Not until I took some lessons in riding and horse handling from Nichole Rackcliff at M & N Ranch in Dedham did I dare undertake a horse rental for my Colorado elk hunt. A patient horse lady, who taught me much in a short period of time, her horse knowledge proved invaluable during an incident that I will relate in a minute.

A group of Dexter Regional High School students recently planted a garden of yellow tulips for The Yellow Tulip Project – a movement started by Maine high school student Julia Hansen who lost two close friends to suicide her sophomore year.

Three area field hockey stars were named to the Maine Field Hockey Association’s North All-State Team for their performances during the 2017 season: Rebecca Batron and Kaitlyn Webber of Dexter Regional High School and Makenzie Beaudry of Foxcroft Academy

A number of fall athletes from the region’s five high schools earned postseason recognition from the Penobscot Valley Conference.

In 1865, President Lincoln asked Americans to remember soldiers and veterans. He urged them, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.” I take his words to heart.

Maine Drug Enforcement Agents (MDEA) have arrested a Massachusetts man and seized 250 grams of heroin and cocaine destined to be sold in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. The several month investigation, which involved the undercover purchase of heroin, centered on 38-year-old Don Twiggs of Hyde Park, Mass. who agents suspected of making regular trips to Massachusetts and then transporting significant amounts of heroin back to Maine

The following births were recorded recently at Mayo Regional Hospital:

One of the pieces of legislation that generated much attention in the media and elsewhere, at the end of this past session, was LD 1170 “An Act To Reduce Youth Access to Tobacco Products” which raised the age in which individuals can purchase tobacco products in the state of Maine to 21.

November calendar of events

Three Rivers Kiwanis has been running the Secret Santa Program for many years and it is the largest program the organization runs annually. Kiwanis members purchase clothing, shoes and gifts according to need for children up to age 16 who live in the SAD 41 district communities of Atkinson, Brownville, LaGrange and Milo. Kiwanians typically spend between $50 and $75 per child.