OH, WHAT FUN!
OH, WHAT FUN! Performing a lively skit on the holiday song “The Twelve
Days of Christmas” were students and staff at the Eastport Elementary
School during their winter concert on December 10. (Edward French photo)
December 26, 2025
Front Page Stories
County adopts budget with 17.3% increase
With the adoption of a budget on December 17 with $11.6 million to be raised by taxation and so far about half of the towns in the county agreeing to prepay on the estimated $8 million tax-anticipation note (TAN) that the county owes for the current year's budget...
Local holiday giving programs fulfill wishes and basic needs
For the communities of Passamaquoddy Bay, coming together to help neighbors brings home the spirit of the holiday season. Local giving programs reach out to support their community, whether it is with food, gifts, warm clothes or basic household supplies.
Nurses graduate from new WCCC program
An effort several years in the making came to fruition on December 18 when nine students received their pins from Washington County Community College's (WCCC) first in‑house nursing program.
New owners plan rebirth of Eastport’s American Can building
One of the most endangered historic buildings in Maine – the American Can Company plant in Eastport – has new owners, and they promise a rebirth of the massive waterfront structure. The 28,800‑square‑foot, three‑story brick building at 15 Sea Street...
Holiday cheer fills island's 'North Pole'
Santa Claus has a deputy on Grand Manan, with Ashley Harris operating a satellite office of his North Pole headquarters at her home in North Head. Now in its third year, the project has grown from a simple mailbox in the yard for letters to Santa into a little Christmas wonderland...
Sipayik remembers Majik Francis as clam garden project dedicated
The 10th anniversary since the death of 23‑year‑old Majik Francis while canoeing to find clams was commemorated at Half Moon Cove in Sipayik on Saturday, November 22, with the placement of a plaque dedicating the nearby Sipayik Community Clam Garden in Majik's honor.
New St. Stephen hotel planned on site of failed previous project
The Municipal District of St. Stephen says that a New Brunswick company plans to build a hotel at 19 Budd Avenue.
HAVING THEIR PHOTOGRAPH
HAVING THEIR PHOTOGRAPH taken with Santa in front of downtown Eastport’s fisherman statue, wearing a Santa hat, were these children following the Reindogs and Caroling Parade on December 6. (Clark Duff photo)
LOCAL WEATHER
Politics & Government
2025
County adopts budget with 17.3% increase
With the adoption of a budget on December 17 with $11.6 million to be raised by taxation and so far about half of the towns in the county agreeing to prepay on the estimated $8 million tax-anticipation note (TAN) that the county owes for the current year's budget...
2025
County eyeing options after bond rejection
With Washington County voters rejecting the proposed $11 million county bond question by a margin of 53% to 47% in the November 4 election, county officials are struggling to figure out how to pay the current tax anticipation note (TAN), due December 31, without defaulting...
2025
County taking steps to limit tax increase, assure accountability
As the November 4 vote on the proposed $11 million bond issue to bail out the Washington County budget nears, county officials have been explaining the steps being taken to limit any county tax increase, to ensure accountability ...
2025
Maine to decide on absentee voting and ‘red flag’ questions
Maine voters will consider two statewide referendum questions at the November 4 polls. Question 1 would alter the laws governing absentee voting and voter ID requirements, among other changes, and Question 2 would enact Maine's Extreme Risk Protection Order law...
2025
New apartments to help address lack of St. Stephen housing
A private developer plans to start work in January on building a 66‑apartment residential building on the site of the old Border Area Community Arena in St. Stephen.
2025
County residents fear tax hike with $11 million bond proposal
An estimated 200 people filed into the courtroom in Machias on September 11, filling it beyond capacity for a public hearing by the Washington County commissioners to hear about the proposed $11 million bond to cover the recently discovered budget shortfall...
2025
County budget auditor reported misstatements and deficiencies
In the March 20, 2025, report to the Washington County Commission about the recently completed 2021 county budget audit, auditor Stephen Hopkins wrote of a number of significant accounting and internal control deficiencies...
Business & Development
2025
Nurses graduate from new WCCC program
An effort several years in the making came to fruition on December 18 when nine students received their pins from Washington County Community College's (WCCC) first in‑house nursing program.
2025
New owners plan rebirth of Eastport’s American Can building
One of the most endangered historic buildings in Maine – the American Can Company plant in Eastport – has new owners, and they promise a rebirth of the massive waterfront structure. The 28,800‑square‑foot, three‑story brick building at 15 Sea Street...
2025
New St. Stephen hotel planned on site of failed previous project
The Municipal District of St. Stephen says that a New Brunswick company plans to build a hotel at 19 Budd Avenue.
2025
Over 140 workers being laid off with Woodland mill’s pause in operations
More than 140 workers are being temporarily laid off in an unexpected 26-day shutdown of the Woodland Pulp mill because of low softwood pulp prices. In addition, wood deliveries to the mill are being paused for approximately a 60-day period that began on October 31.
