DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have been having a heated discussion about Cumberland County residents having to pay $18.50 for state inspection stickers while all other counties pay $12.50. I know it is because of the emissions check they do on our vehicles and that is why we have an “E” in our sticker to show we are legally inspected.

What I want to know is why this continues just for Cumberland County and none of the other counties?

Also, would there be a fine to inspection stations in other counties if they put their stickers (without the “E”) on Cumberland County vehicles? They know where we live by our registration. Thank you. — Lucretia via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots did not find one single fine for falsifying safety stickers but rather a range of possibilities. But she sees the fine as kind of irrelevant, because even if the fine is nominal, why would any tester risk violating the law and losing his shop’s credentials as an inspection station to earn a $12.50 inspection fee? 

She supposes that some shops might not notice the address on the registration or be aware of what towns are in what county, but it’s still illegal.

There are probably ways to get around the emissions test, which Sun Spots guesses your vehicle won’t pass, but it wouldn’t be ethical for her to recommend illegal actions.

As for the laws varying from county to county, that is not unusual. As with anyone who is unhappy with a regulation, you could launch a campaign to overturn it, but that will take a while even if you succeeded. Meanwhile, you’d still need your car.

Sun Spots is sorry she does not have any good suggestions for your situation.  

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Just wanted to let you know that there are three more organ repair technicians you might want to add to your file:

* Keith Clark, Burke, Vt., 603-759-5814, comes to this area quite often.

* Nick Orso, Portland, 207-774-2702

* Bob Osgood, Holden, 207-989-6094 or 888-749-9200

They are all excellent and have been doing it for quite some time. They all cover the whole state.— Paul Mercier via email

ANSWER: Thank you for letting Sun Spots know! She’s struggled finding organ repairmen for a while now.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are seeking relatives of Christiana Emma Atchinson (maiden name Dunham).

We have in our possession Christiana’s yearbooks from Edward Little and the University of Maine at Farmington. We would like to give them to her relatives. If we do not hear from Christiana’s relatives, we will donate the yearbooks to the Androscoggin Historical Society.

We once owned the Atchinsons’ former home at 154 Broadview Ave. in Auburn. We found the yearbooks in the garage. Thank you. — Anthony and Terri Blasi, 784-0058, tblasi@roadrunner.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have drawn a blank in my limited research once again and turn to the great and wise Sun Spots.

I have come across a small scrapbook, not very old as they go, mid-1900s, but quite charming, with many references to Colonial topics, gardening, and antiques. I expect it may have some sentimental meaning to someone or some family.

The only identifying clues: D. Stevens, Lake Auburn Farm, though there are references to many other people, mostly and sadly in obituaries.

Is there still a Lake Auburn Farm or family member who would be interested? Feel free to call if there is some connection: 946-5049.

Thank you and best wishes. — No Name via email

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