As editor of these fine newspapers, getting the news out is my priority. I hardly have time to think about each and every story but sometimes a lot of thoughts enter my mind as they come in from reporters and the "outside." This week was no exception and here are a few:

• Perhaps if we close the high school and combine the schools, we could make the high school into some sort of affordable housing.
• Didn't know Bryan Buck of Wiscasset all that well but I met him when I coached against his daughters. He was always polite and his obituary tells of a short life well lived.
• Hoorah for the Congregational Church and others for helping the local Coast Guard families. Well done ... and let's hope the government stalemate ends soon.
• The snow, the cold ...Yuck!
• I wonder who will take out nomination papers for elected offices in Boothbay and Boothay Harbor?
• Jan. 29 and Feb. 10 are important dates to remember; there will be local community discussions of the opioid crisis at the Lincoln Theater and Boothbay Region High School, respectively -- see article in this issue.
• Congratulations to Jean Thompson for receiving Southport's Boston Post Cane. She taught Catechism classes at Our Lady Queen of Peace and was a substitute teacher when I was a young lad.
• Nice to see the great participation on the Y Dolphin swim team (sorry, I'm a little partial because my two granddaughters are participants).
• Although we didn't write about them -- Yeah Patriots! Another Super Bowl! I'm also glad my son and his girlfriend didn't get mugged after they watched the game wearing their Patriots apparel from the stands at Arrowhead Stadium. The night before, they dined beside members of the Gronkowski family. How cool is that!