Some of the highs and lows during baseball’s opening week – from behind the microphones: Best opening feature: A slight nod to ESPN-TV for its engrossing Monday pregame lead-in on the history of the Cleveland Indians from the glory years of the mid-1950s to the… Read More
    BRUNSWICK — A new and comprehensive “ecosystems” approach to managing fisheries is needed to protect depleted stocks in the Gulf of Maine, according to panelists at a conference held Thursday at Bowdoin College. The new system’s decision-making process must include the fishermen now excluded by management plans, along… Read More
    WASHINGTON — The White House said Thursday that it saw no problem with George Mitchell’s remaining as Senate majority leader for some time if President Clinton nominated the senator to fill the impending vacancy on the Supreme Court. As presidential aides made it increasingly clear… Read More
    Sugarloaf/USA will hold its annual Reggae Ski Bash Weekend April 8-10 in Carrabassett Valley. The schedule is as follow: Friday, April 8: 8:30 p.m., The Dani Tribesmen in the Widowmaker Lounge ($8). Saturday, April 9: noon, The Dani Tribesmen, outdoors on the beach (free); 2… Read More
    Your preschool daughter won’t eat her vegetables or go to bed at a decent hour. Your adolescent son won’t do his homework or go to bed, period. Day after day, the struggle goes on with no answers — or relief — in sight. Harried parents… Read More
    APPLETON — With a second vote on joining a five-town community school district less than a month away, the town of Appleton is looking for other ways to educate its high school students but finding no easy answers. More than 50 residents have formed committees… Read More
    The Portland Ballet Co. has announced a “first” for the state of Maine. Joseph Edmondson, 15, of Mechanic Falls has been accepted to the International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Miss., to be held June 18-July 2. Edmondson has danced year-round for six years and is a soloist with… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT — A Dover-Foxcroft resident continued his objections Wednesday to a policy that he said could eliminate public participation at SAD 68 board meetings and could discriminate against minorities who speak little or no English. Robert Berta has steadfastly objected to a public participation policy… Read More
    Bangor District Court: Assault: Richard S. Bryant, 36, Old Town, 30-day jail sentence suspended, one-year probation; Sheldon Dickinson, 40, Hermon, three days in jail, one year probation; James Dunning, 27, Ellsworth, all but five days suspended from 15-day jail sentence, restitution of $84; David Finch,… Read More
    ROCKLAND — University of Maine President Fred Hutchinson and UM Foundation Vice Chairman Amos Orcutt received in Rockland Wednesday the $460,000 final portion of $1.8 million bequest that may fund up to 90 scholarships for university students. The bequest from the estate of Grace Cutting… Read More
    PORTLAND (AP) — Maine fishermen had their largest commercial fish harvest in 30 years last year, despite dwindling stocks of cod, haddock and other groundfish. Last year’s harvest peaked at 252 million pounds worth about $224.7 million — breaking a record for revenue set in… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN — Somerset County Emergency Management Director Carl McKenney said while state officials may have lifted a flood watch Thursday, he is continuing to monitor events in the Upper Kennebec Valley. “I’m not convinced we won’t see some problems,” he said. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    ASHLAND — The Ashland Community Library will be open new hours beginning Monday, April 18. The library will now be open noon-4 p.m. Mondays; 9 a.m.-noon, 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Story hour will be held from 10-11… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE — Legal Services for the Elderly will offer free legal advice to Maine residents age 60 and older. A representative will be available to meet with individuals by appointment only at the following sites: Monday, April 11, Senior Center, 531B Main St., Madawaska;… Read More
    Millinocket and East Millinocket have high property tax assessments and town spending compared to other paper mill towns and towns of similar populatation and valuation, according to a study prepared for Great Northern Paper Co. “They spent a lot of money to show us something… Read More
    At certain times of the day I can stand on the sidewalk next to this newspaper building and witness the curious spectacle of fledgling drivers testing their wings for the first time. Not only is it entertaining to see the nervous young students trying to… Read More
    HOULTON — The Community Chorus will be joined by a children’s choir in two performances of music by John Rutter, a British composer, on Saturday, April 9, in Dyer Brook and Sunday, April 10, in Houlton. The Saturday performance at 7 p.m. at the Southern… Read More
    LIMESTONE — The Limestone Development Foundation cleared the first hurdle in its effort to land a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant to repair substandard homes across town. At a selectmen’s meeting Wednesday, Town Manager Troy Brown said Limestone was among only nine Maine communities to… Read More
    FORT KENT — Three St. John Valley people have been appointed to the board of trustees of the Northern Maine Medical Center at Fort Kent. Norman Ouellette, chairman of the NMMC board of trustees, has announced the appointments of Joan T. Sylvain of Fort Kent,… Read More
