Zach Amnott – University Times

American Legion Sees a Drop in Membership

Veteran Holidays. Towns decorated with American Flags on light posts. Graves of resting military decorated with American flags. These are just some things the American Legion does for local communities.

Members of the American Legion are seeing interest in the local community decline in recent years. The legion is a nonprofit group run by military veterans. Rodney (Rod) Collins, a 12-year member and financial officer of Legion Post 118 in Mars Hill, said, “I’ll bet 75 percent of our members are 80 or older. But this town has been very supportive.” Continue reading “American Legion Sees a Drop in Membership”

UMPI Honors

The pioneers behind UMPI’s new honors program.Adam Weyenth, Sarah Harris, Darius Haskell, and Evan Zarkadas.

Many universities in the United States have an honors program. The University of Maine at Presque Isle has had challenges maintaining one. But four students– Evan Zarkadas, Darius Haskell, Sarah Harris and Adam Weyenth–are working to change that. Continue reading “UMPI Honors”

Behind the Limits

Life can be hard. Every person must face challenges. BEYOND LIMITS is a program where groups of people come together to do what would normally be impossible alone. Dr. Jacqui Lowman started the program to show her students that through teamwork, many things are possible. Continue reading “Behind the Limits”

A Light in the North

Most parents will tell you that they just want to have their children to have happy lives. Parents who have children with special needs are no different. They may not, however, understand the challenges that these children face. Staff at the Northern Lighthouse know this. Continue reading “A Light in the North”

All the President’s Men: Uncovering the Watergate Scandal

The Watergate Scandal ended then President Richard Nixon’s political career. Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein wrote the story for The Washington Post. The story was not being reported or investigated by any other media company. Both men played a large role in showing the American people why freedom of the press is written into the United States Constitution. By allowing for the freedom of the press, citizens can hold their government to the same principals that it holds its people to. During Nixon’s presidency, journalism was being threatened. Had the duo failed, journalism could look very different today. The American people may not have the same rights and freedoms they do today. Continue reading “All the President’s Men: Uncovering the Watergate Scandal”

Chewing Gum: A Solution to Rough Roads

Long winters are hard on roads. Recently many potholes have been appearing across the streets of Mars Hill, Presque Isle and Bridgewater. Fixing the roads during winter can be very challenging. The cold weather can be dangerous to repair crews. Snowbanks can make it difficult for crews to set up the equipment needed to repair the holes. Continue reading “Chewing Gum: A Solution to Rough Roads”

Shriners: More Than Just the Circus

If you have ever seen a parade you may have seen the Shriners. They can be spotted driving around in their tiny cars. Some might have bought a ticket to their circus.

Shriners are a nation-wide group that helps children and young adults in local communities. Its members run 22 hospitals across the United States. The patients they care for are mostly children under the age of 18. Dick Hallett of Mars Hill served as Potentate at the Presque Isle lodge in 2006. A Potentate is like a CEO. Continue reading “Shriners: More Than Just the Circus”

Capturing a Moment in Time

Photojournalists are not going to win the Pulitzer Prize for being the best in a competition. The Pulitzer is awarded to photojournalists who happen to be in the right place at the right time.

All who have won a Pulitzer did not go out thinking that they were going to be shooting a prize-winning picture. It is not something that can be hunted for. For a photo to win the prize, it must make the observer react to it. The photo must feel powerful. Continue reading “Capturing a Moment in Time”