Eric H. Hoche of Dennysville, Maine: Operate ATV on public way on May 20, 2017 in Dennysville. SNTC Date 8/18/2017, Fine $100. OFC.

Robbie Smith Webber of Orono, Maine: Violating municipal shellfish ordinance on July 5, 2017 in Harrington. SNTC Date 8/8/2017, Fine $300. OFC.

On Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., the Pembroke Library will present Ally Talbot and Kris Paprocki in a musical program they are calling “Old Christmas in New England.” The duet’s performance will include songs and fiddle tunes spanning the celebration of Christmas from early pagan roots to Victorian nostalgia, including historic and traditional music of New England. 

by V. Paul Reynolds

When it comes to the quality of the sport fishery, once-fabled fishing lakes like Branch Lake, Green Lake and Beech Hill Pond have had their ups and downs. When I was a kid, Branch Lake was a red hot game fishery. Beech Hill gave up a record lake trout that has never been bested.  In those days, Hanson’s Landing kept a big chalk board near the dock.  It was a fish tally board. It told a story every spring of lunker Lake Trout and jaw-dropping Brown Trout. Names of the proud anglers were chalked in beside their catches.

Governor Paul R. LePage has appointed Holly Lusk to be his deputy chief of staff and legislative policy director. She will replace Kathleen Newman who stepped down in October after seven years of service to the administration.

 “Holly previously served as my Senior Advisor for Health Policy, and I am pleased to welcome her back to my staff,” stated Governor Paul R. LePage.

According to the Maine State Police, excessive speed is one of the major factors in winter driving accidents. Getting there a few minutes earlier is not worth risking your safety or your family’s. Leave a few minutes earlier, slow down, and enjoy the sights (including all those Christmas lights).

Believing that Maine’s rural population should be able to access basic health care close to home, Sen. Angus King has supported bipartisan legislation designed to do exactly that.

The Preserve Access to Medical Rural Home Health Services Act, the Rural Emergency Acute Care Hospital (REACH) Act and the Rural Hospital Access Act are also designed to help rural facilities maintain their financial stability while providing the care already available to urban Mainers.

When Old Man Winter comes calling, homeowners need to keep everyone in the family—including your pets – safe. Follow these wise winter weather tips from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and TurfMutt.

 Bring Pets Inside – Dogs and cats should be kept inside during cold weather months. Wipe their paws and bellies after they’ve been outside, and check for ice accumulation between paw pads. If you’re using a de-icing agent, remove that salt and other agents, too.

Following up on requests made at the Summer Addiction, Recovery & the Work Force Summit, Sunrise County Economic Council is hosting an important training for business owners and HR personnel on December 12th from 9 a.m. to noon at their offices at 7 Ames Way in Machias, What Employers Need to Know: Substance Use Issues 101.  This free training presented by Marjorie F. Withers, LCPC, will lay the foundation for understanding substances and their impact on employees, and how to support them in recovery.  To register, email Amy or call 255-0983.

Broderick and Dwina Alley of Beals are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Jennifer Louella Alley to Jesse Jerimiah Ciappetta, son of Joseph and Ilene Ciappetta of Jonesport. Jennifer is self-employed. She owns and operates the F/V Bigfoot & Carissa. Jesse is employed by the U. S. Postal Service.

The couple are planning a May 26, 2018 wedding. They will reside in Beals.

Though he has his sister Emma’s hand for comfort, 11-month-old Braden Mallar kept a close and cautious eye on the man in red during Machias’ Community Christmas festivities on Saturday, Dec. 2. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

The 2016 Festival of Trees held by the Wesley Foundation was such a success that the local nonprofit  had to change venues this year.  “We had 28 or 29 trees [last year], and we raised over $30,000,” said Wesley Foundation Board Member Dean McGuire. This year the event will showcase 50 decorated trees, and will be held at the Pellon Center in Machias starting Friday, Dec. 8 and ending Sunday, Dec. 10.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Language slipped into the state budget during the final hours of July’s government shutdown could signal a move toward statewide school consolidation, something the East Machias Selectboard has lobbied against once before.

“I think that in the end, this is just a bigger shot at what [Governor] Baldacci had when he was in,” said Bucket Davis, chairman of the East Machias Selectboard. “The people really want to have their eyes open for this.”

