DEXTER – The severity of the situation had already settled over the group when, from the back of the room, a man stood and began to speak. “It was something I learned in the ’60s,” the man said, grabbing the attention of his audience. “An… Read More
    Benjamin Ireland, age 66, parked his white Olds with the handicapped-designated plates in the paved lot adjoining the new softball complex on outer Union Street in Bangor. He parked in the spot for handicapped people nearest the three adjoining diamonds. Ireland is the manager of… Read More
    AT WASHBURN, 2.95 miles Fort Kent boys 44, Caribou 44, Presque Isle 75, Washburn 115, Fort Fairfield 126, Ashland 184 googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i… Read More
    Two area golfers scored holes-in-one at Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono Sunday. Emily Loiselle of Eddington carded an ace on the 143-yard fourth hole using a 5-wood. Her shot was witnessed by Leo Loiselle, Henry Paul and Gertrude Paul. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    Despite being the star of a small-town basketball team, Jonesport-Beals High School senior Sandi Carver has a big-time game on the basketball court. While showcasing her skills at the Bangor Auditorium in front of Eastern Maine Class D tournament crowds over the last couple of… Read More
    Schoolgirl soccer HODGDON – Amy Quint scored two goals to help the Hodgdon Hawks beat the Southern Aroostook Warriors 4-2 in schoolgirl soccer action Tuesday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var… Read More
    In February, 36-year-old Jack Cosgrove became the 34th head football coach at his alma mater, the University of Maine. He took over in the midst of a budget crunch that eliminated $150,000 from his program. In spite of the financial hardships and promised reductions in… Read More
    In recent history, the Bangor Rams boys soccer team has found itself in rebuilding year after rebuilding year. The end result has always been the same: a trip into the Class A postseason playoffs. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
    AT CARIBOU C.C., par 36 Presque Isle (4-2) 180, Caribou (2-2) 191 googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length; i++) { if (isMobileDevice()) { if (slot_sizes[i][0]… Read More
    Schoolboy soccer HODGDON – Matt Spencer had a goal and an assist to help pace the Hodgdon Hawks to a 3-1 schoolboy soccer win over the Southern Aroostook Warriors here Tuesday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    When my wife decided that IBM could no longer tell us where we had to live, it was suggested that I should move her back to Maine, where, of course, living is “The way life ought to be.” We subscribed to your paper during that time for the… Read More
    Your Basin Mills editorial of Aug. 21-22 is a prime example of your typical ambiguous editorial style at its best. Listen to the way this sounds: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
    “Dying leave gifts for the living” by Walter B. Dickhaut (BDN, Aug. 19, Op-ed column), was the most wonderful story. I hope people will think long and hard about organ donation. And, when you make your decision that you would like to donate your organs,… Read More
    The members of the Hampden Neighborhood Food Cupboard would like to express their gratitude to the business organizations and churches of Hampden. The cupboard has been up and running since May and has helped more than 10 families. The donations of food, money and time are all greatly… Read More
    Who does Cablevision think they are kidding? If you want to receive the broadcast of channels 2, 5, 7 and 12, all you have to do is unhook cable from one of the 10 televisions in your house. You will pay Cablevision for one less hookup, and you… Read More
    I am writing in response to the article regarding the shooting of the abortion doctor (BDN, Aug. 24, “Second abortion doctor shot; motive unsure”). In the article, the BDN quotes the Rev. Paul Hill of Defensive Action saying the following: “If indeed a pro-life individual… Read More
    Sam Wyman has been making music for as long as he can remember. He started taking tuba lessons in the fifth grade and later joined the Brewer High School band. He joined the Maine National Guard in 1939, while he was still in high school. Read More
    First Sgt. Harold Smith spent 27 years with the Army National Guard. The first three years, he worked at the Bangor Armory; the remaining 24 years, he was assigned to Co. A, 262nd Engineer Battalion, in Brewer. Co. A is the “line company” or working company that has… Read More
    BELFAST — By mid-July, the parking lot behind the Maine Army National Guard armory on Route 1 was almost empty. Normally, various Army vehicles painted in woodland camouflage would occupy the fenced-off lot. Passersby might see a few Humvees (made famous by the Gulf War… Read More
    AUGUSTA — Not every employer would lay off 550 people and then find jobs for them. That’s what the Maine Army National Guard has done for the soldiers once assigned to the 262nd Engineer Battalion. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    While the dissolution of the 262nd Engineer Battalion may be solely for economical reasons, it’s important to remember that the changes involved in both the breakdown and the merger with the 133rd Engineer Battalion affect the many people who make up the unit. Sgt. James… Read More
