WEST PARIS —The First Universalist Church of West Paris holds services at 9 a.m. Sundays while observing the safety practices of wearing masks and social distancing. The congregation is not singing during the hymns, but music is being provided by Tom Coolidge. Service topics are as follows: Nov. 1: “Let Us Never Forget” led by […]
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
Oxford County Spirit of America Award winners announced
SOUTH PARIS — The Oxford County Commissioners recognize groups and individuals for their exceptional volunteer work within the county. The commissioners normally honor the Spirit of America award recipients in person, but this year due to COVID-19, the certificates will be mailed. This years’ winners will also be invited to attend the 2021 ceremony. The following […]
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Posted inLetters, Opinion
Austin Dumont: Time for new U.S. Senate leadership
Susan Collins was an independent leader, serving the best interests of Maine. In recognition, Mainers rewarded her with an overwhelming victory in 2014. However, a lot has changed since then. On the key votes, she stands with Mitch McConnell and President Trump. She supported Trump’s tax cut plan, of which 40% went to the richest […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Cindy Elias: The facts back Rep. Sheats’ reelection
I have seen a disturbing amount of outside negative advertising in the House District 64 race. I urge all voters to get facts about both candidates from credible sources: for example, the Maine Ethics Commission has thorough, accurate information about campaign finances. Rep. Bettyann Sheats has publicly denounced these negative ads. She stands ready, as […]
Posted inCommunity, Connections
Community briefs for Thursday, Oct. 29
Halloween Walk to change to drive-thru event DIXFIELD — The area Halloween Walk that is usually on Weld Street will be a drive-thru event from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Mountain View Campground. Perpetual Holy Rosary to be recited with prayers for election LEWISTON — The month of October is dedicated […]
Posted inConnections
Area parishes to commemorate All Souls’ Day
PORTLAND — On All Souls’ Day, also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, Catholic Church parishioners pray for the souls of those who have died and are still in purgatory being prepared for eternal life in heaven. Parishioners believe they can help those souls in purgatory through prayers. Several area parishes are […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Mark Rains: Support for Jan Collins
Maine Legislative Republicans missed two important points when they stated they would “not support an open-ended session that fails to focus on amending the governor’s emergency powers.” First, states doing the best at keeping citizens safe and economies healthy (Maine is among the leaders) are the ones that are guided by their public health departments […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Nancy Greene: Gideon would bring balance to Washington
I will be very honest: One of the major reasons I’m voting for Sara Gideon for the U.S. Senate is my concern about a Trump victory. If he wins and Republicans hold the Senate, the U.S. Constitution simply cannot withstand another four years with an unbalanced president, joined by Mitch McConnell and followers. While she […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Katie Kephart: Libby is good for health care
My baby has a rare genetic condition that affects only one in 32,000 people. Only two hospitals in the entire United States research it. Before telehealth became available because of COVID-19, he spent 80% of his life admitted to hospitals or traveling to distant appointments. Travel cancelled because of extreme weather had severe consequences for […]