One day, spring trudges out of mud, the next, it dances.

Quickly, look up at the rise above Oak Street at the patch of blue squills, or scilla. Planted years ago, the tiny flowers have spread into a briefly-blooming mat. It announces spring without even trying.

In another town, bright crocuses sown into a grassy verge between sidewalk and highway spell out the words, “Spring is here.” Yearly, they come up on their own; there’s no argument with the message.

There’s no denying it: America’s manufacturing sector has faced more than its share of tough challenges through the past few decades. But despite countless setbacks and roadblocks, our manufacturing base has (true to the American spirit) persevered with great strength and resilience. America is still the number one manufacturer in the world, and American-made products are still in high demand. That’s because we make quality goods here — and only the best in Maine.

Some folks have just about seen and done everything on this peninsula in the last half century, and Selectman Douglas Burhnam certainly fits that description.

Having served the town of Boothbay on municipal boards and committees since the 1970s, Burnham is seeking another three-year term on the Boothbay board of selectmen.

“I've been here my whole life, and I've seen a lot of changes in Boothbay,” Burnham said. “I'd like to keep serving and keep things moving.”

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced April 22 that Wiscasset is getting $1.2 million in federal funding to pay for a new clean-water project that will upgrade some of the town's pump stations and replace water and sewer lines on Birch Point Road and in downtown Wiscasset.

The Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the Boothbay Railway Village will host a Business After Hours with And Candy Too! on Wednesday, April 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will take place at the Railway Village in the 1847 Boothbay Town Hall (the large white building adjacent to the parking lot).

On Saturday, April 26, Sarah J’s Fitness located at 951 Wiscasset Road in Boothbay (the former Short Cuts salon) had its grand opening party.

Tonight is the last time the Boothbay selectmen will meet before the annual town meeting on May 5.

Town warrant articles 3, 4 and 25-35 will be reviewed at tonight's public hearing at 6 p.m, one hour before the regularly scheduled selectmen's meeting.