    GREENVILLE — A proposed municipal budget of $918,328, which will be offset by $421,167 in revenues, will be scrutinized later this month by the Greenville Board of Selectmen. Of the total proposed increase in expenditures of $37,948, about $15,000 has been budgeted for landfill projects,… Read More
    Here is what one writer had to say in a prominent science journal a few years ago as the 500-year anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America approached: “Researchers have realized that Columbus’ discovery of the New World unleashed a wave of pestilence and death that rivaled the Black… Read More
    I am writing to express my deep concern for the lack of interest in funding science and technology programs. This is no time for our state leaders to renege on what has been an extremely successful state investment. If Maine is to compete in the new economy, an… Read More
    I read with interest the article about John Crabbs’ shooting of a wolf. I am curious to know how Mr. Crabbs was supposed to know what the animal was when the people we pay to know couldn’t even tell. John Cobb Corinna… Read More
    It’s crystal clear that Maine needs new and dynamic leadership in the Blaine House. The next governor must put this state’s economy and the creation of new, high-tech, environmentally sound jobs high on the list of priorities. As a career counselor and small business owner, it’s painfully apparent… Read More
    I read with interest the article about John Crabbs’ shooting of a wolf. I am curious to know how Mr. Crabbs was supposed to know what the animal was when the people we pay to know couldn’t even tell. John Cobb Corinna… Read More
    KERRY HAFFORD has joined Ade and Associates as a staff accountant. Originall degree from Husson and was previously employed by Unity College. She lives in Bangor and is a member of Bangor’s Uptown Business and Professional Women. PAUL GAGNE and MARK JOSEPH have been named… Read More
    AUGUSTA — The Legislature soundly rejected the proposed Passamaquoddy gambling casino at Calais on Thursday, raising the possibility the tribe would take the state to court to obtain permission for a casino. After an all-day debate, the Maine House overwhelmingly rejected the casino, 96-50. Then… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Johanna Colson of Dover-Foxcroft didn’t get much sleep last night after she checked the Tri-State Megabucks number and found that one of her five tickets matched perfectly. Colson will receive $280,000, or about $14,000 a year before taxes, for 20 years, according to… Read More
    The immediate political maneuverings with the announced retirement of Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun put the selection process to replace him and the court itself in a bad light. To choose well, President Bill Clinton must look beyond his own policy hopes and those of special interests in… Read More
    Fleet Bank is expected to announce this morning that its Bangor loan-processing facility will be eliminated and its services consolidated with a similar center in Rhode Island. Fleet officials wouldn’t comment Thursday, but the NEWS has learned that employees of the Bangor center will be… Read More
    WASHINGTON — With his term in the Senate winding down, and the Supreme Court beckoning, Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell is bidding adieu to elective office as one of America’s most-respected political figures. That’s the conclusion of the editors of Campaigns & Election Magazine,… Read More
    Dealing into the wee hours of the morning, the Appropriations Committee carefully assembled a supplemental budget that balances politics and finances in Augusta for the next 15 months. However, in an important area, public education, it unfairly dumps responsibility for program funding on local taxpayers. Read More
    Hooray, congratulations. I love the new format of the NEWS. At least 10 years ago I asked a then young reporter, Bob Haskell, if it wouldn’t be possible to combine the county news as Newport news was always in the Piscataquis edition and Newport is… Read More
    PITTSFIELD — Failure to comply with pretreatment reporting and monitoring requirements of the Clean Water Act has cost a Pittsfield manufacturer $25,000 in penalties. According to information received Wednesday from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Boston office, C.M. Almy and Son Inc. of Pittsfield had reached… Read More
    WASHINGTON (AP) — White House officials tried to slow mounting speculation Thursday that retiring Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell would be President Clinton’s choice for the Supreme Court. “We’ve not focused solely on Mitchell,” senior White House adviser Bruce Lindsey said. “It’s unfair to Sen. Read More
    ELLSWORTH — A defense attorney Thursday described his client, on trial for armed sexual assault and kidnapping, as a remarried father of two who “loves his children very much. “So far, you haven’t heard a lot of good things about my client,” said attorney Patrick… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Reports of sexual acts, lewd comments, assaults, smoking, sharp knives and drinking on school buses prompted a group of parents to request the installation of video cameras on SAD 68 buses to record the actions of those who misbehave. Jo-Dee Edes recommended to… Read More
    AUGUSTA (AP) — The Senate on Thursday agreed with the House to send to voters this November a referendum proposal to limit the terms of U.S. House and Senate members elected from the state. A voter petition drive to either pass the term limits law… Read More
