ANAHEIM, Calif. – After his pep band found the Frozen Four format a bit stifling, UMaine president Peter Hoff took up the cause of the band on Friday. During Thursday’s semifinal game, the band found it could only play two songs per period, and then… Read More
    ANAHEIM, Calif. – One of the most relieved University of Maine Black Bears following their dramatic 3-2 overtime win over New Hampshire in their national championship game Saturday was senior left winger and captain Jason Vitorino. With Maine holding a 2-0 lead midway through the… Read More
    FAIRFIELD — For the first time since the accident, Fire Chief Dale Sweet climbed back behind the wheel of Engine 2 on Saturday. He drove the $250,000 pumper truck from Fairfield to Waterville, then joined more than a half-dozen other firefighters in negotiating an obstacle… Read More
    AUGUSTA — A Milo man will spend two years behind bars for shooting off his girlfriend’s ponytail during an argument. Dennis Belknap, 47, had pleaded guilty in Piscataquis County Superior Court last fall to possession of a firearm by a felon and reckless conduct with… Read More
    MILBRIDGE — Flames roared 100 feet in the air Saturday as fire raced through a complex of buildings at Kelco Industries, destroying more than a million dollars’ worth of wreath-making equipment and supplies. The fire melted a string of aluminum trailers parked beside the buildings… Read More
    ANAHEIM, Calif. — After the 70-minute flurry of rush after rush, save after heart-palpitating save, the debris of sticks, gloves and helmets told part of a grand story Saturday night at Arrowhead Pond. The equipment, discarded in delight by the Black Bears, put an exclamation… Read More
    ORONO — Four students celebrating the hockey team’s national championship burned their University of Maine T-shirts, starting a fire that became a raging bonfire Saturday on the campus Mall. A snowmobile was among the items used as fuel. Campus streets were filled with students, many… Read More
    The University of Maine has not canceled classes today, a university spokesman said Sunday. “There’s an erroneous report circulating that school is closed today,” said Joe Carr of the public affairs department. “That’s not the case.” googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    NEWPORT — Vic Firth seems like a happy-go-lucky guy as he taps away with a pair of drumsticks on stair railings, tables or any other surface that presents itself during a stroll through his factory. If he seems happy, the tympanist with the Boston Symphony… Read More
    MADAWASKA — The motorcycle ride around the perimeter of the 48 contiguous United States was long and tiring, but Leo James Dugal would do it again. The run took him through 33 states, and he made forays into western Canada and Mexico. Spring is coming… Read More
    Bangor District Court Raymond Lee, 34, Hampden, assault, Jail 45 days. 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] googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
    MACHIAS — Key players Down East in the effort to keep wild Atlantic salmon off a list of threatened species have reached a legislative compromise that a Washington County lawmaker will carry to Augusta this week. More than 60 people met Friday night in an… Read More
    BANGOR — The City Council will resume its usual schedule of committee meetings this week. A grant application for funding from a juvenile delinquency prevention program will be on the finance committee’s agenda at 5 p.m. Monday at City Hall. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    TRENTON — Voters at the annual town meeting rejected a proposal to build a $1.9 million addition to Trenton Elementary School and spent a portion of Saturday’s sessions discussing what to do next. The vote, taken during balloting Friday, was 142-204 against the plan, which… Read More
    SEARSPORT — Penobscot Bay is the state’s largest bay, the second-largest watershed feeding the Gulf of Maine, and it encompasses almost one-third of the state’s coastline. Yet too often, those who live in the towns in the three counties that ring the bay don’t have… Read More
    PORTLAND — There aren’t many competitions that involve 1,200 students at one time — in the same room. That would be the Maine Association of Mathematics Leagues state competition, to be held Thursday at the Cumberland County Civic Center. Top competitors among the 109 schools… Read More
    I support LD 1558, An Act to Provide Incentives for School Breakfast Programs in Maine Public Schools sponsored by Sen. Mary Cathcart in the Maine Legislature for the following reasons: During the past decade, the number of U.S. children who are overweight has more than… Read More
    THE MATRIX, written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski. Running time: 135 minutes. Rated R (for language and violence). At the risk of sounding paranoid, I fear that the world as we know it is a hoax, a sham, a glimmering backdrop that exists… Read More
    Back in the early ’50s, George West of Ogunquit was a young man with a plan: The post-war economy was booming; the nation was car-crazy; Maine was among the craziest. That meant a lot of motor oil, a lot of oil changes, a lot of waste oil. Read More
