Rabid raccoon shot in Princeton

by  Lura Jackson

On the heels of a confirmed case of rabies in a feral cat in East Machias, a Princeton family has encountered and squarely handled a now-confirmed rabid raccoon. The raccoon had been lingering around the West Street home of Ben and Joh’lene Howard, but it became increasingly persistent around last Thursday evening. 

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Whitneyville Library news

It’s our Cabin Fever Craft Fair Saturday, Feb. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hillgrove Community Building in Whitneyville.  Many crafters will be on hand selling their handmade crafts as the Friends of the Whitneyville Library will be there with their handmade chocolates.  Lunch will be for sale and all the proceeds from the Cabin Fever Craft Fair will benefit the Whitneyville Public Library ongoing budget.  Snow date is set for Saturday, Feb. 17.

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Columbia News

We had two days that had a two-hour delay due to the weather this past week. The weather has warmed up somewhat over the weekend and hopefully we will have good weather throughout the week. And hopefully the stormy weather that is predicted will bypass us.

I have been out and about delivering some history of Cape Split. I did not get the chance to stop and visit with this person as he was gone and I had a bit of time before I would be back on the bus.

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Harrington News

The bare ground belies the fact that is winter.  It seems we get snow one day, the plows are out all night, then it rains away.  Most of us don’t care, but the people who like to skate or ski are not so lucky.

We visited Chuck today in Cherryfield.  He has been having a garage built with living space upstairs.  By the looks of the high stair case, I doubt I’ll get up there very soon.  Heights scare me.

Janie Caler went out to eat with friends in Bangor.  They had delicious food and great service

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Kids learning to code at PML

Youth librarian Stephen Copel-Parsons concluded a six-week course in Scratch coding held for children at Porter Memorial Library in Machias. The class was run in conjunction with the local 4H as part of their “SPIN” or Special Interest programming. Submitted photo

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Application deadline Feb. 8 for Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program

Friends of Baxter State Park invites current Maine high school sophomores and juniors to submit an application to participate in the 10th annual Maine Youth Wilderness Leadership Program. The program includes a nine-day wilderness experience in Baxter State Park, scheduled for early August. The application deadline for the program is Feb. 8. 

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Jonesport’s Peabody Library in running for BSB prize

by Nancy Beal

Jonesport’s Peabody Memorial Library is one of four non-profit organizations in Hancock and Washington Counties chosen by Bangor Savings Bank to receive grant money through its Community Matters More program. In April, the bank will give away over $100,000 to 45 local non-profits throughout the state, and the votes of community members will determine the outcome.

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How to weigh in on the tax increase

Washington County is divided into three districts, each electing one commissioner and three budget committee representatives. The budget committee has full responsibility for creating and approving the county budget. Residents wishing to weigh in on the proposed tax increase should reach out to their local selectboards and/or their district budget committee members shown below. More information can be found by visiting www.washingtoncountymaine.com.

District One: All towns from Robbinston north.

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Governor LePage names new senior policy advisor

Governor Paul R. LePage has named Michael Beardsley Senior Policy Advisor in the area of natural resources policy. “I am pleased to welcome Mike to our team,” stated Governor Paul R. LePage. “His work experience will be an asset to our efforts this session.”

Prior to joining the Office of the Governor, Beardsley served from 2013 to 2018 as the national director of marketing and sales for Santee Risk Managers, which provides insurance products to logging contractors nationwide. He previously served as the executive director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine. 

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Prejudice has no place in Maine

by Alan Caron

Congratulations to the people of Jackman and their board of selectmen for doing the right thing and firing their racist town manager. He has embarrassed your town and the state as a whole. His language and prejudices are exactly the wrong things for Maine and America. 

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Bill aims to capitalize on strengths of rural Maine

Although once the butt of Gov. Paul LePage’s crude criticisms, Sen.Troy Jackson stepped up to the plate when he proposed legislation that would offer support to Maine’s often struggling natural-resource industries.

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Bulldog Strong

Students from Machias Memorial High School’s JMG program shared their new Bulldog Strong bracelets with employees of Machias Savings Bank on Friday, Jan. 26. The students of the Jobs for Maine Graduates program arrived at the bank to pick up a check MSB donated to cover the costs of purchasing the orange bracelets for the entire Machias campus. The Bulldog Strong program was started by the students to give their campus a positive focal point during a period of turbulence and loss, comprised of multiple school threats and the deaths of two school community members.

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Cherryfield and Milbridge news

Norma Korenek doesn’t look a day of her age of 96.  As I walked into Milbridge’s West Manor Apartment building, I noticed the door was open to where she lived. Sitting on her couch, she wore a checked, red blouse with red pants. Her white hair was covered up with an old-fashioned straw hat and she wore glasses.The smell of biscuits and some type of meat and vegetables floated down the hall, overtaking my senses. I could hear a television set, loudly blasting in the bedroom. The smell of wood glue rose from the living room floor. 

