Does Maine's Legislature have a chronic glut of bills wasting time, money, and creativity, keeping elected officials from giving important issues the attention they deserve? Should Maine legislators reduce the number of bills they submit each legislative session?

Mayo Regional Hospital launched its second year of the Antibiotics Stewardship Project on Jan. 2. Since the program’s inception one year ago, Outpatient Medical Director Dr. Elizabeth Dennis has worked with her management team and colleagues at Mayo Regional Hospital to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use.

Medicaid expansion is the law. Voters made sure of that. But when the Maine Legislature reconvenes next week, the fight over health insurance coverage for more than 70,000 Mainers will begin anew.

Traditions are wonderful, which is why I am proud to give you my bold predictions each year. That's why in 2014 I also started handing out the Conifer Awards ---- political superlatives for the year that was.

As we look forward to the new year, one of the big challenges facing our state is growing our workforce and keeping our economy on a roll.

The Foxcroft Academy swim team took part in a dual meet on the road against Old Town High School on Dec. 29. The Pony girls fell by a score of 92-63 and the Foxcroft boys lost to Old Town 90-43.

Each year about this time, the Maine Warden Service urges us to use extreme caution before venturing out onto any ice that may be covering Maine’s waterways. This is timely advice. Two winters ago three night-time snowsledders all perished in one night on Rangeley Lake when they and their machines broke through thin ice.

On Dec. 21 Foxcroft Academy wrestling had its home opener, hosting Mattanawcook Academy of Lincoln and neighboring Piscataquis Community High School. Earlier in the season Mattanawcook beat Foxcroft at the Penobscot Valley High School Tournament, so the Ponies had something to prove.

The Dexter Regional High School girls basketball team has a new look this season. It is a building year for the defending Class C North titlists, who wound up 16-7 a year ago.

Upcoming events around the region