The Machias Valley News Observer will be regularly updating this page with information relating to coronavirus in Washington County, including closures, cancellations, and postponements. If you have any updates to include here, please email them to editor@machiasnews.com.

Just in time to help celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Calais Celtic Concerts will present the award-winning group from the Ulster city of Belfast Ireland, Realta, at the Calais High School this Sunday, March 8 at 6 p.m. U.S./ 7 p.m. Canadian time. The doors will open at 5 p.m.

Calais Celtic Concerts is very excited to bring back the multi-award-winning new group, from Connemara Ireland, HighTime, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2 Park St., Calais, on Saturday, Feb. 29, at 6 p.m. US/ 7 p.m. Canadian time. The doors will open at 5 p.m. EST.

by Dominic Gayton

On September 17, Calais Regional Hospital filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after a tumultuous period financially. Down East Community Hospital CEO Steve Lail made the following statement to The Calais Advertiser on the subject:

by Dominic Gayton

Calais Regional Hospital announced on September 17, 2019, that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine. The hospital insists it will remain open and will continue to employ its 275 employees during the interim.

More than likely there are very few people now living in Washington County that know that back in 1910 the city of Eastport had a most important visitor, in the personage of President William H. Taft. This story is quite familiar with our family because the L.C. Atwood mentioned in the article was my husband’s grandfather.

by Jayna Smith

When the City of Eastport celebrates any event, they do so in a big way, and this year’s Pirate Festival is no exception. Now in its 14th year, the Eastport Pirate Festival gets underway this Friday and runs through Sunday, and there will be plenty to do for pirates of all ages.

by Natalie Boomer

18-year-old Alex Newsome was granted his wish on Tuesday, Aug. 20 when the Make-A-Wish Foundation arranged for him to get  his very own hot tub.

While he was working as a camp counselor at the Calais public pool, a limousine pulled up filled with his family to surprise him, along with his friends and campers holding signs that said “Yay Alex” and “We love you.” He was handed a ‘Make A Wish’ T-shirt and a pin that said “Wish Kid” and they took him to see his wish come true.

by Jayna Smith

A replica of the Nao Santa Maria, one of the most famous ships in history, will be docking at the St. Andrews wharf from Sept. 13-15 and will be open for visiting before its next stop in Portland, scheduled for Sept. 19-22. The visits are part of the ship’s North American tour and this is the ship’s first visit to Canada.

by Jayna Smith

The 32nd Annual Eastport Salmon and Seafood Festival is set for this weekend, Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1, and attendees will not be disappointed with the jam-packed schedule of events.