    AUGUSTA (AP) — A state-supported health insurance program for the needy that lapsed this week was revived temporarily Thursday by a federal judge, according to lawyers in the case. U.S. District Judge Gene Carter’s decision reinstates the Maine Health Program for the 5,600 participants who… Read More
    AUGUSTA (AP) — A legislative committee voted unanimously in favor of a plan to delay Maine’s ban on plastic six-pack rings yet another time. The ban is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1. But the Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted to delay the date… Read More
    AUGUSTA (AP) — The Maine House voted to send to voters a proposed constitutional amendment that would prevent the state from reducing the pension benefits of state employees and teachers. The amendment awaited a final Senate vote before it can be sent to referendum in… Read More
    MADAWASKA — After town councilors gave their approval Wednesday night, off-tra reality in Madawaska by the end of June. The next step for Paul Beaulieu, owner of Jackie’s Bar and Grill, where the betting facility would be located, is a public hearing by the Maine… Read More
    Editor’s note: This is the roll call for the 50-96 vote in the Maine House of Representatives Thursday afternoon on L.D. 1998, “An act to Authorize a Tribally-Owned Casino in the City of Calais.” The Senate voted down the casino, 23-11. The Senate voted by division, a procedure… Read More
    PALMYRA — A contract to pick up and haul away all the town’s white goods and discarded metals for $1 a year was rejected this week by three Palmyra selectmen. Instead, the selectmen will allow the debris to pile up at a junkyard in town, a junkyard that… Read More
    Forty-two teams of Fleet Youth Leaders, sponsored by Fleet Bank of Maine, are working across the state on community service projects. The statewide program was created in 1989 by Fleet Bank to instill leadership skills in youths ages 11 to 13. School personnel serve as… Read More
    MONCTON, New Brunswick (AP) — The prosecution is seeking precedent-setting fines and hefty license suspensions for six fishermen convicted of possessing undersized lobster and fishing lobster in a closed zone. The six fishermen from Pointe Sapin, New Brunswick, were charged after fisheries officers injected ultraviolet… Read More
    Sunday, March 20, my daughter and I went to the Bangor Mall. I am 85 years old in a wheelchair. On the way out, using one hand to open the door and the other to pull the chair out, she dropped her pocketbook, not missing… Read More
    MILO — The Milo Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization will hold the fourth annual Earth Action Week, Monday-Friday, April 11-15, with field trips, guest speakers, and other activities. School news teams will cover the events while all kindergarten children will learn about the environment and living things… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Approximately $1,000 generated from snowmobile registrations will be divided among snowmobile clubs that maintain trails in Piscataquis County’s unorganized territories. In order to receive these funds, representatives of the clubs must notify the Piscataquis County Commissioners and give the miles that were maintained… Read More
    LINCOLN — Lincoln police on Tuesday issued a warning to residents to stay off Mattanawcook Lake saying the ice conditions are dangerous. Had a hole in the ice on Mattanawcook Lake been a little larger, Edmond “Tate” Aylward of Lincoln, who was riding a snowmobile… Read More
    ROCKLAND — Language teachers and school trustees are sorting books donated for Penobscot School’s first International Book Sale to be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the school. The book sale will benefit Penobscot School, a nonprofit center for language study and international… Read More
    UPPER FRENCHVILLE — SAD 33 at St. Agatha, like other school districts across the state, is in budgetary quandary until the Legislature decides what to do with school funding for 1994-95. Superintendent Jerry White told his directors Monday night that the budget is in a… Read More
    VAN BUREN — A local paramedic will temporarily fill the Van Buren Ambulance Department’s vacant director post, the town council decided Monday. Peter Sirois, administrator of a Van Buren nursing home and a member of the Van Buren Hospital District board, succeeded Town Manager Clare… Read More
    CASWELL — Caswell residents filled municipal offices and approved almost $120,000 for municipal operations at their annual meeting Monday. Selectman Larry Cote was re-elected to his three-year post and Tammy Foster was elected to a three-year school committee seat last held by Regina Turcotte. Doris… Read More
    CORINNA — The strategy is in place for an action plan aimed at improving the economic stability of southwest Penobscot County. Now all that is needed is money to implement the plan. David Cole of Eastern Maine Development Corp. told members of an economic advisory… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE — The first program in the state to benefit newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families is under way at The Aroostook Medical Center, according to hospital officials. The CanSurmount Patient Visitor Program is free and provides the services of 11 volunteers who… Read More
