By Paul Sylvain

On March 26, a handful of Machias voters enacted separate 180-day moratoriums on solar and wind farm applications to give town officials time to draft regulatory ordinances addressing both. Seven weeks later, and with both moratoriums set to expire on Sept. 22, work has yet to begin on either.

by Nancy Beal

On May 8, Sheriff Barry Curtis and Deputy Director Joshua Rolfe, along with Washington County Regional Communications Operational Supervisor Lieutenant Dennis Perry and Sergeant Michael Congelosi, attended the 27th Annual Maine NENA (National Emergency Number Association) awards ceremony in Portland. Perry was nominated and chosen for the 2024 Director/Operations Manager of the Year. 

A new study from the University of Maine’s Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) and Darling Marine Center is helping to refine best practices for growing Atlantic sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus), a species of increasing interest to Maine’s aquaculture sector.

Healthy Acadia, in collaboration with Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology Culinary Arts (CWCIT) students located at Machias Memorial High School, will host a drive-thru luncheon on Friday, May 16, with proceeds to benefit Down East Teen Leadership Camp (DETLC).

Wellington “Billy” Noyes, born on April 2, 1936, passed away on April 25, 2025, at the age of 89. Billy was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Wanda Dodge Noyes. His children, Nancy Emery, Lisa Noyes, Nathan Noyes, and Leigh Noyes, along with his son-in-law, Douglas Emery, and daughter-in-law, Danielle Noyes.

By Paul Sylvain

Over the past three centuries, the waters of the Machias River between the falls and the dike have served as a backdrop for numerous events. English sailor-turned-pirate Samuel “Black Sam” Bellamy is said to have used Machias as a safe haven to repair his ship. Legend has it that Black Sam buried a never-found treasure somewhere in the woods of Machiasport.

By Phil Stuart

One of the best-known players in the Quoddy Baseball League has passed away at the age of 84. Richard “Dickie” Norton of Addison played in four different decades and was one of the most productive hitters that the league produced during the 30 years of its existence. 

By Paul Sylvain

The General Services Administration (GSA) announced that bids are being accepted on the nearly 10-acre former U.S. Coast Guard housing area on Route 187/Mason’s Bay Road, about two miles north of the town center in Jonesport.

By Paul Sylvain

There was a time before the internet and social media that a unique, pristine, hidden gem of a beach in Machiasport’s Bucks Harbor district was the town’s best-kept secret. Jasper Beach is — or rather, was — a place of quiet solitude where the only sounds heard were the cries of seagulls and swishing of waves washing over the beach’s namesake jasper stones.