Thank you for reporting on the great success RSU 1 has had in assuring that its goal of providing free swim lessons to all third- and fourth-graders can become a reality. As noted in the story in your Jan. 22 edition, the RSU 1 committee appointed by Superintendent William Shuttleworth has raised about 75 percent […]

When I was in high school in the 1960s we were not allowed to wear blue jeans to school. I distinctly remember thinking that when I grew up I was going to wear nothing but. Now I rarely wear jeans at all. I have two new pair in a bottom drawer, but I have never […]

Maine’s economy is in rough shape, and we face challenging issues in the coming months and years. Gov. John Baldacci is nearing the end of his second term. Many – and I mean many – candidates are lining up for the privilege of succeeding him. Given that Maine’s economy faces such daunting challenges, it is […]

Many, many thanks to the two couples, and others, who pulled over on the Interstate 295 Exit 15 ramp in Yarmouth, (even though I waved you off) and got me out of a snow bank after my car spun out. The man who pulled my mini-van out with his truck, I didn’t get your name, […]

I am a fifth-grader. I have noticed a lot of cars idling their engines when they do not need to in my town. It bothers me that people would just leave their cars on when they are not using them. I am telling you about this because it’s not only bad for the environment, people […]

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Freeport, Durham, Pownal, Brunswick and Yarmouth fire departments for the incredible job they did in putting down the fire in our garage and saving our house on Sunday, Jan. 10. That was mutual aid at its finest. We would also like to thank […]

Very ironic that in a city where so many people are concerned with pedestrian safety issues and where the city itself touts it’s walkability that the Portland snowplows still see fit to plow snow from the streets onto the sidewalks. By city ordinance all property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the […]

Just when you thought it was safe to do business again with FairPoint Communications, the telecommunications midget threatens to cut the Internet connections of 20,000 Great Works Internet customers. GWI is my Internet service provider and I couldn’t be happier with their service. And FairPoint has been nothing but trouble for Maine (and New Hampshire […]

In my work, it always is a challenge to remain focused on ideas, voting records and data. Providing information about legislation and its consequences allows readers or the audiences I address to arrive at their own conclusions. I try to be balanced but, I don’t always succeed. This is one of those moments. Libby Mitchell, […]

Courtney was a dropout. Recently, she received notification of her college acceptance – and she will graduate from Portland High School in June. Quite a turnaround for a young woman who did not look like she was going to make it through high school, much less be accepted to college. Never give up! Courtney was […]