There are more questions than answers these days for the University of Maine football team, which has lost three of its first four games. During Saturday’s 34-20 loss to Connecticut, the Black Bears appeared to be plagued by lack of focus early in the game… Read More
BREWER – It can be a daunting way to begin your college hockey career: lacing up the skates for the defending NCAA champions. But there are also advantages, according to some of the 11 newcomers to the University of Maine men’s hockey team, which had… Read More
AT OLD TOWN, 3 miles 51st Sectional Invitational Caribou boys 47, Brewer 60, Bangor 65, Ellsworth 141, Hampden Academy 149, Old Town 154, Piscataquis 185, Presque Isle 258, John Bapst 276, Hermon 302, Mattanawcook Academy 302, Schenck 307, Stearns 311, Lee Academy 337 googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
BANGOR – The John Bapst girls soccer team outshot Dexter 16-6 and Christina Rich nearly completed a hat trick as the Crusaders held off the Tigers for a 4-2 win Monday at the Bangor Mental Health Institute field. John Bapst, in the midst of a… Read More
Hole-in-one BILL CURTIS EAST HOLDEN – Bill Curtis of Bangor recorded a hole-in-one on the eighth hole at Felt Brook Golf Center Friday. Curtis used a pitching wedge on the 125-yard hole and the ace was witnessed by his son, Eric Curtis of Bangor, Vanessa… Read More
Wanted: One swimming coach for Skowhegan High School. Must be willing to put in long hours driving to Waterville for swim practices and meets and be into fundraising. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
OLD TOWN – Jeff Armstrong will take control of the Canoe City Swim Club Oct. 4. Armstrong, who has coached since 1983, has an extensive background in Michigan, where he coached all age groups. Armstrong will be assisted by his wife, Lisa, as well as Jessica Smith, Sharon… Read More
When Ed Rice began writing a book about the two most famous members of the Penobscot Nation, he hoped he’d be able to find some little-known factual stories about Andrew and Louis Sockalexis. In fact, Rice began writing his book in the early 1980s, in… Read More
ORONO – Current and former members of the military and their families will be honored Saturday at Alfond Stadium during the University of Maine’s football game against McNeese State (La.). On “Military Appreciation Day,” those people can see the game for $4 each, although the… Read More
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mike Dunham, the goaltender who got the first nine wins in Nashville Predators’ history, ended his 22-day holdout Monday. The Predators re-signed Dunham, who had missed the club’s first eight exhibition games, to a two-year deal. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
MORGAN TITUS FARMINGTON – Morgan Titus of UM-Farmington has been named the McDonald’s women’s soccer offensive player of the week. 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
EAST MACHIAS – Jill Osier scored two goals and Rachel Marsh provided a goal and two assists to lift the Sumner Tigers to a 4-2 schoolgirl soccer victory over the Washington Academy Raiders Monday. Liz Brutton added a goal for the 2-4 Tigers and Amanda… Read More
High school AUGUSTA – Official Heal Point Standings by the Maine Principals’ Association as compiled by Ken Roberts for high school soccer, field hockey and volleyball: googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
OLD TOWN – Meghan King scored two goals and notched an assist to power the Old Town Indians to a 4-2 schoolgirl soccer victory over the Hermon Hawks Monday. Maureen Pease recorded an unassisted goal while Kristen Tracewski scored off a King assist for the… Read More
EAST MILLINOCKET – Lindsey Duffy-Stanley notched two unassisted goals to lead the Katahdin Cougars to a 3-2 schoolgirl soccer victory over the Schenck Melissa Landry recorded an unassisted goal and Kim Mann saved 14 of 14 shots for the 7-1 Cougars of Sherman Station. Kristen… Read More
CORINTH – Ronia Laita scored all three goals to lead the Foxcroft Academy Ponies to a 3-0 schoolgirl soccer victory over the Central Red Devils Monday. Laita’s first and third goals were unassisted and the second was assisted by Laura Kurzius. Goalie Sherrie Zimmerman saved… Read More
High school AT NORTHEAST HARBOR GC, par 33 Ellsworth (9-0) 155, MDI (1-8) 177 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()) {… Read More
At first glance, it seems only good could come of the Legislature’s passing a bill to require fingerprinting of school employees for a background check to see if they were convicted of a crime in other states. I’m surprised a thorough check was not made before this. These… Read More
There is a saying in Maine that “You can’t get there from here.” This appears to be the case of Bangor International Airport. One of the finest airports on the East Coast, BIA has been relegated to a facility that provides emergency and refueling services… Read More
Occasionally there is an incident that is outstanding and renews one’s faith in mankind. This past weekend such an event happened to me. A year ago last July my wife and I were in Brewer when the transmission on our car let go. We had… Read More
The Brewer City Council had set aside their meeting on Sept. 14 to honor several individuals living and deceased for their work and dedication to the city of Brewer. I had traveled 25 miles and my son had traveled 125 miles for this presentation. We… Read More
