Cindy can be a Flutie Every time I think about Cindy Blodgett I immediately think of Doug Flutie. Because Flutie was shorter than the usual quarterbacks and had a few passes batted down by tall linemen he ended up as a second- or third-string substitute. Read More
    GARDINER – Gardiner High School senior Jillian LeClair was awarded Miss Maine Field Hockey on Sunday at an awards banquet held at the Augusta Civic Center. LeClair, number one academically in her class, was also named to the All-Academic Team. She hopes to major in… Read More
    WESTBROOK – Special Olympics Maine will hold its seventh annual state gymnastics meet on Dec. 8 at at 9 a.m. The meet will conclude at 1 p.m. and will be held at the Maine State Academy of Gymnastics in Westbrook. More than 30 athletes will… Read More
    The University of Maine men’s hockey team has traditionally been one of the stingiest in Hockey East. The Black Bears’ 6-3 loss to Northeastern on Saturday night, following Friday night’s 3-1 setback, represented only the second time in 34 games the Bears had surrendered more… Read More
    CASTINE – Jared Rivers tossed in 28 points Monday night to lead the University of Maine-Farmington to a 71-68 men’s basketball victory over Maine Maritime Academy. Daren Meader tallied 12 points in the second half for the Beavers, sealing the victory. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN — The Skowhegan Post Office has extended its holiday hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 18; and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 19. Express mail packages can be delivered on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For information about mailing… Read More
    BANGOR — A Millinocket man who was arrested after a tense armed standoff with police last month was indicted Monday on a slew of charges, including attempted murder. Stanley Doyle, 54, was indicted by a Penobscot County grand jury for attempted murder, attempted elevated aggravated… Read More
    PORTLAND — The cost of health insurance has resurfaced as one of the top concerns for Maine businesses, many of which are facing double-digit rate hikes. Many companies were surprised to learn this fall that their insurance premiums will rise next year by as much… Read More
    The Santa’s Helper Fund was overwhelmed by recent donations and is happy to announce that 25 percent of the $47,000 goal has been reached. Current contributors are as follows: Bev Dinsmore gave $5; Clara and Philip Taylor of Old Town, $25; Mr. and Mrs. George… Read More
    PORTLAND — A lawyer for the state said Monday the Department of Human Services initially gave “the benefit of the doubt” to a Somali couple whose infant daughter was returned to them despite concerns she may have been at risk. Assistant Attorney General Michael Kearney… Read More
    BANGOR — Charles Hatch, 52, of Hermon wonders why his shaking hands tend to curl up in a viselike grip. He suspects the recent symptom has to do with medications he’s taking to combat chronic post traumatic stress disorder, a disabling ailment he picked up as a result… Read More
    Something new has been added this year, but no one is telling. You’ll have to figure that out for yourself when you drive — slowly and carefully — past the home of Dean and Mary Curtis at 187 Western Ave. — also known at Route… Read More
    Dear Jim: We spend more time indoors now, and we would like to add a wood burning fireplace. We want one that is attractive, easy to install and produces real heat for our house. What designs do you recommend? — Paul R. Dear Paul: Many… Read More
    BOSTON — Baby Boomers who reviled the U.S. military during the Vietnam War have spawned a new generation that holds the nation’s armed forces in the highest esteem of any group in the country. More than half — 52 percent — of 19- and 20-year-olds… Read More
    PITTSFIELD — It may be a slow process, but Lindsay White and Lucy Orloski are hoping that within a year and a half, their dream of having their own high school radio station will come true. Beyond that, their school adviser, Bill Cowan, is hoping… Read More
    BREWER — The planning board suspended its review of a subdivision application Monday night after it became apparent that the proposal was not submitted in a format that members could easily understand. The application also was deemed incomplete. “This whole application is horribly deficient,” planning… Read More
    Piscataquis Community High School, Guilford First quarter honor roll Seniors, high honors: Graham Brown, Luke Coburn, Christina Dissmore, Thomas Dyer, Dana Karolak, Julia Monley, Ezra Nuite, Caleb Stutzman, Sarah Sylvia, Ann Tweedie, Ria Wacker, Phillip Higgins, Lauren Kovach, Kalli Pulkkinen, Amanda Thurlow; honors: Jamie Clukey,… Read More
    ST. ALBANS — Dustin Kokotovich, 10, was the winner in the St. Albans Summerfest theme contest with his suggestions of “Friends, Family and Neighbors.” Dustin, a fifth-grader, was honored Monday during a morning assembly at St. Albans Elementary School and presented with a gift certificate… Read More
