Healthy Acadia is hosting a series of community gatherings in Hancock and Washington counties during National Public Health Week, April 7-13. These events provide an opportunity to learn more about Healthy Acadia’s role as a nonprofit public health organization serving Maine’s Hancock and Washington counties, as well as the various health and wellness resources available.

The event will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the following locations and dates:

• April 9 in Calais at the Wabanaki Culture Center, 39 Union Street

By Paul Sylvain

A group of local musicians, of which many have appeared in some or all of the first four series of summer concerts at Bad Little Falls Park, met with Machias Town Manager Sarah Craighead Dedmon on March 28 to begin mapping out plans for the 2025 Kitchen Summer Concert Series and beyond.

World War II Veteran 96-year-old Robert “Bob” Harvey of Cherryfield received the Boston Post Cane on March 29 at his Bion Lane home with his wife, Meg Nalle, proudly looking on. Cherryfield Selectboard members Mary Knapp and Art Tatangelo presented Harvey with the cane on behalf of the town.

Harvey shared some facts about his interesting life.

By Paul Sylvain

In a life full of choices, Michelle Murphy of East Machias readily admits that she’s made her share of poor ones, as she told County Commissioners John Crowley, Billy Howard, and Chairman David Burns at their March 20 meeting.

By Paul Sylvain

Whoever thinks learning can’t be fun has never been a student in Tom Manship’s science and math classes at Fort O’Brien School in Machiasport. 

And on the very first day of spring, the “little school that can,” once again did, by taking a group of eager fifth and sixth graders on a field trip to Downeast Institute (DEI) on Beals.

By Doss Dennison

Dating back to 1953, eight players born in Maine have made it to the NHL. UMaine has sent 70 players to the NHL, 11 of them were goalies. That being said, hockey doesn’t seem to be a favorite sport of Downeasters. I am going to attribute the lack of enthusiasm to limited access. 

By Paul Sylvain

Connecting people in need of jobs and providing others with the training and skills leading to employment opportunities topped March 20 presentations to Washington County commissioners by Northeastern Workforce Development Board (NWDB) Executive Director Gallen Williamson and Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) Workforce Development Specialist Saydee Plaster

By Nancy Beal

Members of the committee that put on Jonesport’s July 4 Moosabec Summerfest celebration came to the March 12 selectmen’s meeting to pitch a plan to bring electricity to the town’s ballfield. 

By Jayna Smith

Patagonia, a well-known outdoor clothing company, has filed a lawsuit against Maine-based retailer Marden's Surplus and Salvage, accusing the company of knowingly selling counterfeit products.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court last week, claims that Marden's sold fake Patagonia jackets and other items at its 13 retail locations across the state. According to Patagonia, the counterfeit products are "visually identical" to the brand’s authentic items but are of inferior quality.

By Jayna Smith 

After serving northern Washington County for many decades, the Waite General Store will officially close its doors for good on March 31, marking the end of an era for the small town of Waite. The store has long been a staple of the community, offering everything from milk and eggs to moose tags and friendly conversation.