bucksport 146 and Sumner 148.

Brendon Penfold of Deer Isle-Stonington took individual honors with a time of 17:12 over the 5K course.

by Phil Stuart

The University of Maine at Machias (UMM) Lady Clippers soccer and volleyball squads have seen a lot of action lately.  The UMM soccer team has been in a lot of close contests and are currently 1-4-1 while the volleyball squad is 2-5.

The Clipper soccer team posted their only victory to date in their second game of the season when they hosted Paul Smith’s college of New York.

Celebrating Father’s Day earlier this year with broad smiles are Peter (left) and Guenther Classen of Harrington. The Classens, who enrolled in Down East Hospice, are deeply appreciative of their experience working with volunteer Andy Cadot. Photo courtesy of Peter Classen. Story on Pg. 19.

Starting Sept. 25, we will begin the effort to mark over 200,000 endangered juvenile Atlantic salmon--and we’re looking for volunteers! This effort will take place at the Peter Gray Hatchery located at 13 Willow Street in East Machias. This is part of Downeast Salmon Federation’s ongoing research project—the Peter Gray Parr Project—to restore the Atlantic salmon population in the East Machias River. Fin clipping will continue for approximately three weeks after the start date.

In respect for the victims of the horrific shootings in Las Vegas on Sunday, Oct. 1, Governor Paul R. LePage has directed the United States flag and the State of Maine flag be flown at half-staff immediately until sunset on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017.

“Ann and I are incredibly saddened by the senseless shootings in Las Vegas,” said Governor LePage. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the innocent victims and the families who have been devastated by this unspeakable tragedy.”

by Nancy Beal

Sara Gideon, a Freeport Democrat who is serving her first term as the Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, is coming to Machias on Oct. 15 to speak before the Washington County Democratic Committee. It will be her second visit to the county group, the first having taken place in May, 2016.

by Ruth Leubecker

An initiative to establish access to home care for thousands of disabled and senior Mainers is gaining signatures in a campaign to be placed on the November 18 ballot.

“It’s wrong that so many families in Washington County and across Maine have to make impossible choices to care for their loved ones,” said Mike Tipping, communications director of the Maine People’s Alliance. “No one should have to go deep into debt to care for their parents. No veteran should be forced from their home because they can’t afford care.”

Though we are a long way out from the next election cycle, the campaigns of several Maine candidates are already picking up momentum. As of September, a full 15 people have declared themselves as candidates for governor, seven new candidates have declared for Angus King’s seat in the senate, and seven new candidates for Bruce Poliquin’s seat in the house. 

At Bear Camp, last week of hunting for Bear Lane in Wesley, they were dropping off Shawn from Washington State in Cooper while there was a wedding going on at the top of the hill. Shawn was left at the bottom, of course. No bear that night but he gave it a try anyway.

On Sept. 5, Shona Mitchell, C.N.A. was honored at the Blaine House by the Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and First Lady Anne Lepage.  Shona has been providing quality and compassionate care to the residents of Sunrise Care Facility for fifteen years.  She was nominated as an outstanding caregiver by the Director of Nursing and her peers.  

by Nancy Beal

The Friends of Fort Knox will be staffing the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, Saturday evening, Oct. 7, from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.  (arrive by 9), to offer visitors an opportunity to view the area in the moonlight. This will be the only time this season that the observatory will be open during a full moon and those interested in this unique experience are encouraged to take advantage of it. Admission to the moonlight viewing in the observatory is $5 per person and tickets may be purchased the evening of the event. Clouds or rain will result in cancellation.

Now is the time to make sure that everything about your woodstove is operating properly. Clear away all those newspapers and other flammable things that have piled up around the stove over the summer. Get your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional. If you are installing or using a wood stove for the first time, do all these things plus talk with your local fire department to make sure your stove meets installation codes.

by Ruth Leubecker

In the years of my youth, there is no movie that stands out as poignantly and thought-provoking as Rebel Without a Cause. 

My sister and I were among a record crowd of young teenagers -- mostly girls -- excitedly jammed into Emma’s Colonial Theatre at the head of Main Street in Machias. I can still remember the shouting, screaming and many flashes going off as we all tried to capture Dean at his slouchiest, brooding best on our cameras. 

Denise Rohan is no stranger to discrimination. But in a giant step forward for every American she has become the first woman to assume national command of the American Legion. 

Recently she made her first official trip to Maine dropping in on American Legion posts in the Pine Tree State. Unfortunately, she confined her visits to southern Maine. Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, York, Kezar Falls, Berwick and Sanford were graced with her memorable presence. 

Hopes and prayers are not enough 

Democratic candidate for Maine’s 2nd District, Jonathan Fulford, released the following statement regarding Rep. Poliquin’s National Rifle Association (NRA) ‘standing’:

 “I am a gun owner and I understand the appropriate use of firearms. I also support common sense regulations that safeguard our citizens. I will not accept ‘dark money’ or corporate lobbyist funding and be dictated by them. I will work to represent the people of CD2 and not be in hock to those representing corporate interests that are not the people’s interests.”

 Tomatoes, tomatoes is what is ripening at my house, I have been putting up more and more as they ripen. Thank goodness to the folks who have shared their bounty with me. I definitely won’t be going hungry for a long while.

The weather has been good for all the school activities that have been happening. Soccer and volleyball games, and cross country meets have all been held this week.

by Nancy Beal

The Beals Planning Board will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, October 19 in the town office to consider applications from Nancy and Vinyl Crowley for a double-wide home on Hard Head Road in Alleys Bay, and Robert and Shirley Beal to enlarge an existing workshop on Bridgeview Road to 16-by-18 feet. Representatives from Nancy Sullivan and Steve Kent’s subdivision at Seaduck Point will also attend to discuss the progress of that subdivision.