    JACKMAN — The Maine veterans services officer from the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management will be available to help veterans, widows and dependents from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, at the town office. Rene Morin may be reached at 668-5191. If… Read More
    LEWISTON — The Maine Rural Workers Coalition, an agricultural employee organization founded in 1997 and based in Lewiston, has received a $4,000 grant from the Maine Community Foundation for its social services program. The program helps agricultural workers in Maine including forestry and fishery workers,… Read More
    Our history is rife with conflict between creditors and debtors. Unlike our other class struggles, the propertied have not always prevailed. Monetary policy from the gold standard days to the Greenspan era has been biased against even moderate inflation and has thus worked to the… Read More
    You may have grown it in your own garden, or perhaps you’ve seen its lush, vigorous foliage and delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers climbing the walls and fences of neighbors’ gardens, but undoubtedly at some point, you’ve paused to take in the beauty of the morning glory. Read More
    “Of all the wonders of nature, a tree in summer is perhaps the most remarkable; with the possible exception of a moose singing `Embraceable You’ in spats.” — actor Woody Allen THE QUOTABLE GARDENER, edited by Charles Elliott, The Lyons Press, 1999, 271 pages, hardcover,… Read More
    CUMBERLAND CENTER — Greely High School senior Megan Allyn wants to make sure she gets in to Stonehill College in Massachusetts. But when she was filling out her application, she didn’t turn to her parents or a guidance counselor for help. Instead, she hired a… Read More
    WASHINGTON — USA Today and its education and online partner Copernicus Interactive announce the News of the Century contest, in which U.S. students, grades four through 12, will report on national, international, financial, sports and weather news for a year. Each class, group or individual… Read More
    BANGOR — Greater Bangor area veterans will hold ceremonies marking the 58th anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor at noon today on the pedestrian walkway over the Kenduskeag Stream, by Fleet Bank. The Bangor High School ROTC and members of several veterans organizations… Read More
    INTERLOCHEN, Mich. — High school music students around the country are invited to apply for an Emerson Electric Co. Scholars Award to the world renowned Interlochen Arts Camp in northern Michigan, June 18 through Aug. 14. Scholarships are funded through a grant provided by the St. Louis-based Emerson… Read More
    AUGUSTA — The Maine State Bar Association invites civic, business and other groups to use its public speaker program in which association members speak before local groups on law topics. Topics include divorce, bankruptcy, wills and estates, landlord-tenant relations and adoption. Speakers are available for… Read More
    PORTLAND — A native of Old Town who once was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize will be this year’s Big M Award winner. The Maine State Society will present the award this week in Washington, D.C., to Doris Twitchell Allen, 98, who now lives… Read More
    ORONO — Ernestine Schlant Bradley, a scholar of German and comparative literature and wife of presidential candidate Bill Bradley, will be the featured speaker Dec. 18 at the University of Maine’s 195th commencement, the school announced Monday. Known professionally as Ernestine Schlant, she is a… Read More
    TOPSHAM — Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky is encouraging Maine residents to become organ donors. During a press conference Dec. 3 at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch office in Topsham, Gwadosky was joined by Peter James who gave a personal account of the… Read More
    AUGUSTA — The State Planning Office reported Monday that the average price for home-heating oil in Maine was up to $1.04 a gallon, 31 cents more than it was a year ago. Prices ranged from as low as 94 cents a gallon at some dealers… Read More
    BANGOR — A new history of Bangor has been written by the staff of BookMarc’s and Dick Shaw of the Bangor Daily News. While there have been some excellent photographic histories of Bangor, there has not been — until now — a narrative chronological history,… Read More
    MILLINOCKET — A new group formed to prepare a plan to help secure the region’s economic future is inviting residents of the Katahdin region to hear a presentation from national speaker Richard Seline. Seline, who has more than 15 years of experience in economic development… Read More
    BELFAST — The annual Silver Tea, sponsored by the Waldo County General Hospital Aid, will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, at the home of Capt. and Mrs. William Woehler at 18 Northport Ave. The tea is open to the public. Read More
    A federal agency Monday announced new federal rules for lobster management aimed at bringing the fishery’s state and federal laws into line. The measures, released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, are supposed to improve protection of the lobster fishery by reducing overfishing and… Read More
