ixteen years ago, the last time a governor-initiated group attempted to better understand a growing ATV community in the state, the machines that riders were taking into the woods were small, light and mobile. That’s not the case anymore. And that’s why an ATV task force formed by Maine Gov. Janet Mills is tackling a new slate of ATV issues related to bigger, wider and heavier machines that have simply outgrown the existing ATV trail system.

On Saturday, Sept. 21 Hippy Chick Natural Solutions will celebrate the grand opening of McAllister,’s newest endeavor “The Pineapple Boutique,” a bakery-style shop carrying items such as hemp-infused teas and cocoa, cookies, scones, muffins and breads as well as a number of frozen infused meals like perogies, stews and casseroles and apple-crisp. The boutique will also carry non-food items such as salves, soaps, bath bombs, infused elderberry syrup and more.

Michael and Wendy Denney, innkeepers at the Guilford Bed and Breakfast, will host a harvest-themed Chamber Business After-Hours from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19. Business After Hours events are gatherings designed to give member businesses the opportunity to open their doors to surrounding business owners that may not otherwise visit, for a night of casual networking and socializing.

On Wednesday, Sept. 11 the state board of education will meet at Brunswick High School to be updated and possibly approve changes to the rules of Chapter 115 “The Credentialing of Educational Personnel.”

Aroostook County has always had an allure for me. Not just because of the great trout fishing, of which my family and I have partaken often over the years, but for many other reasons, too.

Lobsters, giant fish, snapping turtles and sunken ships. Maine’s underwater world is filled with wonders, according to those who snorkel. A niche activity in the Northeast, snorkeling is fairly easy to learn. The equipment required -- a mask, snorkel and fins -- is inexpensive and low tech. And given the region’s numerous lakes, rivers and ocean coves, there are many places to explore.

Today, let’s take a deep breath, appreciate what we have, and reflect on how quickly everything could change. Perhaps we go out in the morning, walk into our back field for a bit of exercise, or to cut some wood, or to dig around for some gemstones that we know are waiting in that sandy pile of soil. And perhaps we never come back.

Our town has looked so beautiful this summer with an abundance of flowers on our bridges, in pots in front of businesses and gracing the front of Central Hall. I am grateful for the talented and dedicated effort of local volunteers and especially Karen Maas who has lovingly tended these flowers for all of us to enjoy

Dow got a heads up about Orono’s situation when the Red Riots traveled to Bar Harbor on Aug. 26 for a preseason round robin with MDI and Washington Academy. He then began work with fellow athletic administrators Roy Pelotte of Dexter Regional High School and Dan O’Connell of John Bapst of Bangor to determine possible substitute games by matching teams around the state with byes on the same weekends.

About a month ago, Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas made a controversial decision when he began releasing the names of Trump supporters that were residents of his San Antonio-based district.