It’s likely this will be the last summer that anglers in Maine ”“ and other coastal states ”“ will be free to drop a line in saltwater without official permission. Starting in 2010, federal law requires all saltwater fishermen to be registered, either under an approved state system or a national registry. Implementation of this […]

One of the consolations of the recession has been the low gas prices that helped us through the winter and much of  the spring. In recent weeks, that small respite has ebbed away ”“ just in time for the summer driving season. Gas prices this week hit a nationwide average of $2.62, just about a […]

If nothing else, a decision by the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells Water District trustees should reassure resident of Wells and Kennebunk that the Branch Brook watershed is safe ”“ for now ”“ from commercial exploitation. The trustees voted unanimously last month to end further consideration of a proposed arrangement with Poland Spring. The water bottler […]

Thumbs up to the Biddeford School Committee’s review of the options for providing laptop computers to high school students. Like members of the committee, we support the idea in theory, but are daunted by the costs. To us, the most interesting aspect of Apple’s proposal was that it includes a wireless network. Besides learning to […]

Now that General Motors is where it belongs ”“ in bankruptcy ”“ it’s time for a collaborative recovery effort. Everyone from dealers and customers in Maine to assembly line workers in Lordstown, Ohio have an interest in the firm’s survival. Recovery would also be good for the company’s bondholders, and U.S. taxpayers ”“ who now […]

“Standing  here addressing you, the Class of ’09, I can’t help but think of the difficulties ”“ and the opportunities ”“ that await you ”¦” There’s no question that speakers at high school and college commencement face a challenge this year ”“ putting a positive spin on the economic troubles that are all around us. […]

Thumbs up to Anouar Majid, a professor at the University of New England whose latest book, “We Are All Moors,” explores  the legacies of the ancient conflict between Christians and Moors. Today’s tensions between Islam and the West are surely fueled by attitudes dating back to the Crusades, and Majid’s analysis may help us to […]

After many charter revisions, Sanford still accomplishes its major business through a representative town meeting. On Tuesday, with better than 85 percent attendance, the meeting worked its way through a budget of almost $55 million in less than two hours with little dissent. That strikes us as good evidence that the system is working. This […]

Many gardeners will be at work this weekend at the new community garden in West Kennebunk. Spaces have been going fast, but with 110 plots available, prime sites may still be available. The Kennebunk Community Garden is laid out on a lot next to the West Kennebunk Recreation Area, on land provided by the  nearby […]

Now that the Credit Card Bill of Rights has become law, consumers will be protected from the many unfair charges and abusive penalties that were imposed with little warning by lenders. The legislation intends to end the industry’s practice of confusing their customers with fine print and complicated policies. Almost everyone recognizes that credit card […]