I learned Friday afternoon that the color comics we include in the weekend newspaper contained a comic strip which was at least, inappropriate, and at worst, offensive, to people of a particular faith and very likely to others as well.

We prepackage a number of pieces of the weekend paper on Thursday. The comics are part of that package. Bundles of that package had already been delivered to Aroostook and Washington counties for delivery this morning.

As soon as I learned of this situation, I instructed our production people to break down as many bundles as possible and remove the comics. We also contacted all our circulation district managers and carriers and asked them to remove the comics from bundles which still contained them before delivering the paper to your homes.

I apologize for the lack of color comics this weekend but offending any religion is always wrong and becomes especially poignant on this particular holiday when all religions are celebrating in their own traditional ways.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Warren

Publisher