DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you advise on what a citizen should do if he/she witnesses an obvious drug deal being transacted on public property within the Twin Cities? Just ignore it, or is this something that the police would like a heads-up on? — Curious via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots posed this query to representatives from both cities. Sgt. David Chick, the inspector of police for the Lewiston Police Department, wrote that:

“It is the duty of every citizen in a lawful society to report offenses of law which are observed and to be a good witness, which provides accurate details that allow for proper follow-up to assist the efforts of dissuading that activity.

“There are some people who will extend themselves to engage another person violating the law: it is not our general recommendation to do that.

“Most crimes require either an eyewitness or enough information to substantiate law enforcement the ability to develop probable cause based upon articulable suspicions; sometimes information being supplied alerts enough so that an independent observation can be made by a law enforcement officer following up on a source requesting to remain anonymous, and appropriate action can be taken.

“We encourage people to report what they perceive to be criminal violations.

For Auburn, Police Planner Liz Allen said:

“The Auburn Police Department always wants to hear about illegal activity. Citizens can dial 9-1-1, but if they are uncomfortable doing that, there are other ways to let us know what’s going on.

“Our Citizen Online Reporting System (CORS) is a quick and easy way to share info with the APD. There are many different kinds of reports that can be filed, including harassment, identity theft, animal issues, crime tips and more. There is even an anonymous tip option for folks who do not wish to give their identity.

“The MyPD app is a great way for smartphone users to connect with us. Citizens can download this handy app, set APD as their agency, and then file reports, commend an officer, get directions, contact staff and more.

“RAIDS online is a good way for citizens to share information on a specific crime. This crime mapping website shows all crime in Auburn and allows individuals to click on a submit an anonymous tip by clicking on a particular incident.

“Visit www.auburnpd.com for CORS and crime mapping.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Good day to you! I am trying to locate the contact person and phone number for the annual balloon festival for Lewiston and Auburn.

My bucket list includes getting a hot air balloon ride sometime. I understand some of the participants provide rides. I think this is coordinated through a central person involved with the festival?

What are the dates for it this year? Can you give me some help on this ? — Herb Somers, South Paris, [email protected]

ANSWER: You can find out everything you need to know about the 22nd annual Great Falls Balloon Festival at www.greatfallsballoonfestival.org. This year’s event will be Aug. 15 to 17.

As for rides, this information is also on the website:

“Balloon rides are available for five launches throughout the weekend. Morning flights launch at 6 a.m. and evening flights lift off at 6 p.m.

“All balloon rides are free-flying and go where the wind takes them. Balloons range in size from two to 10 passengers. … At the end of each balloon ride, there will be a champagne toast to celebrate your adventure.

“The earlier you book, the better the selection.”

The rides are $200 and are available Friday, Aug. 15 (evening launch), Saturday, Aug. 16 (morning and evening launch) and Sunday, Aug. 17 (morning and evening launch).

You can download a passenger ride application form at http://tinyurl.com/od9n99j or pick up one in person at Ness Oil, 249 Washington St., Auburn (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday) or at Reeder Chiropractic, 625 Main St., Lewiston (7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday).

Sun Spots did not find a phone number, but there is a contact form for questions at www.greatfallsballoonfestival.org/contact-us/.

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 [email protected].