    After years of uncertainties, the LCP chemical plant in Orrington was finally sold Thursday. Ownership of the plant, which produces chemicals for the pulp and paper industry, formally changed hands at 3:30 p.m. with HoltraChem Manufacturing taking control of the facility from bankrupt Hanlin Group… Read More
    BRUNSWICK (AP) — Bowdoin College experienced a jump in popularity this year, with an increase in applications of 8.5 percent over last year. Students sent applications from every state in the country plus 72 foreign countries. But most of the 3,650 applicants will be disappointed. Read More
    FORT KENT — At least four juveniles were charged Wednesday night with making a bomb threat earlier in the day that caused the evacuation of Community High School at Fort Kent. The school was emptied after the 8:10 a.m. call Wednesday. An estimated 450 students… Read More
    GUILFORD — An electrical fire caused about $1,000 in damage to Evelyn’s Bakery on Thursday. Fire Chief David Cookson said the fire began in the ceiling over the first floor and was contained in that area. The kitchen of the bakery was not damaged, but… Read More
    HERMON — Nomination papers are available at the town office beginning Saturday, April 16, for two three-year terms on the Town Council and two three-year terms on the School Committee. The town landfill will begin summer hours in April: noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Sundays. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    PALMYRA — Palmyra officials have set new hours for the operation of the town office. Beginning May 1, the office will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, including through lunch hour. Officials are looking for volunteers to serve on two newly created committees. One panel… Read More
    WINTERPORT — A fire that started in a wood stove Thursday morning destroyed the home of Ernie Morse and Joyce Philbrick on Lebanon Road. No one was injured in the fire, and officials assume that a pet rabbit escaped unharmed. No one was home when… Read More
    DETROIT — Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22, will be the days for the annual spring pickup of tires, metals and demolition debris in Detroit. Containers will be placed beside the Detroit Fire Department building for dropoff. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    EAST MILLINOCKET — The Katahdin Regional Development Corp. is accepting applications from low- to moderate-income people who need housing improvements. A $375,000 Community Development Block Grant will be used to upgrade or replace housing in Medway, East Millinocket and Millinocket. The grant will be administered… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE — The U.S. Census Bureau will collect data on employment and child support from area residents the week of April 17 to 23. The local labor force data will contribute to the national employment and unemployment information to be released May 6 by… Read More
    MADISON — A Madison man, found dead Wednesday afternoon in his Route 148 home, died of a gunshot wound, according to Dr. Karen Sweeney of the state Medical Examiner’s Office. Police have few leads and no suspects in the killing, but are looking for a… Read More
    LINCOLN — Because two recent remote fires challenged the efforts of firefighters, the Lincoln Fire Company is trying to raise money for two new portable pumps. The new equipment will be bought solely through donations and it will be maintained by the fire company, which… Read More
    HARTLAND — Town Manager Peggy Morgan announced Thursday that Town Clerk Joan Munn is on an extended medical leave. Her leave will not disrupt services at the Hartland Town Hall, said Morgan. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
    NEWPORT — Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield will offer free KidCare ID photos of children as part of the Children’s Health Fair 10 a.m.-noon May 7, at the Newport Elementary School. KidCare provides parents with an official, standardized photo identification, “because a picture is worth… Read More
    PITTSFIELD — Anne Kaan, an instructor at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, will spend eight weeks in Italy this summer, courtesy of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board and the U.S. Information Agency. The scholarship is under the authority of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange (Fulbright)… Read More
    ELLSWORTH — If you would like to sell your handiwork or already have a home based business but want to expand or improve sales, plan to attend the program, “Marketing Handmade Products in Maine” on April 19 at the Hancock County Extension Office. Participants who… Read More
    LIMESTONE — Town officials at Limestone are upset over plans to close Loring Air Force Base’s East Gate — the entrance closest to their downtown — at the end of May. The measure would be temporary, Town Manager Troy Brown said. He said the Loring… Read More
    ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Center of the University of Maine System will have an open house from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, for area educators. All elementary, secondary and postsecondary educators in Hancock County are invited to learn about the resources available through… Read More
    AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Transportation will begin work on Route 131 in mid-June over an area extending north six-tenths of a mile from the intersection with Wotton Mill Road in Warren. Reconstruction of the roadway will include drainage and paving but activity in… Read More