I am writing to support converting the Berlin Subdivision/St. Lawrence and Atlantic rail corridor to a multi-use trail linking Portland and Auburn. The Maine Department of Transportation has recommended holding off on making a decision about how to proceed with this state-owned corridor. Options include removing the rails and building a multipurpose trail for hikers, […]
Alex Lear
A Maine native and Colby College graduate, Alex has been covering coastal communities since 2001. He lives in the Portland area with his wife Lauren, 4-year-old daughter Alaina, and 7-year-old bulldog Walter. He has released four CDs of original music and does occasional research work for Marvel Comics' collected editions.
Sen. Russell Black: Maine’s Broadband Action Plan makes contradictory claims
As our state outlines its initial plan to allocate federal broadband expansion funds, we must be diligent in identifying which Mainers have the greatest need and prioritizing funding towards these regions first. In the initial draft Broadband Action Plan provided by the Maine Connectivity Authority, there are contradictory claims regarding which regions of our state […]
Philip Blampied: Cash toll booths may have become a revenue trap
Small towns along state roads have been notorious for adding to their coffers with speed traps. Now, the Maine Turnpike Authority may be setting up a revenue trap with a new policy at its cash toll booths. Once, if the booth were unattended, drivers got a free pass. Signs would indicate to keep going. Now, […]
Mary Jipson: Swimming pool provides life-saving skills, isn’t a luxury
I am writing in support of the city of Auburn using unspent American Rescue Plan Act funds, fund balance from bond funds and other potential grant funds towards a community pool. I have worked with children and families in this community for more than 30 years at a non-profit that had a pool, as well […]
In rebuttal: Robert Reed: Necessities were more affordable under Trump than Biden
I write in response to Ellen Field’s letter (“Tired of Trump, Trump, Trump,” Aug. 17). Ellen should know that those of us needing to work and pay our own bills while preparing for retirement tend to monitor our finances more closely. From 2017-20 my home heating costs averaged $1,925 a year. In 2022, I saw […]
Bob Neal: The Countryman: What America has lost in 60 years
On Aug. 28, 1963, a quarter of a million people rallied at the Lincoln Memorial for the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” On Wednesday, eight Republicans who would be president debated in Milwaukee. One event displayed accountability, the other its absence.
Central Maine Healthcare nurse receives international DAISY Award
LEWISTON — A Central Maine Medical Center nurse is the recipient of the DAISY Award. Rebecca Fairbanks works at the cardiopulmonary telemetry inpatient department. She also trains nurses and is a preceptor, an experienced practitioner who provides supervision during clinical practice and facilitates the application of theory to practice for students and staff learners. The […]
Orthopedic surgeon joins Franklin Memorial Hospital
FARMINGTON — Dr. Andrew Crapser has joined the Franklin Memorial Hospital medical staff as an orthopedic surgeon. He provides patient care at Franklin Health Orthopedics and performs surgery at the hospital. Crapser was most recently employed at St. Lawrence Health in New York. He specializes in sports injuries, and knee and shoulder arthroscopic and reconstructive […]
Franklin Savings Bank Foundation Grants $51K in local scholarships
Franklin Savings Bank’s Community Development Foundation has this year awarded $51,000 in college scholarships to 21 students from 11 local high schools and four technical centers. Recipients benefited from scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. Scholarships awarded to the area high-schools have been specially designated for students with an inclination towards business-related programs, covering areas […]