I have been working on design of a new home-based solar power system. Solar has been around for a long time, and the technology has become more user friendly with acceptable cost. I was working online with a large solar power company, using its hardware to come up with a basic system that is compact, […]
Alex Lear
Staff Writer
Alex Lear is a lifelong Mainer who has spent 25 years in journalism -- the first 20 as a reporter for newspapers in Damariscotta and Falmouth, then as Opinions section editor for the Sun Journal and now a digital producer with the Maine Trust for Local News. His long-running “Learics” column won first place in the Maine Press Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest. He and his wife Lauren are kept young by their 9-year-old daughter Alaina. Send feedback and suggestions to Alex.
Rich Lowry: Why Republicans have the upper hand on the border
Negotiations between the White House and congressional Republicans over a package of immigration provisions and new funding for Ukraine have put the border at the center of the political discussion, and the White House is faring poorly.
Crystal Ward: MainePERS retirees need to keep up with inflation, too
Congratulations to all retired in Social Security — their check went up by 3.2% this month. That was the federal government’s COLA (cost of living adjustment), to help retirees fight inflation and be able to pay their bills. Every year Social Security retirees receive a COLA, which is beneficial. It is not that way in the […]
Bernard Haines: Kudos for lifesaving aid rendered in Dec. 19 flood
The evening of Dec. 19, my wife and I were involved in an extreme situation, in which our vehicle was swept into the Androscoggin River. We both had to jump from the sinking vehicle, into the cold and severe waters. We definitely would not have survived if it wasn’t for the courageous acts of nearby […]
Bob Mennealy: Bellows was right to remove Trump from primary ballot
Though I now live in Florida, I’ll always be a Mainer at heart. We still pay taxes in both Auburn and Newry. Kudos to Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows for removing the insurrectionist from Maine’s ballot, at least temporarily. If not abiding by the results isn’t election interference, what is? P.S. Slavery caused the […]
Lewiston food, beverage company offers stock ownership to employees
LEWISTON — Casco Bay Food and Beverage has transitioned its family-owned business into shares held under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, resulting in a 100% employee-owned company. Ted Morton, the company’s founder, approved the decision just before the new year, citing his commitment to the employees, customers and communities that this business has come to […]
Lewiston company recognized for sustainability
LEWISTON — Geiger, a family-owned promotional products distributor, has celebrated a double win in sustainability, with its U.S. and U.K. operations receiving EcoVadis recognitions in 2023. Geiger’s global headquarters in the U.S. achieved a Gold rating for the first time, placing it among the top 5% of companies assessed globally. In June 2023, Geiger’s UK […]
Rich Lowry: The left can’t handle a Trump victory
If 2024 is set to be tumultuous and unpredictable, just wait until 2025 if Donald Trump wins the presidency again later his year.