by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

In August, we reported on the Machias-based charity, Little Hands of Hope, started by Kristen Johnson. The charity feeds and cares for street children in the town of Nyendo, Uganda. 

“Most of them are AIDS orphans,” said Johnson. Right now the organization provides food for anywhere from 40-100 children every night of the week.” In July, the charity completed construction of a building to house the children in the small village of Bulando, located approximately 7 miles from Nyendo. The home sits on 5 acres of land. 

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Blue skies and brilliant foliage were the backdrop for the dedication of the Jacksonville Bridge last Thursday, Oct. 12. 

The bridge is now renamed in honor of Norman E. Bagley, who served the town of East Machias for 26 years as an assessor, planning board member and selectman. He also served in the Army during the Korean War. 

by Rep. Will Tuell

The freshman class decorated the Washington Academy bus to use as a float in the parade.Photo Courtesy Hannah Sprague

Kristen Johnson is a stay-at-home mom living in Machias. She and her husband have a daughter here, and hundreds of children they also love in Uganda. Following her faith, Kristen started the charity Little Hands of Hope, which is now the only thing standing between hundreds of Ugandan orphans and starvation. We first reported on her story in August.

From our small town, Kirsten has created something that is making a life-and-death difference to hundreds of children on the other side of the world. I am so moved by her service, we have the update to her story on page 4.

He might’ve been called Mr. Jacksonville, so when the Norman E. Bagley Memorial Bridge was dedicated last week it was most fitting and special.

Flags and firetrucks and a handful of local officials marked the occasion, and a very poignant YouTube of the bridge itself is really remarkable.

Norman gave many years to East Machias as a selectman, and he assumed many other roles as needed. His ready grin and friendly demeanor were recognized all over town.

Governor Paul R. LePage sent a letter to Senate and House leadership today advising them that he has directed the Office of the State Controller to transfer more than $10 million out of a fiduciary account under the discretion of the Attorney General into an Other Special Revenue account as required by 5 MRS §203-A. The funds are the results of legal settlements the State of Maine received from the Volkswagen and Moody’s litigation.

The Department of Homeland Security has extended a grace period for the State of Maine’s REAL ID Act compliance, which will allow federal agencies to continue to accept driver’s licenses and identification cards from Maine.

The Department of Homeland security issued a compliance waiver to the State of Maine on June 15, 2017, which expired at midnight on Oct. 10, 2017. Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap submitted a request for a one-year renewal on Sept. 15, 2017.

Maine Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa has an urgent message for Maine residents who purchase their health insurance coverage on the Individual Market: “Take the time to compare your options, and do it before Open Enrollment ends on Dec. 15.” 

“As most people are well aware, there has been quite a bit of turmoil in the insurance market this year. This has resulted in higher rates, and also in fewer choices,” Cioppa stated.

Just two insurers selling marketplace plans

The Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC) held its inaugural Bad Little Trail Run Oct. 1 as 69 runners and walkers participated in a 2.7 mile and a 7 mile course. A team of more than 30 volunteers made the event possible. This was DCC’s first ever trail run, which they hope to make an annual event. Photo By Bill Kitchen