Swimming and snorkeling are my favorite parts of living on a Maine pond. I am in the water as early as possible. Last year, April 22 was ice out day. I was in the water mid-May. My last day in the pond was September 30.

The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) will be hosting an introduction to Permaculture and discussion at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5 at the Thompson Free Library.

Mayo Regional Hospital has been awarded participation in a remote, technical assistance program with the Texas A&M University Center for Optimizing Rural Health. Mayo Regional Hospital is one of five hospitals in the state to be selected for support and training through the year-long program. Technical assistance will begin this spring.

But in view of my three years there and a different direction in my life, I will not seek re-election to the board. I would say someone with children in SAD 4 would be better suited as a board member.

Sen.Paul Davis, R-Sangervlle has submitted LD 784 “An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits.” If passed, this legislation would require individuals who are collecting unemployment benefits to accept and attend interviews for jobs they are reasonably fitted for. Failure to attend would result in disqualification from benefits.

Five rural Maine hospitals, including one that recently filed for bankruptcy protection and others that have cut key services in recent years, will receive expert help in stabilizing their business models after winning a rare federal award.

Let's say that this was a good year at work. Let's say that the company you work for is so pleased with you that they give you a small raise, and say that next year, if everything goes equally well, they'll give you a bonus reward.

Prejudice, its many layers unfolded, invariably yield an influence unhealthy to society. More than the nostalgic lampoon of quirky Americana in a Hollywood taint, geographical prejudice, at its extreme, has been a combative divide between regions of our society with often tragic results. Surprising as it would seem, the Democrat Party has made geographical prejudice a hallmark of their political agenda.

Let’s face it. Snowmobiling through the Maine wilderness is not everyone’s cup of tea. The machines are noisy. And, according to snowmobile writer Rod Fraser, “a two stroke driven snowmobile emits more pollution than a car.”

Even though the snow keeps falling, we are starting to see and hear the signs of springtime! Now is the time to plan ahead for your orchards, gardens, and natural landscape. The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District Tree and Plant Sale pre-order deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 27, with pickup from April 29 through May 3.