2025
Eastport weighs pros and cons of cruise ship visits
Cruises became a larger part of life for Eastport this year with 23 ships docking at the breakwater – the last of which will appear on Sunday, November 2. Their appearances have elicited a somewhat mixed review from local residents.
2025
Blueberry industry challenged by drought, heat and higher costs
The unusual weather cycle of the past year – which saw ample early rain in the spring followed by drought and high heat in the summer – has had a disastrous effect on the wild blueberry crops across Washington County, with some growers reporting around 50% lower harvests.
2025
Port authority weighs concerns over dredging
A proposed dredging project off the Eastport breakwater to allow larger cruise ships to tie up at the pier instead of being at anchor in the bay is causing some concern in the community...
Crime & Public Safety
2025
Dike opens floodgates to range of issues; Former dump threatens wells
While Machias residents debate the eventual form a bridge carrying traffic along Route 1 will take, another problem is simmering within a now‑closed landfill just off Broadway.
2025
SkyHope provides comfort to area medical patients
A mixture of philanthropy and cookies provides a lifesaving service for medically needy people in Washington County who require specialized healthcare. The philanthropy comes from an organization called SkyHope and the pilots who donate their aircraft, skills, time and fuel money...
2025
New apartments to help address lack of St. Stephen housing
A private developer plans to start work in January on building a 66‑apartment residential building on the site of the old Border Area Community Arena in St. Stephen.
2025
Since allegedly defrauding VA, man arrested after faking death
A Princeton man who may have defrauded the VA out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in disability benefits and then faked his death on the St. Croix River to evade law enforcement has been arrested in Missouri.
2025
Increasing incivility discouraging officials from seeking reelection
St. Stephen Mayor Allan MacEachern says that increasing incivility and harassment directed at elected councillors, municipal staff and volunteers make many people think twice about offering for public office.
2025
Pembroke family of five loses home to fire
Before daybreak on Wednesday morning, September 3, flames reaching high above the tree line lit the area surrounding 27 East River Road in Pembroke. The home of Katherine and Jeremy Jurdak caught fire while they and their family slept.
2025
Grand Manan activates emergency plan
The Village of Grand Manan announced on August 12 that it was activating Level 1 of its Emergency Measures Plan in response to the dry conditions and fire risk. Level 1 is a precautionary measure that involves "enhanced monitoring of conditions and increased readiness."
Local News
2025
Tribe's solar project raises questions about net energy billing
The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is conducting an investigation into whether a rooftop solar project by the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township qualifies for the state's net energy billing program. The PUC held an initial case conference on the matter on March 11...
2025
St. Stephen apartment building boarded up; 30 people evicted
Life might settle down for residents and business owners on lower Marks Street, St. Stephen, these days, but about 30 former neighbours now need new places to live. Police showed up at 18 Marks St. on Friday morning, March 7, with a judge's order...
2025
Local legislators, residents urge support for rural patrol funding
Washington County legislators and residents offered strong support for increasing rural patrol services in the county during a recent legislative hearing, pointing to the drug crisis, the county's having the second highest violent crime rate in the state in 2020 and elderly people now being...
2025
Concerns assessed about cruise ships’ possible discharges
With approximately 55,000 cruise ship passengers expected in Eastport in 2025 -- up from 7,000 the previous year -- concerns are being raised related to discharges from the ships and how they may impact the sensitive marine ecosystems of Passamaquoddy and Cobscook bays.
2025
Lubec school board weighs budget cuts
The prospect of further tax increases dominated the February 10 meeting of the Lubec school board, despite a limited turnout. Snowed out of the customary first Thursday meeting date, the rescheduled date attracted a crowd of eight participants plus four members of the board.
2025
EMNH adjusting to nursing home reimbursement rate changes
Eastport Memorial Nursing Home (EMNH), one of only three nursing homes in Washington County, is contending with statewide changes to how nursing homes are reimbursed. The challenging new reimbursement rate will require cost saving measures for the facility, which employs between 55 and 60 people.
2025
Two Addison fishermen perish on way home
A search for two Addison fishermen off the coast of Trescott and Cutler was suspended the evening of Sunday, January 19, after rescue crews combed over 950 square miles of ocean and coastline.
Education
2025
Robbinston school board passes budget, retains school choice
At its July 10 meeting the Robbinston School Committee unanimously approved a budget that maintains school choice, is $131,002 higher than the previous school year and calls for a 62% hike in the amount raised by local taxation.
2025
Robbinston weighs cost of school choice
The June 13 meeting of the Robbinston School Committee saw a review of two prospective budgets, only one of which maintains school choice for Robbinston students.
