(This article was written in March)
By: Corey Potvin

  After a deceptively pleasant Monday afternoon, heavy rains and strong winds hit the area last Tuesday in advance of an intense low-pressure area.  The storm developed off the New Jersey coast as a secondary low of a broader storm system, then rapidly intensified as it moved northward into New England. Winds picked up Monday morning as the pressure gradient tightened between the advancing low and a high-pressure area located off the eastern seaboard. By late morning, winds were gusting to over 50 mph in Portland, and some branches and even a few trees were being broken in the Lewiston/Auburn area. Downeast coastal sections received the brunt of the winds, with gusts

approaching 60 mph in spots. 
  Despite the strong winds, rain may have been the bigger story as 1-2" of precipitation in southern and central sections pushed small rivers and streams to their limits. Had this storm occurred earlier in the season when there was more snow cover, the situation would have been very serious as rainfall combined with massive snowmelt to produce widespread flooding.  Still, the Androscoggin River crested at flood stage (13 feet) Wednesday afternoon, and the Kennebec stayed above flood flow for the duration of the day. 
    More storms of this kind can be expected as the spring season unfolds, especially when the jet stream takes a turn up the coast. As far as snow is concerned, we'll probably have to wait until next year for anything significant.

without interfering. Over 15 other schools were there, all brimming with chess energy, ready to best their opponents with skill and dexterity. We set up in our little area and waited for the first round to be announced.
    My first of my four games was a tough one. I led the team at the first board so I played a French exchange student who was rated at least 400 points above me. We played a long match that I ultimately lost. That was the high point of my day. I ended up losing every game I played. Fortunately, the other members of the championship team were able to rise to the occasion, each winning most of their games. Despite my failure, we managed to finish the day better than most of schools there.
    The bus ride home was even longer, mostly due to the snowstorm, and though we performed less than expected (last year we tied for second place) we still placed above average. March 25 we have another tournament at John Babst (individuals) and we hope to do well.
    The other members of the Championship team were Kevin Fitzsimmons (2nd board), Joe Fitzsimmons (3rd board), Jon LeBrun (4th board) and Chris Cato (5th board). Kevin qualified to compete in the individuals for free due to his strong performance that day.

UPDATE: At the individual tournament, out of a possible 4 points, Kevin and Andrew each received 2.5 points and Joe earned 2 points.

By: Andrew Morin

    March 11th is the day that chess club members know very well. It was the day that we had been preparing for all year. It was the State Scholastic Chess Tournament (a.k.a. States). States is the club's reason for being, the goal that we study and practice for every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. And, a month ago, that day had arrived.
    That morning, at 6 am, 23 chess students and 3 coaches set out for John Babst High School. That 2 and half hour bus ride, interrupted only by a breakfast stop at McDonald's, was bumpy, long, and stressful. We studied opening theory, middle game tactics, and end games strategy. We felt prepared to take on any school that dared to challenge us. We felt stronger then we had ever felt before.
  We arrived at John Babst at about 8:30 and their auditorium was spectacular. The floor was covered with tables that were strewn with chessboards, chess pieces and clocks. Surrounding the playing area was a balcony that allowed people to watch other games