DEAR SUN SPOTS: We frequently drive out to Range State Park in Poland from Auburn. We take Hotel Road and then turn at the road that the airport is on. Where the bridge is on Hotel Road and again where the railroad tracks are near the airport is a horrible smell.

We don’t know how the people that live there can stand it. Do you have any resources who know what the cause is? It reminds me of when the Androscoggin River used to be so polluted that you could smell it for miles. Thank you. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots asked several people around the newsroom, inquired with her contact at the city of Auburn and called the airport. Everyone had a different opinion. 

The man at the airport said he thinks its the dairy/cattle farm due west of the airport.

A reporter said it’s some kind of petroleum smell, and another employee wondered if the Virgin Pulp plant on Lewiston Junction Road is the source.

The city employee is looking into it, but had no idea.

They all agreed on one thing: The smell comes and goes, depending on wind, etc.

Readers, what do you know about it?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Your information is a big help for everyone. Keep up the good work.

This is just to mention to Sun Journal readers to not forget to return the plastic bags that the daily paper comes in when it’s placed in our SJ boxes.

I found that sometimes the plastic bags I place in the SJ box are not picked up but pushed back when the paper is pushed in. This may be because it’s still dark outside and the carrier can’t see the bags in the paper tube.

So to insure the bags do not blow away, we have installed a large eye screw in the wood. This way we can place up to 15 bags and run them though the large “O” at the end of the screw and they can be seen and will not blow away.

All the delivery person has to do is pull on one end and they come right out. This saves money and helps the paper deliverer. I understand he or she pays for the bags? — Faithful readers via email

ANSWER: You are correct. The carriers, who are independent contractors, do have to buy the bags.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For C.G. in Lewiston (Aug. 28), “Dr. Phil” has changed channels. He will be coming on in September on Channel 13. — Mary, Rumford

DEAR SUN SPOTS: “Dr Phil” is moving this fall to 3 p.m. on Channel 13 (CBS). “Dr Oz” will move to 9 a.m. on CBS. — Pat Malcolm, [email protected]

ANSWER: Thanks to Mary and Pat for their help. Sun Spots forgot to look for any channel change on the websites she found. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Congregational Church of East Sumner is in need of community support for its sixth annual Harvest Day and “Barn” Sale in the church yard from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27. The church is at 50 Main St. (Route 219) in Sumner.

If anyone is cleaning out their barn/attic/garage and is looking for a worthy organization to donate to, please consider us and contact Linda at 388-2263.

We will also have limited space for local crafters (no fee for table space). They can contact Merriel at [email protected] by Sept. 15.

For the second year we are collecting blankets of any size and winter clothing for the children of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

Thank you for your assistance with local causes. — Cynthia Norton, Sumner, [email protected] 

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].