University Times – University Times

A Word From the Editor

Dear Folks,

I hope that you are all doing well. You may have noticed that I am a new editor for this issue of the University Times school newspaper. I will be one of three new editors as the semester continues its journey until May.

As the nineth week of the semester approaches us, students may be having more challenges. As a first-time editor, I have felt a little out of my element. The motivation that pushes us past these challenges, however, is not slowing down. Instead, our motivation is becoming more concentrated from all we have learned. And if that is not actually the case, we still have spring break to count on.

Stay strong, folks, and remember to make your own fun along the way!

– Megan Waceken

The Climate Crisis and the Spirit of ‘Dirigo’- Mainers do not shy away from catastrophe. Instead, they lead the charge against it.

“As Maine goes, so goes the nation.” People coined this phrase in the 1930s when they noticed that election results from Maine were an effective way of predicting the national outcome. Maine has been a leader in the United States since breaking from Massachusetts in 1820. As Kelley Bouchard wrote in the Portland Press Herald, “In the 1850s, Maine spearheaded the temperance or prohibition movement, was a leader in the fight against slavery and helped to form the fledgling Republican Party….” The state’s motto sums it up exactly: “Dirigo” is Latin for “to lead” or “to direct.” Maine is the first state to see sunlight in the morning. It literally leads the nation into each day.

In the Future, We’re ‘Sandwiched’

Are you part of what people call the “sandwich generation”? Do you give money to your grown children or your parents? Do you feel pulled in different directions when you take care of your family? The sandwich generation is people who must care for their adult family. This can be a hard job. But it can also be worth it.

Composting to Protect Maine’s Environment – Food waste threatens every part of Maine’s environment. Compost can defeat it.

How often do you think about decomposing plant matter? Mark King thinks about it a lot. King is an Organics Waste Specialist with the Division of Materials in the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Decomposing plant matter matters because it can cause much harm to the environment. It threatens the land, air and waterways in Maine and all over the country. King and many other Mainers are working to protect Maine from this threat.

Mainely Mexican – A Taste of the South Way Up North

Although the Presque Isle area isn’t renowned for its diverse selection of cultural dining, a select few establishments stand out from the crowd of chain restaurants. One of these restaurants is Mainely Mexican, located at 6 State Road. You can sample classic entrees such as enchiladas and chimichangas or their specialties like the Mexican spiced rib eye or the lobster taco. This restaurant offers a variety of Mexican dining that other places in the local area do not provide.

The Anti-Social Media

Luddite: noun–a person against new technology or ways of working. Though this term typically has a negative connotation, teens are turning that around. They are using it as a tool for self-improvement, inspiring many others to do the same. Flip phones are the new trend in alternative culture. Luddite is the new punk.

The Current Used Car Market Struggle

Trying to buy a used car in recent memory has been a nightmare. Problems began to arise during the pandemic. A mix between microchip shortages, supply chain mishaps and manufacturing woes, the used car market seemed like a good place to turn. As demand grew, prices soared, however.

Snow in the Owls Nest

Are you tired of playing with snow when it is below freezing? Do you wish to play in the snow and be warm? On Feb. 16, UMPI held an event where people were able come in and create their own snow globes. It went from 5 to 8 p.m. and was a one-time event. The snow globes were made with small jars, glitter, water, felt and plastic animals. All materials were provided for free. The Snow Globe event was open to all students.

Looking Into the Jungle

With more snow coming in and it being cold and windy, everyone is ready for summer. We cannot rush the seasons along, but you can escape winter at the UMPI campus. The Zillman Family Greenhouse is a great way to escape winter and all the snow. When you walk into the greenhouse, it is warm and smells fresh. As you walk through, there are plants growing up the wall and across the table. Green fills the room, beautiful pink and purple flowers are everywhere. The Zillman Family Greenhouse is just the place to be for that comforting summer feeling. This amazing greenhouse can be used in so many ways for not only the UMPI campus, but also for the Presque Isle community.

Fort Fairfield Joins Maine Towns Struggling

Interim Town Manager Dan Foster returned to Fort Fairfield on Sept. 19, 2022. The town council hired him to help solve the town’s financial issues. These problems started in 2019/2020. There is now a plan in place to solve them.