I am a retired teacher and a grandmother. I recently testified against a bill that would allow teachers to be armed in school (LD 52) and another that would allow individuals with a concealed weapons permit to carry in schools (LD 1557). Bringing a loaded weapon into a school setting is a disaster waiting to […]
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.
Phyllis Rand: June 19 is both Juneteenth and World Sickle Cell Day
June 19 is Juneteenth, a national holiday commemorating the end of American slavery. It is also World Sickle Cell Day. For me, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and the challenges patients face while battling the chronic condition. Through blood donation, I discovered that I was a match for patients living […]
Christine Henson: Veterans homes offer award-winning care, don’t ‘warehouse’ residents
Maine Veterans’ Homes gratefully acknowledges the Western Maine Veterans Advisory Committee’s role in enriching residents’ lives through their volunteer support of activities organized on behalf of our veterans during the past several years. An important misnomer bearing correction, however, is the suggestion that at any point during the past three years our residents have been […]
Milagros Sanchez: LD 199: Restoring health care access and well-being of all Mainers
There are countless Mainers who face insurmountable barriers in accessing essential health care, but one bill — L.D. 199 — can restore MaineCare coverage for all individuals in our state. It is time to ensure that all Mainers receive the vital care they need, regardless of immigration status. When COVID-19 hit, we sought solace in […]
Larry Gilbert Sr.: Harmon offers ‘breath of fresh air’ for Auburn
I applaud Jeff Harmon’s decision to run for mayor of Auburn. He would be a breath of fresh air for the city. I’ve known Jeff going back to our law enforcement days when he was deputy chief of the Maine State Police. He is bright, has high moral character and is a true public servant. […]
Paul Poliquin: Sheline deserves re-election as Lewiston’s mayor
The people of Lewiston are very fortunate to have a dedicated person who cares for our city, our community. With a proven track record, Mayor Carl Sheline is invested in Lewiston. He is a businessman and also owns property in our community. Carl has been a great ambassador for Lewiston, especially keeping us aware of […]
Bob Neal: The Countryman: Putting first things first, finally
Houston, a blue city in a red state, may demonstrate the most common sense of all. If people need houses, build houses. It’s called “Housing First.” The other aspects of homelessness can be dealt with after you get people off the street.
Lewiston/Auburn native joins local law firm
LEWISTON — Grady Burns has joined the law firm of Skelton Taintor & Abbott as an associate attorney. A lifelong member of the Lewiston-Auburn community and former Auburn city councilor, Burns is bringing his practice to Lewiston after spending several years at a large firm in Portland. He attended the University of Maine at Farmington […]
Community college offers free summer trainings
AUBURN — The Center for Workforce and Professional Development at Central Maine Community College is offering two free trainings starting this month. June 13 to Aug. 10: Refrigeration 608, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. Upon completion, students will be able to identify the components and explain the application and operation of the basic refrigeration […]