by Ruth Leubecker

The Maine Legislature, with 400 bills in appropriations waiting to be funded, is nonetheless trying to focus on a narrow agenda should they return.

“As Republicans, we have asked to go back into session for a brief, specific time to address COVID-19  legislation — such as changing the state tax laws to coincide with the federal tax laws as relates to the PPP,” says Sen. Marianne Moore, “or how to spend the CARES funds.”

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

COVID-19 outbreaks at two blueberry processing plants in neighboring Hancock County last week caught statewide attention. As the wild blueberry industry shifts into high gear for the August harvest, Maine Wild / Cherryfield Foods General Manager David Bell says coronavirus safety measures at their Machias facility have already been in place for months.

by Zach Sheller

If there is anything consistent in the world today I suppose it could be the Atlantic salmon. Although beleaguered and on the ropes, this amazing fish continues to battle to be part of this world. If the fish continues to fight, shouldn't we fight for that fish? As Benjamin Franklin once said, "Energy and persistence conquer all things."

by Natalie Boomer

The Down East Border Riders Saddle Club will be hosting a pleasure show on Saturday, Aug. 15.

“We welcome riders of all ages and levels, both club and non-club riders as well. Classes are divided by age and/or riding level that include leadline, peewee, youth and adults in walk/trot and walk/trot/canter divisions,” said Vicki Farley Brown of the DEBRSC. “Most classes are open, accepting both English and Western riders, and there will be two open Western Pleasure stakes classes that day with cash payouts.”

by Joseph Horn

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

The Machias Police Department has moved from its aging offices and into a larger, more practical space in the Machias Telebusiness Center located on Stackpole Road.

Machias Police Chief Todd Hand first suggested the move at a February selectboard meeting, and the selectboard quickly approved the idea.

“We really did have a need for a bigger, more professional place,” said Hand. “I commend the selectboard for recognizing that and acting on it.”

by Jordan Donovan

The University of Maine at Machias last Tuesday announced that it will suspend its varsity athletics program for an “indefinite period” effective July 21. The suspension was attributed in part to the economic situation imposed by the pandemic, and the economic fallout of COVID-19. However, in their press release it was implied that the school’s financial situation was already a topic of concern prior to COVID-19.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

After a rough start courtesy of COVID-19, the Machias Subway restaurant location reports higher-than-expected annual sales despite the pandemic.

“We were up to 75 percent of our normal sales, and when they opened the motels back up we were back up into the 90s,” said co-owner Bill Laprade. “Then last week Machias had a record week in its history.”

by Nancy Beal

The Pleasant River Solid Waste Disposal District’s board of directors and the towns of Jonesport and Columbia Falls have finally reached a final agreement on how to part ways, and only the typing of a clean copy stands in the way of those two towns withdrawing from the group of six communities that banded together in the 1990s to create an alternative to their individual landfills. Negotiations—replete with lawyers’ letters and proposal documents—have extended more than a year. On July 20, when the PRSWDD board met in Jonesboro, all sides seemed to be in agreement.

by Wayne Smith

This is the story of three people's separate experiences of Cherryfield Days, three different experiences that offer a little insight. This is what they had to say as they reflected on Cherryfield's biggest celebration of the year, a celebration that, for one weekend a year, lights up a town with a parade and fireworks among other things. A place that can fill up with people crowding streets and different events in a hurry. A moment in time captured in one story.

by Hazel Stark

by Ruth Leubecker

For decades Machiasport residents have been plagued by contaminated water due to chemicals released into the groundwater during the 27 years the Air Force maintained its presence in Bucks Harbor.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Both employees of the Machias dispatch center have been suspended with pay effective July 15, according to Machias Town Manager Christina Therrien. After the suspension was enacted, all calls for Machias emergency services were rerouted to the Washington County Regional Communications Center which handles 911 traffic for the county, dispatching fire, ambulance and police calls.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the town with its investigation into what Therrien described as a personnel matter.

by Phil Stuart

The '50s saw baseball return in full force following the end of World War II, and it might have been the best decade for Quoddy League Baseball.

EAC’s Summer Workshop Series will offer Zentangle: A Mindful Approach to Creativity and Flow, from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28. Instructor Ann Cannizzaro will teach participants about the inspiring and mindful drawing practice called Zentangle. This popular drawing method is for everyone and anyone. The eight-step process will lead participants to create miniature masterpieces while learning about ‘tangles’, ‘tiles’, and ‘strings’.  Attendees will learn and practice everything they need to know to begin their own journeys of discovery and creative flow through drawing.

by Jayna Smith

Once considered for demolition by the National Park Service, the historic McGlashan-Nickerson House in Calais is still being offered for long-term lease of up to 60 years on favorable terms to someone who would rehabilitate and preserve it.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Maine Marine Patrol Officer Matthew Carter acted in self-defense and in defense of third parties when he applied deadly force during a 2017 Machiasport encounter, according to Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey, who today issued his summary and findings on the case.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

A Machias home will soon open its doors as a women’s recovery residence, the first of its kind in Washington County.

Located on Elm Street, the sober-living facility will offer affordable, safe housing to women in recovery. But most uniquely, says Marshall Mercer, the home will welcome women and their children, too.

by Ruth Leubecker

“As far as I’m concerned the most critical challenge during this time is to try and strengthen and support connections,” said Dr. Lenard Kaye, in assessing the needs of the elderly during the pandemic.

The director of the University of Maine’s Center on Aging was primarily considering the elderly demographic of Washington County, adding, “We know already that there’s a lot of isolation and depression.”

by Natalie Boomer

Porter Memorial Library has kicked off the first of two bicentennial reading programs this month.

The first program encourages bicentennial reading across all age groups. Children can meet their summer reading goals by reading Maine themed books, books about Maine, and books written by Maine authors.

There have been questions about whether or not Campmeeting Week will happen this year at the Jacksonville Campground in East Machias.  After prayer, discernment, and research, the group has decided that yes, Campmeeting Week will be held every night from Sunday, July 19 – through Friday, July 24. Preachers will include Lori Lynch, Aaron Dudley, Jesse Davis,  Susie Maxwell,  and  Adam Wolfgang.