It is a feather in the cap of the Maine Medical Association that the members voted against the medical use of marijuana. At least they are trying to close the lid on yet another Pandora’s Box. Perhaps the organization has already come out FOR another… Read More
Fraser Papers has announced the promotion of three employees. Rino Dumont, formerly process control equipment superintendent, has been promoted to manager of engineering and maintenance. Gilles Volpe, formerly the manager of pulp production and technical services, has been promoted to vice president and manager of the Fraser Edmundston… Read More
When newspapers, of necessity, have to print accounts of traffic deaths, domestic violence, murders, natural disasters and ethnic wars, it is heartwarming and spirit-lifting to read some of the stories the NEWS has featured this summer. I particularly enjoyed the wonderful story about the father… Read More
ST. GEORGE — A public hearing to discuss what the proposed change in the SAD 50 local cost-sharing formula would mean to the town is set for Oct. 5. The meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, at the town office, will provide… Read More
ST. GEORGE — Plans for a fire station, town office expansion and new public library have reached the point where a feasibility study may be done to see if the idea would work. Selectmen are hoping to set a special town meeting soon to ask… Read More
WASHINGTON — Sen. Olympia J. Snowe has introduced legislation to change the status of Home Health and Hospice of St. Joseph in Bangor so that the facility will qualify for higher per-beneficiary rates under Medicare. “When Congress passed the Balanced Budget Act, the intention was… Read More
STONINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard, Maine Marine Patrol and U.S. Navy searched for more than eight hours Monday for an overdue boat with four men aboard, before a relative found the missing boaters safe in Bucksport, according to a Coast Guard official. Richard Nevill… Read More
MACHIAS — Donn Fendler, author of “Lost on a Mountain in Maine,” and his family visited with two fifth-grade classes at the Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School last week. Classes taught by Linda Preston and Karen Vaughan read the book which Fendler wrote about his… Read More
MILBRIDGE — Marine Resources Commissioner George LaPointe will meet with Washington County blood worm diggers Oct. 7 at the Milbridge Town Hall. Digger Donnie Bayrd said wormers asked for the meeting with LaPointe to discuss their belief that the resource has to be protected from… Read More
MACHIAS — The U.S. Department of Education has announced that the Washington County Consortium for School Improvement has been awarded $6.8 million as part of a coalition of Maine organizations. The grant identifies teachers who have created innovative ways to use technology and communication in… Read More
MACHIAS — Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Lee Perry will be at the University of Maine at Machias on Thursday to participate in a public meeting for Washington County residents. Rep. Martha Bagley, D-Machias, said the commissioner and his staff will discuss recent legislative changes… Read More
MACHIAS — Nomination papers for district supervisor for the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District must reach the district office by Friday, Oct. 1. Any person desiring to run for the position must live within the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
BELMONT — An old schoolhouse is getting a face lift. A group of minimum security jail inmates was at Greer’s Corner early Monday to begin scraping and painting the exterior of the historic one-room schoolhouse. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
MACHIAS — The Washington Hancock Community Agency and state Department of Human Services have reached their goal of 100 job placements for Washington County through the JOBS program. In recognition, a celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 12, at the… Read More
LEVANT — Fall cleanup dates are Oct. 18 for metals and Oct. 19 for wood. Residents are asked to separate metals from wood; mixed debris will not be picked up. Acceptable items are listed on page 14 of the annual report; copies are available at the town office. Read More
EAST MILLINOCKET — School Union 113 will have an early release day Friday, Oct. 8, for a teachers workshop. Opal Myrick Elementary School will dismiss pupils at 11:20 a.m. Medway Middle School will dismiss pupils at 10:40 a.m. Schenck High School will dismiss students at 10:45 a.m. Students… Read More
Bangor Gas Co. has scheduled a meeting for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, at Fairmount School, 58 Thirteenth St., Bangor, to present the company’s plans for construction of a natural gas distribution network on the West Side of the city. Construction of the pipeline for… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Residents on Monday narrowly approved an amendment to the town’s zoning ordinance to include self-storage units under special exception uses in a residential zone. The amendment passed 33-27 in a written ballot conducted Monday at a special town meeting at the Thompson Free… Read More
VEAZIE — The Veazie Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, at the the Veazie Community School. Members and guests are invited to hear Mary Lou Hoskins, owner of Greencare Interior Plantscapes, speak on houseplant care. Meetings are held… Read More
