Editorials - The County

Editorials

Celebrating Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month. The roots of this celebratory week date back to 1909, when a group of what we might today call “influencers” met on Feb. 28.

Spring thaw and posted roads

Warming temperatures are a welcome relief for many Maine residents. However, they also signal the start of road postings across The County.

Lending a hand

If you’ve done genealogy for years, you probably would enjoy helping other genealogists, but maybe you don’t know where to start. It’s easy when someone approaches you asking questions about your family, but are there other opportunities? Here’s a listing of a few. There are surely others so if you want to volunteer don’t be shy. Most groups are desperate for volunteers.

Passenger loads are trending up

In 2022, we at the Presque Isle International Airport had our best number of annual boardings since 2007. Several months in 2022 were the best since the year 2000.

Dr. Doble, radiology pioneer

Across from the old fire station on Church Street is an apartment building with a cornerstone that says “Doble Block 1920” above the front entrance. This building was built by Dr. Eugene Doble.

Genealogy for kids

It’s natural for genealogists to want to share what they learn with other family members. Sadly, many younger relatives aren’t interested. They find genealogy boring. This can lead to disappointment on the part of the enthusiastic genealogist in the family and the fear that all your work will die with you.

Mr. Lord, we salute you

A humble man is immensely powerful. Through humbleness and humility he demonstrates the beauty and joy to be found in the simplest of ideas. He learns that through home, all learn more about the world.

Here’s how ice was harvested

Ice harvesting on the stream, brooks, lakes, ponds and rivers of Maine in the days before modern day refrigeration techniques was the norm. People used the large blocks of ice to keep food cold. In addition, before the invention of refrigerated trailers and cargo containers, ice was also used to transport frozen food.

In honor of the lightkeepers

A teacher’s light is like a lighthouse beacon, illuminating the darkness to what might not be seen, guiding and directing sailors through fierce and unyielding storms. The light does not only show a person the way, but it can positively change the path they’re traveling.

How times have changed

The following is from the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library’s local history books. These library rules were established June 22, 1908, as handwritten original Library Board of Trustees meeting minutes.

A new tool to help reduce non-fatal and fatal drug overdoses

The opioid epidemic continues to claim the lives of far too many people in our state and throughout the country. In 2022, an estimated 716 Mainers died from drug overdoses, taking an extraordinary toll on families and communities.

How short snorters came to be

It should be fairly obvious that flying and drinking heavily do not mix. As such, many early pilots would request a less than full shot of liquor, or a “short snort.” Long before aviation became federally regulated, pilots jokingly began calling each other “short snorters.”

Much more than a name

If you have been to Eastern Maine Medical Center now that the renovations are complete, you have more than likely seen the lovely registration and visitor center.

Ethnic heritage

Surnames can offer genealogical clues. Many simply tell you what an ancestor’s occupation was such as farmer, miller or priest. Ordinary people in the early Middle Ages had no surnames and usually were referred to by occupation.

Local military aviation crashes

Presque Isle played an important role in the defense of the nation from the beginning of World War II through the Cold War Era. It was the last base before military aircraft left the continental U.S. for the European theater.

Investing in the future of Aroostook County

Growing up in Aroostook County, I learned that when we work together and lend a helping hand, we can make our community a better place.

Be optimistic and eat cheeseburgers

January is named after Janus, a Roman deity who is represented with two faces to imply looking forward and backward. In a nod to Hemingway, there came a question the other night. It began with the unmistakable sound.

Local air travel on the upswing

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, prior to COVID-19, the United States saw air travel passenger volumes of over two million per day. Nationally, these numbers have not yet returned to pre-COVID volumes. The national numbers for December of 2019 were more than 70 million.

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