DEAR SUN SPOTS: I hope you can help me. We have a neighbor who raises beagles. I’ve called the authorities for the past three years about their barking. Apparently they don’t care.

I was told that there is a barking dog ordinance but again they don’t seem to care.

At times the dogs bark for one to two hours straight. The owner doesn’t care how it’s affecting the neighbors. Is there anything that can be done to have peace and quiet here?

I know dogs bark, but there’s at least eight of them and one to two hours of barking is terrible.

Thank you for any help you or your readers can give me. — No Name, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots contacted the animal control officer in your unnamed town and received the following response.

“The majority of towns do have barking dog, or animal noise, ordinances. One of the things most difficult with these cases is not being able to hear the dogs as most people call after they have already stopped.

“In the past I have suggested people place a recorder on a windowsill and leave it there for a few hours, so I am able to hear the barking pattern. If the recorder is moved around while on, there is no way for me to know what is truly happening and makes it impossible to prosecute.

“As with any town employee, there is always a supervisor that can be contacted. In my case it would be the police chief, town manager or board of selectmen — in that order. I would recommend if the person is not happy with the response from their animal control officer, then they should go to a supervisor.”

Sun Spots realizes that it might seem unfair that you have to prove that the dogs are barking, but if your neighbor was accusing you of something, wouldn’t you want the same courtesy?

Neighbors sometimes get into disputes that can escalate, so town officials need to be sure of the facts before they act.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I understand there have been some changes in reapplying for driver’s licenses. Could you please find out what is necessary to have? Thank you so much for all you do. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not know if these rules are new, but here is what you need to do if you are renewing your driver’s license, according to maine.gov/sos/bmv/licenses/renewal.html

1. Document(s) showing proof of your physical address in Maine.

2. Document(s) proving you are a U.S. citizen or are in the country legally.

3. You may be required to have an eye test.

4. If your Social Security number is not on file with the secretary of state, you must provide your Social Security number. If you believe you do not qualify for a Social Security number, you must present an unexpired immigration document, such as an I-94, or a written statement from the Social Security Administration to help us determine your ineligibility.

Acceptable forms of payment for fees are cash, check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Your basic Class C license if you are under 65 is $30 and good for six years. If you are over 65, your license is good for four years and costs $21.

There is a list of locations where you can complete this process at the same website.

You used the word “reapply” instead of renew, which makes Sun Spots wonder if you license has expired. According to maine.gov: “If your license has already expired: You won’t have to retake any tests if you renew any time up to five years after your license expires. After five years, however, you’ll have to retake the driving and written exams.”

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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