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Wesley News

One of those weeks when things go wrong. Truck won’t start, think it needs a starter will have to wait R.Z. Tried twice to boost truck, no fire at all, and that was after he fixed a flat on the truck. Now the oven quit on gas stove, have to wait for an electric part for it. 

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Community Calendar

Upcoming events

• • • • • •

Stage East monthly play reading, all welcome, Eastport Arts Center.

February 3, 2-4 p.m., 

• • • • • •

Annual International Dinner, a fundraiser for Eastport Arts Center, info: [email protected], 853-4650 or at eastportartscenter.org. February 3, 6 p.m., 

• • • • • •

Sunday Afternoons at the EAC presents: an art talk by Jon Bragdon, free, Eastport Arts Center.

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Maine’s outdoor heritage: hidden outcomes

by V. Paul Reynolds

When it comes to Maine’s fabled outdoor heritage, you don’t have to be a social scientist or a statistician to sense what is going on. Changing times are leaving a mark on our culture in countless ways. If you visit a few rod and gun clubs around the state, a common theme shows itself: a predominance of wrinkled gray-haired members and a glaring absence of bright-eyed, fresh-scrubbed youth among the club rolls.

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East Machias student makes Dean’s List in Ohio

Ji Won Mun of East Machias has been named to the Dean’s List at Youngstown State University in Ohio for Fall Semester 2017.

 Mun is studying Biology Pre Veterinary at YSU.

 The Dean’s List recognition is awarded to full-time undergraduate students who have earned at least a 3.4 average for not less than 12 semester hours of credit in the semester.

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MaineCF offers early childhood planning grants for communities

A new grant program from the Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) will allow five communities across the state an opportunity to ensure their youngest children receive a healthy start and arrive at kindergarten developmentally prepared to succeed in school and life. 

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Royal Squads sweep Sumner

by Phil Stuart

The Jonesport-Beals Royalettes and Royals hosted the Sumner Tiger’s squads from East Sullivan January 21st in a doubleheader with both of the hosts squads picking up victories. After a couple of lopsided losses to defending Class D Champion, Vinal Haven and Roger Beals Royalettes picked up a much needed victory over the visiting Tigers. 

Sumner came out of the first quarter holding a 13-12 lead before Roger Beals’ Royalettes  gradually established a lead and took control of the game.

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Sea Wolves sweep Clipper Squads

by Phil Stuart

The University of Maine at Machias (UMM) Clippers continued their Yankee Small College Conference play on Jan. 10 by playing the always-tough Southern Maine Community College Seawolves in South Portland The UMM women got off to a rough start and tailed their host 18-1 after the first 10 minutes of play. The Clippers played the Seawolves even in quarter number two. SMCC held a 28-11 lead at the break. 

Southern maine went on another big run in the 3rd before going on to  win by a score of 60-33. 

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Royals Improve to 9-2

by Phil Stuart

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Washington Academy boys 8-5

by Phil Stuart

The Washington Academy boys are currently 8-5 on the season and very much in contention for the post season play on January 12th. The Raiders traveled to the Elm City to face the Purple Panthers of Waterville for the first time this season. The Raiders were able to complete the two-game sweep but it took an extra four minutes of play to get the job done. The Raiders held a 14-11 first quarter advantage between the Panther’s outscoring their hosts by three over the next eight minutes which made the halftime score 26-26. 

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Machias Cheerleaders perform at the DAC Champoinship

The cheerleaders prepare to perform a flip to an extended stunt.

McKenna Harriman holds McCartney Blake in a shoulder sit.

The squad hits a perfect hitch.

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What to do when a loved one dies

Dear Savvy Senior,

This may seem like a strange question, but can you tell me what steps need to be taken after a loved one dies? My 80-year-old father has a terminal illness, and I would like to find out what I will need to do when he passes.

Only Daughter

Dear Only,

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Heritage Addison cows headed to Old Sturbridge Village

Goldie and Buttercup, registered American Milking Devons of Cape Split Farm in Addison are headed this weekend to their new home at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Expectant mothers, they will be part of the living 1830s farm at the village and an integral part of the farm’s heritage breeding program. Both Goldie and Buttercup’s genetics date back to 1623 when this breed arrived on the 2nd ship in Massachusetts. Goldie has lived at Cape Split Farm for 5 years and Buttercup was born here to Lily two years ago.

