DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have been buying clam dip for years at Hannaford’s and Shaw’s. They no longer carry it. — G.A.L., Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots got the answer to this question from four management types who were standing in front of the meat counter in her local Hannaford. When she asked her question, they replied nearly in unison that it is no longer available.

They said that the manufacturer gave up making the product because the cost of licensing grew too high and manufacturers are unable to track the clams used in the dip back to their original source.

They need to be able to do this in case of a problem with the product. For example, if a store has a recall, they don’t recall every single package, just those sold during certain dates or with specific codes on them.

One of the managers said that he’s taken to putting clams and sour cream near where the clam dip used to be to give people the ingredients to make their own. Perhaps readers will offer their favorite recipe so you, too, can make it at home.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have had wonderful results in the past with your column. I hope you can help me with this. I need to know what the chain of command would be to lodge a complaint against a local police officer.

Where would I start? Who would I speak to confidentially? Thank you for any help you can give. — No Name via email

ANSWER: No Name did not reveal any details of this incident in her original email, but without an idea of what happened and in what jurisdiction, Sun Spots could not respond.

Further inquiry revealed that the incident involved what No Name felt was the unwarranted search of a young man and seizure of his possessions by an Auburn police officer.

For an answer, Sun Spots emailed Auburn Deputy Chief Jason Moen, who wrote:

“She can call 333-6650 and request to speak with a supervisor. The supervisor will provide her with information on our citizen complaint process.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you give me more information about the Democratic caucuses? What is the purpose of a caucus? How does it work? What happens at a caucus? When and where will they be in Maine? Are new Mainers invited to participate? — ZamZam Mohamud, Lewiston

ANSWER: You can read about the process and the accompanying rules at www.mainedems.org. On that website it lists the following purposes of the caucuses:

1. To elect the 2012-2014 Democratic State Committee and to approve its bylaws.

2. To review and adopt the 2012-2014 state party platform.

3. To review the 2012-2014 state party rules.

4. To elect delegates to the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.

5. To transact any other business which may properly come before the state convention.

If you are a registered voter and enrolled as a Democrat, you can join Lewiston Democrats at their caucus at Lewiston High School. The statewide caucuses will be on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Unlike the Republicans, the Democrats won’t be voting for a presidential nominee, since President Barack Obama is unopposed in the primaries.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for a set of the old-fashioned TV trays. These trays are made with metal legs and metal frame and came in different colors. I do not want the wooden ones. If someone has a set in very good condition that they no longer use and would like to sell, please call me at 784-3491. — Mrs. Langlois, cslanglois@midmaine.com

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.