I have proudly served in the Maine House of Representatives for the last four years. Every day I have known that I am there as your representative. As an independent, I understand that most people don’t care whether the ideas come from Democrats or Republicans as long as those ideas can make lives better for people without breaking their wallets.

I've authored more than my share of columns on the issue of gun violence, usually written in the aftermath of a horrific tragedy perpetrated by a deranged individual who inflicted massive harm on a large group of people.

Here’s a tale of two states, the pope and a Virginia student who just wanted to use the bathroom. The battle for equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people is an ongoing struggle. It shouldn’t be that way, but it is.

Have you been thinking of adding solar power to your home? Have questions and don’t know who to ask? Dexter Dover Area Towns in Transition (DDATT) is arranging a free Photovoltaic Open House tour of sorts on Saturday, June 2 with a few local solar-powered homes as examples of what is currently possible. Owners will be happy to share their experiences, knowledge, and hopefully answer your questions.

I recently had the opportunity to meet Lucas St. Clair and listen to his presentation to a group of concerned citizens in Dexter. What a breath of fresh air!

Athletes from both SeDoMoCha Middle School in Dover-Foxcroft and Piscataquis Community Elementary School of Guilford brought home medals in the sprints at the 2018 Almquist Middle School Championships held May 21 at the University of Maine.

General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC)/Miosac Club Sebec Lake Ice Out Contest judges Tom and Doris Coy announced the ice went out at 10:38 a.m. on Friday, May 4.

Area legislators presented Avis Spear of Milo with a Legislative Sentiment celebrating her 105th birthday at a party on Sunday, May 20.

A blood drive will be held from 1-6 p.m. on Thursday, May 31 at the Knights of Columbus, 179 North Dexter Road in Dexter. Another will be from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Dover Foxcroft, 660 Bangor Road in Dover-Foxcroft.

Ten entrants took part in the Three Rivers Kiwanis Club of Milo/Brownville’s annual Sebec River Canoe Race on May 19. Paddlers put their craft in the water in Sebec Village and they raced down river to near the boat docks in downtown Milo.