If a little girl was tortured and murdered in Maine today would the state’s response be very different from that which followed the 1988 murder of Sarah Cherry?

I am of two minds about President Obama’s proposed return of our troops in Afghanistan. Naturally, I am overjoyed and relieved that at least one-third of our brave young combatants will no longer be in harm’s way, but what are they coming back to?

Here in Lincoln County we are fortunate to have the town clerks and poll workers know most of us by name when we go to vote which makes voter fraud all but impossible. The state also has a database in place which is highly effective at preventing it, while same day registration makes Maine one of the top states in the country for voter participation.

For Americans there is no other holiday quite like the Fourth of July. It is after all, the holiday that marks the birth of our great nation.

Within hours of The Lincoln County News going to press last week, we were notified we had printed a bogus birth announcement.

It seems that nearly every weekend we hear of a tragic drowning on one of Maine’s beautiful lakes. The far majority of these tragedies are preventable if we simply follow boating safety laws and practices. Each time there is a drowning, the lives of moms, dads, husbands, wives, grandparents, sons and daughters are changed forever.

A person can’t get much for $6.70 these days… maybe some cigarettes or a meal at a fast food restaurant. However, the voters of Westport Island have a once in a lifetime opportunity to put those few dollars to good use.

We all know people who never vote saying their vote doesn’t count; they don’t care, they don’t know, it doesn’t matter, and what’s one more vote anyway?

Bravo, Governor LePage and to all who worked so hard to pass this new budget! Maine needs to be self-sufficient. Maine needs to be on its feet working with initiative.

In November 2010, after 30 years living and paying all manner of taxes at the same address in Waldoboro, I went to perform my civic duty as I try and do every time by casting my vote.

A grandmother’s love comes in many shapes and forms. It comes with laughter, love and lots of smiles. My grandmother Sandra Lane, is retiring from driving the school bus after 43 years. That right there is love. It is compassion, dedication and most of all respect.

In last week’s Letters to the Editor, Brad Schaaf voiced his concerns about my new business, Harvest Moon Pizza and its place in Damariscotta.

When you are out with the family enjoying the cookouts, parades, or just relaxing, this Memorial Day weekend, please be sure to remember the people that made it possible, the veterans. I am so proud of my father, relatives, friends, and all other veterans who have sacrificed so much for others. Be sure to thank a veteran, not just this holiday, but year round. They certainly deserve it. Thank you.

I have noticed the controversy that has developed yet again in the Town of Alna about where to take our trash. We had the same disagreement in 2004 and this was discussed and we had hearings and a special Town Meeting. The Citizens of Alna made the choice to stay with the Wiscasset Transfer Station.