BANGOR — AmeriCorps has selected the Bangor Public Library as one of six sites for Project GO@LS, a program announced by Gov. Angus King on Sept. 8 to teach effective Internet use to 10,500 Maine people beginning this fall. When the program ends in 2002,… Read More
OLD TOWN — A celebration for the unveiling of the book “Nos Histoires de L’ille” will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the Old Town Public Library. The book is a historical record of Treat and Webster Island, known as… Read More
DANFORTH — Region Two SAVE Adult Education has announced the launch of a 220-hour certified nurse aid course from 1 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, starting Thursday, Oct. 15, at East Grand High School. Students will complete the course with an 80-hour clinical component… Read More
HOULTON — Adult Education will hold two computer courses, “Introduction to Windows” and “Introduction to the Internet” on Thursdays, Oct. 7, 14 and 21, at the Parkview Learning Center. Introduction to Windows will meet from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and the course fee is $30. Read More
BANGOR — In a close vote, the City Council voted Monday to grant Diane Cormier a liquor license for Club Chaos, a nightclub she plans to open at 1606 Hammond St. Officials from OHI, which occupies part of the building, told councilors that they objected… Read More
HOULTON — Adult Education has announced a workshop for payroll clerks and business owners interested in computerized payrolls, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Parkview Learning Center. The workshop fee is $30. For information or registration, call Adult Education at… Read More
CALAIS — It will be up to the voters to decide whether they want to spend more money on a new water system. If they say no, the federal government will step in and turn off the tap on the city’s Canadian water source. The… Read More
FORT KENT — A week after the Reny Department Store closed in Fort Kent, company officials said Monday they are looking at other options for their only store in Aroostook County. Working with municipal officials and Fort Kent-area businesspeople, the company is considering the feasibility… Read More
ABBOT — The fate of a gift of land will be decided by Abbot residents at a a special town meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 29, in the municipal building. Barbara Piel of Abbot has offered to give the town 422 acres of land that… Read More
HOULTON — Region Two SAVE Adult Education has announced that personal care attendant training will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Tuesday, Oct. 19, at the SAVE building. The course meets state requirements for PCA certification which become effective in… Read More
MADAWASKA — The Madawaska Water District called off its 10-day-old order to boil water over the weekend after the color of the St. John River reached acceptable levels. While color itself is not a health risk in drinking water, its source, plant debris left when… Read More
NEWPORT — Land acquisition will not be part of the cost when SAD 48 builds a new middle school in Newport, and the town won’t lose more land from its tax base. On Sept. 23, the district’s Building Committee reached a consensus to build the… Read More
WASHINGTON — Monson Elementary School and Cape Elizabeth Middle School have been named Maine state champions by the President’s Council of Physical Fitness and Sports, according to U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins. The recognition honors schools in each state based on their achievement on the President’s… Read More
FORT FAIRFIELD — A $2 million federal appropriation to help pay for the construction of a flood protection levee here received approval Monday evening from the U.S. House after it passed a joint congressional conference committee earlier in the day. The money, which is part… Read More
CALAIS — City and school officials will be in Augusta today to discuss the future of the middle school, but the state education commissioner closed the meeting to the press and public. Scheduled to attend the meeting with Commissioner J. Duke Albanese are: school board… Read More
BANGOR — Members of the Historic Preservation Commission on Monday visited the Waterworks for themselves, surveying the deterioration in the grand old brick complex on the Penobscot River. But that experience didn’t seem to be the main factor in their voting afterward 4-1 to allow Eastern Maine Healthcare… Read More
SKOWHEGAN — Nine people were charged in September with drug offenses after a monthlong marijuana eradication effort by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department. The effort capped a similar move in August that netted two arrests and the seizure of more than $260,000 worth of marijuana. Read More
PORTLAND — A federal judge said Friday he expects a quick ruling on a petition to revoke a part of Maine’s campaign disclosure law that applies to referendum questions. U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby said he planned to rule swiftly because his decision could… Read More
Bangor District Court Earl D. Chapman, 46, Fredericton, New Brunswick, causing operation of commercial motor vehicle in violation of 10-hour rule, $250. 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
