As gas prices continue to rise I wonder if the Obama administration is listening to rural American people. We need affordable fuel in order to make a living. Plain and simple.

On Thursday evening, March 1, the Waldoboro Fire Department was activated to respond to a possible structure fire at 720 Winslow’s Mills Road. While enroute to the scene, we were advised that the resident was most likely still inside. Following this realization, a series of events led to the successful rescue of the occupant.

We have often thought one of the best testaments to the effectiveness of a politician is when voters from the other party adopt them. Locally, former state Sen. David Trahan had that kind of cache. Former state Sen. Marge Kilkelly had it before him.

Only a spokesman for today’s Republican Party could characterize a vote to protect Maine’s poorest and neediest a “special interest.” (“Sen. Johnson you’ve put your special interest ahead of your constituents,” letter from Jim Carleton, LCN, 2/23/2012, Page 4). Is that a true conservative attitude, Mr. Carleton? I think not.

Newly elected District 20 Senator Chris Johnson wasted no time wading into the thick of things. Within hours of being sworn in as Maine’s newest legislator last Thursday; Johnson cast the deciding vote derailing a hard-fought bi-partisan supplemental budget compromise that addressed a shortfall in MaineCare funding.

We want to thank our new Senator from District 20, Chris Johnson for having the courage to cast a controversial vote as his first vote in the Senate, thereby putting the brakes on the budget agreement hurtling towards approval.

I am hearing about the recent Republican Caucus in Maine. It makes me very uncomfortable.

The Damariscotta Fish Ladder Restoration Project is progressing well. This winter, the concrete pools in the midsection of the ladder are being faced with rock. Currently we have a shortage of flat weir rocks and rounded facing rocks. Any rocks we do not have to purchase allow other work to be completed.

By far the leading cause of domestic violence is an abusive personality that seeks control and power over the victim. Regardless of the cause, domestic violence and abuse are not acceptable for any reason.

On the night of Dec. 13, 2011, our sister-in-law, Nancy Hanna was in a horrible car accident on Rt. 32 in Round Pond. We would like to thank the bystanders who helped before rescue crews arrived, the First Responders and Ambulance Crew that took her to Miles where she was sent by Life Flight to Maine Medical Center and the Maine Medical doctors and staff who have cared for her since then.

We don’t know the whole story and we most likely never will.

I was appalled to read several postings by the Walter Hilton family on Facebook this weekend concerning their grandson’s having to be transferred from Great Salt Bay School due to bullying and assault.

Almost half our crew was in Boston last Thursday night preparing for the winter New England Newspaper and Press Assn. convention when Mike McLain lost his life in a tragic car accident in Bristol.

On January 28, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Maine held its annual Program Celebration. This is always a magical event that celebrates the special relationships of Bigs and Littles in our program.