CALAIS – Calais and Worcester residents on Tuesday voted against shuttering two community elementary schools in the Washington Central Unified Union School District. In Worcester, 212 residents voted against shuttering the Doty Memorial School, while 114 approved of plans to close. In neighboring Calais, 398 residents voted against closing the[Read More…]
Calais
DUI, fatal snowmobile crash
CALAIS – On February 15 at 8:51 p.m., Vermont State Police – Berlin Barracks received a report of a slide-off crash in the town of Calais. The operator was identified as Jennifer Foley of South Burlington. Investigation revealed that Foley was operating a motor vehicle while impaired. Foley was subsequently[Read More…]
The Little School in Calais
by Jennifer Bliss There’s a little school in Calais town, With creaky doors and swings worn down. Not lots of kids in every class, Some desks empty as days go past. They count the numbers — one, two, three. “Not many students,” they say sadly. “Maybe it’s time to close the doors, There[Read More…]
Calais, Worcester School closure votes set Feb. 10
CALAIS, WORCESTER – The Washington Central Unified Union School District (WCUUSD) configuration committee, the school board and district leadership have recommended the consolidation and closure of two elementary schools, Calais Elementary School and Doty Elementary School, citing low enrollment as a contributing factor. An election to vote on whether or[Read More…]
Memorial Hall rehabilitation earns award for architect
CALAIS – The American Institute of Architects, Vermont Chapter (AIAVT) announced the recipients of its 2025 Excellence in Architecture Design Awards at its annual meeting, December 4, 2025. Seven projects were chosen by a jury for demonstrating “excellence in design” from thirty entries submitted by AIA member architects. Two projects[Read More…]
Walter P. Slayton (1831–1903)
Walter P. Slayton was born on July 1, 1831, in Calais, the son of Capt. Jera Slayton and Betsey (Kendall) Slayton. At the time of his birth, his father was twenty-seven years old and his mother twenty-six. Walter was born on the Slayton homestead — land first settled by his[Read More…]
Town, farmer dispute protection of ancient maples
CALAIS – Doug Lilley has been farming on Lightening Ridge Road in Calais for most of his 82 years. The Lilley Hill Farm where he grew up and still raises beef cattle was one of 50 dairy farms in Calais then. It was the last dairy farm when he stopped[Read More…]
Town meeting days, Feb. 28, Mar. 3
AREA TOWNS – Town meeting day is traditionally held on the first Tuesday of March. Some towns have published and mailed warnings contained in their annual town reports. The following have officially warned town meeting day: WOODBURY– Town meeting day will take place on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the elementary[Read More…]
Three local students named to SNU President’s Lis
MANCHESTER, N.H. – Trystine Brennan-Hess of Greensboro Bend, Chelsea Marcus of Wolcott and Lindsay Brennan of Calais have been named to the Southern New Hampshire University (SNU) Fall 2025 President’s List. The fall terms run from September to December. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of[Read More…]
Year in Review: School closure threatened, Co-op celebrates 90th anniversary
CALAIS, ADAMANT – New and renewed events joined long-time arts and community celebrations as the co-op celebrated its 90th anniversary and the threat of the elementary school closing loomed. Heading into town meeting, town leaders sought to demystify finances with a Town Meeting Primer and budget breakdown, guiding residents through[Read More…]
Elementary school closure vote set for Calais, Worcester, Feb 10
MONTPELIER – The Washington Central Unified Union School Board to recommend closing Calais Elementary School and Worcester’s Doty Memorial School WCUUSB) voted last Wednesday, Dec. 17. The proposed budget, which the board has yet to accept a final revision of, shows a savings of 0.66% and a reduction of 0.89%[Read More…]
Vermont State Police
Violated conditions of release, restraining order MARSHFIELD – On November 18, troopers from the Berlin Barracks responded to a 911 hangup call in the town of Marshfield. Rose Hough was named as a person of interest in a possible domestic argument that took place at the address. Further investigation revealed[Read More…]
