The slate is clean as we start another year anew.

The Foxcroft Academy wrestling team joined some of the top teams from across Maine and schools from throughout New England at the Noble Invitational on Dec. 29-30. The Ponies tallied 111 points to place seventh out a field of nearly 40 teams at the competition, the second highest finish for Class B schools and highest among those from Class B North.

Riding an ATV behind an 18-dog team, Ashley Patterson navigated a network of unplowed logging roads on Dec. 20, in Shirley, cruising over a fluffy layer of fresh snow. The team covered more than 20 miles that day, which was just a short distance in the scheme of things. After all, they were practicing for an upcoming 100-mile race, followed by a 70-mile race and 250-mile race later in the season.

Upcoming events across the region

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.