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Mary J. Heald - Machias

Mary J. Heald, 85, was born June 7, 1932 and raised in Crawford, Maine, the daughter of Ivan C Jeffery and Gladys M Rufenacht.  She met and married the love of her life, Dan Heald.  A hairdresser for over 50 years, Mary touched many people with not only with her hands but with her laughter and quick wit. You would either find her on the phone laughing or at her weekly dinners and lunches.  She had many friends and close cousins. 

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Down East RC&D Council Meets

The Down East Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) met recently at their office on Main Street in Milbridge.

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LEPC invites public to emergency planning meeting

The Washington County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will hold a meeting on Monday, February 12th at the Eastport Port Authority, 3 Hamlet Place in Eastport at 6:30 pm.  The LEPC is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Federal Chemical Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act.  The public is invited to attend and participate. All are welcome. For further information contact Mike Hinerman at 255-3931 or 263-5990.

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Father and son survive sinking of F/V Born Again

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) responded to a distress call issued by the captain of the F/V Alexis Shay on Tuesday, Jan. 23, but the distress call wasn’t for him. It was for the F/V Born Again, which was sinking in front of him as he attempted to render aid.

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Hospitals partner to boost services, share resources

by Ruth Leubecker

Washington County’s two hospitals are taking new steps toward maximizing existing programs while moving toward a future on a firmer footing.

“We’re going to open a program in mid-March in Calais,” says Dennis Welsh ,CEO of Down East Community Hospital (DECH). “We’ve been working since last fall  on this, and we’re excited that Kara Dwight, DO, and Christian Inegbenijie, MD, will be rotating to Calais two days a week. Additionally, she’ll be seeing patients. We’re helping Calais, but we’re also keeping our babies in Washington County.”

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Sheriff’s office requests additional deputies to fight crime

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

At a special meeting of the Washington County Commissioners, Chief Deputy Michael Crabtree said the sheriff’s office recommends adding additional headcount to fight the recent rise in crime.  “We’ve done a very good job over the years convincing the public and the bad guys that there are more of us than there actually are,” said Crabtree. “[The bad guys] have figured out that there are not.”

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Children’s program spends 42 years helping Washington County smile

 

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Jen Wood and Teresa Alley beam when they talk about their work with the Washington County Children’s Program (WCCP). Alley has served as a dental hygienist for 30 years, more than 18 of them with the WCCP, and Wood has worked as the dental program assistant for a total of 19 years.

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The Passamaquoddy winter forecasters

This piece was originally published in the 1938 Portsmouth Herald. It is republished with permission. 

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UMM to host free Aquaculture in Shared Waters course

Uncertain about your fishing future? Don’t just catch it, grow it, too! Maine Sea Grant will offer a series of classes about aquaculture at the University of Maine at Machias beginning Thursday, Feb. 15. The classes will meet weekly for 10 weeks  on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. in Science 102. 

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Marine Resources Committee to hold public scallop hearing Feb. 2

The Legislature’s Marine Resources Committee will hold an unprecedented Fridaysession to hear from those interested in a new rule that would establish a lottery system for scallop divers and draggers.

 “We really want to hear from people in the industry, and those who want to get in,” said Rep. Will Tuell (R-East Machias), “and so we asked for permission to meet on a Friday so that folks in the industry would not have to give up a day in order to come and participate.”

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Letter to the Editor - One happy camper in Cutler

Dear Editor,

Another cold day in Washington County with plenty of sunshine, and another banner issue of the Machias Valley News Observer; it makes living downeast even more pleasurable. Whenever Ruth Leubecker hones her journalistic craft on the salvage rights concerning McCurdy’s Brining Shed, or Valdine Atwood brings history alive with the events and activities of the Machias Dike, it reconfirms us that history and good journalism are alive and kicking.

One happy camper in Cutler,

Bob Kord

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Letter to the Editor - downward spiral our government

What needs to be done to break this downward spiral our government is in? We now have a president and his administration saying he did not make a certain statement, and a Senator saying he did. I thought I left this kind of behavior behind when I left grade school. These are the men we elected to represent us. We are not getting what we bargained for. Could someone please tell me why we tolerate this type of behavior? We don’t allow our children to act in this manner. We certainly don’t tolerate it in our workforce. Just when I think it cannot get any worse, it does.

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Letter to the Editor - We are not a democracy

In regard to the article about the NYC Mayor, please understand that these 50 United States do NOT form a Democracy. 

Article IV, Section 4, Clause 4 of our Constitution says: 

“The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a REPUBLICAN Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened), against domestic Violence.”

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Editor's Desk

Michael Wight of the Maine Department of Transportation has confirmed that he is scheduling another public hearing concerning the Machias dike. The hearing will be held in late February or early March, and will likely be held at UMM to accomodate a large audience. The hearing will address possibilities for replacing the dike with a structure that could prevent or limit flooding in part of Machias’ 100-year floodplain. You’ll find the details in this paper when they’re available.

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Jonesport budget ready for town meeting March 12

by Nancy Beal

The Jonesport budget committee gathered in the town office Wednesday, Jan. 24 and set the figures for voters’ approval at their upcoming town meeting on March 12. The grand total is $702,607, but could be $40,000 less if voters forego granting a rebate to those who pay their taxes early. The $40,000 is the amount that would need to be raised to cover such rebates, which have been voted down in recent years. If the pattern holds, the budget’s bottom line would only be $662,607, an increase of $18,619 over last year’s total of $643,988.

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MDEA arrests five in Cherryfield crack bust

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) says five people were arrested in Cherryfield early on the morning of Friday, Jan. 26 for selling crack cocaine and creating a police standoff. Three of those arrested are from the Bronx, New York.

The arrests came after drug agents obtained a search warrant for the home at 177 Tenan Lane. At the request of MDEA, the State Police Tactical Team also responded to the home and assisted with the arrests.

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LePage criticized for closing prison under cover of darkness

On Monday, Feb. 5 the Maine State Legislature’s Criminal Justice Committee voted 11-1-1 to keep the Downeast Correctional Facility (DCF) open, and on Friday, Feb. 9 Governor LePage closed it.

In Friday’s pre-dawn hours, prison employees were turned away from the facility and told their positions were terminated effective March 3. State police accompanied vehicles brought to remove the prisoners.

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Winter carnival scheduled for UMM

On Saturday, Feb. 10, the University of Maine at Machias will hold a campus-wide winter carnival for people of all ages. Events include: a snowball fight, snowshoe and cross-country skiing lessons, carriage rides, snow painting, igloo building, a paint ‘n sip, and indoor mini golf. The day will also include a free showing of Thor Rangarok at 2 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Activities will take place at various locations on campus, and a schedule and map will be provided to attendees. All events are free of charge. For more information, visit: machias.edu/news. 

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Honorees

Washington Academy played its last home boys’ basketball game of the season on Monday, Jan. 29 and honored Dick Gardner and his wife Margaret Gardner during halftime.

Dick Gardner recently retired from the Washington Academy Board of Trustees after 55 years of service to the school first as a student and athlete, then as a coach, athletic director, parent, WA board member, WA board president, and friend of the school.The pair were presented with a banner which now hangs in the Gardner gymnasium and commemorates his service. Photo courtesy Hannah Sprague

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Library’s ‘To the Top’ $10,000 match met

In September 2017, H.D. Moore Library and Community Center patrons and supporters Edward Atkinson and Brenda Koskinen offered a $10,000 challenge match to benefit the Moore for the Future Endowment Fund. 

Library officials are pleased to report the required $10,000 in donations have been received and matched, adding $20,000 to the endowment fund goal of $250,000. 

Now, at $235,000, the endowment fund goal is within reach. The library hopes to meet it by this summer and honor the many donors with a celebration.

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Wesley News

Erin Guptill, kids and family went to New Hampshire Jan. 26-28 for a fun weekend at Fun Spot and Ice Castles. They had good weather and great fun at huge ice houses. Twelve of my family are going to the same place on the first weekend in February, going to meet up with other friends and even if it snows we will have fun with all the big kids. Plus, its Layne’s birthday. 

Lots of oversized loads  were traveling on Route 9 on Monday, Jan. 29. They included four large house pieces and four concrete bridge sections.

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Whitneyville Library news

Local crafters will be on display at the Cabin Fever Craft Fair on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hillgrove Community Building in Whitneyville.  Snow date for the event is Saturday, Feb. 17.  Homemade chocolates by the friends of the Whitneyville Public Library will be for sale along with handmade soaps and lotions, sewn and knitted items and jewelry are some the crafts that will be for sale by many local crafters.  Feeling a little cabin fever and would like to get out and enjoy the day? Then come to our Cabin Fever Craft Fair.

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Community Calendar

Upcoming events

• • • • • •

The Henry D. Moore Library and Community Center in Steuben will show “Beauty and the Beat” 6 p.m.  Friday, February 9.  Admission is free and yummy refreshments are sold by donation. For more information, visit www.moorelibrary.org

• • • • • •

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Local mystery author launches ‘Death by Chocolate’ series with familiar characters

by  Lura Jackson

Local mystery fans will be glad to know that they can continue to get their fix of Eastport-based crime solving featuring the characters of Sarah Graves’s “Home Repair is Homicide” series – albeit with a few new twists – in “Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake”, the first book in a bakery-centered series. The book, released on Jan. 30, is available for purchase at S.L. Wadsworth and Son in Eastport and at the Calais Bookshop, as well as online.  