    BAR HARBOR — Armed soldiers once patrolled the streets where tourists now stroll. In October 1947, men wearing steel pots and baggy fatigues traveled to Bar Harbor to help save the town, if possible, from a forest fire that was sweeping Mount Desert Island. The… Read More
    Melvin Maidlow was a young man with dreams and plans in 1941, working hard to make them come true as a mechanical engineering student at the University of Cincinnati. Along with other young men at the time, he was well aware of events in Europe, but hung on… Read More
    Every summer, Royce Day can tell just from the noise when the Bangor State Fair opens for its annual 10-day run. He lives north of Bass Park, just beyond the chain-link fence designed to keep kids from sneaking onto the fairgrounds. In fact, his house… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Five juveniles ages 14-17 and one adult confessed to their participation in three different break-ins at the home of Scott Green on the Steadman’s Landing Road in Dover-Foxcroft. During the November and June break-ins, about $15,000 in cash and a safe weighing approximately… Read More
    CALAIS — As other elements of the 314th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, Maine Army National Guard, went to fight the Bar Harbor Fire, Battery C from Calais braced the fire lines outside Machias. All Maine apparently burned in October 1947, when forest fires broke out everywhere. Read More
    Commentary I seldom hug a grown man; it’s not copacetic, trendy, machismo, or whatever to do so in our enlightened American society. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0;… Read More
    Jean Grondin’s first trip on the Queen Elizabeth was a voyage to remember. Grondin went while not looking forward to a vacation, however. He was an Army personnel sergeant, one of hundreds of young soldiers, headed overseas in April 1944. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    BREWER — Fifteen years ago, the Maine Army National Guard built a softball field behind Brewer High School. In fact, the Army Guard, a.k.a. the 262nd Engineer Battalion, built a full athletic complex for the Brewer School Department. Spending their annual two-week training ensconced between… Read More
    WINSLOW — A former commander of the 262nd Engineer Battalion foresees the changing of the guard as that outfit vanishes into history. Col. Norman Giroux, presently assigned to STARC (State Area Command ) as the director of intelligence and security, describes himself as an “old… Read More
    Van Buren councilors voiced concerns this week when they accepted the resignations from hospital district trustees Bernard Cyr and Paul Paradis. They saw the resignations as a matter for concern, as they left only two trustees for that five-member body. A third post went unfilled… Read More
    HERMON — Brian Tenney has worn different uniforms, but he does prefer Army camouflage. A 1971 graduate of Hampden Academy (he hails from Monroe), Tenney joined the Army that July. The Vietnam War was still raging; like other young men his age, Tenney had to… Read More
    BELFAST — No, he’s not the paint guy, but most people associated with the 262nd Engineer Battalion know who he is. Benjamin Moore Jr. joined the Maine Army National Guard on June 14, 1949. He enlisted in Battery B, 314th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, a forerunner… Read More
    What should you look for when purchasing a new computer? That depends on what you are looking for in a computer. It also depends on what software you intend to run on the computer. If you are just using the computer to type letters, almost… Read More
    Although Deputy Adjutant General Donald H. Marden has no personal involvement with the 262nd Engineer Battalion, he became familiar with the unit during the short time he served as an engineering officer at the Bangor Armory. Serving under Adjutant General Nelson Durgin since 1986, he holds the rank… Read More
    Slager. Clewley. Blackburn. The names sound unfamiliar to ears born since World War II, but the people who knew these men when they were young (and they will remain eternally young) recall the faces and the loss. On Feb. 24, 1941, the 152nd Field Artillery… Read More
    The passing of the Maine Army National Guard’s 262nd Engineer Battalion marks an important event from an historical standpoint. The outfit represents people from all walks of civilian life — those part-time soldiers who have given their all for their country and their neighbors. Frank… Read More
    From the files of the Bangor Daily Whig and Courier: April 30, 1861: Advertisement: WAR HAS COMMENCED. Large reduction in the prices of dry goods! New and choice styles offering this (Tuesday) morning at H.M. Kent’s, 7 Main Street. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    His troops know him as “Col. T,” the man who commands the 262nd Engineer Battalion, Maine Army National Guard. Maine history books will record him as the last commander of the 262nd, a unit that traces its heritage to the mid-19th century. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    MILLINOCKET — From little guns to big guns to bridge-building to practicing medicine, Tom Costello did it all during a career with the Maine Army National Guard. World War II was raging when Costello graduated from Stearns High School in Millinocket in 1944. He was… Read More
    Seeing was believing for Stephen Frost when he went to Germany in October 1991. A major in the Maine Army National Guard, Frost flew to a reunited Germany 22 months ago to participate in an exercise with the 130th Engineer Brigade. At the time, Frost… Read More
