DEAR SUN SPOTS: An original Leeds Community Church sign was removed from in front of the Leeds Community Church Clothing Center (Leeds Grange) on the evening of Oct. 31.

This sign is very important to the history of our church, and we would appreciate its return. The sign was to be installed on the Grange to indicate that the clothing center is owned and operated by the Leeds Community Church Deacons and that all proceeds of the clothing center benefit the community through the work of the deacons.

We are hoping that the sign removal my have been a Halloween prank and that it will be returned. We ask that if any of your readers have knowledge of the signs removal or whereabouts, they contact the church (207-524-5572) immediately. We will certainly come pick up the sign at no obligation. Thank you. — shastings@fairpoint.net, 

DEAR SUN SPOT: Thank you for your thorough response to the Electricity Maine customer who reached out to you regarding their renewal letter (Oct. 23). Electricity Maine is always more than happy to talk with any customer who has a question about their account, or with any consumer (including Sun Spots) about electricity choice.

The reason for recent electricity rate increases, as well as those expected this winter, can be difficult for some to understand. We spend a good deal of time talking with consumers, both residential and business, about the root causes of these increases.

In short, our region is dependent upon natural gas for the production of electricity. Due to higher demand of natural gas and New England’s lack of pipeline infrastructure to get the gas to us, electricity rates are going up across much of northern New England.

As a local company based right here in Auburn, with many employees living nearby, we share the same concerns as other Mainers.

Readers of Sun Spots interested in electricity choice are welcomed to contact us at 866-573-2674 or via email at customerservice@ElectricityME.com. Thank you. — Will Fessenden, director of content and media strategy, wfessenden@providerpower.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for one of the reasons to enjoy having a cup of coffee and reading Sun Spots to start the day.

I am a bit confused about part of Question 1. Is a steel trap illegal and does banning steel traps mean the same as illegal? 

There is an ad that says steel traps have been banned for years. If this is so, why are they showing that awful ad of a bear being trapped by one and why was a dog caught in one while walking in the woods? — Nancy, Auburn

ANSWER: On Oct. 29 a column on this topic appeared in the Sun Journal (you can read it at http://tinyurl.com/nnwfw7m).

In this column it says that steel-jaw traps are illegal and that only foot-hold traps are allowed. Other animals besides bears have gotten caught in them. Sun Spots couldn’t find any statistics on how often that happens.

The confusion may arise over the different types of traps that have been used. At one time a trap with sharp edges or teeth in it that cut into the animal were common. The traps used now enclose the foot so the animal can’t get loose, but lack the “jaw” designed to break the skin.

As for banned, it can mean illegal, but there are other uses, such as being banned from a church or a business establishment. If Question 1 passes, this ban would be a law.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Several months ago, a lady named Nelly Robitaille visited my home in Lewiston and made a down payment on a couch I was selling through the Sun Journal’s classified section.

As moving the couch was going to require some additional assistance, Nelly said she would be in touch once she had made arrangements for some transportation support.

A few months have flown by and I subsequently lost her phone number. Attempts to contact her through directory assistance and Facebook proved unsuccessful. If Nelly sees this, please give me a call. 

Thanks to Sun Spots for always being there. — Mark, 207-344-8595

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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