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Harrington News

Winter seems to not want to give up snowing.  We feel we have had enough snow.  It snows, then the sun comes out, and then it rains. It cannot make up its mind.

Today was a beautiful day to go to Ellsworth. The sun was shining and it was warm!

Happy belated birthday to Mark Strout! I hope he had enough air to blow out all those candles.

Kathy Caler has decided to close up her travel agency. She said most people set up their trips on their own. At least she tried.

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Columbia News

 January flew right by, where does the time go? It seems like I did not get a thing done that I wanted to do. I guess with the cold temperatures outside I did not feel like doing anything major. I did get some genealogy done and then I caught the crud and was down for the count for four days. I missed two days of work because of it. Hopefully I won’t get this again this year.

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How to find volunteer opportunities in retirement

Dear Savvy Senior,

What resources can you recommend for locating interesting volunteer opportunities? Since I retired, I’ve been doing some volunteer work but most of the opportunities I’ve tried haven’t been very satisfying.

Unsatisfied Volunteer

Dear Volunteer,

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Kenneth J. Leighton Maynard, - Massachusetts

Kenneth J. Leighton, age 76, of Maynard, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 28, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.  He was the husband of fifty-four years to Carol M. (Nelson) Leighton.  

 Born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 23, 1941, he was the son of the late John W. Jr. and Gunvor (Borgeson) Leighton.  Ken graduated from Newton High School, class of 1959.  He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1959-1963.  

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L. Vance Davis - Cutler

L. Vance Davis passed away in Jonesport on January 13, 2018 with his family at his side.  He was born in Cutler, Maine on March 30, 1939, the son of Roy and Attie Dudley Davis.  

Vance, also known as Lem, loved his hometown of Cutler.  Born at home on a large peninsula of land which later became the Cutler Naval Base, he was the youngest of seven siblings.  He enjoyed duck hunting with his favorite dog, Bounce, and deer hunting with “the boys”.

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We must act to save girls from horrific child abuse

by Gov. Paul LePage

There’s a horrific type of child abuse happening right here in Maine, and we must stop it. It is graphic and disturbing.

No child should ever be subjected to violence, especially when it leaves them permanently disfigured and interferes with normal bodily functions.

But young girls in Maine are being forced to undergo a procedure called “female genital mutilation,” and hundreds more are at risk.

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Healthy Acadia raises $5K for cancer

Healthy Acadia’s second annual “Hungry for Health” 2017 campaign has come to a close, and the nonprofit community health organization would like to thank the eleven restaurants across Hancock and Washington counties who partnered to raise awareness and funds for cancer prevention and treatment access. 

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Committee shows overwhelming support for prison

by  Rep. Will Tuell

I am happy to report that the Criminal Justice committee overwhelmingly passed our bill to keep Downeast Correctional Facility open. I believe the vote was 11-1-1, but the two 1’s were for slightly different versions of the bill. All three versions make it clear that the legislature wants to keep DCF open, sees a value in the facility, and doesn’t have any other option but to keep it open for at least one more year.

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Time to get age-friendly is overdue in Washington County

Although Maine outnumbers every other state with its number of age-friendly communities that officially claim this status, only one in Washington County fits the bill—Eastport.

Towns like Raymond and Jackman, Old Orchard Beach and Stonington number among Maine’s 45 towns and cities, but here we lag behind. Sharon Mack, MBACC director, says there aren’t even any applications to be considered.

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Dear Cat Lady

Dear Cat Lady, 

I just moved in with my daughter. Her cat is eight years old and my cat is five. Having a problem with them getting along. Can you give any advice?

I appreciate your help,

Lorraine

Dear Lorraine,

Hopefully this will be an easy transition for all. Most importantly, don’t expect instant friends. Keep the cats separate and start making introductions by scent. You can switch sleeping blankets, beds or toys that smell like the other for a few weeks so that they become accustomed to the other’s scent. 

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Variety show to raise funds for historical society

 

Imagine a wide variety of acts competing for rehearsal time on the stage. Who will get to use the piano, the bright lights, and even the sound system at the busy Eastport Arts Center?

That’s the puzzle to be unraveled at a benefit show ‘Rehearsal Gone Wrong!’ 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 at the EAC on Washington St. Donations accepted at the door.

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UMM students create documentary film exploring immigration issues

Ten University of Maine at Machias (UMM) students have taken their studies outside the classroom in a project exploring what it means to be an American. The result of their work is a documentary film, “Who Made You in America,” premiering Feb. 18 on campus.

