We greet the New Year with the official news that now former state Sen. David Trahan has officially resigned and we await the Governor’s decision to schedule a special election to replace him.

Mid-Coast Energy Systems Inc. is only the latest victim to fall prey to a stealth “flocking” courtesy the Waldoboro Fire Dept. Our reporting of the fundraising fun this week is intended in the spirit of the occasion.

As I conclude six years on the Skidompha Library Board of Directors, I want to express appreciation to, and admiration for, all the people who made this a wonderful and rewarding experience.

On Dec. 13, the National Transportation Safety Board came out with its strongest statement yet against the use of cell phones and text messaging devices while driving. The NTSB has recommended all 50 states adopt laws banning the use of such devices by drivers.

When I saw the picture and article on the newly proposed up-date on the Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder, my heart was crushed.

The lights are on, the sign is lit and vehicles are filling the parking lot. Hilltop is once again open for business. I have to give tremendous credit to new owners Gary and Jane Gravel for their investment and commitment to bringing back and carrying-on the great offerings of Arthur House and David Page at Hilltop.

The Bridge House, the old store and dance hall, is an important piece of history in the village of South Bristol for both local and summer residents.

One of our more disturbing stories this week is the allegation that a Damariscotta man may have bilked an elderly Bristol woman out of more than $200,000 while representing himself as a fundraiser for a charitable organization.

I am writing in response to “Lighten up” by Patricia Manning. (LCN, Page 4, 12/1/11) I would suggest that before she concludes that the residents of Chamberlain are wasting the funds of the Postal Service on an appeal, she should have gathered all the facts.

In 1991 the Russian ruble fell from $1 (one dollar) for a ruble to one dollar for 138 rubles.

Somehow it seems fitting that former Lincoln County Sheriff William C. Carter has left us at this time of the year. Carter’s passing truly closes the door on an era in Maine law enforcement.

We both would like to share some joyful bird news. On Dec. 17, we both were setting at the kitchen table working on a future article and looking out our double kitchen windows at the birdfeeders, when we saw a lot of action.

As a very concerned resident of South Bristol, and the person who owns the property directly on the Gut, adjacent to the proposed construction of a new swing bridge, I am writing to voice my concern that this project has become a boondoggle and a waste of the scarce resources and revenue available to Maine DOT and the state in general.

Drinking and driving is very dangerous, sometimes deadly. About three in every five Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives. Dying or killing someone because of alcohol or drugs is a preventable tragedy. If you don’t want to add to these numbers, don’t drink and drive.