By Paul Sylvain

The county’s current fiscal crisis is proving to be a many-tentacled beast affecting virtually every aspect of the Sunrise County’s budgeting process.

Down East Community Hospital (DECH) and Calais Community Hospital (CCH) recently had the pleasure of introducing well-respected youth speaker David Edward Garcia to more than 1,200 high school students across Washington County. Six presentations were held for students in grades 9–12 throughout the county.

By Paul Sylvain

The last thing anyone in Washington County wants is a double-digit tax increase. That’s especially true in tiny, coastal communities where devastatingly low lobster catches and blueberry harvest yields this year already threaten to make the coming winter remembered for a record number of bank repos.

By Jayna Smith

Last week, Rev. Robert S. “Bobby” Oliver Jr., of Baileyville, was presented with a Quilt of Valor in recognition of his dedicated service to both God and country. The handcrafted quilt was formally awarded by Paula Z. of the Kaleidoscope Quilters, honoring Oliver’s courage and sacrifice during his time in the United States Army.

By Paul Sylvain

The offices of Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey and the acting U.S. Attorney for Maine Craig Wolff, on Oct. 7, agreed to a request by Washington County District Attorney Robert C. Granger to investigate how the county’s finances went awry over the past five years.

By Nancy Beal

The first of three public hearings aimed at discussing and answering questions about the county’s upcoming $11 million bond referendum, aimed at easing the county’s fiscal pinch, attracted about 100 citizens to Narraguagus High School’s cafeteria. 

While long on information and opinions, attendees hoping to hear about alternative plans to the bond left disappointed, as none were presented.

By Paul Sylvain

In her short time on the job as the county’s provisional treasurer, Grace Falzarano has instituted two significant policy changes in the county’s finance department, which are aimed at preventing a repeat of some of the errors contributing to the current budget shortfall.

Falzarano was appointed provisional treasurer by the county’s commissioners following the September resignation of embattled former treasurer Jill Holmes. Falzarano serves the town of Columbia Falls as its treasurer.

By Nancy Beal

The Jonesport Elementary School Board met Oct. 6 and hired Jason Mills to coach the junior high girls’ basketball team. There have been no applicants for the junior high boys’ team, which is expected to field between five and ten boys. Interviews for the cheering coach position are in progress.

Officials Mum on ‘Botched’ Department of Justice Grant

By Paul Sylvain

A new, more restrictive grant and contract policy enacted by Washington County’s Board of Commissioners at their Oct. 9 meeting is not sitting well with county Emergency Management Agency Director Lisa Hanscom.

Simply stated, the policy, introduced by Washington County Commissioner Billy Howard, mandates “there will be no more grant applications, or no more contracts signed by department heads without commissioner approval.”

By Paul Sylvain

How does an $11 million bond referendum question become something much less? It happens when Washington County’s Board of Commissioners pledges to cap the amount to be borrowed to only what is needed to pay for the principal and interest on the county’s 2025 Tax Anticipation Note (TAN), due payable in full on Dec. 31, 2025.