The free public screening at 2 p.m. at the UMM Performing Arts Center will be followed by a panel discussion led by professor Alan Kryszak and featuring several students involved in the making of the film. 

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Grass roots fish management

by V. Paul Reynolds

Managing Maine’s incredible sport fishery—and its associated  regulations—is complex and always subject to second guessing by arm-chair fisheries “biologists,” who may sincerely believe that they know how better to manage the fish in their favorite angling waters.

Dennis Smith of Otter Creek is one of those impassioned anglers who never tires of trying to impose his preferences upon the fisheries management decisions made by the professional state fisheries biologists.

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DMR regulations questioned after scallop fishermen pulled from water

 

by Lura Jackson

On Tuesday, Jan. 30, the high winds and precipitation were not enough to deter a group of five scallop fishermen from heading out to attempt to meet their quota. After spending the morning plying the rough waters of Cobscook Bay, the dragger returned back with its catch. The five fishermen – four men and one woman – moored their vessel in Deep Cove and proceeded to row inland in a 14-foot skiff. The small skiff wasn’t able to withstand the waves and it overturned, sending all five people into the 39-degree water. 

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WA 2nd quarter honor roll

Judson L. McBrine, Head of School at Washington Academy in East Machias, has announced the second-quarter honor roll for the 2017/2018 year as follows:

Grade 9: High Honors (All A’s):  Evan Ackley, Marissa Ackley, Steven Albee, Chloe Alley, Rachel Allison,

Isaac Atkinson, Kylie Atkinson, Paige Bell, Rhiannon Bennett, Sophie Bragg, Mackenzie Cates, Naomi Curtis,  Jinny Davis, Abel Dean, Inez Furth, Jacob Gove, Ethan Graham, Emma Griffin, Natcha Griffin, Taber Helton, Natalia Kempthorne-Curiel, Nicholas Luuring, Chloe Lyford, Gabrielle Morang, Alexandria Morgan, 

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Winter sports and fun at Perry’s Pottle Tree Farm

Having fun and helping others by cross-country skiing through woodland trails, sledding, ice skating, snow shoeing, a ski race, ice fishing, a scavenger hunt, ski lessons and a potluck by the bonfire are all part of the sixteenth annual Winter Sports and Fun Day held Saturday, Feb. 10 in Perry. 

In addition to fun, the event provides funds for Stronghearts, a Perry-based foundation.  Stronghearts was established in 2002 by Brian and Sue Duffy in memory of their son Seamus who died of a congenital heart defect, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  

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Harrington Elementary School second quarter honor roll

Harrington Elementary School Principal Mrs. Meserve is pleased to announce the second quarter honor roll Grade 3: High honors: Erica Rackliff. Honors: Victoria Bickford, Zoey Blomgren, Caden Burgess, Elmer Dolqueist, Kyle Dorr, Emma Dowling, Makenzi Farren, Ryder Fenton, Miranda Flores, Hannah Grant, Kaitlyn Grant, Eli Grover, Marshall McDonald, Colin Phinney, Keyontae Pinkham, Noah West, Alex Worcester.

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Elm Street Elementary School first trimester honor roll

Grade 3 honors: Hunter Roberts. High honors: Darion Wescott. 

Grade 4 honors, Daniel Gardner, Lily Hennessey, Jayden Gardner, Gertrude Gregory, Cameron Matthews, Pierce Thatcher. High honors: Samuel Davidson, Jayden Mahar. 

Grade 5 honors: Cloe Gibson, Finlay Ramsdell, Rachel Keeton, Alaina Berry, Autumn Balyint, Brayden Barker, Grace Dennison. High honors: Iris Johnson, Myla Bartko, Jonah Dean Abigail Maker, Lola Smith. 

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Bay Ridge Elementary second quarter honor roll

Grade 5 High Honors: Avery Cates, Ethan Cates, Max Cates, Paige Cates, Reese Crosman, Michael Taylor. Honors: Kisuhs Stevens-Dinsmore,Hayden Reynolds.

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

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

Grade 8 Honors: Cami Bryant, Kash Feeney, Raeanah Reynolds.

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Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School honor roll

Grade 4, high honors: Kiley Bauman, Cassidy Conlin,  Annabel Lentz, Arden Luuring, Irish Manning, Hanna Megno and Kellan Schwinn. Honors: William Bishko, Webster Case, Cali Cole, Alizay Cox, Lauren Davis, Presley Day,  Dominick Farley,  Nicholas Hennessey, Emerson Johnson, Avery Libby, Jolan Look, and Lucy Lord, Skyla Moody and Victor Mubang Jr.

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DW Merritt 2nd quarter honor roll

Mrs. Greene, principal of Daniel W. Merritt school in Addison is pleased to announce the second quarter honor roll.

