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.
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 […]
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 […]
Sandy Paine: Praise for Bates athletes keeping safe
It was disappointing to read the Oct. 12 article about the Bates students being sent home for not following COVID-19 protocols. However, I’d like to give a shout out to the Bates boys and girls cross country teams and coaches for wearing masks while training. My husband and I have come across them training several […]
Mike Twitchell: Vote Rick Bennett for Maine Senate
I’m a former three-term Norway selectman and lifelong drywaller, and have known Rick Bennett for many years. He has served in the House and the Senate, and is knowledgeable, honest, and a public servant. If Rick can help you, he will. Rick will listen to what you have to say. That is why I am […]
Bonnie Shulman: Sen. Claxton ‘a breath of fresh air’
I don’t often (ever?) write letters in support of political candidates. But I am moved to do so by the candidacy of Ned Claxton for state Senate District 20. He is such a breath of fresh air in this contentious environment — he actually listens to people, rises above partisan bickering, and has the skills […]