    Although more than 20 years have passed, Joel Gopan remembers some funny things that happened on the way to annual training. Gopan, who lives in Hampden, joined Headquarters Battery, 1st Automatic Weapons Platoon, Maine Army National Guard, in June 1960. The battalion would soon become… Read More
    Phasing out the 262nd Engineer Battalion will not inflict the same economic upheaval in Maine as will closing Loring Air Force Base. In fact, because the Maine Army National Guard instituted Operation Phoenix (see separate article), no particular community will adversely suffer when the battalion fades into history. Read More
    Air Force blue salutes Army green. Maj. Gen. Nelson Durgin, the Maine Adjutant General, regrets the passing of the 262nd Engineer Battalion. However, he’s very pleased that the Army National Guard has found jobs for the battalion’s 550-odd members. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    Forest camouflage occupied downtown Bangor on Monday, May 31, 1993. That’s when the 262nd Engineer Battalion, Maine Army National Guard, made its last public appearance as a coherent unit. Before the annual Memorial Day parade kicked off that sunny spring morning, soldiers clad in kevlar… Read More
    FORT FAIRFIELD — The Dislocated Worker Unit of the Maine Department of Labor has scheduled presentations Wednesday, Sept. 8, to provide employment and training information to workers recently laid off from Interstate Food Processing Corp. Former Interstate employees may attend a session at 10 a.m. Read More
    MADAWASKA — New Brunswickers opposed to the collection of an 11 percent provincial sales tax on goods purchased in Maine plan another beer-can protest for Monday, Sept. 6. The two-month-old tax collection effort has drawn the ire of many New Brunswick residents who came to… Read More
    MADAWASKA — The 1994 Acadian Festival Committee has been organized for the 17th Acadian Festival that will be held at Madawaska June 29 to July 3, 1994. Jerry Carter, a longtime volunteer of the festival, was elected president of the group. He will be assisted… Read More
    CARIBOU — The following cases were among those processed from Aug. 16 to 27 in 1st District Court by Judge Ronald A. Daigle: Christopher Mills, 21, Stockholm, illegal attachment of plates, $200; operating a motor vehicle after license suspension, $100. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    MARSHFIELD — Carolyn Luce, an eighth-grade pupil and trumpet player from Marshfield, was one of 35 students from throughout the state to participate in the Bay Chamber Concerts Next Generation band program, recently conducted in Rockport. Luce, the daughter of Charles and Patsy Luce of… Read More
    MACHIAS — The Machias School Committee filled several teaching and staff vacancies, and accepted one resignation at its most recent meeting. With the exception of a special education aide, all vacancies for the coming school year have been filled. Hired as a mathematics and science… Read More
    PERRY — When the tone comes across the scanner, one of the first people to respond is Assistant Fire Chief Paula Frost. With her male counterparts, she is willing to enter any burning building if she can save a life or prevent injury. Frost, who… Read More
    LUBEC — The Regional Medical Center at Lubec will hold its first Little Miss and Junior Miss RMCL Pageant at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Lubec High School gymnasium, in conjunction with the 12th annual RMCL Country Fair. The pageant is open to… Read More
    LINCOLNVILLE — The Penobscot School of Rockland will sponsor two language immersion weekends during September in the quiet forest environment of Tanglewood 4-H Camp. Since 1991 when the program began, more than 180 residents of Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts ranging in age from 15… Read More
    MACHIAS — Ramie Scanlon II, son of Ramie and Pamela Scanlon of Machias, garnered 11,531 votes to claim a $100 grand prize and title of the area’s favorite baby in the recent Smile, Baby, Smile contest, sponsored by Machias Valley La Leche League. Other winners… Read More
    A construction company that built a bridge in Millinocket is the target of a lawsuit by a neighbor who contends that its work damaged his property. Herbert E. Preble alleges that blasting and pile-driving by Augusta-based Colwell Construction Co. Inc. caused “excessive and unusual” vibrations… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN — Mary Ellen Merrow of Hartland has filed a civil lawsuit in Somerset Superior Court, charging Edwards Co. of Pittsfield with negligence in an industrial accident last summer that resulted in the amputation of her finger and a crushed hand. Merrow alleges that she… Read More
    Rainbow or brook trout for pond stocking are again being offered this fall by the Penobscot County Soil & Water Conservation District. The date for delivery is Wednesday, Oct. 6, beginning at noon in the parking lot of the USDA building, 970 Illinois Ave., Bangor,… Read More
    PITTSFIELD — The opening of school in SAD 53 — Burnham, Detroit and Pittsfield — on Tuesday also marked the beginning of new pilot programs in kindergarten through fourth grade. The program changes are in conjunction with the district’s efforts toward the restructuring of education… Read More
