by Sen. Joyce Maker

Since January, Representative Will Tuell (R-E.Machias) and I have been fighting tooth and nail on behalf of the Downeast Correctional Facility and the local communities that rely on the prison, and we are both committed to continue this effort for as long as we are serving the great people of Washington County in Augusta.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

The price of natural gas hit a 17-year low last year, and projections show supplies will only increase, which could drive prices even lower. This is good news if you’re a natural gas consumer, but challenging news if you’re running a biomass energy plant.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

A grant submitted by the town of Machias could help the town make a modern, family-friendly recreation center where the current facility stands at the crossroads of Fremont, Grove, Harwood and Salem Streets, between Route 1 and the Machias River 

A readers theater production of “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens, will benefit the Machias Area Food Pantry this holiday season. Everyone is invited to the production at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8, at Centre Street Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in downtown Machias.

Donations will be accepted at the door, with all proceeds going to the food pantry.

The Washington County Children’s Chorus will present its “Répetoire de France” – Songs in the Holiday Spirit at two locations.  On Sunday, Dec. 3,  they will appear at the Christ Episcopal Church, 21 Key St., Eastport.  On Sunday, Dec. 10,  a repeat performance will be held at the People’s United Methodist Church, Third Ave & Summit St, in Baileyville.  Both presentations start at 3 p.m.

After completing a 20-plus hour training, the following have joined Down East Hospice as new hospice volunteers.  If you would like to become a hospice volunteer, we will be having a volunteer training in the spring of 2018 in the Machias area.  For information and to get an application, call 454-7521 ext. 126

Maine balsam wreaths are an iconic symbol of Christmas around the nation, but most especially here in Washington County where we don’t only decorate with them, we make them. More ideas for locally-sourced gifts can be found in our Shop Local Directory, starting on page 12. Photo by RJ Heller

by Phil Stuart

Two-time defending state champion Calais dominated the year’s Downeast Athletic Conference selections in volleyball.

Ann Scott’s club played four of their players on the all conference squad. The Blue Devils All Stars were Faith Tirell, Twyla Smiley, Abby Condon, and Kylie Donovan. The Blue Devils started off the season at 1-3, and went undefeated the rest of the way to finish 14-3 and a second state title in as many years.

Fri., Dec. 1: Cheese and beef macaroni, mixed vegetables, wheat bread, dessert.

Mon., Dec. 4: Beef goulash with elbow macaroni, sliced zucchini, wheat bread, dessert. 

Tues., Dec. 5: Pork fried rice, shredded pork loin, Asian vegetables, wheat bread, dessert.

Wed., Dec. 6: Pasta primavera, green beans, wheat bread, dessert. 

Thurs., Dec. 7: Chicken and scalloped potatoes, peppers, onions and turkey bacon, wheat bread, dessert. 

Fri., Dec. 8: Chicken picatta, rice pilaf, green beans and cauliflower, wheat bread, dessert. 

 Karlene Kelley Hale, 74, beloved journalist, author and extraordinary friend to neighborhood children, died peacefully Nov. 22 at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston after a long fight with COPD. 

She was born in Machias on March 11, 1943, the daughter of Karl F. Kelley and Dorothy (Burnham) Kelley.

Karlene earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine in 1965 and a master’s degree from Tufts University while her first husband, Charles Washburn, was earning a law degree at Boston University.

On Sunday, December 3, at 2 p.m., The Grand presents, live on the Stanley Subaru Stage, the return of the renowned 195th Army Band’s Concert Band, this time playing “Songs of the Season”. Admission for this live music event isfree. The Ellsworth American is a media sponsor for this wonderful event.

Jessica Sockabasin of Melbourne, Florida: Fugitive from justice on August 9, 2017 in Pembroke. EXOR.

Jessica Sockabasin of Perry, Maine: Possess softshell clams less than 2 inch 10-20% on August 2, 2017 in Robbinston. SNTC Date 8/2/2017, Fine $300. GLTY.

Daniel Bard of Bangor, Maine: Fish violation of number, amount, weight or size on July 23, 2017 in T6-R1 NBPP. SNTC Date 8/28/2017, Fine $120. GLTY.

John A. Polk of Machiasport, Maine: Violation of scallop rule, chapter 11 on February 3, 2017 in Edmunds. DISE.

by Phil Stuart

Six of our eight Washington County high schools belong to the Down East Athletic Conference.

Seven of our eight high schools belong to either the Penobscot Valley Conference (PVC) or the Aroostook League.

At the end of each sports season — fall, winter and spring — the top athletes are honored for their athletic achievements and some for their academic achievements.

by Phil Stuart

The New Hampshire Technical Institute’s (NHTI) Lynx women’s and men’s basketball teams were both victorious over the visiting University of Maine at Machias (UMM) Clipper teams Nov. 12 in Concord, New Hampshire.

The Clipper women went into the contest with a 3-1 record, and were able to stay with the Lady Lynx for most of the game.

NHTI led 14-12 after a quarter before pulling away over the next 10 minutes. The Lynx outscored UMM 26-10 to go into the halftime break on top, 40-22.

Wesley Fire Department was called out when a car went off the road in Devereau Township. A person was life-flighted out. 

Stan K. is back from Rhode Island where he was visiting with his mother.

Richard Z. dog sat for Charlie the poodle last Saturday while Blanch and Jene M. went to Bangor to meet up with relatives to go out for an early Thanksgiving get together.

It sure is  cold today!  I believe I will be wearing my sweater for a while..  I am lucky my mother used to knit sweaters, mittens, scarves and many other warm items!  Does anyone still knit?

Today, Eric Fernandez and his son Luke of Elliot, came down to pick up wreaths.  His sons, Zak and Luke have grown into very nice young men.  I feel honored to have been part of their lives.

Wreathing has started out here in the barn. Tim and I miss being a part of it.  We did it for over thirty years.

The Friends of the Whitneyville Public Library are getting ready for the Dec. 2 DECH Auxiliary Craft Fair that will be held at the Rose M. Gaffney gym.  Selling their handmade chocolates and crafts, the Friends of the Library are looking forward to another great fair.

This week Librarian Patricia Brightly visited Rose M. Gaffney and Jonesboro Elementary Schools with books. She read aloud to selected classrooms “The Wish” by Elle van Lieshout.  260 books are being shared with 13 classrooms. Last week Patricia shared 80 books with the Wesley Elementary School.

Upcoming events

Annual Christmas Party - December 3,  Sunday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., in The Gates House Parlor. The Machiasport Historical Society invites the public to join us in our traditional 1800s style celebration with mulled cider, holiday treats, music, and carol singing.  (344 Port Road/Rt. 92) .  This is a family fun celebration to kick off the Christmas Season!

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Grade 5 High Honors: Avery Cates, Max Cates,Reese Crosman, Michael Taylor. Honors: Ethan Cates,Paige Cates, Kisuhs Dinsmore,Lillie Radley.

Grade 6 High Honors: Anna Patterson, Drew Taylor. Honors: Ben Griffin.

Grade 7 High Honors: Abby Fitzhenry. Isabel Cates, Sarah Moulton. Honors: Shane Feeney, Lucas Cates, Kate,  Taylor, Marissa Cates, Sarah Neal

Grade 8 Honors: Raeanah Reynolds, Kashman Feeney, Cami Bryant, Madison Sylvain.