Grade 3:  All As: Autumn Schrader, Carson Bickford. All Bs: Paul Rainville.

Grade 4: All As: Naomi Eyerman. All As and Bs: Lucus Grant, Bayleigh Thompson, Sarah Kidder, Micah Look, Lukas Pounder, Nickson Rusecky, Chase Wright. All B’s: Logyn Dempsey,Mercy Machado.

Grade 5: All As: Karli Alley,Emma Whitmore. All As and Bs: Emily Emerson, Brayden Kane, Briana Willson, Dylan Lovejoy. All Bs: Kendall Coffin, Jennifer Kowalsky.

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Mardi Gras Pancake Supper

Let the good times roll at the annual Mardi Gras Pancake Supper, on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the Kay Parker Building, 26 Hadley Lake Road in Machias, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children. This event is held every year to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, the day before the beginning of Lent and is hosted by St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church and Sunrise Opportunities, with all proceeds going to the Special Olympics program. 

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Washington Academy wrestlers

Tanner Rolfe starts his match in Calais.

Raider Isaac DeMott working for an escape.

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Lady Raiders in action photos

Lady Raider Madelyn Willey takes the ball down the sideline.

Strong baseline drive by Lady Raider Sydney Verge.

Katie Leighton Brings the ball down over midcourt against Woodland.

 

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Clippers weekend split

by Phil Stuart

The University of Maine at Machias (UMM) Clippers men’s and women’s teams hosted two Yankee small colleges on the weekend of Jan. 27-28 at the Reynolds Center. On Saturday, Jan. 27, the Vermont Technical Institute of Randolph Center, Vermont came to town. The Lady Clippers took the court first against the visiting Knights. 

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Raiders finish 13-5

by Phil Stuart

The Washington Academy (WA) Raiders boys completed their 2017-18 regular season on Feb. 1 with a 69-53 victory over the John Bapst Crusaders of Bangor. The win gave Barry Terrell’s club a season’s sweep over the Crusaders, and a 13-5 regular season mark which currently has them seeded seventh in the standings.  

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Machias Memorial High School news

The art program has been very busy creating exciting and colorful artwork!  Miss Lee supports students in imaginative and unique opportunities to express themselves through art.

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Groups drug recovery centers to accept MaineCare

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

For many addicts, the cost of treatment is yet one more barrier to sobriety.  Beginning March 21, the Groups outpatient drug recovery centers located in Machias and Calais will be able to accept MaineCare, removing that barrier for many. 

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Dry dock

Waiting out winter in Alleys Bay, Beals Island. Photo by Nancy Beal

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Businesses learn how to bring cyclist dollars Downeast

 

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Cyclists are unlike any other kind of tourist, and not only because they’re come in on two wheels. They spend 20 percent more per day than the average tourist, they’re out for adventure, and they want to absorb the local culture just as it is. “They’re very low impact,” said Kim Roos of the Maine Bicycle Coalition. “They want to become part of the community for the time that they’re here.” 

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Machias switches transfer station contract, accepts riverfront bid

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

When the town’s contract with the Penobscot Energy Recovery Company (PERC) expires at the end of March, Machias plans to switch transfer station services to a company based in New Brunswick. 

Machias town manager Christina Therrien said that she visited the company’s facility last month. “It is cheaper and it is closer,” said Therrien. “I believe we’re going to save in transportation, and we’re going to save in disposal costs.”

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Struggle intensifies for closing prison

by Ruth Leubecker

An uphill battle to keep the doors open at the Downeast Correctional Facility has only intensified following a hearing with all factions weighing in.

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Machias Bulldogs defending state champs

The Machias Memorial High School varsity boys basketball team hopes to advance to the preliminary playoffs after their final home game in Machias on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Pick up our next issue dated Feb. 14 for our annual local basketball insert for all the local pre-playoffs basketball news. Front row from left to right: Jordan Grant, Noah Albert, Alex Wentzell, Dallas Moody, Reece Alley, Alex Marotta, Mark Merserean. Back row from left to right: Coach Jimmy Getchell, Jacob Holland, Evan Dray, Russell Hanscom, Alex Look, Tyler Wentzell, Josh Archer, Carl Bragg, Dustin Getchell.

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Four chaplains to be remembered at Balsam Valley Chapel

Wreaths Across America will host a special service of remembrance in honor of the four chaplains who gave their lives to save others when the U.S.A.T Dorchester sunk on the night of Feb. 3, 1943. The ship was struck by a submarine’s torpedo. 

