During recent meetings, the select board of Sangerville has discussed the possibility of giving up on the historic town hall in favor of building a new, smaller facility for town government. It seems that the present town hall is in need of extensive repairs which will be costly for the residents. While the board is to be complimented on their efforts to save money for the citizens of Sangerville, the bottom dollar should not always be the driving force behind a decision of this magnitude. There are other perspectives about the town hall and its future that should be explored.

Our national bird, the American Bald Eagle, has been getting its fair share of media attention lately. Maine Game Wardens are still investigating the illegal shooting of one of our national symbols in western Maine. And, in a soon-to-be released story in the April issue of the Northwoods Sporting Journal, columnist and USFWS wildlife biologist Mark McCollough writes a most fascinating article about the eventual fate of a 36-year-old state resident bald eagle that had to be euthanized by wildlife officials.

Spectators gathered at the finish line at Lonesome Pine Trails in Fort Kent to cheer on mushers as they arrived at the end of their 30-mile trek through Fort Kent at the Can-Am Sled Dog Races on Feb. 29. Race winner was racer No. 25 Rico Portalatin of Milo with a time of 2:24:11; second place, No. 2 Julie Albert with a time of 2:49:19; and third place, No. 24, Alexander Theriault with a time of 2:52:21. 

Valley Grange of Guilford is sponsoring a blanket-making event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 28 and volunteers are needed. Organizer Pat Engstrom notes “no sewing skills are needed. If you can measure, cut a straight line with scissors and tie a simple knot you can become a ‘blanketeer’ and help support Project Linus.”

At 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11 at The Commons at Central Hall, NAMI Piscataquis County will host a video presentation entitled, “Meditation and Prayer: How Spiritual Practices Can Be Powerful Tools to Overcome Depression and Anxiety.”

At 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, Chris Clukey, MA, CCC-A, certified audiologist from Dover Audiology, will speak at the Dexter Age-Friendly Tea Talks at Gatherings 4 Maine Street.

In Maine, our natural resources are the foundation of our culture, our heritage, and passion -- and for many of us, the reason for choosing to live here. Likewise, the land base that supports our farming and fishing industries brings innumerable benefits to our everyday lives and our economy.

All season long, Dexter imposed its defensive will on opponents while earning the regional title. On Saturday night Feb. 29 it was the Tigers who fell victim to a cohesive Winthrop defense, one that also sparked the Ramblers’ transition attack.

A number of winter sports athletes from across the region received postseason recognition from the Penobscot Valley Conference (PVC).

Greenville High School senior forward Halle Pelletier knew she had to play well if the Lakers were going to upset defending two-time state Class D champ Southern Aroostook of Dyer Brook in Saturday, Feb. 29’s rematch of last year’s final. And she certainly came through.