The Eastport Arts Center’s 8th Annual Festival of Trees, a silent auction of lovingly decorated table-top trees which benefits the center’s programming, will take place on Saturday, December 9 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy wandering through the magical forest of sparkling trees while nibbling festive treats passed by young volunteers and listening to live music played by members of the arts center community. This is when the silent bids are filled in by those dreaming of one of these delightful trees in their home.

Four local town offices are working together to collect warm winter clothing which will then be distributed by local food pantries. East Machias, Lubec, Machias and Machiasport town offices are all participating.

Items requested include clean coats, hats, mittens, scarves, ski pants, and boots that are in good repair. 

Clean out your closets for a good cause! Call one of the above town offices for their hours of operation, and drop off your gently used warm winter wear.

\The Wreaths Across America escort of handmade, balsam wreaths heading to Arlington National Cemetery from Maine has become known as the country’s longest veterans parade, and this year, the weeklong journey kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 9. 

 Grand Marshals – Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient, Colonel Roger Donlon, U.S. Army Special Forces (Retired) and his wife, Norma, a Vietnam-era Gold Star wife – will lead the caravan as it travels down the East Coast stopping at schools, memorials and other locations along the way to spread the mission to REMEMBER,HONOR and TEACH.

Thurs., Dec. 14: Shells and cheese, peas, california vegetable blend, wheat bread, dessert. 

Fri., Dec. 15: Chicken Florentine, orange flavored rice, carrots and zucchini, wheat bread, dessert. 

Mon., Dec. 18: Spaghetti with Italian turkey sausage, sliced zucchini and spinach, wheat bread, dessert. 

Tues., Dec. 19: Orange glazed chicken, fried rice, peas and cauliflower, wheat bread, dessert. 

Wed., Dec. 20: Pork with apple onion sauce, cranberry and lentil rice, Caribbean blend vegetables, wheat bread, dessert. 

Mrs. Greene of Daniel W. Merritt School is proud to announce the honor roll for the first quarter. Students making high honor roll have achieved straight As. Students making honor roll have achieved all As and Bs.

Grade three honor roll: Autumn Schrader and Carson Bickford.

Grade four high honor roll: Naomi Eyerman. honor roll: Lucus Grant, Sarah Kidder, Mercy Machado, Lukas Pounder, Nickson Rusecky, Bayleigh Thompson, Chase Wright.

Grade five high honor roll: Karli Alley. honor roll: Jennifer Kowalsky, Dylan Lovejoy, Brayden Kane, Emma Whitmore, Briana Willson.

by Phil Stuart

The Lubec Junior High School Lady Hornets, as expected, dominated play in the Annual Bulldog Blitz Basketball Tournament on Nov. 17 and 18 at the Rose M. Gaffney School gym in Machias.

Lubec posted a 4-0 mark in the two-day event and outscored their four opponents 105-74. Union 134 finished second at 3-4 followed by Elm Street Elementary School 1-2, Patriots 1-2, Calais 0-2, and Rose Gaffney 0-2.

Lubec opened the tourney Nov. 17 against Union 134.

Dear Savvy Senior,

For the last six months or so, I’ve been having problems with my hips and legs cramping when I walk, although they feel better once I stop. I thought it was just because I’m getting old, but my friend was telling me about a leg vein disease called PAD and thinks I may have it. What can you tell me about this condition? 

Limping at 60

Dear Limping,

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Colby Hilman Kilton, Sr., 68, on November 25, 2017.

Colby was predeceased by his father Gerald, mother Louise, papa Barton, brother Gerald Jr., and sister Carolyn.

Colby is survived by his sons C.J. and Joseph, who gave him much pride, by his sisters, Jo Ann and Patti, many nieces, nephews, cousins and his friend, Carla.

A celebration of Colby’s life will be held at a later date.

Colby will always be remembered and sadly missed by those who loved him.

by Susan Coopersmith

Community members and patients of Machias Dental are invited to keep the magic in the holidays by purchasing a gift for a Washington County child whose family will struggle to afford the luxury of gifts this season.  For the 22nd year, the Holiday Spirit Tree at Machias Dental is bedecked with paper ornaments that bear the age, gender, and wish list of a local child.  You can provide a bright spot for a Washington County child by stopping at the dental office located on U.S.

Black ice is starting to show up when you least expect it. On Nov. 22 it was a brisk 41 degrees here on Fox Hill, but traffic was crawling. When I headed out, the road was surprisingly shiny and showing a fresh coat of sand. Side roads were white with frost. Accidents were reported in Whiting and Harrington. Careful driving out there everyone - Winter has arrived!