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Porter Memorial Library news

 

If you’re a gardener, then chances are you’re already dreaming your way through seed catalogs. You’ll be happy to know that Gordie the Groundhog is back at Porter Memorial Library to pull you closer to spring with our annual Fedco seed sale fundraiser. Stop in anytime before March 1 to collect your order forms. Help a Maine seed seller, your local library and your garden all in one fell swoop!

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Trump immigration policy protest in Portland

Portland Jetport: Taking a knee for identity politics Bangor International Airport: Troop greeters. Can’t make the difference between the 1st and 2nd congressional districts and Chellie Pingree vs. Bruce Poliquin any clearer.

Jon Reismann

Machias

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Editor's Desk - commercials aired during last Sunday’s Super Bowl

In one of the more amusing commercials aired during last Sunday’s Super Bowl a priest, a rabbi, an imam and a buddhist monk get into a truck to go to a football game. The spot is part of a series of commercials based on the old jokes, and takes aim at religious intolerance through humor. Toyota calls the series “One Team.”

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Sad gnome

Despite gnome’s enthusiastic display of team spirit at Helen’s Restaurant in Machias, the New England Patriots could not defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl held Sunday, Feb. 4.  Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

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Clams on ice

Despite ice and cold, a handful of clammers brave the elements on the flats of Beals Island daily. Photo by Nancy Beal

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PRSWDD releases scale weight figures, sets 2018 budget

by Nancy Beal

Totals from the six towns that make up the Pleasant River Solid Waste Disposal District indicating how much trash their townsmen deposited on scales at the Columbia Falls Route 1 facility were shared by Jonesport Selectman Harry Fish with his colleagues at their weekly meeting last week. Scales at PRSWDD include a large truck scale and a small scale in the office for trash brought in that is not in the designated bags sold at PRWSDD and from town offices.

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Homeschoolers in the house

Members of the Downeast Christian Homeschool Co-Op visited the offices of the Calais Advertiser and visited with Jessica Griffin, the whiz behind layout on the Machias Valley News Observer. 

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Letter to the Editor - Pardon the deep state

The country is in for a rough ride over the actions of senior Obama administration officials and leadership in the Department of Justice and the FBI. The resultant damage to the deep state would be well deserved, but President Trump can take one step to limit the damage and protect American institutions which might be needed to Make America Great Again: Pardon President Obama, Attorney General Lynch, President Clinton, Secretary Clinton, Susan Rice, Samantha Powers, James Comey, Andrew McCabe, Bruce Ohr, Sally Yates and Rod Rosenstein.  We need to Move on. Amnesty for all!

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EMBRACing a changing demographic one step at a time

Somewhere around 2005, when John Baldacci was governor, this reporter announced the horrifying, off-the-charts per-pupil cost in Machias as a little over $8,500.

Now that number doesn’t look so horrifying, all things being relative. That figure’s been left in the dust as deficits and dollars skyrocket to keep pace with the times. All schools, factoring in everything from special needs to transportation, have undoubtedly at least doubled that amount. And recently Deer Isle-Stonington drove the point home when they announced a per-pupil cost of $24,000 to taxpayers.

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Downeast Homeschool Co-Op Valentine’s Day love

The Downeast Christian Homeschool Co-Op meets weekly on Fridays in Machiasport. Students age eight and up put together candy bar bouquets at last week’s gathering. “We plan to drop them off at doctor’s offices, the emergency room and the like to thank people who give to our community,” said Dawn Wright, one of the co-op’s teachers. “We’d like to show them love back on this Valentine’s Day as a thank you for all they do!” Photo courtesy Dawn Wright

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Trees need space

Whether in the forests, in our yards, or on our streets, all trees need their space. Pruning and thinning trees in our forests really help trees grow and be more productive in producing seeds and food for birds and other wildlife. Orchards and other trees in our yards also need space and pruning. February is the proper time to prune fruit trees to be more productive and produce quality fruit. Street trees in our communities, especially in our cities, benefit from having protective guards to keep people and pets from trampling and compacting soils near trees.

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Letter to the Editor - An open letter regarding hunting along the Middle River

 

To the Machias Board of Selectmen and the Downeast Coastal Conservancy,

Where habitats intersect within our town boundary, should we begin a dialogue of designating these areas between town and the Middle River park and its trails as non-hunting areas?  Even at 15 feet, the width of the main trail is too close to hunting when considering safety. Our area houses children, people with animals walking the trail, motorized vehicles, propane tanks and the list goes on. Safety is the word.

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Letter to the Editor - Reply to Jon Reismann’s letter to the editor

 In his letter to the MVNO published Feb. 7, Jon Reismann tries to draw a distinction between people taking a knee at the Portland Jetport with people greeting the troops at the Bangor Airport.  In Professor Reismann’s mind, somehow these two events are polar opposites and mutually exclusive.  

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