2025
Local family sets up foundation for youth
Youth in Washington County will have the opportunity to engage in more outdoor activities with the establishment of the Jeffrey A. Stanhope Foundation in memory of the late Perry resident.
2025
Collaboration brings musicians to local schools
“Where words fail, music speaks," wrote Hans Christian Andersen of music's ability to facilitate communication – and yet there are key places where music literacy is lacking, including in Washington County elementary schools.
2025
Staff cuts feared as Lubec board eyes budget with 16% local share hike
Emotions surfaced during the budget workshop hosted on March 6 by the Lubec school board, during which the budget proposal calling for a nearly 16% hike in the local share was discussed.
2025
AOS budget voted down by area residents
The proposed AOS 77 budget for 2025-26, which is nearly 14% higher than the current budget, with a 7.1% hike in the amount raised through local taxation, failed to garner public support during a budget vote on Wednesday, February 26, at the Pembroke Elementary School.
2025
Lubec school board weighs maintenance costs
The high cost of recovering from years of postponed repairs and upkeep dominated the marathon meeting of the Lubec school board held on January 13.
Image Archive
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BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS Anika and Letti Hibbard of Eastport negotiate the sale of an apple with Griffin Coes. The sisters had set up a stand in front of their High Street house on the spring-like afternoon of Tuesday, April 5, and were selling one apple for 25 cents, two apples for 50 cents or three apples for a dollar. (Edward French photo) 
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SHARING A WARM SPRINGTIME MOMENT are friends Jake Fredette, 6, and Little Topsy and her filly Sparrow, ponies owned by Jamieson's grandparents, Brenda and Richard Ferrar of Eastwind Farm in Perry. (Chessie Johnson photo) 
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Rainy days and Mondays always get me down. This passenger on an Eastport school bus, on a rainy Monday, looks like he's had a long day. The spell of wind and rain is expected to last through this coming weekend. (Edward French photo) 
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WELCOME TO EASTPORT, where the Grand Independence Day Parade is ended with the return of the fisherman statue. 
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EXCITED, Isaiah J. Mitchell and Frances Mitchell of Eastport, Logan King of Maui, Hawaii, Alex Mitchell of Fort Kent, Leah King of Maui, Jade St. Pierre of Madawaska and Lucas King of Maui react to a fire truck's siren during the Eastport parade. Photos by Edward French and Don Dunbar. 
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A PATRIOTIC CONTESTANT, Caroline O'Donnell of Winchester, Mass., waits for a decision in the Little Miss 4th of July contest. 
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ARTIST - PAINTING - BOAT IN FOG. Bonnie Foster of Voorheesville, N.Y., is among the students taking a course taught by artist Jim Salem of Eastport. It is one of the offerings of the Eastport Arts Center's SummerArts program. (Edward French photo) 
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SAILING ON A SUMMER'S DAY, the Sylvina W. Beal of Eastport approaches East Quoddy Head Lighthouse on Campobello. Passengers aboard the sailboat have seen lots of whales and other marine life in the past few weeks. (Edward French photo) 
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ADDRESSING A CROWD OF OVER 1,000 PEOPLE in the W.C. O'Neil Arena in St. Andrews is LNG opponent Art MacKay. (Gary Guisinger photo) 
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AS IN A COMMUNITY BARN-RAISING, nearly 100 people from throughout Washington County joined in the inaugural production, Noye's Fludde, at the Eastport Arts Center's new theater space on Labor Day weekend. Here, the Gossips in the Benjamin Britten opera are trying to convince Mrs. Noye not to board the ark as Noye and his animal friends prepare to depart. (Edward French photo) 
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POSING ON THE NARROW LEDGES at Gulliver's Hole in West Quoddy Head State Park, two September tourists are among many who are willing to risk a dangerous tumble to enjoy a stunning photo-op. (Chessie Johnson photo) 
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OVER HILL, OVER DALE during the Eastport Invitational cross country meet on September 28 are Shead's Justin Cyr and Calais High School's Zachary Carle. (Edward French photo) 
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GHOSTS AND OTHER STRANGE CREATURES can be seen in Downeast yards during the weeks leading up to Halloween. (Edward French photo) School space crunch forces towns to act GHOSTS AND OTHER STRANGE CREATURES can be seen in Downeast yards during the weeks leading up to Halloween. (Edward French photo) 
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CALLING ATTENTION to their struggle, (left to right) Hilda Lewis, Madonna Soctomah and Gracie Davis drum and sing during a smudging and prayer ceremony at Split Rock at Pleasant Point, the proposed site for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. The Passamaquoddy women and their supporters held a press conference there one day after filing an LNG-related lawsuit against the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Secretary of the Interior. (Edward French photo) 
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A REBIRTH OF DAIRY FARMING in Washington County includes Tide Mill Farm in Edmunds, where Aaron Bell's three-year-old daughter Paige, representing the ninth generation living on the farm, pets Moonshine, who is due to calve soon, as another Jersey, Peck, chews her cud. (Edward French photo) 
