It is hard to overcome an emotional response in politics. It’s part of the reason why President Donald Trump is able to maintain the support of his hardcore supporters. He connects with them emotionally – with anger, fear and, often, hatred.

Nothing gets an angler’s heart pumping faster than the sight of an airborne Atlantic salmon dancing atop the water on a flyline. As a slack-jawed kid, I watched these goings on at the legendary Bangor Salmon Pool. Later, as an adult, the late Tom Hennessey helped me land my first silver warrior at the Pipeline Pool in Eddington.

This expo will be taking place at Dexter Regional High School from 3 to 7 p.m. with concessions available. Come join us for an afternoon of STEAM related fun and learning. All ages welcome.

On Thursday, March 14 from 5-7 p.m. Sackett & Brake Survey, Inc. of Dover-Foxcroft will hold a Business After Hours Mixer for the business community and general public. As the Piscataquis Chamber’s first Business After Hours of 2019, this event will provide Chamber members and local residents an opportunity to rub elbows with other local business owners in a casual setting, while learning more about other businesses and providers in Piscataquis County.

It is critical to our democracy that every citizen’s vote has value, and is felt by the voter to have value. Enacting a national popular vote will ensure that every vote has value; and is not lost due to the particular majority party of the voting district. No longer will Piscataquis Democrats or York Republicans have reason to say, “My vote doesn’t matter.”

A number of players from the region earned postseason recognition from the Penobscot Valley Conference. Peyton Grant of Dexter Regional High School is one of five girls named to the Class C First Team.

It has been my honor and pleasure to serve our communities on two fronts over the last 32 years; as a physician and as a Mayo Regional Hospital board member. The hospital's financial status is in serious peril, with an operating loss of $1.5 million through the first four months of the fiscal year we could potentially see an operating loss of $4.5 million by the end of the fiscal year. This trend is unsustainable and the genesis of consideration of a merger with Northern Light Health.

Rico Portalatin of Milo said weather conditions ahead of the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races had him concerned, but he was relieved and pleased when he encountered the trail conditions while competing in the Willard Jalbert Jr. Can-Am Crown 100.

The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) is excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for a local high school or college-aged student. We are seeking a junior representative to serve on our Community Forestry Committee -- a subcommittee of our board. This is a great, resume-building opportunity for young adults in our area to be a part of community decisions that impact the overall health of our environment and the protection and conservation of our natural resources.

Upcoming events around the region.