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.
Posted inBusiness, Noteworthy
U-Haul services open in Monmouth
NORTH MONMOUTH — Gene’s Auto Repair & Sales signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the North Monmouth community. The business at 1088 U.S. Route 202 will offer services such as U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, support rental items and pre-tow inspection. Normal business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through […]
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Posted inBusiness, Noteworthy
Franklin Health Behavioral Services adds 2 psychiatrists
FARMINGTON — Franklin Health Behavioral Services has two new psychiatrists, Dr. Michaela Moden and Dr. Ryan Robinson. Their expertise and commitment to advancing behavioral health care will support the practice’s mission of providing high-quality mental health services to its community, according to a MaineHealth news release. Moden, a graduate of the University of Texas Southwestern […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Jason Bishop: Disparity in drug sentences show how justice system is broken
I am responding to the Nov. 7 article about the mother who was responsible for her 14-month-old son dying from a fentanyl overdose. I am outraged that this woman only has to serve four years. I was arrested with 1.7 grams of cocaine base and had to serve five years in Maine State Prison. This […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Steven Westra: Action, not excuses, needed on assault gun control
In response to a recent letter to the editor I submitted (“Pro-gun politicians should spend time with crisis dogs,” Nov. 12), someone reached out to inform me the problem is the shooter, not the “tool.” I agree. Whether you define the shooter as mentally ill, having no heart or evil, an assault weapon must have […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Ira Bittues: Vote Sheline in Dec. 12 runoff
On Election Day I was relieved to see that we, the voters in Lewiston, had elected city councilors to replace the four who were having backroom meetings. We don’t need deals being made that are not open to the public and the entire council. Mayor Carl Sheline had a good showing on Election Day, but […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Rich Lowry: Trump’s immigration policy is a necessary corrective
Donald Trump is formulating his plans at a time when we’re experiencing a crisis at the border and witnessing an unprecedented surge of illegal immigrants into the country because the Biden administration refuses to enforce the law.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Paul Poliquin: Vote early to reelect Sheline
Now is the time to vote, to reelect Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline. Mayor Sheline has been an ambassador for the city. Poor weather conditions could have an impact the Dec. 12 mayor’s runoff election. I hope residents join me and vote absentee ballot, or vote now in person. They shouldn’t wait. Paul Poliquin, Lewiston, former […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Kathleen Szostek: ‘Banning books’ narrative in schools is ‘dead wrong’
The “banning books” narrative nationwide in regard to explicit sexual content in schools is dead wrong. What is the purpose of public schools? Why do parents send their children? There are many answers: to learn basic skills (reading, writing, arithmetic), to learn to think critically, for success in work and life, to enhance good citizenship. […]