We are sorry to learn the Jefferson/Nobleboro SnoPackers cancelled their planned snowmobile races, formerly scheduled for Feb. 4-5 on Damariscotta Lake ice, near the state park in Jefferson.

When Dana Dow was nominated to fill the Senate District 20 vacancy left when David Trahan stepped down, Dow stated that one of his top priorities as Senator would be the re-election of Governor Paul LePage.

I am writing this letter in support of our Governor and his policies. By the time that you read this, he will have given his first state of the State address and the roadmap for at least the next year will be a bit clearer.

Now that we are in the heart of the winter season I am reminded daily of what a special place I left behind when I moved to the West Coast.

I’m writing in regards to a Main Street shop that has closed for the winter. On closing last fall, the owner removed their product flag but left the American flag hanging by the door. If I could physically remove it I would, until spring when they return.

The western side of Maine Medical Center in Portland looks out over the expanse of the city. Depending on the season and the room assignment, a patient with a window seat can watch the Sea Dogs in action on Hadlock Field below.

Maine’s problem with Medicaid isn’t one that can be fixed by raising taxes or demanding other state agencies make up the $221 million dollar difference.

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.