Dear Sun Spots: I currently use a dial-up service for my computer. I have contacted a number of DSL providers to inquire about faster service but each one has informed me that Verizon owns the lines and will not permit the DSL companies to provide service in my area. I contacted Verizon directly and was told that my house is too far from the necessary terminal (I live off of Pond Road in Lewiston) and they cannot even give me a target date for when DSL service will even be available through their company. Acquiring high-speed service through the cable company isn’t an option. Where can I and other dissatisfied Verizon customers file a complaint to persuade them to provide DSL service to the outskirts of Lewiston? Thank you for your help.- No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: Verizon confirmed that DSL service is unavailable at your residence and stated that service could not be provided to residences more than 13,000 feet from its central office, which yours happens to be. The company also was unable to tell Sun Spots when service would be available. And, apparently, Verizon’s line to your residence currently does not support DSL from other providers, such as Mid-Maine Communications.

Verizon does offer an online notification form at its Web site, www22.verizon.com. Click “Residential – DSL and Internet,” type in your telephone number and click “Go,” and after a few seconds of processing the form will enable you to enter your name and e-mail address for e-mail notification when DSL is available.

In the interim, you could keep your satellite television option and sign up for Adelphia Cable’s high-speed Internet only option. They offer two packages: basic, providing 254kb upload/download speeds for $24.95 per month; and premier, providing 6mb download/768kb upload speeds for $42.95 per month. Contact Adelphia Customer Service at 1-888-683-1000 for more information.

Dear Sun Spots: When is the refrigerated section of the Wal-Mart distribution center in Lewiston or Auburn going to be built and start taking applications for jobs there?

Answer: According to business reporter Carol Coultas, the refrigeration warehouse should be finished in early 2006 and operational later that year, possibly in the springtime. Coultas says Wal-Mart used the CareerCenter at (207) 753-9094 to handle its job applications previously. While the company recently hired for the dry goods warehouse, it’ll have another round of hiring as they get closer to the opening of the refrigeration unit at which point there should be another 250 jobs or so.

Dear Sun Spots: This is in answer to a recent request from a Sun Spots reader requesting homemade baked beans: Governor’s Restaurant, 1185 Lisbon St., Lewiston, (207) 753-0173, would like to add its name to your list. It offers a quart of beans, five red hot dogs, a pint of cole slaw and six homemade rolls at $8.99 for takeout. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Would the lady who bought a basket from me at my yard sale on Skeetfield Road in Oxford Sept. 24, please, please return the comic books. I did not realize they were in the basket when I told you the price. Your honesty will be very much appreciated.

Also, could you please find out who I can get in touch with concerning the Family Dollar Store in South Paris? I was told the manager will be out for a year. The assistant manager was no help. This is in regards to damaged merchandise I bought. Thanks for all your help. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots spoke with the current manager who has just come on board. She recommends you bring in your item and the receipt to the store, and you’ll be taken care of.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].