In Maine we are fortunate to have access to thousands of acres of public land, which we can hike, explore and learn from. The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) would like to extend a warm welcome for all to enjoy a day or more at our two public lands – the Law Farm and the Demonstration Forest.

U.S. Cellular has announced the top 50 nominees for its Most Valuable Coach program, and Luis Ayala from Foxcroft Academy -- who leads the Pony boys soccer and wrestling teams -- is among them. After thousands of nominations were submitted, these 50 coaches are now listed and can be voted on TheMostValuableCoach.com.

Upcoming fall events

Approximately $1,300 was raised through a sporting goods prize drawing to benefit the area’s Hooked on Fishing program, which helps gets youth involved in the activity, during an open house at the newly-opened Mountain's Sport Shop in Dover-Foxcroft over the Labor Day weekend.

-Members of the Foxcroft Academy cross country team got to enjoy some home cooking as the team hosted a Penobscot Valley Conference meet on Sept. 15. Both the Pony boys and girls would finish third among respective fields of three schools with full teams.

At a recent meeting of the Three Rivers Kiwanis Club of Milo-Brownville at Kiwanis Headquarters in Milo, President Brenda Kelley honored member Edwin Treworgy with a Proclamation for a Lifetime of Achievement.

The executive committee of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) is seeking nominations for the annual Warren "Pete" Myrick Community Service Award, to be presented at the annual meeting of PCEDC in December. Date and location will be disclosed soon.

Hillary Clinton is out with a new book. Haven't you heard?

During my time in Maine this summer, I visited all of the 16 counties in our state, hearing feedback from Maine people about the issues important to them, their families and their communities. My stops throughout the state once again reminded me that Maine is a big small town with very long streets – we care about each other and our friends and neighbors.

After the devastation from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the families who have to rebuild their lives need affordably priced lumber. Unfortunately, corporate greed from a coalition of big lumber companies has already sent those prices skyrocketing. Making a profit is the goal of any company -- and it should be.