    The goal of the Hampden Academy Boosters Club is to raise $10,000 to help fill a gap in the academy’s athletic budget. This year, more than ever, Co-chairwoman Norma McInnis wants to reach that goal. “It’s my swan song,” she said of coordinating the event… Read More
    BOSTON — Fishermen are fighting a bid by energy companies to open drilling areas on the Canadian-controlled portion of Georges Bank. The fishermen, from the United States and Canada, fear the fragile groundfish spawning ground, already depleted, could be destroyed with one oil spill or… Read More
    BOSTON — Long the leader in higher education, New England’s 260 colleges and universities have been witnessing a steady drop in enrollment as well as a decline in research and development funds. At the same time, the costs of attending college in New England are… Read More
    AUGUSTA — A new rule that requires lobstermen to equip their traps with larger escape vents is expected to stir plenty of controversy during a daylong legislative hearing Tuesday before the Marine Resources Committee. Lobstermen from all along the Maine coast will debate various proposals,… Read More
    ORONO — She didn’t have the money public relations experts need to organize major events — nor the experience — but a University of Maine freshman organized the biggest party held on campus Saturday night. In return, Elisa Doucette of Gorham received an education most… Read More
    Two weeks ago, I was in Spain where I boarded a bus. There was a woman there smoking a cigarette. I guess she saw a disapproving look on my face and said, “The bus hasn’t started yet.” I turned my face and saw that the driver was also… Read More
    LAMOINE — The Board of Selectmen will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 8, at the town hall. A petition from the Lobstermen’s Association regarding size regulations will be discussed. For information call 667-2242. Read More
    SULLIVAN — A skill development forum hosted by the Sumner Adult Education program and the Maine Parent Federation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, at the adult learning center. The meeting is designed to develop skills to support, monitor and advocate for children’s… Read More
    ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth High School drama department will present its award-winning play “Class Action” at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, at the high school. A second play, titled “Double Date,” will follow the first production and will be performed by members of the faculty. For information call… Read More
    CASTINE — The Women’s Club will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, at Emerson Hall. The group’s state president will speak on “Issues of the Moment” and “Launching Lifelong Learners.” For information call 326-8808. Read More
    MACHIAS — The next meetings of the 4th of July Community Spirit Committee will be at 8:30 a.m. today and on April 19 at the Bluebird Ranch Restaurant. The agenda will be fund-raising ideas and events scheduled for the three-day holiday weekend. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    I understand the Department of Transportation recently released its Biennial Transportation Improvement Program (BTIP) and that this area would benefit from many of the projects listed in that document. It is important to note, however, that the projects listed will only move forward if the department has a… Read More
    Concerning the current debate on public lands: Whereas large landowners do provide public access, such access mainly for the benefit of hunters, fishermen and snowmobilers, for hikers who love the mountaintop experience, the situation leaves much to be desired. Unlike public lands where mountain trails… Read More
    In response to Katherine Heidinger’s column (“Splitting hairs to find the right stylist,” BDN, March 25): I am a licensed cosmetologist who has had to give up the profession I love because of a recent disability. I am not at all sure what Ms. Heidingers’… Read More
    Clair Wood’s science column (BDN, April 1), “Superigant in Cepheus stretches imagination,” presents to us one amazing stellar body. If my calculations are correct, the circumference of this northern hemipshere star is close to 5.2 billion miles. Which can be explained in these terms: Ellsworth’s… Read More
    I found Rich Hewitt’s article on the Surry town meeting (BDN, March 24) most informative. The citizens of Surry voted to spend $100,000 of their own money to build a new 36-foot by 52-foot school building. I make this to be a cost of $53 per square foot. Read More
    PORTLAND — The dredging of Portland Harbor will extend beyond the April 1 deadline listed on the permit from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. A crew using a crane and barge to clear the 35-foot channel needs two more weeks to complete the project. Read More
    PARIS — A nursing home worker has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison for sexually assaulting a brain-damaged woman in his care. Robert J. Woodsome, 42, of North Jay was charged with gross sexual assault one year ago after a co-worker caught him… Read More
