Jayna Smith

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William “Billy” W. Howard III and Vinton E. Cassidy, both of Calais, are running in the Republican primary on June 11, 2024, for Washington County Commissioner District 1.  David Burns, of Whiting, is running unopposed in the Republican primary for Washington County Commissioner District 2.

By Will Tuell

The family of a missing Steuben fisherman who did not return home from hauling lobster traps in Jonesport July 21 has not given up hope that 18-year-old Tylar Michaud will be found, according to family friend Joline Brown. Brown, who spearheaded a community effort to raise almost $25,000 in two days, said that volunteers will scour air, land, and sea as the likelihood of Michaud’s survival diminishes with each passing day.

April 26, 1940 – February 24, 2022

A resident of East Machias, Maine, Dave Warren passed away suddenly at the age of 81 on Thursday, February 24.

 The fundraising and planning for the restoration of the First Congregational Church of East Machias has met its initial goal with great success. A final decision has been made to proceed with the TV documentary filming of the church’s restoration this summer.  

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

This is the season of giving, so it is fitting that on Friday, December 4, a beautiful Yamaha piano was delivered to Washington Academy’s Talbot Dormitory common area. The piano belonged to Mrs. Gloria Bodman, a dedicated musician, who taught music in the Machias area for decades. Mrs. Bodman recently relocated to Arizona. Her daughter, Lynn, grew up playing the piano and is ecstatic to know it is at Washington Academy (WA) and being appreciated by young musicians.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

A weekend of torrential rain and wind canceled last Saturday’s Machias Parade of Lights, but its organizers are not quick to accept defeat. Instead, they have turned on a dime to plan a drive-through parade and toy giveaway for Thursday, Dec. 10.

The impressive careers of four recently retired WA faculty members, James and Joanne Ausprey, Donald Sprangers and Cathy Johnson collectively represent 124 years of education; years that represent more than half of the impressive 228 years that Washington Academy has been in existence.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Five members of the Washington County legislative delegation have requested an independent investigation into allegations of racism at Washington Academy (WA), citing a report of racial verbal attacks and threats toward minorities, including a noose left in one teacher’s classroom.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Washington Academy has issued its “Safe Return to School” plan which will offer students a hybrid education model beginning Sept. 8.

In July, Maine Department of Education advised schools to prepare green, yellow, and red plans, each to be enacted according to COVID-19 activity in their region. DOE Commissioner Pender Makin on July 31 announced that all Maine counties are currently classified green. Those classifications will be updated every two weeks.