    ROCKLAND — The Institute of Museum Services, Washington, D.C., has announced that the William A. Farnsworth Art Museum is one of several Maine museums receiving General Operating Support grants. The Farnsworth museum will receive $112,500. General Operating Support grants are awarded to museums that demonstrate… Read More
    THOMASTON — Introduction to computers and applications will be offered 8-10 p.m. on seven Thursdays, beginning Sept. 30, at the Thomaston Center of the University of Maine. This step-by-step introductory seminar is designed for the person with no computer experience. Working on individual computers, participants… Read More
    GOULDSBORO — Six residents have submitted a petition with 25 signatures urging the recall of four members of the town Board of Selectmen. Resident Francis Walsh said Tuesday that his group had coordinated the petition drive, gathering signatures from throughout the community from residents who… Read More
    ELLSWORTH — The owner of two other area markets says his new Falls Market, whose construction has been finished for several months, will finally open in October. Owner of the Tideway and Wayside markets in the Ellsworth-Hancock area, Ralph Jones of Lamoine said the delay… Read More
    Food aficionados in the Bangor area will have some new eateries to choose from this fall. Already serving Far Eastern fare are the Siam Garden on Main Street, which serves Thai food, and Szechuan Garden, recently opened on State Street. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    Former Athens Postmaster Marlene F. Roach was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Bangor for falsifying travel vouchers. Roach, 44, who now lives in Miami, Fla., was sentenced to serve six months in prison and ordered to pay a $3,000 fine. She also was ordered… Read More
    The 1993 paving program for the city of Bangor continues this week. On Wednesday, Woodbury, Plaisted, Hersey, Bryant and McGlaughlin streets will be paved. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
    ORONO — The Internal Revenue Service later this month finally will unload the Oronoka Restaurant. Almost five years after the IRS seized the property for back taxes, the Bangor office recently announced that the eatery will go on the block Sept. 20 with a sealed-bid… Read More
    Persons who want to run for the position of district supervisor for the Penobscot County Soil and Water Conservation District should contact the District Office at 970 Illinois Ave., Bangor, or call 941-8973, to obtain nomination papers. The district is a local organization of volunteer… Read More
    BRUNSWICK — A decision by three hospitals in Maine’s largest city to discuss merging their resources may be spurring others to do the same in Brunswick. The presidents of Mid Coast and Parkview Memorial hospitals said they’re ready to open a dialogue about sharing technology… Read More
    When officials charged with enforcing environmental laws in the United States and Canada met Tuesday in Bangor, it was the first step in helping each other prosecute violators. The formation of a cross-border law enforcement group also will provide ammunition for the battle by President… Read More
    Tuesday’s lottery numbers: 132 — 2006 Tri-State Cash 5 numbers: 5 10 15 19 32… Read More
    Marden’s will consolidate its Bangor and Brewer discount stores at the former Emple Knitting Mills in Brewer. Owner Harold “Mickey” Marden of Albion said he bought the 87,500-square-foot Wilson Street building last Thursday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
    It happens to employers every year: the end-of-summer exodus. Student staffers want time off before returning to high school or college. So they quit in mid-August, leaving restaurants, hotels, resorts and amusement parks scrambling to serve a tourist throng that doesn’t stop until Labor Day. Read More
    SKOWHEGAN — A police officer who walks a foot beat in a central Maine town one night may find himself working undercover near the Canadian border the next as part of an innovative task force that combines law enforcement efforts in Somerset County. Individual officers… Read More
    YARMOUTH — A Portland woman charged with manslaughter and aggravated drunken driving had previous arrests on charges involving intoxication, her attorney said. Martha Marie Burke, 50, who pleaded innocent Monday in Portland District Court, agreed to enter a residential alcohol treatment program in lieu of… Read More
    PORTLAND — A woman who left her children alone in an excrement-filled room was ordered to serve seven days in jail after pleading guilty to endangerment. Nicole Dembrow, 35, of Portland entered guilty pleas last week to two counts of endangerment under a plea bargain. Read More
    AUGUSTA — Attorney General Michael E. Carpenter said Tuesday he will not run for governor next year. “It just didn’t feel right,” said Carpenter, who had previously said he was considering joining what is shaping up as a crowded Democratic primary race. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    GUILFORD — The third Maine girl hospitalized from complications of Escherichia coli bacteria this summer returned home from a Boston hospital last Thursday. Jessica Pratt, the 5-year-old daughter of Lorrie and Rick Pratt of Guilford, has spent the last few weeks in the New England… Read More
    Five Maine banks have given a total of $43,000 to the Maine Community Loan Fund. Peter Dunfey, manager of MCLF, said it had received contributions from Key Bank, Peoples Heritage, Casco Northern, Fleet and Citibank. Casco Northern also donated office space to the private, nonprofit fund. Read More