So we have our first officially credible candidate, State Treasurer Terry Hayes, of the 2018 gubernatorial cycle. Hayes is currently unenrolled and will be running as an independent. I say “officially credible,” of course, because she is not the very first human being to file for the race. She just happens to be the first one with a chance north of zero of actually being elected.

Democrats say they want to reduce property taxes. But they don’t have the courage to actually do it. You can’t talk about reducing property taxes without addressing state funding for education. Education costs are a major driver of local property taxes.

Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union held its annual meeting on April 17 and awarded over $11,000 to area food organizations. Funds awarded were a result of ongoing fundraising efforts for the Maine Credit Union Campaign for Ending Hunger.

In the Moosehead Lake region, there is still plenty of snow and ice. “There’s not much going on,” said IFW fisheries biologist Tim Obrey.

Let's get one thing straight from the start: I love dogs. Sally, probably the last dog I will ever have, needed to be put down a few years back, after she was mauled by my neighbor's unleashed Saint Bernard. I wrote about it at the time. It was a dreadful experience.

Three area senior football players and one cheering team member from the region have been selected to participate in the 2017 Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 15 at Thornton Academy in Saco.

Charles A Dean Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the completion of the expanded Northwoods Clinic in Sangerville. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Northwoods Healthcare at 22 Haley Court.

When fools build a caricature and call it a crown, Blindness is bliss in the new double down.

Pine Tree Hospice will host a workshop to help individuals and families navigate planning for later life. Kim Cavanagh, Esq. will present “Elder Law” on May 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Charlotte White Center at 572 Bangor Road.

Guitarist Denny Breau performs on Saturday, April 29 at 7 p.m. at the Wayside Theatre. Breau’s rhythmically flawless and dazzlingly clear guitar style allows him to mix folk, Delta blues, country and jazz with ease.