    BELFAST — Four Waldo County men were slapped with a slew of hunting violations after state game wardens broke up what they believe was a large-scale poaching ring. The charges run the gamut from hunting out of season to driving deer and selling game meat. Read More
    WASHINGTON — On the evening of Nov. 19, Sen. Susan Collins was named acting majority leader of the U.S. Senate, and as such guided the final legislative initiatives of the century to passage. As acting majority leader, Collins adjourned the Senate for the final time in the 20th… Read More
    SHERMAN — A local woman escaped injury Monday morning when her pickup truck was struck by an empty log truck on Route 2, about a mile north of Woodbridge Corner. Marietta Hotte, 56, was preparing to turn into a driveway at about 8:50 a.m. when… Read More
    MILO — Area residents and businesses are invited to show their holiday spirit in the first Christmas Lighting Contest sponsored by the Three Rivers Community of Maine. The contest is open to residents of Atkinson, Brownville, Brownville Junction, Derby, LaGrange and Milo. Categories include religious,… Read More
    CHARLESTON — A millennium party featuring music, a dropping ball to signify the passing of the 20th century, and the placing of a time capsule will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Dec. 31, at the Charleston Town Hall. Tickets are available through the town office. Read More
    UNITY — The fifth annual Empty Bowls Dinner will be held at Unity College from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, at the college’s art gallery. All proceeds will benefit the Unity Regional Food Pantry and People for People. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
    BANGOR — A “thumping” front wheel on a Comair jet during takeoff Monday from Bangor International Airport forced the pilot to turn the plane around, circle the tower for visual approval that the gear was OK, then land. “The landing gear was thumping when we… Read More
    Taken as an example of the craft of speechmaking, Gov. King’s feisty Internet address on the proposal to list Atlantic salmon under the Endangered Species Act was one of his best efforts — well-constructed and well-delivered, it had punch and a touch of wit. The… Read More
    The National Education Goals Panel justly recognized Maine’s commendable performances in kindergarten to grade 12 last week in Washington. Without taking away from the high performance by Maine students, the question remains, however, of why relatively few of these high performers continue with their education in college. Read More
    The public school workers in Maine have put the state in the number-one position in meeting the goals of the National Education Panel. Their record has resulted in Maine being rated the best state in the nation for raising a child. The Legislature’s response should be: Give them… Read More
    A letter that appeared in Monday’s edition implied that Brenda Fickett of Cherryfield had a child involved in a drinking party that was attended by students from Narraguagus High School. She did not and has no children attending the high school. Read More
    Your editorials of Dec. 1 and 2 addressing the meeting of the World Trade Organization in Seattle this week are among the most enlightened public statements on this vital issue anywhere in our nation. You speak directly to the need for open discussions by the broadest spectrum of… Read More
    The failure of a man who is blind to pick up after his dog in Madawaska is disturbing for two reasons. My immediate response is that it was negligent for the man to have left his dog’s droppings on a public sidewalk. When I trained with my first… Read More
    Thank you for the Dec. 2 editorial on the events occurring in Seattle. I am deeply disappointed, though, in the lack of any print explaining the WTO and why so many are acting against it. In the Other Voices section of your editorial page you… Read More
    PITTSFIELD — The Maine veterans services officer from the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management will be available to help veterans, widows and dependents from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 27, at the town office. The town office number is 487-3136. If a… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN — The Maine veterans services officer from the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management will be available to help veterans, widows and dependents from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 17, at the Skowhegan National Guard Armory. The armory’s phone number is 474-2520. Read More
    PITTSFIELD — Prowler reports came in from all over town early Sunday. The complaints began when a prowler was reported at 2:05 a.m. at a residence on Arbor Lane. A second complaint came in to police at 2:33 a.m. on Birchwood Terrace, a street in… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE — The Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross will hold a first aid and CPR class at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at the branch office, 141 State St. First aid, adult, infant and child CPR will be offered as a… Read More
