Last week, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a landmark civil rights case out of Colorado that could have broad – and disastrous – national implications.

After 32 years and over 340 wins coaching boys teams at Central, Penobscot Valley High School of Howland and Piscataquis Community High School of Guilford, Jamie Russell has taken over for Diane Rollins, who left after 16 seasons and over 200 victories at Central.

The Harold J. Crosby Community Band of Dexter wants to wish the community a happy holiday season. To show the band’s appreciation for the support the town of Dexter and surrounding communities have given, the group will be performing a holiday concert, free to all, at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Dexter Town Hall.

Upcoming events across the region

U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine and Angus King, I-Maine and U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin, R-Maine have announced their nominees to the U.S. military academies. Beaver Cove resident Anthony Mason, who is a senior at Greenville High School, was nominated by Maine’s senators to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Emily Mikoud of Dover-Foxcroft, who graduated from Foxcroft Academy in 2017, is a nominee for the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.

SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS COME TO TOWN -- The weekend’s annual Hometown Holidays celebration across the region began on Friday, Dec. 1 in Guilford with an evening tree lighting at the downtown Braeburn lot. After the singing of Christmas carols in front of the Guilford Historical Society and next to a bonfire across the street, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the corner of Water and North Main streets. With the assistance of a dozen young helpers, Santa used his magic to light the Christmas tree.

For more than three decades members of the community and families have been served free of charge by Pine Tree Hospice during the time of dying and bereavement. Those involved in Pine Tree Hospice, such as volunteers, contributors, staff members and others, are all pieces of the puzzle, as reflected on the cover of the 2017 organization report.

Ranked-choice voting (RCV) will make elections more fair and democratic. There is a new petition that will force the enactment of RCV (which has been delayed until after 2020 by the legislature) by next year.

Reports that Maine's ranking U.S. Sen. Susan Collins has announced her decision to support the Senate version of the tax reform bill is welcome news to the hard-working taxpayers of Maine. We, the members of the Red County Caucus, would like to commend the Senator for this decision.

Foxcroft Academy senior quarterback/defensive back Nick Clawson led the way as members of the Foxcroft and Dexter Regional High School were among the honorees during the 31st annual Little Ten Conference (LTC) All-Star Banquet on Dec. 3 at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer.