If we are going to save the American health care system, we need your help -- and we need it now.

The Piscataquis 4-H Leaders’ Association would like to thank all of the businesses and individuals who participated in its 2017 4-H Silent Auction. This year was the third annual auction in the 4-H Exhibition Hall at the Piscataquis Valley Fair, and it was highly successful raising $1,018 for the scholarship fund.

Want healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy economy? With Medicaid expansion, more people will get care that keeps them healthier and saves lives. Expanding Medicaid will also help Maine’s economy.

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.

Now is the time to be careful walking in the woods. They’re out there! The would-be hunters, that is.

Because of the work I do, I have the opportunity to meet with many Maine businesses, particularly small businesses, and ask them what is necessary for them to survive, thrive and grow. I also often ask them what stands in their way of achieving those things. I ask these questions because I care about the answers. The only way we can keep young people in the state, provide jobs, grow our economy and achieve real prosperity is for Maine businesses to prosper.

On behalf of the Moosehead Lake Region I want to thank you for choosing Moosehead Lake as your destination and supporting America’s Crown Jewel. We appreciate it very much.

Fall is here, summer isn’t over. Huh! It feels like fall today, cloudy, cold, and a great day to stay indoors by the computer. Did you know computers keep you warm? I didn’t either, but it’s definitely warmer in here by the computer than it is out there in the great (cold) outdoors.

It is so refreshing to have a president in the White House who truly understands what it takes to create jobs and grow the economy.

Earlier this week, the Bangor City Council decided that Columbus Day, a federally recognized holiday, should in fact be Indigenous Peoples' Day. Despite protestations from the council that it wasn't trying to "replace" Columbus Day (which they can't do anyway, it being a federal holiday), the choice to recognize and celebrate the newly designated Indigenous Peoples' Day on the day we recognize Christopher Columbus is a pretty clear signal of what the city council's intentions are.

As the lazy hazy days of summer fade into the early days of autumn you will be going back to school soon. On behalf of this region I want to wish you the best as you go back to the classrooms.

Are you interested in knowing how AARP and local leaders are working together to create a more age-friendly culture, making Dover-Foxcroft, Milo, Dexter, Guilford, and Greenville more livable for people of all ages? Want to share your ideas? Would you like to know more about how AARP is advocating for older adults statewide? If so, come to the AARP Coffee Talk at Elaine’s Bakery in Milo on Thursday, September 21 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. or join us at The Mill Café in Dover-Foxcroft on Tuesday, September 26, from 10 – 11:30 a.m.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Those words, rather famously, come from Martin Luther King Jr., first spoken in a sermon he gave in 1957, and then printed in his 1963 book “Strength to Love.”

Notice to the Sangerville, Maine residents, I Richard R. Dobson Sr. have in writing legal documentation from the town’s attorney Thad B. Zmistowski’s office, and the board of overseers of the bar, that the town’s attorney Thad B. Zmistowski does not represent the citizens of Sangerville or works in the best interest of the Sangerville citizens and we are not his clients.

Thank you to Sen. Tom Saviello, R-Wilton for setting the record straight about Medicaid in Maine in an Aug 21 BDN OpEd. Gov. Paul LePage’s refusal to expand Medicaid under Obamacare has cost the state tremendously.

As our students will be going back to school soon on behalf of this great county I want to wish you the best this school year. You are our future leaders of our communities, county, state and nation.