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
James Cogan: Courting justice amid Barrett confirmation
In the midst of the campaign and the push to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, we’re hearing again the term “originalism.” Some modern historical context: in 1971 tobacco lawyer Lewis Powell, soon appointed by Nixon to the Supreme Court, wrote a memo warning of the court trend protecting the civil rights of […]
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Posted inLetters, Opinion
Shanti JV Rausch: Missing dear sister, Cheryl
Tears flow frequently now, as my dear sister, Cheryl, will be laid to rest in the family plot in Castine on Oct. 11. On May 17, her birthday, we chatted on the phone, as she was cheerfully adjusting well to an assisted living home, enjoying birthday gifts, watching spring birds, making new friends and staff […]
Posted inConnections
Androscoggin Historical Society receives artifacts from Ne-Do-Ba
AUBURN — Ne-Do-Ba and the Androscoggin Historical Society announce the donation of artifacts and archives from Ne-Do-Ba. Ne-Do-Ba is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1997 by Nancy Lecompte, who has published under the pen name of Canyon Wolf. Ne-Do-Ba, which means “friends” in the Abenaki language, is dedicated to researching and disseminating the history of […]
Posted inConnections
Community to celebrate Audrey Estes Day at Knight House
AUBURN — The community is invited to celebrate Miss Audrey Estes’ birthday from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at an “Open House and Storytellers” at Knight House, located at the end of the Riverwalk and West Pitch Park. Estes was children’s librarian at the Auburn Public Library from the mid 1960s to the […]
Posted inConnections
‘Box of Joy’ program in Norway, Bridgton to help children in need
NORWAY — Parishioners and community members are encouraged to support a program that will help provide shoe boxes full of gifts to mission children in South America who have never received Christmas presents before. “Box of Joy” invites generosity through boxes filled with small toys, school supplies and hygiene items. To participate, individuals and families […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Margaret Meyer: ‘Time for a change’ from Sen. Collins
I keep seeing negative ads against Sara Gideon by the 1820 PAC (Political Action Committee). Who are they? To better my understanding, I did a little research on some of the top donors to the 1820 PAC. Donors include: Citadell, LLC ($1,000,000), owner Ken Griffith (Illinois); John Malone ($500,000), (Colorado); Oberndorf Enterprises ($250,000), owner William […]
Posted inConnections
Oxford County Register of Big Trees adds champion trees
BETHEL — The Oxford County Register of Big Trees has announced Oxford County’s newest champion — a balsam poplar, or for those familiar with the works of local author C.A. Stephens, a Balm of Gilead. Located at the home of Scott and Michele Cole, the tree is 105 feet tall, 194 inches in circumference and […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Ted Jones: Taxes are too tough on seniors
It has been a long time since I took pen in hand to write anything other than a special occasion letter or card. I believe it is time for local, state and federal government to take another look at senior survival. At 60 or so years you take a look at your personal savings, investments […]