by Ruth Leubecker

For seniors sheltering in place minus any internet connection at home, a Machias business is offering a tablet with the capability to connect online.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Area children might be disappointed to know they missed the era of Machias-made soda. It’s not quite like losing the chocolate factory to Charlie, but close.

“They were very good soft drinks, I had all I wanted of them,” said John Sprague of Marshfield. “They were in big vats upstairs, vats big enough so that they would put a big bag of sugar in them to mix it.” Sprague’s uncles Quentin “Spike” Sprague and Roland Sprague owned part of the business with Peter Palmer.

by Nancy Beal

The Jonesport selectmen continue to meet weekly via Zoom and teleconferencing. On April 22, they agreed to postpone the opening of the Henry Point Campground until at least June 1, and then review state coronavirus guidelines regarding such facilities. According to the measures issued by Gov. Janet Mills last week (April 28), lodging and campgrounds could open June 1 for Maine residents and for those who have met the 14-day quarantine requirement.

by Wayne Smith

Cherryfield Food Pantry brings smiles and a warm glow to a community when it needs it the most. A place that lights up every Tuesday and Thursday that brings a purpose. It’s an institution where people can get food when they are in need. A place where there is caring, hope and prosperity all mixed in one. And it’s a place where a person can forget the coronavirus for just a minute. People can put two feet on the ground at the same time and get ahead of the game.

Machias Memorial High School Physical Sciences teacher, Jim Lenke, reached out to the hospital to ask if Down East Community Hospital needed face shields. “Yes!” was the answer. Mr. Lenke used the school’s 3D printers to make visors that were designed with notches spaced across the front of the visor. These notches were designed to be matched with and fit into the holes made by a 3-hole punch. The reason that is important is it made it easy to produce the plastic shields that would be attached to the visors.

Three seniors at the University of Maine at Machias are being honored with special recognition for their contributions to the campus community.

English, creative writing and book arts major Alondra Candelario of Thousand Oaks, California was elected Ivy Orator by UMM Class of 2020 graduates. The Ivy Orator traditionally delivers a lighthearted, humorous speech at Honors Convocation to reflect on the college experience.  

by Nancy Beal

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

The Machias Water Company has filed a request to increase water rates by 25 percent, a move Machias officials fear will create too much financial strain on an already-burdened local economy.

“I don’t know how many of these individual businesses know that the increase of 25 percent is being proposed, and I’m scared that we will come out of this COVID-19 shut down and then they’ll get slammed with this,” said Machias Town Manager Christina Therrien.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Many Downeast businesses have been able to operate — in a modified fashion — since coronavirus was first detected in Maine on March 12. Others, including barbershops and hair salons, were only able to reopen their doors on May 1. Now that Governor Janet Mills has announced her “Rural Reopening” plan, all retail stores in 12 rural counties can open their doors to foot traffic this week, and next week restaurants will be able to welcome customers, too. In all cases, safety protocols apply.

by Nancy Beal

Despite restrictions on social gatherings necessitated by the coronavirus, graduation ceremonies at Jonesport-Beals High School will take place, just not in the usual manner or in the customary place. The event will be held a month later than usual and outdoors on the school’s soccer/baseball field. The new date is Sunday, July 12 at 1 p.m., and attendance will be restricted. Only graduates, faculty and members of the administration will be allowed on the field.

 Officials with the 101st Air Refueling Wing announced today the rescheduling of the second half of Maine's Operation American Resolve flyover for Thursday, May 14. The event, which began with a flyover route on May 12, is being conducted as a salute to all of Maine's front line healthcare workers and essential personnel across the state.

The flyovers are intended to lift morale in cities across America due to the severe health and economic impacts that have resulted from the coronavirus.

by Jayna Smith

The Calais City Council voted last Thursday to declare all businesses can open as they so choose, citing the City cannot tell a person how to make a living. The decision comes despite statewide restrictions still in place by Gov. Janet Mills due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Machias Memorial High School Principal Brian Leavitt has announced that Marc Michaud will receive the Class of 2020 MPA Principals’ Award.  The honor includes a $2,000 MELMAC Scholarship to be awarded in the second semester of college.    

“Since coming to Machias Memorial High School, Marc has been a top academic student and an asset to his school community” states Leavitt.  “In addition, he has a great personality, high level of personal character, and passion for science and visual arts.  I’m very proud of Marc and all he has accomplished.”

by Hazel Stark

by Ruth Leunecker

Partnering to end hunger has always been the standard mode of operation in Maine. But in these days of COVID-19, distribution has become as vital an operation as the partnerships.

Food banks, food pantries and meal sites have gone into overdrive, daily meeting more obstacles and varied challenges. At the same time, they are uniquely positioned to distribute tens of millions of pounds of food. But in these months of 2020 fewer people have the money for gas or the jobs they desperately need. The impact has encroached on the wellbeing of many families.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

A stop sign proposal drew a chilly reception from the Machias Board of Selectmen, who discussed the matter at their bi-monthly meeting held online Wednesday, May 13.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

A vacant space on Main Street will become a hub of activity when the Machias Valley Center For Entrepreneurship opens its doors next year in Machias.

The center will aim to help small Downeast businesses thrive by offering training, access to business advisors, shared workspaces, mentorship, conference rooms, fiber optic internet, and printers among other things. Membership in the center will be sold as a monthly subscription with day and week passes available.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Roque Bluffs is known today for its charming town center, picturesque cottages, and sweeping sandy beaches. But in another age, it was known for its farms, for its fishing, and for its canneries, including an early predecessor to B&M Baked Beans.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Maine newspapers have filed multiple requests asking the state to release the de-identified location data of its positive COVID-19 cases. Currently, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports positive case data only at the county level, making Maine an outlier in New England where all other states report cases by town or zip code.

Porter Memorial Library invites you to join us as we reopen to the public. Now's the time to Get Your Browse Back On! with Porter Memorial Library's new curbside pickup service, new relaxed membership and return policies, and a socially-safe pop-up used book sale.