The Newcastle Planning Board will hold a public hearing on changes to the Land Use Ordinance that could protect land in several areas of town. The changes to the Shoreland Zone map, mandated by the Dept. of Environmental Protection must be updated to comply with state regulations.

There is an old saying that goes something like, “As Maine goes, so goes the nation.” In truth, the old saying is probably something more like, “As (proudly insert home state here) goes, so goes the nation,” but we here in Maine can rightly feel that ours is a unique window on national leadership.

From Nov. 24, 2008, through Jan. 5, 2009, the organization known as The Friends of Fort Edgecomb (FOFE) has been much in the news. Let me provide some explanation and clarification of this organization’s mission and goals.

Those of use who have been around the block a few times can remember an almost extinct dinosaur called “customer service”. A decades-old company (Sears) built their reputation and therefore, their business on this same work ethic.

I understand, from recent letter writers to LCN, that you take a meat cleaver approach to letters whose contents you do not agree with.

To the Editor:

After nearly four days without power, I have to say that hearing the CMP ad that tells us “to flip a switch and they will be there” is becoming like rubbing salt into an open wound.

To the Editor:

Things must be pretty bleak at the Scheiman and Pelletier households at this time of the year.

To the Editor:

Another gold star for Renys! In mid-October I saw that Renys Underground had a large supply of Christmas cards on display, which made me realize Christmas was on the way.

To the Editor:

My eyes opened to the early darkness of a cold winter morning. I looked at my alarm clock: 4 a.m. Can’t I even sleep in on Christmas? Ah yes, Christmas morning! This, however, is not just any Christmas; it’s baby’s first Christmas.

Members of the 124th Legislature sworn in and other state news and issues.

To the Editor:

The ‘lil toolkit in Space has become somewhat a minor celebrity. Once inadvertently untethered on the shuttle Endeavour, it floated free, to appear from time to time on the Internet.

To the Editor:

The good news about the work of the late Wiscasset By-Pass Task Force is that it helped to nudge the Maine Dept of Transportation to implement alternatives to the By-Pass. These alternatives include the message alert system on Rt. 295 in Brunswick during congested hours to advise northbound motorists to take other routes.

To the Editor:

Thank you so very much, Bremen Volunteer Fire Department, for your outstanding assistance during last week’s ice storm.

To the Editor:

Morning Dew Farm deserves a round of applause for their loyal support of the Ecumenical Food Pantry and People to People’s Thanksgiving Basket Project.