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 inConnections
Grants available from Hollis Brain Foundation Fund
ELLSWORTH — Grants to nonprofit organizations that serve disadvantaged, underserved and/or vulnerable communities in Maine are available from the Frances Hollis Brain Foundation Fund of the Maine Community Foundation. The fund awards grants to nonprofits that focus on individuals who live in Greater Portland, Lewiston/Auburn, Bath/Brunswick and Biddeford/Saco/Sanford, or to organizations with a statewide mission […]
advertisement
Posted inConnections
Maine Catholic Women’s Conference moves online
PORTLAND — Due to the pandemic, the Maine Catholic Women’s Conference will not be held in-person for the second consecutive year. The event will move online from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 20, when a virtual gathering will be held for all Maine Catholic women to participate in faith-sustaining prayer, reflection and conversation. The […]
Posted inCommunity, Connections
Mt. Blue High School lists second-quarter honors
FARMINGTON — Mt. Blue High School has announced its second-quarter honor roll for the 2020-21 academic year. Highest Honors Madison Allen, Magnus Augustin, Carley Austin, Brittany Bailey, Cole Baker, Scott Barber, Abigail Bartlett, Calvin Beale, Ashton Beaudoin, Mason Biello, Allison Blauvelt, Levi Bogar, Luke Brown, Kelsie Butterfield, Elsie Campbell, Jenna Campbell, Jacob Caton, Hope Chernesky, […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Leonard Pitts Jr.: America spends lot of time trying to kill Democracy
One is alarmed, but not surprised, by a new report from The Brennan Center For Justice, that lawmakers in 43 states are considering some 253 bills to restrict voting rights.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Paul Baribault: McConnell’s speech a counterpoint to Trump
A 7-foot golden statue of the Conservative Political Action Conference’s featured speaker captured the spotlight at the Republican conference last week, dressed in American flag clothing. What’s below was not the speech he gave. “January 6th was a disgrace. American citizens attacked their own government. They used terrorism to stop a specific piece of democratic […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Will and Emily Franson Jones: Gratitude for house fire rescue attempt
It is nice to know there are good Samaritans among us. The two local men who stopped early Saturday morning to call 911 and render assistance when they saw a house fire on Clover Mill Road in Farmington are such people. It is fitting that Seth Harris and Iaian Stross-Perham be recognized for their heroic […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Marty Roop: Kudos for Golden crossing party lines
This letter concerns the Sun Journal’s Feb. 26 story about Rep. Golden and the military veteran congressional members of both parties. This was the most positive news I’ve seen out of Congress in years. Regardless of their political philosophy they meet, discuss and listen to each other, and hopefully they will be able to exert […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Heather Daggett: Paris mask talks needed public input
For the town of Paris to pass an anti-mask mandate without any prior notification, so that those of us who live here and pay taxes can give our input, is concerning. I’ve heard a lot in the news about other towns trying to pass this and causing controversy, and then Paris does so with no […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Cal Thomas: Trump reloaded
There was plenty to like in Trump’s address, but as usual he stepped on good issues by returning to conspiracy theories and charges that the election was stolen from him. It is why Republicans in four years might choose someone who embraces Trump’s policies, but who has a different personality.