Lisa Lisius: Vote for Democrats to support health care

As a registered nurse for 38 years, I have seen both the successes and failures of our health care system. Emergency treatment for people having a stroke or heart attack not only saves lives but also avoids long-term disability. In contrast, many people with chronic illness or disease are unable to get necessary treatment because […]

Long-time volunteer at Maine Veterans’ Home in Paris retires at age 89

RUMFORD — John Kezal, 89, has been honored for nearly two decades of dedicated service to the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris. Due to COVID-19, the veterans’ home staff was not able to thank Kezal in person. Instead, he received a plaque and clock through the mail for his outstanding commitment to veterans. Kezal […]

Dori Burnham: Keep Ackley as House District 82 rep

I met Kent Ackley when he played the fiddle at a church supper. We see each other around town, and I always bend his ear. We don’t always agree, but he listens. Augusta is where our representatives meet to solve Maine problems, not engage in political posturing. Local problems need common sense solutions; this is […]

Food for Thought to consider benefits of cannabis at session

LEWISTON — The University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn Senior College will present a Food for Thought discussion on cannabis at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. Joel Buckman has done classes and short workshops on the medical aspects of cannabis in the past. He will discuss the benefits of cannabis, specifically for senior citizens. The session […]

Cartoon for Tuesday, Oct. 20

Recreation challenge donates $6,500 to Western Maine food pantries

NORWAY — People across the Oxford Hills, greater Bethel and the River Valley areas completed more than 700 outdoor activities to earn $6,500 in donations to local food pantries as part of the Second Nature Adventure Challenge that wrapped up on Oct. 12. Developed by the Maine West initiative, the program challenged people in northern […]

Malcolm Gill: Patrick will bring ‘strong work ethic’ to Augusta

John Patrick has been a driving force behind the representations in Augusta of northern Oxford County towns for the last quarter century, and especially District 115, representing his hometown of Rumford, and Roxbury, Sumner, Woodstock and Milton Township. This experience in Augusta makes him the best candidate to represent District 115. John understands the struggles […]

Rich Lowry: Confirmation hearings shouldn’t be so worthless

Amy Coney Barrett acquitted herself very well at her confirmation hearings, which means, quite often, she refused to answer questions. Barrett is an exemplary nominee, who was knowledgeable, clear and composed throughout the three days of questioning, but not always responsive. She can’t be blamed for this. She played the game as the rules have […]

Rumford calendars available

Community health challenges to be discussed in dialogue

AUGUSTA — The University of Maine Augusta will hold a Health Equity Dialogue from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, as a virtual panel and round table discussion. Health equity is the justice principle that everyone should have an equal opportunity to achieve health. The goal of the Health Equity Dialogues is to convene […]