Tinker and Phylis went to her sister’s in Milbridge for Thanksgiving. Carola’s granddaughter and husband came from Hermon to share Thanksgiving dinner with her.  I had the kids and grandkids here.

Carroll is still in the hospital in Eastern Maine and doing better every day, he may be home soon.

I finished up the 10-week genealogy course on Monday, Nov. 21, so now I can get busy with getting things ready for Christmas.

Come join us for a traditional service to celebrate Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 4:30 p.m.  The service, led by Rev. Jan Rhenow, pastor of Columbia Falls and Jacksonville United Methodist Churches, will include reading of the lessons, carol singing, special music by the Oceanaires under the direction of Gary Magby, and candle lighting.

A time of fellowship will follow the service.  Bring a favorite Christmas treat to share with all.

The Washington County Sheriff's office reported that on Saturday, Dec. 9 the Washington County Regional Communications Center (RCC) received a 911 call from a woman in East Machias reporting a home invasion.

The woman said that a man had entered her home brandishing a weapon and demanding money. The suspect left on foot, and the RCC dispatched deputies to the scene. The deputies were assisted by the Machias Police Department, Maine State Police and Maine Marine Patrol.

The 2nd Annual Hoops for Health Basketball Tournament raised $13,000 for DECH Obstetrics Department.  The tournament took place on December 1st and 2nd at the UMM gymnasium. 

by Nancy Beal

When members of Jonesport’s Peabody Memorial Library board of directors met Dec. 4, they already knew that the facility had been nominated for a Community Matters More grant given by Bangor Savings Bank (BSB). The next day, they received an email from Librarian Heidi Hinkley informing them that a $500 grant for children’s programmable robots was on its way from the Maine Public Library Fund.

by Lura Jackson

Being in poverty is a sadly familiar situation for many families in Washington County. Economically speaking, the area has long been challenged to provide its residents with steady, reliable work, particularly in recent decades when the structure of families and the available resources have been changing and the cost of living has been increasing. Not having consistent income can be devastating physically and psychologically for parents who are seeking to raise their children in a stable environment. 

Michael Kelley, Principal of Jonesport-Beals High School, announces the honor roll for the first ranking period:

 Grade 12- High Honors: Rachel Phillips, Ivy Robinson, Carol Smith

Honors: J-Lynn Beal, Austin Grant, Josef Guptill, Rana Turchi, Luke Wilson

Grade 11- High Honors: Judson Carver,  Stephen Cirone

Honors: Tyler Childers. Jasmine Floyd, Shawn Johnson, Jr., Evan Merchant, Mitch White, Reed Willette

Grade 10- High Honors: Ryan Alley, Kaylee Ireland, Lindsey Wilson

Highlighting its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality, Down East Community Hospital was named a Top Rural Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, an independent hospital watchdog organization. The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive honors American hospitals can receive.

A charming window display offers pedestrians a chance to pause in front of the Machias Hardware Co. Photos by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

RMG Middle School students in Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) also spent time visiting with Rep. Tuell. Photos courtesy Rep. Will Tuell

Thank you Herb Hanscom for donating to Wesley Cemetery wreaths for veterans’ graves and Memorial Park. Linda T. just happened to be in Machias and picked up wreaths and I got them on Tuesday and put them at the cemeteries. I need to get four bows for the National Park wreaths. I hope to have them on Thursday afternoon. Thank you Linda for helping.

Another week has flown by, it never ceases to amaze me that when I was a child the days and weeks were very long; now they just fly right on by.

On Wednesday, Dec. 6, I took the math team to Calais for their meet. Thank goodness the weather was good. I so hate driving in a snow storm.

Thursday evening I was able to go to Cherryfield to see the Christmas trees at the VFW Hall. Cheryl Brown puts a lot of work into organizing this event every year.

by Phil Stuart

Machias Bulldog cross country coach, Cindy Rossi, was recently selected as Downeast Athletic Conference Coach of the Year for the 16th time since she took over the Bulldog program in 1997.

In her 21 years of promoting the sport at Machias High School, only five others have received the award.

Greg Maker of Lubec won in 1998, Frank Johnson of Washington Academy in 2002, Paul Theriault of Shead in 2003, Dick Ford of Calais in 2011 and Laura Osgood of Narraguagus of 2012.