Last week’s news from Las Vegas had a profound impact on almost everyone I know—59 concert attendees murdered in cold blood. 

But for Washington County parents, that horrible event 2,000 miles away was made more personal by a threat much closer to home. Machias schools closed on Tuesday, Oct. 3, and every school in A.O.S. 96 followed suit on Wednesday, Oct. 4, on reports of emailed threats to students. The Machias Police Department was able to make an arrest by the end of Wednesday. We have that story for you on page three.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

One of two people charged with the murder of Sally Shaw was arraigned at the Washington County Courthouse in Machias on Friday, Oct. 6. 

Quaneysha Greeley, 19, entered the courtroom in handcuffs and stood with her attorneys, Jeff Davidson and Nathan Hodgkins. She entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of intentional or knowing murder. 

Shaw’s body was found on the side of the road in Cherryfield on the morning of July 19. The autopsy report said that Shaw died of a single gunshot to the head. 

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

After an appointment in Bangor, Andrea Guerra had an epiphany. “My guys took me to a store I hadn’t been in,” she said. It was a consignment boutique, and when they left Guerra’s son Brandon said to her, “Mom, you would rock that out.” 

“That Sunday at family dinner I just announced that I was going to start a consignment shop,” said Guerra. Posh: The Frugal Fashionista is the Machias-based shop born of that announcement, and it just celebrated its third anniversary. 

In keeping with its custom of whimsical puns, Machias nursery Jordan Gardens posted a humorous farewell last week, having closed its doors for good last spring. A public auction for the property is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 2:30 p.m. The business includes 11 acres of land. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

The Henry D. Moore Library and Community Center will be showing the movie  “The Witches” on Friday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. 

While staying at a hotel in England with his grandmother Helga, young Luke inadvertently spies on a convention of witches. The Grand High Witch reveals a plan to turn all children into mice through a magical formula. When they find that Luke has overheard, the witches test the formula on him. Now, with the help of Helga and the hotel manager, Mr. Stringer, Luke the mouse must fight back against the witches.  Come enjoy the movie on our big screen.  

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Emailed threats to local students led to the closure of the Machias schools on Tuesday, Oct. 3 and all A.O.S 96 schools plus Washington Academy on Wednesday, Oct. 4. 

 “We got some email threats that a person or persons unknown may try to cause harm to the students at Machias High,” said Machias Police Chief Grady Dwelley. 

Bill Varney, CEO of Premium Choice Broadband and Andy Hinkley, President of Cornerstone Communications d/b/a MaineStream Internet, have announced the acquisition of Cornerstone and their interest in North Country Broadband by Premium Choice Broadband.  

by Phil Stuart

The Machias Bruins ended a three-year championship run by the Cutler Cardinals to win the 1965 Quoddy League Baseball Crown.

To reach the finals, top seeded Cutler defeated the Pleasant Point Indians in their best of three series 6-2 and 4-0 while second seeded Machias took out Bucks Harbor Air Base 5-0 and 8-4.

This set up a best of three match-up between the league’s two top seeds starting with a twin gill at Willie Corbett Field in Cutler on Sept. 11.

Margaret Sara Williams passed away on September 29, 2017.  She was born March 3, 1951.She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Michael Williams of Addison, ME; her mother, Doris Prince and the late Leo Prince of Duxbury, MA; her brother Leo Prince Jr. and his wife Sarah of Milton, NH; her sisters-Mary Camara and her husband Paul and Janet Collins and her husband David, both of Kingston, MA; she leaves several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. 

by V. Paul Reynolds

“You wimp,” Diane said. “I don’t believe this. The summit is just over that pile of rocks. I’m telling you the view is 360 degrees. It’s fantastic.”

“Nope,” I said with conviction. “This is far enough. I ain’t goin.”

“But we have come all this way,” she said, more pleadingly than with scorn.

CPM Constructors, the Freeport firm chosen to build the Beals Island bridge replacement, has set up a launching area in Jonesport’s Stevens Creek. Photo by Nancy Beal

View more photos on pages 16 & 17 or view on the Digital Version here

 Narraguagus girls team won the 2017 championship with 19-points, beating second place Machias at 37. Elizabeth Bitar took the individual honors in a time of 22:49 for Calais. The Lady Knights Sophia DeSchiffart earned second place with a 22:55. Unfortunately, three runners ran off-course in the event and had to be disqualified.

Mission Housing Rehabilitation Program Coordinator Scott Shaw recently outlined for President Scott Planting and the Mission Board of Directors a summary of the Program’s 2017 season.

Scott Shaw said this year’s “very successful season” involved 15 volunteer crews totaling 214 volunteers, who worked on 20 homes and three non-profit local community outreach facilities.

by Jessica Griffin-Brown

The Crown Vics, a band known for their high-octane mix of vintage rock, country, and rebel soul, are stopping in Lubec on their 2017 tour. They will be performing from their new album, “HELL YEAH”,  Oct. 21 at the Lubec Legion. The event is a fundraiser to benefit Diane Tyler. 

Poet Emma Sovich will read from her work at 6 p.m. on November 1 at Merrill Library at the University of Maine at Machias. 

 Who makes the best chili in the region? Here’s your chance to find out. Everyone is invited to cook up his or her favorite chili recipe and submit it for this fabulous Cook-Off to be held Oct. 28, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Artemis’s Attic on Main Street.  This event is part of the downtown Scarecrow Fest sponsored by Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC). Anyone can participate: organizations, churches, individuals, school classes, businesses, and even restaurants. There is no fee for the chili makers.

KAC Investments LLC of Franklin, Kentucky to Jean P. Conley of Oakland a certain lot or parcel of land together with the buildings thereon situated in Jonesport bounded westerly by the George Farnsworth

Lot and southerly by Moosebec Road