Residents of the area near Mere Point in Brunswick remember the exciting day 75 years ago when the first planes to fly around the world came swooping out of the sky for an unexpected pit stop on their way to Boston. “It was just terribly… Read More
ELLSWORTH — The Washington-Hancock Community Agency will take telephone applications for the 1999 home energy assistance program as of Monday, Oct. 4. Lines will remain open until April 30, 2000. This year’s income guidelines for a one-person household are $2,575 for three months and $10,300… Read More
Houlton District Court Ouellette Farms Inc., St. David, operating a commercial motor vehicle without a medical certificate, case dismissed. 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;… Read More
ELLSWORTH — Insurance Women of Downeast Maine will hold its monthly meeting at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, at Hilltop House. The program will be “Any Claims Questions You’ve Always Wondered About But Were Afraid To Ask,” by Steven D. Mosley. Those attending can learn more about the… Read More
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND — Island resident Ralph W. Stanley was appointed president of the Mount Desert Island Historical Society earlier this month. Stanley has been a society member for more than 30 years and also served as president during the early 1980s, when he oversaw… Read More
EAST SULLIVAN — Sumner Adult Education’s Adult Learning Center has received a $6,000 grant from Laubach Literacy Action’s national Women in Literacy USA program. The money will be used in the Health Downeast project, which runs from June 1999 to April 2000. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
BLUE HILL — Florida actress and humanities scholar Betty Jean Steinshouer will take on the character of author Sarah Orne Jewett at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at the Blue Hill Library. The show is part of a New England tour in celebration of the… Read More
ELLSWORTH — The Down East Family YMCA will hold two charity road races on Saturday, Oct. 2, to benefit the Down East Family YMCA Scholarship Fund. The Y2K Fun Run for children under 12 begins at 4:30 p.m. All participants will receive a T-shirt and… Read More
CASTINE — The Maine Maritime Academy chapter of Alpha Phi Omega will hold a blood drive from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, in the Alexander Field House on the college campus. Walk-ins are encouraged. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
TRENTON — A contradance is planned for Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Trenton Grange Hall, intersection of Routes 230 and 3. The dance will run from 8 to 11:30 p.m. It will be led the Oakum Bay String Band of the Blue Hill area. The… Read More
TRENTON — The Volunteer Fire Department will give smoke detector inspections through door-to-door visits to residents in October and November. The department will provide new smoke detectors and batteries, if needed, and assorted fire prevention materials, all for free. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
ELLSWORTH — For the second consecutive year, the Ellsworth Fire Department has teamed with fire departments nationwide and the National Fire Protection Association to present Fire Drills: The Great Escape! at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6. The event is part of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. Read More
The Penobscot County District Attorney’s Office is being asked whether prosecution is warranted for a car accident over the weekend in which a motorist may have struck a pedestrian who was chasing his car. The accident occurred in the parking lot of the Pizza Dome… Read More
WASHINGTON — Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins have succeeded in a lengthy effort to secure increased funding for veterans health care. The Senate on Wednesday adopted an amendment, co-sponsored by Snowe and Collins, to increase funding for veterans health care by $1.7 billion over the Clinton administration’s… Read More
The car phone call was “patchy” to say the least, but what “Hurricane” Dick Hammond of Oakland — the national director of the 40-8 Disaster Relief Fund of the American Legion — had to say, we heard loud and clear. “I just came from the… Read More
BANGOR — All business consultant Gerard Tassel and nine others wanted last Thursday was to get home. Instead, they staged a 45-minute protest in a bus on the tarmac at Logan International Airport because Business Express employees could not get them on a plane on time — or… Read More
BAR HARBOR — The Abbe Museum has been chosen by the American Association of Museums to participate in a project to develop and publish national standards for museum interpretation. The Abbe is one of six museums in New England to be chosen — and the… Read More
AUGUSTA — The Maine Public Utilities Commission will conduct two public witness hearings to receive testimony regarding the proposed merger of CMP Group Inc. with Energy East Corp. Energy East Corp. has headquarters in Albany, N.Y. Upon completion of the transaction, according to the CMP… Read More
BANGOR — The state Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the death of a a 49-year-old Vietnam veteran who lived at the Bangor Efficiency Apartments in Bangor late last month was a homicide. Robert Babski died from a loss of oxygen to his brain from injuries… Read More
