Here in the sun-drenched Florida Keys, the nearest thing to an ice shack is a small shed near the marina that holds two big chest freezers where boaters get their 10-lb bags of ice cubes every couple of days.

In a major victory for sound public policy over naked politics, Gov. Janet Mills continued her efforts to expand access to health care to Maine people. This time, she bucked the Trump administration and former Gov. Paul LePage by rejecting a change to the state’s Medicaid program, which would have erected unnecessary barriers to health insurance for low-income families.

There’s this phenomenon I’ve heard talked about among outdoorsy folks, that out in the wilderness, food tastes better. During a mountain hike or an ocean paddle, even the simplest fare can be enjoyable and nourishing. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put a little extra thought and effort into what you pack to eat - the opposite, in fact.

The cure at the southern border is to identify the problem first. The number one problem is illegal drugs. The greatest percentage of illegal drugs cross the border by legal points of entry. We need more inspectors and electronic equipment to get this under control.

The latest journalistic debacle of BuzzFeed proportions has shown the spotlight again on a once revered institution devoid of any integrity. The nation has in many ways become numb to it, even at times accepting this as the new normal. Despite this, the next station in the march of relativism should leave even the most morally callous appalled.

Ridge View Community School grade 7 students were recognized for their academics and positive attitude and effort in their learning at the school in Dexter.

Upcoming events around the region.

Has the loss of a loved one been weighing you down? Whether it happened recently or in the past, the death of a significant person can be traumatic. Pine Tree Hospice is here to help. Grief is a normal reaction to the death of someone important to you. It can be both powerful and painful; yet, when we pay attention to our grief and have support from others, experiencing grief can lead to healing and growth.

Maine Family Planning and Maine Access Points will sponsor “Harm Reduction 101 & Naloxone Training” from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 9 at The Commons at Central Hall. This free, engaging, community-based public health education event is open to all.

Last week my computer locked up in the middle of an update. My computer is my right hand. It holds over 40 years of genealogical research, the chapters I’ve written on the book I’m doing for the Maine State DAR, all my columns, a photo collection and my online banking, among other things.