When it comes to compressing a lengthy court document down to a couple hundred words for a news story, what really counts is what’s relevant and what’s relevant is what is alleged.

As a relatively new homeowner, my real estate tax bill required me to do a little research to understand the numbers. I’ve organized my thoughts and would describe them as “Tax Assessment 101” that I would share with the town.

A spirit of joy in service permeated this community last Saturday.

Living in rural Maine is a choice many of us made intentionally. We like having our privacy while appreciating our good neighbors.

The World Trade Center in New York was suddenly attacked on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 and we were shocked and stunned that such an event would happen in our peaceful nation.

On Friday afternoon, Aug. 26, I arrived at the Hannaford’s Supermarket at Damariscotta Plaza to pick up some last-minute items for a late afternoon puffin boat tour planned with my friends and family.

Ten years gone on Sunday and we can still recall the images, burned into our national retinas, the pain as immediate as if the wreckage still smoldered at Ground Zero.

This year, we couldn’t put 9-11 in our review mirror fast enough.

It is an ugly occasion, made all the worse for the wounds it annually rips open. It stings a little bit every year, more so this year, being a decade down now.

Generally speaking we favor good ideas wherever we find them. Also generally speaking, we think saving money is a good idea.

To the Editor:

I take great exception to the letter to the editor published Sept. 22, 2011 written by Carl Scheiman. (“Support for theology at the expense of humanity,” Page 4.)

To the Editor:

Instead of suspending students for wearing and refusing to remove their breast cancer awareness bracelets, Medomak Valley High School administrators should be celebrating the students’ involvement.

To the Editor:

I am saddened by the Obama administration’s position on the economy.

To the Editor:

I have always been proud to be a Great Salt Bay parent, and have been singing the school’s praises for the eight years my children have been students there. Now the research backs up my parental enthusiasm.

To the Editor:

In November, Damariscotta and Newcastle residents, who share a municipal water system, will vote on whether to retain fluoride in that system.