By Paul Sylvain

If last week’s special meeting of the Washington County Commissioners meeting is a preview of budget discussions to come, the 2026 county spending package could be in for a long, rocky ride over the next two months. 

Commissioners Billy Howard, Courtney Hammond and Chairman David Burns bounced around between three versions of the budget, trying to decide which one they would turn over to the county budget advisory committee this week at the commissioners' Sept. 11 meeting.

By Will Tuell

Board Mistook Existing Motel Buildings as Proposed New Construction

By Paul Sylvain

A misread of a building permit application by the Machias Planning Board at its Sept. 3 meeting may have cost the owners of the Bluebird Motel valuable time in their effort to rebuild a 20-unit building that was destroyed by fire last Christmas Eve.

Supt. Refusing to Comply with Fed Order

By Nancy Beal

When members of the joint board that governs Union 103 schools (Beals and Jonesport Elementary Schools and Jonesport-Beals High School) come together for their October meeting, they will take up a request from one of their group to change the district’s policy governing boys playing on girls’ sports teams.

By Paul Sylvain

A special meeting of the Washington County Commissioners on Sept. 3 has left those who were there asking when is a resignation a resignation?

By Paul Sylvain

The Machias Planning Board met on Sept. 3 to consider a handful of building permit applications and continue work on a solar and wind farm ordinance.

In all, four permits were approved and one — for a rebuild of the Bluebird Motel’s main, 20-unit building destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve — was tabled. (See related story on page 1). 

By Will Tuell

Peals of laughter ripped through the Elm Street School gymnasium Friday morning as Missouri-based ventriloquist Doug Mickan regaled the nearly 200 students and staff with a puppet show featuring a fourth grader dressed as a pirate, a talking rooster named Roscoe, and an animated drawing aptly named Drew. While Mickan and his puppets deftly told fairy tales, sang songs, and bantered back and forth, the message was clear — we all have unique talents and abilities that distinguish us, and it is how we use them that makes each of us special. 

The 4th Annual Living History Days will take place Sept. 11-14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hardwood Point in Harrington. The four-day event brings together tribal nation and colonial-era reenactors, offering an immersive experience in pre- and post-contact history spanning the 1600s and 1700s.

Reshingles Main Building, Boat House

By David Cale

Cross Island is a hidden gem for visitors passing through our waters off Machiasport’s Bucks Harbor and Starboard districts. It offers a place to camp for the night, along with walking trails to enjoy the scenic views. 

As Machiasport’s harbormaster, my position is more than just placing moorings, helping with the upkeep, and seeing to improvements and upgrades to our working waterfront. A lot of time is spent on the phone taking calls. 

Manager Confirms County Contacted State Auditor, Offers No Help

By Paul Sylvain

Washington County Commissioners Dave Burns, Courtney Hammond, and BIlly Howard were meeting Sept. 3 to continue their work on a 2026 budget package. What that budget ultimately looks like is anybody’s guess, given the turmoil stirred up by the current fiscal crisis at the county.