In Freeport, patrons of our library are saddened by the retirement of two extraordinary librarians, Vicki Lowe and Elaine Schmidt. What most do not know is that neither librarian planned or wanted to retire, but only did so because the Town Council was cutting two of the seven full-time positions in the library. These were […]

An ad commenting on Falmouth schools was placed in last week’s newspaper by Michael Doyle. Please allow us to set the record straight: Mr. Doyle alleges that Falmouth has the highest paid teachers in the state. Fact: While competitive, Falmouth is simply not the leader in the state, nor will the new contract change that […]

UNITED NATIONS – Many of the world’s plants and animals — and the wild places that support them — are at risk of collapse, a U.N. report finds, despite a global goal set in 2002 for major improvement by this year. Frogs and other amphibians are most at risk of extinction, coral reefs are the […]

The prime minister accepts the blame for the Labour Party’s loss of 91 seats in last week’s election.

This was going to be a column about the June elections and deadlines for campaign letters to the editor. It still is. But now it’s about cancer, too. Two weeks ago, our staff writer Randy Billings found out the nagging pain he had in his chest was caused by lymphoma. In an instant, Randy’s life […]

Somewhere, perhaps in one of his elegant short stories, John Updike likened knowing a flower without knowing its name to knowing a married sister who has changed her name. Like so many things I once knew so well, I can’t find the passage now that I need it, now that my girls are changing their […]

It is a pleasure to endorse Bonny Rodden for Falmouth Town Council. She has maintained mass transit for the citizens of Falmouth and has forged a compromise ordinance that protects Falmouth’s natural resources while respecting property owners’ rights. Having said that, there is one point above all else that drew me to this endorsement: her […]

Negative campaign ads in Maine are often controversial, as they may insult our collective self-image as a state of fair play. The recent attack ad on Les Otten by Bruce Poliquin hits a new low, not necessarily in politics but in grammar. Fewer of us seem capable of distinguishing between “less jobs” and fewer jobs. […]

Chris Murry Jr. has been a loyal and honest friend since I met him nine years ago. Chris grew up in the Falmouth school system and served as the student representative on the School Board when we were in high school together. He took his position seriously and contributed heavily. And I know that if […]

As an observer of recent debates and advertising supporting gubernatorial candidates, I can’t help but be impressed with their willingness to commit time and energy to public service. It says a lot for Maine that we can field such a strong set of candidates. I have also found it more and more essential to look […]