LEWISTON — On Wednesday, Martel Elementary School sixth-graders heard firsthand about sit-ins and racial discrimination experienced by James Reese, 93, and his wife, Neola Reese, 89, the parents of assistant dean at Bates College James Reese.

Neola Reese also stood in the classroom sharing with students how she always had to sit in the “black” parts of movie theaters, but she was protected from much discrimination by her grandmother.

She grew up in Selma, Alabama. Her mother worked, so her grandmother did a lot of child-rearing. “She would only let her to go school and church. She was very strict.” At times she thought her grandmother was mean, “never letting me do anything!”

Her grandmother also insisted the girl drink water and go to the bathroom before taking a car trip, even if Neola insisted she didn’t need to. She knew blacks in Selma in that era couldn’t use bathrooms and fountains designated for whites.

It wasn’t until after college, Neola said, that she realized what her grandmother had done.

One day as a young adult she got on a bus in Selma to ride home. She was approached by a white man who said, “‘Get back girl! Let the ladies get on first!'”

His words indicated he didn’t consider her, a black woman, a lady. Neola said a lot of ugly things “didn’t happen to me because of my grandmother.”

— Bonnie Washuk

‘Hell’s Kitchen:’ Lewiston chef makes final three

Heidi Parent can’t tell us how this season of “Hell’s Kitchen” ends, but she gave an update  after Friday night’s episode.

“After tonight we had a double elimination,” Parent said, “and now I’m in the top three.”

Three! Impressive, considering the field of contestants started out at 18. Parent, who learned her craft at The Green Ladle in Lewiston, need only bump off two more of her colleagues to win it all.

Could she actually win it all and land a $250,000 Las Vegas chef contract? Since the show got underway in September, her odds have increased dramatically.

Of course, the winner of the competition has already been determined — Parent is sworn to secrecy about her role on the show, which actually concluded filming nearly two years ago in Los Angeles. She can’t talk about it. Won’t talk about it.

But she’s talked plenty about the experience of being chosen as a contestant and then being tossed into a hot kitchen with the surly Ramsey and 17 other chef hopefuls.

“It was exhausting,” said Parent. “It was almost like you were in a daydream the whole time.”

Will the daydream end in glory? We won’t know until the end of the season. Most of us won’t, anyway.

“Yes, I do know the winner,” Parent said, “but I can’t say.”

Find out more at fox.com/hells-kitchen

— Mark LaFlamme

The missing paragraphs in Lewiston’s new plan

LEWISTON — Just before the City Council voted unanimously to adopt its “Legacy Lewiston” comprehensive plan on Jan. 17, a 140-word passage was struck from its introduction.

The paragraph, councilors worried, could be construed as painting a negative image of relations between the immigrant population and “native-born” Lewistonians.

One councilor said it could pit the city’s residents against one another.  

The new, 12-year comprehensive plan was developed through a three-and-a-half year process, which began with “Planapalooza,” a series of formal public forums and informal walk-in discussions in 2013. 

The public feedback was used as the basis of the 257-page planning document, which is used to drive the city’s planning and development goals and vision over the next decade. 

While struck from the final document, the section titled “A Place of Diversity and Change” could’ve been considered a piece of Lewiston’s identity, reflecting some of its recent history and struggle with change. 

The passage read as follows:

“Lewiston has a long history of resilience; with people from around the world coming together to build a better future for themselves and each other. While the City may have a negative image to some in the region, those from away often respond positively and are impressed by its multicultural and diverse population.

“Some locals see this unique aspect of the City as a detriment, perceiving new residents as competition for limited jobs and public resources; however, many of these residents also end up leaving the community unable to find employment. The recent influx of immigrants and refugees has challenged the sense of familiarity felt by many longtime residents. However, the City is once again learning to accept its diversity and move forward collectively to solve the new challenges faced by all of its residents, including in tough economic times.” 

— Andrew Rice 

New challenges for injured puppy

The 6-month-old pit bull mix found abandoned with his muzzle taped shut in Newry a little over a year ago is now a happy, curious, cuddly dog with a family of his own. 

But his health problems continue.

Blue’s new family said he was recently diagnosed with medial compartment disease, a defect that causes cartilage to erode in elbow joints. The disease is related to his short, stocky breed.

Blue is being treated by a specialist and recently underwent scoping of both elbows. The disease is degenerative and he may require further surgery.

His activity is restricted, which is a challenge because he’s energetic, but his family said he is doing well and improving every day.  

Blue’s family has spent several thousand dollars on his care so far and they expect to spend more. A friend of Blue’s family set up a GoFundMe.com page to help raise money for the dog’s medical bills. It has raised about $1,950 of its $5,000 goal. 

Blue’s family asked to remain anonymous because they fear for his safety since his abuser has never been caught. However, they said Blue is a gentle, loving dog, despite the abuse he suffered. They maintain an Instagram account in Blue’s name (Maine Blue Dog), where they share photos of him. 

Blue’s case has never been solved and remains open.

— Lindsay Tice