SABATTUS — The Harry J. Conway Post 135, American Legion, recently hosted a posthumous Silver Star Award presentation for George Laplante. The event was coordinated by Sen. Susan Collins and hosted by Post Commander Joseph Michaud, who read the Silver Star Medal narrative. They were assisted by Col. Andrew Gibson, chaplain, Maine Army National Guard, […]
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.
Pink Feather Foundation VP explains program for Rotarians
NORWAY — Vice President and co-founder of Pink Feather Foundation Jen Kyllonen addressed the Rotary Club of Oxford Hills recently, sharing her passion for the program and giving the history of the organization. Kyllonen said it is a teachers’ outreach program to provide “clothing to Maine’s students with dignity.” Teachers can go to foundation website […]
Camille Parrish: A ‘reliable, steady hand’ in Senate
Ned Claxton represents the best in a state senator (District 20). During the pandemic, Ned has continued to work countless hours to make sure that people/businesses have had access to loan forgiveness and that unemployed people are able to receive their benefits. These efforts are helping sustain businesses and individuals during this time of economic […]
Jan O’Brien: Rep. Handy ‘a proven leader’ for Lewiston
Never has it been more important to re-elect Rep. Jim Handy to the Maine House of Representatives (District 58). He has been one of the most effective legislators Lewiston has ever elected. He is not extreme in his views, and he always puts Lewiston first. Voters in Lewiston have a choice for state representative: to […]
Community briefs for Wednesday, Oct. 21
Drive-thru supper to benefit Seminarian Fund LEWISTON — In an effort to support men discerning the Lord’s call to the priesthood, Holy Family Council 10019, Knights of Columbus, will host a special drive-thru supper from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, in the parking lot of Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus St. All proceeds […]
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 […]