On Feb. 15, Washington County Commissioners Vinton Cassidy (R-Calais), John Crowley, Sr. (R-Addison), and Chris Gardner (R-Edmunds) awarded a contract to J&J Construction of Jonesboro for the purposes of demolishing the former District Attorney’s Office on 82 Court Street in Machias, the county said in a press release last week. The contract, valued at $22,000, includes the cost of salvaging portions of the 1800s building, which may be repurposed. 

Selectboard Approves Liquor License, Entertainment Permit at Feb. 14 Meeting

By Paul Sylvain

What should have been a routine order of business on Feb. 14, involving a simple selectboard vote to approve an on-premises liquor license and a special entertainment permit in advance of Mason’s Brewing Company’s much anticipated mid-March opening Downeast, evolved into several moments of drama by selectboard member Ben Edwards.

By Paul Sylvain

A scheduled Feb. 15 special town meeting and vote by citizens of Machiasport on whether or not to take a 50-foot-wide strip of land from two property owners in the town’s Starboard district was abruptly canceled by town officials and rescheduled for Feb. 26.

By Phil Stuart

Ten out of 14 Washington County high school girls' and boys’ basketball teams are qualified for post-season play based on the final point standings. Only the Jonesport-Beals girls, Machias boys, and Calais boys got automatic bids to the Cross Center, while the Narraguagus girls, Machias girls, Washington Academy girls, and Woodland girls had to play a preliminary game in order to qualify for the northern tournament along with the Narraguagus, Jonesport-Beals, and Washington Academy boys.

By Nancy Beal

Amanda Smith is the wife of Beals lobster fisherman Richard Smith. She is also the Sunrise County Economic Council’s coastal opportunities advisor. In a recent meeting of the Beals’ Harbor Committee, she brought home something she had learned at work: an opportunity for lobstermen to make some money during the long, cold winters when their traps sit on the bank.

Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent of Maine Indian Education and former University of Maine Machias chemistry professor, has been selected to serve as a judge for the Future Engineers Program. 

The Future Engineers Program was founded in 2015 by leading engineering associations to address the shortage of students pursuing engineering careers. Through an annual competition, students submit innovative proposals for tackling issues such as climate change, space exploration, and sustainability. Submissions are evaluated by a panel of engineers and STEM experts, including Dr. Namin.

By Will Tuell

Organizers of a charity volleyball tournament are hoping to raise money for, and awareness of, the faith-based Arise Addiction Recovery program in Machias next month. The “Rise Above” Volleyball tournament, in its sixth year, attracts participants from northern and eastern Maine who enjoy playing volleyball and want to support the rehab that has been helping people overcome addiction through Jesus Christ since 2015. 

All are invited to “Writers Read,” an open stage for creative writing, on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2-4 p.m., at Eastport Arts Center.  Writers of all kinds, whether seasoned wordsmiths or emerging talents, are invited to share their written work. The event aims to create an atmosphere of inspiration and connection and to celebrate creativity and the power of storytelling in all of its forms.

By Will Tuell

Fishermen Skeptical of ‘Ropeless Gear’ Study at Zone A Council Meeting

By Will Tuell