QUOTE OF THE DAY

“The concerns people have about safety and cleanliness are valid, but I don’t think that means we need to give up on the idea forever. If that means I’m going to be wrong, I’m fine with that, but I at least want to try.”

— Bangor City Councilor Cara Pelletier on the debate over public bathrooms in parks.

TODAY’S TOP MAINE STORIES

Oxford County commissioner puzzled by Gov. Janet Mills’ decision to not remove the sheriff. Gov. Janet Mills says that Christopher Wainwright didn’t violate the law when he traded guns from the evidence room without getting permission.

This $5 million rural Maine mansion is an homage to Frank Lloyd Wright. The 4,500-square-foot house is an impressive feat of craftsmanship.

Rubble is still piled up at the old Bangor YMCA months after its demolition. The project encountered unexpected delays, including a snowstorm and “surprise” asbestos.

When Bangor unveiled the proposed locations for public bathrooms, many residents vocally opposed the choices. But parents using those parks on Friday supported the original proposal.

MAINE IN PICTURES

Brycen Littlefield, 3, zips down a slide at Fairmount Park in Bangor where he was having fun with his father Patrick Littlefield on Friday. Fairmount Park was one of the city’s proposed locations for a public bathroom. Credit: Linda Coan O'Kresik / BDN

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

INSIDE THE NEWSROOM

As a young journalist, sometimes people don’t take me seriously while out in the field. That’s all right, as long as I get a chance to explain and am treated with respect. I wear my press pass around while reporting for this reason. But while interviewing people outside of a polling place in St. George on Monday after they voted on the Kinney Woods Project, I was about to talk to a voter when, before I could say anything, he frowned at me and asked if I was begging him for money. “No,” I said, “just begging for information.” A little rude, but he’s got a point — perhaps I should ask for tips.

— Jules Walkup

FROM THE OPINION PAGES

“If we don’t raise greater awareness about the cycle of family trauma and substance use — addressing this as the crisis it represents — the significant progress we all seek in reducing the rate of SUD, co-occurring mental health disorders, and overdose deaths will not be attainable. Breaking these powerful forces by addressing stigma, shame and fear is one of the most effective actions we can take to bring about transformative change.”

Opinion; Supporting mothers is essential to breaking the cycle of substance use disorder

LIFE IN MAINE

Flax was a staple of New England’s economy and Maine homesteads 200 years ago. Now Maine women are rediscovering the possibilities of flax.

Maine’s trail system is still a mess from storm devastation as ATV season opens. The price tag to fix the storm damage is as high as $7 million.

The Camden Snow Bowl is preparing for a less snowy future. Winters are getting warmer in Maine, and during recent seasons that has left the little ski area with a snow shortage.