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IT IS BETTER TO LIGHT ONE CANDLE... Placing his candle on the altar in the International Day of Action to Stop Global Warming service in Eastport is Davis Pike Grady. Held on December 3 at the Central Congregational Church, the observance included a talk by Mark Dittrick, conservation chair, Atlantic Chapter, Sierra Club of Canada. (Edward French photo) 
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BALSAM AND LIGHTS decorate the exterior of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Eastport this Christmas season. (Edward French photo) Season of goodwill shines in communities BALSAM AND LIGHTS decorate the exterior of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Eastport this Christmas season. (Edward French photo) 
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CASTING THEIR VOTES during the Downeast LNG referendum in Robbinston are Edward and Alice Ingersoll as town attorney John Churchill and ballot clerk Kathy Mekelburg look on. Over 300 residents dropped by the fire station on January 10 to vote, and the vast majority were in favor of having an LNG facility constructed in their town. (Edward French photo) 
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MAKING A SPLASH at the start of the Polar Bear Dip on Friday, February 3, are some of the participants who helped raise $15,000 this year for the Ronald McDonald House in Bangor. The amount since the Washington County Community College Student Senate inaugurated the event six years ago now totals over $100,000. (Don Dunbar photo) 
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THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL, and these two cats, Daisy and Meatball, don't seem to mind watching the snow fall from inside their warm Eastport home. (Edward French photo) THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL, and these two cats, Daisy and Meatball, don't seem to mind watching the snow fall from inside their warm Eastport home. (Edward French photo) 
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NO, YOU GO FETCH! That thought seems to be expressed on the faces of two springer spaniels, Charlie and Digby, who were playing on the shore of the inner basin of the Eastport breakwater with owner Jason Kissell. (Edward French photo) 
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OUTSTANDING IN HER FIELD. The new kid on the block is a spring lamb, born on the Overman farm in South Lubec. (Chessie Johnson photo) 
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AGROUND near Split Rock, Pleasant Point, is Scott MacNichol's vessel, Miss Amy, on April 24. Angus McPhail's boat, Julie Ann, assisted in keeping the vessel upright as it began to float off the ledge with the incoming tide. The Miss Amy had towed a barge from one side of the causeway to the other for Maine Test Borings Inc. of Brewer, which is conducting work for Quoddy Bay LNG, and hit the ledge as it headed back out into the bay. The boat was not damaged from the grounding. (Edward French photo) 
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TAKING PART IN A MOCK ACCIDENT, Captain Teddy Morse of the East Machias Fire Department and Vanessa Reed remove a Washington Academy student from a fatal automobile re-enactment. Wakeup Call, a program aimed toward teen drivers, is a realistic portrayal of a deadly accident. See articles about mock accidents at Shead and WA on pages 13 and 25. (Chessie Johnson photo) 
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BLOWING AWAY dandelion seed, on a spring afternoon with rain and sunshine, is six-year-old Mary Bartlett of Eastport. (Edward French photo) 
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ESCORTED BY A FLOTILLA of welcoming kayakers as she approaches land in Eastport is adventurer Renata Chlumska of Sweden (far left). Chlumska is aiming to be the first person to circumnavigate the lower 48 states of the U.S., by kayak and bicycle, having begun in Seattle, Wash. She received a warm reception in Eastport. (Edward French photo) 
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RAISING THE ROOF? No, members of ASSIST-JC from All Souls Congregational Church in Bangor are constructing one of the walls for the new Labor of Love Food Pantry in Eastport. (Edward French photo) Elvis, fireworks, Navy ship, parade mark Eastport 4th Perry board’s authority to hire law firm raises legal question 
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LOWERING THE COLORS at the end of the day on July 4 are members of the USS Porter crew (above). "Look, ma, no hands!" CMC Musso of the Porter seems to be saying in the codfish relay (below). Using hands but not their feet, competitors in the sack race in Lubec (below) dive for the finish line. (Photos by Edward French, Don Dunbar and Chessie Johnson) 
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LOWERING THE COLORS at the end of the day on July 4 are members of the USS Porter crew (above). "Look, ma, no hands!" CMC Musso of the Porter seems to be saying in the codfish relay (below). Using hands but not their feet, competitors in the sack race in Lubec (below) dive for the finish line. (Photos by Edward French, Don Dunbar and Chessie Johnson) 
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LOWERING THE COLORS at the end of the day on July 4 are members of the USS Porter crew (above). "Look, ma, no hands!" CMC Musso of the Porter seems to be saying in the codfish relay (below). Using hands but not their feet, competitors in the sack race in Lubec (below) dive for the finish line. (Photos by Edward French, Don Dunbar and Chessie Johnson) 