    DEXTER — A college financial aid night will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, in the Dexter Regional High School cafeteria. Bill Webb of Maine Educational Services and Carlena Bean of Husson College will be speakers. This is an important meeting for all… Read More
    GUILFORD — The Salvation Army will distribute “Coats for Kids” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Guilford United Methodist Fellowship Hall. Available to those in need are used winter coats and jackets in good and clean condition. The coats vary… Read More
    SHERMAN STATION — Guess who’s coming to lunch? In an effort to develop a positive, rather than an adversarial, relationship with students, Maine State Police troopers assigned to Troop F in Houlton will be visiting schools in Aroostook County and northern Penobscot County for lunch… Read More
    DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Maine Right to Life will meet at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at St. Thomas Church Hall, 50 High St. Dick Traynor of the Augusta-based group will speak on the establishment of a local MRL chapter in Dover-Foxcroft. Interested residents are welcome. Read More
    Caribou District Court Carl D. Theriault, 29, Caribou, violation of fishing rules, using artificial lure in fly-fishing-only waters, $50; violating fish limits, $130. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
    MACHIAS — Tutoring programs in reading and mathematics are being expanded to four sites in Washington County in connection with the spring semester schedule at the University of Maine at Machias. Carla Ganiel, a VISTA volunteer who oversees the local America Reads and America Counts… Read More
    I’m worried. I just viewed a news clip on television about adolescents and their ideas of self-expression, things that include hair dyeing, body piercing, using chains as jewelry and tattoos. That does not disturb me as much as how these youngsters are being evaluated and stereotyped as being… Read More
    MACHIAS — A Washington County grand jury Monday indicted a 72-year-old Baileyville man who allegedly tried to shoot a police officer. James S. Gillespie was charged with criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon. He also was charged with assault and reckless conduct with a dangerous… Read More
    EASTPORT — The Liz Lerman Dance Exchange will conduct community workshops this week in preparation for the Hallelujah: First Light Millennium community dance on the Eastport Breakwater, scheduled for dawn Jan. 1. The workshops are planned Wednesday and Thursday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    CALAIS — A bomb threat Monday was the fourth in the past few weeks to target city schools, but this time police have a suspect. Calais High School officials found a message Monday morning scribbled on a wall so they called police. Superintendent May Bouchard… Read More
    BANGOR — A busy agenda for the municipal operations committee will find city councilors discussing a gay rights bill, a possible settlement to a lawsuit brought by Diva’s exotic dance business, and a proposed rate increase for taxi cabdrivers. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. today at… Read More
    A Bangor cabbie was arrested on assault and disorderly conduct charges in connection with his dispute with an Eddington man early Sunday. According to police reports, two Bangor Police Department patrolmen spotted a fight near 152 Union St. about 1:30 a.m. The officers saw cabdriver… Read More
    BELFAST — Back pain will be the topic of the next community wellness lecture by Dr. Wendy Love at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, in the Education Center of Waldo County General Hospital on Northport Avenue. Love joined the practice of Terrance Smith this year… Read More
    BANGOR — On Dec. 29, city officials will find out exactly who is seriously interested in acquiring the cruise vessel that operated on the Penobscot River for parts of the last two summers. On that date there will be a public opening of proposals for… Read More
    CAMDEN — Rousing applause greeted the announcement of a new sergeant for the town Police Department at Monday night’s selectmen’s meeting, but moments later, two residents told the board serious problems persist in the department. Randy Gagne, a patrol officer, was promoted to the rank… Read More
    NORTHPORT — Credit card lender MBNA New England has secured state approval to begin constructing 40 cabins on property on Ducktrap Mountain. The state Department of Environmental Protection issued the permit Friday, DEP project manager David Silver said. The company has a compound that includes… Read More
    CAMDEN — Mort Strom of Camden was named Townsperson of the Year at the Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner at the Samoset Resort. About 260 people attended the dinner, which paid tribute to local businesses and individuals who played significant roles in enhancing… Read More