Reporting Aside: ‘Good-hearted’ Monmouth man known for helping others now needs a hand himself

Born with only one kidney that is now failing, Mike Snow, 60, is asking folks to get screened to see if they can be a living donor, not only for himself but for others waiting for an organ transplant, Amy Calder writes.

Reporting Aside: A lifelong love of horses for one Canaan woman

At Anam Cara Farm in Canaan, Pamela Rickenbach takes in and cares for disabled, retired and homeless working horses, Amy Calder writes.

Reporting Aside: ‘Hoochy-koochy’ shows may be no more, but the Skowhegan fair endures nonetheless

The Skowhegan State Fair arrives Thursday, bringing with it a reminder that the end of summer is in the not-so-distant future, Amy Calder writes.

Reporting Aside: Waiting for breakfast and seeking opportunity

A group of homeless people who hang out near the old Waterville Boys and Girls Club on Main Place in Waterville, waiting for the nearby soup kitchen to open, say finding a place to live is difficult, and out of reach financially, Amy Calder writes.

Reporting Aside: Childhood tragedy becomes lifelong lesson about being safe on Maine’s waterways

The death of a boy years ago on the Kennebec River in Skowhegan remains a regular reminder of how water can be powerful and unforgiving, Amy Calder writes.

Reporting Aside: Letter penned by former U.S. Sen. Smith offers reminder of values we must embrace

The letter sent years ago by U.S. Sen. Margaret Chase Smith of Skowhegan was a reminder of what she stood for: respect, integrity and the courage to stand up for what is right, Amy Calder writes.

Reporting Aside: Wrong-way driving elicits angst

As the July 4 holiday week approaches, we'd do well to watch for wrong-way drivers, Amy Calder writes.

Reporting Aside: Oakland man extends kindness to students from afar

Gil Roy has hosted more than two-dozen foreign exchange students from around the world in the last 14 years and has two more coming this summer, Amy Calder writes.

Commentary: Young people like me want to work in offshore wind in Maine

A legislative bill currently up for consideration would meaningfully commit the state of Maine to offshore wind energy. My commitment to Maine depends on that commitment.

Ben Bragdon: Gardiner school officials remove Pride flag, and take sides with bullies