A two-parter this time. First, just a wow and a well done, Wiscasset police and other agencies on last week's apprehension of a man facing charges out of state and now here. That was, as the new saying goes, a lot. A chase, a tree, a roof and everything before, during and after that public safety had to deal with, most importantly, making what sounded like smart, seasoned and reasoned decisions on what to do each step of the way.

Moving on, so, you have hopefully noticed it's local election time. Alna picks its next seat and office holders March 28; we reported recently on who put in for what on the ballot, and have sent out our usual questionnaire for the candidates, so look for their responses soon in print and at wiscassetnewspaper.com. Some of those running also sent announcements of their candidacies, and supporters have begun submitting letters to the editor.

By policy, the latest the Alna election letters will run is our March 20 edition, which is two Thursdays before the Friday, March 28 vote; so we need to have them by 3 p.m. next Monday, March 17, St. Patrick's Day, if that helps. Thank you in advance for participating in democracy as a candidate, voter, letter writer, town clerk, ballot clerk, muffin baker, etc. in all our towns.

Wiscasset elects its next selectboard, school committee and water district seat holders June 10 and, as we report this week, nominations are open. 

Go for a run, maybe? If interested, follow the town clerk's instructions and you can be a contender, for which those who do not run should thank you. Serving is a lot of work, from reading to deciding things, etc. I know because I see the public part of their work night after night, especially in budget season. And the reading can be voluminous, from line items in a budget draft to long or very long contracts and other proposals.

But you will find you are doing your part for your town, making your and other people's voices heard, and being in the company of other people, elected and hired, who also care. Some also have good senses of humor, which lighten a long evening's meeting.

Week's positive parting thought: Yay for longer days, or at least ones that feel like it now that we have set the clocks ahead!