Editorials - The County

Editorials

Elevator encounters

You can learn a great deal by either stepping on or off an elevator. I recall several instances throughout my life -- all involving an elevator -- that have had somewhat of an impact on how I comprehend the world around me.

A friendship that lives on

She moves gently into my thoughts often. I knew her in school but my conversations with her were few. I recall her having very long, honey blonde hair and honest eyes that seemed to be waiting for a reason to smile.

The Pioneer Club

In 1915, a dinner was held by Elisha Parkhurst at his grand home on the corner of Church and Third streets (which still stands today) in Presque Isle to which he invited nine old friends.

Six degrees, a Pulitzer and the best mom

Town meetings are interesting. An anachronistic holdover idea for local government, these meetings allow small towns to take control of the mundanities of managing a community’s yearly expenses.

Improving access to justice and opportunity in Aroostook County

All Mainers deserve the same access to justice and legal representation, regardless of where they live. But in Aroostook County and other rural parts of the state, access to legal representation has reached a breaking point.

Apprenticed or indentured?

In your research you may find that an ancestor was an indentured servant or an apprentice. They are not the same. To help understand the differences here is a brief outline of what each meant.

The advent of firefighting in Presque Isle

The City known today as Presque Isle was founded in 1828 and was known as Fairbanks Mills. However, despite being a growing village, the community was not proactive about fighting fires, despite most buildings at the time being constructed of wood, until some 50 years later.

Honoring a Maine hero with a Maine-built ship

On Oct. 3, 1993, during the Battle of Mogadishu, U.S. Army Master Sergeant Gary Gordon -- a native of Lincoln, Maine -- gave his life to save the crew of a Black Hawk helicopter that had been shot down over the city.

Banish winter and start the seedlings

Cabin fever season has begun. It is that moment when the beauty of a winter wonderland ceases. Snow shoes on and two steps later one is hip deep in snow. There remain multiple inches of snow everywhere.

One of those days

Some people call it having a bad day. Others say it is just life’s way of showing you that no matter how hard you try, you really do not have as much control over things as you think.

Slave connections

Would you be surprised to learn your New England ancestor owned slaves? In Maine we tend to associate slave owning with large Southern plantations that relied on slave labor to survive economically.

Another fight for veterans

Some 40 years ago I was privileged to work beside some of the most dedicated people I have ever met: Aroostook County veterans. I will not name them here but these were combat veterans, Vietnam-era veterans, Korean veterans, former prisoners of war, very diversified.

How pie saved the day at a logging camp

March brings wistful thoughts of spring to The County, but March 14 approaches: Pi Day, which celebrates that useful mathematical number 3.14159. But punsters and pastry lovers also know it as Pie Day.

Headwear prompts bird care awareness

Hats have played a large role in history throughout the ages, often indicating status. For centuries, ostrich plumes were worn on hats as decoration especially by prominent men.

Update utility pole laws to enable digital access

We are now about two years removed since the start of the pandemic, and the unfortunate reality is that this virus is still very much a part of our lives.

Conservation Corner: Hopkins’ Sawmill

For those who feel connected to their land and a deep sense of place, it is easy to wonder how future generations will live their lives on a place that was built and cared for -- a home that was nourished and in return, provided nourishment to those generations gone before.

Recycle that snow

In spite of the best intentions of Fear Mongers Anonymous, we’ve had some major storms in the new year and have come through them with relatively minor problems.

Buried family secrets

Family secrets can be buried deep and quite often succeeding generations never knew them. One issue families in the past felt compelled to hide was if a family member exhibited a mental illness or was born with a lower mental capability.

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