WASHINGTON — Three Maine agencies will receive more than $200,000 in federal funding, according to U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins. The Maine Department of Environmental Portection will get more than $100,000 in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Maine Department of Human Services will… Read More
WASHINGTON — Another $331,225 in funding will go to 18 Maine school districts under the E-rate program, which U.S. Sens. Olympia J. Snowe and Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., authored as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. The funding was announced during the 12th of several waves… Read More
AUGUSTA — The Internal Revenue Service is looking for volunteers to help prepare basic tax returns for those who cannot afford professional tax help — senior citizens, the disabled, and those who have difficulty understanding English. Last year, more than 1,850 volunteers across New England… Read More
AUGUSTA — Maine Media Women, a statewide group of communications professionals, will hold its 1999 fall conference, “Investing in Ourselves,” from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Best Western Senator Inn. The morning session will feature Constance C. Bingham, CPA, who… Read More
ALFRED — A North Berwick man who argued that his family has owned Wells Beach for more than 100 years is right, a judge ruled Monday. But the decision in favor of Lisle E. Eaton sparked a new phase in the York County Superior Court… Read More
As the trees begin to turn their bright fall hues, the vast majority of plants in the perennial bed are falling into a lackluster slump. Some are in their prime, but most are languishing, teetering on the edge of dormancy. Although they put on their… Read More
BANGOR — Members of an elite prison tactical team trained to quell serious disturbances and riots came under scrutiny Monday when a prison inmate’s brutality lawsuit began at U.S. District Court in Bangor. Chief U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby is presiding at the trial,… Read More
DOVER, N.H. — A Lincoln, Maine, man told a New Hampshire jury Monday that prosecutors in a murder case arranged a plea bargain for his son without a face-to-face meeting. That was one of several occasions Monday when defense lawyers sought to cast doubt on… Read More
BAILEY ISLAND — For some dogs, a trip to the kennel is more like a spa vacation, complete with gourmet meals and exercise regimes. It’s not unusual for springer spaniels, Gordon setters and poodles to feast on brie, foie gras and an occasional bowl of… Read More
BANGOR — Bangor police found themselves in the middle of a bloody, frightening and chaotic scene early Sunday morning when they responded to a report of double stabbing at a Broadway apartment house. The police reports describing what went on both inside and outside the… Read More
AUGUSTA — More than $300,000 in grant money is available for construction of recreation trails in Maine, but applications must be made by Dec. 1 for the federally funded Recreational Trails Program. Funds may be used to maintain existing recreational trails, restore areas damaged by… Read More
SEARSPORT — Should forest fires be allowed to burn because taking water from a nearby river could harm Atlantic salmon? This is among the thorny issues that an advisory committee to the Atlantic Salmon Commission will be dealing with as it seeks to provide guidance… Read More
AUGUSTA — State officials are planning to give medical insurance to more schoolchildren in hopes of cutting down on missed school days and catching medical problems early. Students from families with incomes of up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level will be eligible… Read More
AUGUSTA — While this fall’s referendum campaigns are just beginning to pick up steam, organizing already has begun for an expected statewide vote more than a year in the future over doctor-assisted suicide. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland has formed a political action committee… Read More
AUGUSTA — Should benefits be identical for mental disability and physical disability under state insurance policies? The Human Rights Commission decided to leave that hot potato to the Legislature, in a vote taken Monday. Last year the HRC found reasonable grounds for two complaints from… Read More
PITTSFIELD — A bright, new marketing logo is being launched this harvest season by Maine’s McIntosh apple growers, a label intended to bolster sales of one of the best crops the industry has seen in years. The Maine McIntosh Marketing Initiative has created the logo,… Read More
ALFRED — An upcoming ballot question on whether to build a new York County Jail has support among inmates who are upset at conditions in the 20-year-old lockup that it would replace. The list of complaints ranges from slippery floors caused by rainwater that streaks… Read More
Jim: My teen-age son is driving now. When he comes home late at night, my old garage door opener is so loud that it wakes me. What design features should I look for in a new quiet and secure garage door opener? — Pat Z. Read More
When you’re 7, 13 seems old, and a 13-year-old who can dance like Britney Spears — that’s the coolest. Thus the adoring glances locked on Elyse Cioffi, 13, in the gym at Stockton Springs Elementary School, where she teaches dance on Wednesday afternoons. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More