Barbara E. Beal Perry passed away December 3, 2017. She was born December 13, 1941 in Milbridge, the daughter of Curtis and Lavine Tracy Beal. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Carroll L. Perry, Sr., one sister Lorita Beal Tucker, four sons; Robert, Leslie, Randy, and Carroll Jr., daughters Robin Perry Prout and Stacey Perry Oudheusden and their spouses, 15 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her parents and brothers Roger and Curtis Beal, sisters Pauline Beal and Irene Beal Dow and grandson Randy P. Perry Jr.

Recently, Bonnie Beard announced that she has turned Crow Town Gallery in Lubec over to artist Shanna Wheelock.

“Shanna has been a supporter of the gallery since the first show, raised the energy level at most of the dances, and given her time energy and talent generously when we ran it collectively with Kathrin Hilten and Sheryl Denbo,” said Beard. “I am now excited to see where her vision takes the gallery.Photos by Lisa Dellwo

Dear Savvy Senior,

What tips can you recommend to help make a home safer for aging-in-place? My 76-year-old mother wants to stay living in her own home for as long as possible, but she doesn’t have the money for any big renovations. 

Concerned Son

Dear Concerned,

There are dozens of small adjustments and simple modifications you can do to help make your mom’s home safer and more fit for aging-in-place, that won’t cost her much if anything at all. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Given the fact that the native communities in Quebec and Labrador apparently have not had their caribou harvest quotas decreased by government closures, some are questioning whether the sport hunting ban is as much political as it is biological.

by  V. Paul Reynolds

Starting the first of next year, the sport hunting of migratory caribou will be indefinitely suspended in Quebec and Labrador. This measure was announced by Quebec’s minister of forests, who cited “sustainability of the species” as the reason for the hunt closure.

Donna L. Williamson, 77, passed away peacefully November 30, 2017 at her home. She was born in Machiasport on April 11, 1940 the daughter of the late Morna (Foss) and Herbert Wood, Sr.

She was a graduate of the Washington Academy class of 1958. Along with her husband Bruce, they owned and operated the Margaretta Motel in Machias for over 40 years. She enjoyed her flower gardens, collecting Beanie Babies and Boyd Bears. She loved her time spent with family, especially her grandchildren.

by Phil Stuart

The Downeast Athletic Conference with member schools from Calais, Woodland, Shead, Narraguagus, Jonesport-Beals and Sumner has chosen its 2017 conference all-stars for boys’ and girls’ soccer.

In boys’ soccer, Todd Alley of Jonesport-Beals was selected as Coach of the Year after leading the Royals to a 11-2-1 regular season record including a victory over Woodland. The Royals also won this year’s sportsmanship Award and seniors Joe Guptill and Austin Grant were chosen for the Stalwart all-star squad.

by Phil Stuart

The Downeast Board of Basketball officials representing Washington County, had their annual fall clinic and exam at Shead High School in Eastport on Sunday, Nov. 26.

The Downeast board assigns and officiates games for all eight high schools in Washington County which include East Grand of Danforth, Woodland, Calais, Shead, Washington Academy, Machias, Jonesport-Beals and Narraguagus.

by Kaileigh Deacon

For the first year the Anah Shriners held their International Feztival of Trees in Calais at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The event is a huge hit in Bangor and the first year in Calais has proved to be a huge hit as well. The event was weekend long from Friday December 1 through Sunday December 3. 

by Lura Jackson

Last year, Calais High School became the first school in Washington County to host the Olympia Snowe Leadership Institute, a program specifically designed to develop the qualities of leadership and confidence in high school girls. The program, which is designed for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, began in Calais at the sophomore level with a cohort of five students; this year, as those students moved to the junior level, a second cohort of five students was added.

Real snow fell in front of the snowy treescape decorating the windows of Machias’ French Cellar last Saturday.

Baby Boy

Oliver James Hallet

Parents: Stephanie & Matthew Hallett

Birth Date: December 7, 2017

Weight: 8 lb 10 oz

Length: 22 inches

Baileyville

Baby Boy

Logan Gregory Roy Landeen

Parents: Desirae Fickett & Heath Landeen

Birth Date: December 6, 2017

Weight: 9 lb

Length: 22 inches

Jonesport

Baby Girl

Malavna Motehsan Matthews

Parents: Mary J.A. Jenkins & Markeece M. Matthews

Birth Date: December 7, 2017