Unless you belong to a private rifle and pistol club, finding a place to sight in your deer rifle or simply to practice with a firearm is becoming increasingly problematic in Maine.

There was a day when all you needed to do was to find an old gravel pit, set up a target and plink away. Not anymore. Pit owners, mindful of all the new legal liabilities that seem to be the scourge of the 21st century, are posting their properties.

Organized shooting clubs and ranges don’t have it so easy either as anti-gun factions and other detractors try yo put them out of business.

In response to the release of the Maine Ocean Acidification Commission Report today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Climate Action Task Force, renewed his call for action to address the effects of climate change and ocean acidification on Maine’s fishing industry:

Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2015, was celebrated in a big way in Cooper with all-day benefit events including an ice fishing derby on Cathance Lake, a poker drive with designated spots around Cooper and Cathance Township, children’s crafts and games at the Cooper Community Center, and a “souper” supper which featured an abundance of food generously donated by many local residents.

2/17/2015

This week Troop J responded to 118 calls for service. The following are noteworthy complaints:

2-7-15

Trooper Chris Smith arrested Erik Tozier, 27, of Ellsworth on 7 outstanding warrants for probation revocation and failure to pay fines.

2-10-15

Sergeant Jeffrey Ingemi responded to a family fight complaint in Sullivan. Parties were separated for the night.

Trooper Kim Sawyer received a harassment complaint in Weston. Trooper Kim Sawyer warned the man for harassment.