    AUBURN — When Sandra Hebert saw the man who stopped a moving, driverless vehicle rolling through traffic on a busy street to save her children, she clutched him around the neck and hugged him for more than a minute. “There’s no way I can thank… Read More
    BANGOR — A seminar titled “Y2K: Implications on ISO9000,” to be held this month at Eastern Maine Technical College, will describe changes and new emphasis in the standard to become effective in November 2000. The seminar will be held 7:30-9 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, in Room 501A, Rangeley… Read More
    TUCSON, Ariz. — Skeletal remains found on a Tucson hill in August were those of an apparently homeless 52-year-old Maine man, police say. Sgt. Brett Klein said Thursday that an inquiry from relatives helped the Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office identify the remains as those… Read More
    STOCKTON SPRINGS — After winning first place in the State of Maine Talent Show in Brunswick last weekend, five Stockton Springs children who perform dance numbers to hip-hop music are gearing up for national competition in New York. The Starlight Dancers group is composed of… Read More
    BELFAST — A representative of U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe will hold office hours at City Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 14. Waldo County residents are encouraged to meet with Betty Ann Grant to discuss specific problems, legislative matters or any other… Read More
    PORTLAND — U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe on Friday urged the Surface Transportation Board to approve Amtrak’s request to operate passenger trains between Boston and Portland at speeds of up to 79 mph. Amtrak, track owner Guilford Rail System and the Northern New England Passenger Rail… Read More
    ROCKPORT — Connie and DeeDee Conover will talk about their experiences as caretakers of Camden’s Curtis Island when the Camden-Rockport Historical Society meets at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 11, at the Cramer Museum. About to begin their 20th summer as caretakers, the Conovers spend May… Read More
    WINTERPORT — A 391-foot refrigerated vessel carrying frozen squid from the Falkland Islands off Argentina docked at Winterport Terminals on Sunday afternoon, according to general manager David Danielson. The squid, which was frozen at sea, will be stored in the terminal’s freezers and distributed to… Read More
    THOMASTON — The University Center of Thomaston announces registration for summer classes, beginning April 12. College classes from all seven University of Maine System campuses and technical colleges are available. More than 70 courses are being offered. Several courses are offered via the Internet and… Read More
    AUGUSTA — The 19th annual Construction Expo of Maine, the state’s largest construction trade show, will held noon-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, April 8, at the Augusta Civic Center. The show will feature seminars both days and more than 200 indoor and outdoor… Read More
    MADAWASKA — Tourism will be the topic of discussion at a Greater Madawaska Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast at 7:30 a.m Tuesday, April 6, at the Gateway Motel. Vaughn Stinson, executive director of the Maine Tourism Association, will discuss the importance of tourism to the… Read More
    HARRINGTON — Harrington Head Start, a free preschool program for children ages 3 and 4, is taking applications for the 1999-2000 school year. Children and families who meet federal income eligibility guidelines are a priority, but applicants over income may be served on a limited… Read More
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. John Baldacci has announced that he has contacted officials at the Pentagon to request that a U.S. Navy vessel visit Eastport this summer and take part in Fourth of July and Old Home Week festivities. In a letter to Navy Secretary… Read More
    HALLOWELL ISLAND — It’s official: Hallowell Island became part of the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge late last month. The site will be managed by local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff as part of the refuge’s Edmunds Division. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    MACHIAS — The Downeast Young Authors’ Conference Committee has announced winners of its Logo Quest contest. The winning design was drawn by Machias Memorial High School student Nettie Kate Jordan. First prize was a $50 gift certificate to a bookstore and a $50 donation to the student’s school… Read More
    MACHIAS — The U.S. Agriculture Department’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced the beginning of registration for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Funding for this stream water quality program will assist livestock growers with conservation practices aimed at reducing water pollution and improving water quality. Read More
    SEARSPORT — The cause of a single-vehicle accident on Route 1 Saturday in Searsport is under investigation. According to Waldo County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jason Trundy, Walter Ash, 28, of Bucksport was traveling west on Route 1 about 4:30 p.m. when his minivan crossed the… Read More