AUGUSTA — Traditionally, people brave frigid temperatures to participate in the “Hands Around the Capitol” rally and march each January in Augusta. The event has been held annually for 47 years since the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion. Participants rally, march and encircle the statehouse to pray that all […]
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 inLetters, Opinion
Scott Roberts: Elect an arsonist, you’ll get an arsonist
I mean, how was I to know that if I gave him the gasoline, empty bottles, rags and matches that he asked for, that he would burn down my house and not just my neighbors? I mean, how would I have known? I couldn’t have, could I? Scott Roberts, Livermore Falls
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Posted inLetters, Opinion
Raymond Tardif: ‘Restoring faith begins at home’
The events of Jan. 6 exemplified the magnitude of distrust in this country. Among the many lines of division, the controversy over November’s presidential election remains front and center. If there’s any chance of reaching common ground, restoring faith begins at home. America’s national elections are conducted on a local level, and are supervised by […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Stan Tetenman: Trump incited insurrection at Capitol
For the past five years Donald Trump has preached bigotry and violence against those who don’t agree with him. He has continued this speech since taking office. On Jan. 6, he incited terrorism and insurrection as he spoke to his supporters for two hours, with the result of them taking over and damaging the Capitol. […]
Posted inConnections
Rotary club supports food pantries through Bridgton library donation
BRIDGTON — The Bridgton-Lakes Region Rotary Club on Dec. 29 contributed $500 to the Friends of the Bridgton Public Library. Rotarian Aaron Hagan, president-elect 2022-23, presented the ceremonial check to Library Director Amy Stone. The library was unable to hold its annual July Book Sale in 2020 due to COVID-19. With the loss of that […]
Posted inConnections
Annual Quit & Win smoking cessation program goes virtual
LEWISTON — Healthy Androscoggin, in partnership with the Dempsey Center, has announced the 22nd annual Quit & Win program. Participants from Maine have the opportunity to win up to $250 in cash and prizes for attending all three classes of the tobacco cessation program. Due to the pandemic, the program will be offered virtually, since […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Dudley Gray: Military bases should not be renamed
The name of a fort indicates a place of honor where soldiers trained, and many later died in battle. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, holds special meaning to the survivors of the 82nd Airborne Division. It is hallowed ground. To change its name dishonors them, because a new name is meaningless. I did my basic training […]
Posted inConnections
Auburn library program to depict seal’s journey
AUBURN — Auburn Public Library will host a program on Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME), going through a seal’s journey, from stranding to release, from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, online via Zoom. The program will start with seal basics, such as whether it’s normal for them to be out of the water […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Mark Wood: Irony of police helping pot owners
Many years ago (1977, I think), I remember reading in this newspaper about a joint task force of drug enforcement agencies that arrested a dozen or more people and confiscated several pounds of marijuana, thousands in cash and other illegal drugs in Lewiston. How pleased everyone was. But, just the other day (Jan. 2), this […]