Elon Musk had a lot of fun recently, brandishing a chainsaw, symbolizing his approach to slashing government waste, fraud and abuse. A few days later he changed his tune, saying that the Department of Government Efficiency was instead applying a scalpel to governmental agencies. As a retired surgeon, I would like to expand on that […]
Alex Lear
Staff Writer
Alex Lear is a lifelong Mainer who has spent 25 years in journalism -- the first 20 as a reporter for newspapers in Damariscotta and Falmouth, then as Opinions section editor for the Sun Journal and now a digital producer with the Maine Trust for Local News. His long-running “Learics” column won first place in the Maine Press Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest. He and his wife Lauren are kept young by their 9-year-old daughter Alaina. Send feedback and suggestions to Alex.
Posted inLetters to the Editor, Opinion
Letter: Rep. Libby crossed the line
We should be able to expect that an elected official would not intentionally expose a teenager to bullying for the sake of self-promotion.
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Posted inLetters to the Editor, Opinion
Letter: Don’t forget the Statue of Liberty’s message
Emma Lazarus’ “The New Colossus,” as engraved on a plaque on the Statue of Liberty, states in part: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Let us […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor, Opinion
Letter: ‘Hail and farewell, Thomas Moser’
Maine and the country are the poorer for the loss of Thomas Moser. He was not only a superb craftsman, he was a warm, open-hearted human being. Thirty odd years ago my wife and I visited his business and, when he learned my wife had a small wood-crafting business (Carol’s Woodcrafts) in Los Angeles, he […]
Posted inBusiness
Norway Savings Bank lauds team member achievements
NORWAY — Norway Savings Bank held its 2025 Employee Appreciation Day Celebration Feb. 26 at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. Among local people honored was Kristen Charette, mortgage loan officer and vice president in Fryeburg as well as in North Conway, New Hampshire, who was named employee of the year. The Culture Champion Award […]
Posted inBusiness
Farmington native relaunches movement classes
FARMINGTON — Morgen Hall, born and raised in Farmington, has relaunched her business, Little Feet Beats Music and Dance, on Perham Street. The winter session is set to begin Tuesday, Jan. 28, with some free demo classes offered ahead of that launch. There will be mixed-age Music Together classes for infants up to 5 year […]
Posted inBusiness
MaineHealth Franklin Hospital names recipients of DAISY, BEE awards
In recognition of outstanding patient care, Christina Whelpley and Courtney Barry recently received the DAISY Award and BEE Award, respectively, at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital. The DAISY Award is an international program that celebrates the extraordinary clinical skills and compassionate care given by registered nurses every day. The hospital’s BEE Award recognizes all the other staff […]
Posted inBusiness
Skowhegan-based mortgage loan officer joins Franklin Savings Bank
SKOWHEGAN — Michell McMahon has joined Franklin Savings Bank as a mortgage loan officer. Based in the Skowhegan area, McMahon brings over 20 years of banking experience. “I’m thrilled to join a community bank that genuinely cares about the people it serves,” McMahon said in a news release from the bank. “Franklin Savings Bank has […]
Posted inBusiness
Jay’s OTIS Federal Credit Union donates $21,000 to 13 local food pantries
JAY — Over the course of 2023, OTIS Federal Credit Union raised nearly $21,000 for the cause of ending hunger. Fundraising events hosted by the credit union included a soup day, plant sale, yard sale and a painting “FUNdraiser.” Additional funds were raised through sales of handmade crafts and afghans, candy and snacks, cellphone cardholders, […]
Posted inBusiness
Maine Judicial Branch recognizes Augusta employee
Mark Veilleux received the Service Rockstar Award.