DEAR SUN SPOTS: Did I read that if you ruin a tire in a pothole the state will pay? — Dan Hallock, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sun Spots didn’t think so, but for an authoritative answer Sun Spots turned to Mark Latti, public information officer for the Maine Department of Transportation. Mark emailed the following:

“State law exempts the state from paying for damages incurred when a car hits a pothole on a state-owned road. State law also exempts municipalities from paying damages as well as long as those potholes are repaired within 24 hours of being reported.

“The reasoning behind the law is that state funds would be better used for maintaining and repairing roads, which benefits everyone, as opposed to compensating individuals.

“Repairing potholes is something that MDOT strives diligently to take care of as quickly and effectively as possible. We have crews ready to be dispatched, and this time of year we inspect roads on a daily basis for potholes. Each year, we spend $2.5 to $3.5 million on pothole repair, using between 8,000 and 10,000 tons of material for repairs.

“If someone does see a pothole, please contact our Scarborough (885-7000) or Augusta (624-8200) regional offices so we can dispatch a crew to repair the pothole.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: This note is to thank you so much for the quick response to my request for the name of the song my wife used to sing many years ago. As I looked at the words of the song you printed in the column, the words jumped out and I remembered them. I choked up a little while reading them. You’ll never know how grateful I am. Can “Today” be found on tape or CD? — R.B.S., Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots is pleased you were pleased. As for a recording, her choice would be John Denver’s version, which is on his album “An Evening with John Denver.” Readers may have other suggestions.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My husband and I would like to thank everyone who donated yarn to us. To date, we have made 22 afghans and nearly 200 hats, also mittens and scarves for the Indian reservations.

A couple of ladies called me from the Lewiston area with yarn, and we never did connect and now I have lost your phone numbers. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

I would also like to thank Sun Spots for doing such a wonderful job. — Penny and Sonny Thomas, [email protected], 778-6757

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am a collector of political campaign buttons, and I was wondering if there is anyone who has the same hobby. If so, perhaps they would like to exchange duplicate buttons with me. — Jean Doherty, Rumford, 364-8409

ANSWER: Many years ago, when she worked for another newspaper, Sun Spots had the sad task of taking over the desk of a deceased colleague. He had been a political writer for many decades and had a huge collection of buttons, bumper stickers and other campaign keepsakes. Sun Spots gave them to her editor to look at, and he threw them away! Sun Spots hopes you have better luck finding someone with whom to share your hobby.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Congregational Church of East Sumner will have its monthly first Saturday supper on April 2 at 5:30 p.m. The meal will be a spaghetti dinner with rolls, salad, cooked veggies and desserts. There will also be raffle items. Donations will benefit the work of the church. For more information, call Paula at 388-2089. — Cynthia Norton, Sumner

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). Please include your phone number. 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 e-mailed to [email protected].