Coming into this week, it seemed we might any day be needing to ask area school superintendents their game plan, given recent news reports of the possible dismantling of the nation's education department. But by press time Tuesday, no such dismantling was occurring, and there is enough real news to track, such as the latest on the different federal funds promised to Wiscasset and in recent weeks either frozen or not, depending on the grant and the latest word received.

Federal funds that help Wiscasset and other U.S. towns can sometimes run six or seven digits and, if you have a sewer plant to move out of harm's way or other big work to do, such as the Wiscasset plant's projected eight-digit move, that aid can be a welcome dollup in the bucket. Federal funds come from us, just like state and local dollars do, whether for education, the environment, etc., so taking a look is never a bad idea. But whenever that look is through, here is hoping a) funds towns were already promised are given and b) if grants, programs and department(s) end or change substantially at the federal level, those changes occur through a transition that lets the fed and state counterpart agencies communicate and collaborate on the changeover.

A transition over months or even a year could minimize or, better yet, prevent, disruption of services as they move from one pot to another. And if no other project grants occur beyond those promised, towns may understandably need more time to finish funding the projects with other aid and/or on their own. 

Whether you have been applauding, criticizing, or holding off an opinion on any of the new presidential administration's moves, keep watching and listening and reading to stay informed. It is a time of change and potential change. And it all impacts locally, so we'll do like always and bring you that part of things.

Week's positive parting thought: Snowmobilers, rejoice!