Over the past 20 years I have been involved in sports journalism, I’ve come across lots of overworked phrases and cliches. One is “true champion.” Lots of coaches and players have overused this description as I’ve met only a few who have really lived up to its definition. Read More
    Newburgh’s Ricky Craven will not run in a Winston Cup race this month. But he insists that there is light at the end of the tunnel for his Midwest Transit team on the NASCAR circuit. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]];… Read More
    After starting off the USA Basketball Men’s Youth Development Festival with a 22-point victory over the West team, which won the silver medal, Carl Parker’s East team ended the games with a 101-98 loss in Wednesday’s bronze medal game. Parker, an Amateur Athletic Union basketball… Read More
    BRUNSWICK – Ethiopia’s Derartu Tulu, the 1992 Olympic champion in the women’s 10,000 meters, will lead a strong international field for the New Balance Maine Distance Festival 10,000-meter race July 1. Also competing will be New York City Marathon winner Adrian Fernandez of Mexico, and… Read More
    The Central Maine Football Clinic, featuring several members of the NFL’s New England Patriots as clinicians, will be held at the Waterville Youth football field on Friday (2-5 p.m.), Saturday (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Sunday (9 a.m.-noon). The clinic is for youngsters grades 2-8 and the registration fee… Read More
    The Brewer softball team didn’t get as far as it wanted to in the Class A playoffs after falling to Messalonskee of Oakland in the Eastern Maine final last week. But the Witches have earned plenty of respect nonetheless. Five seniors from this year’s team… Read More
    AUGUSTA — A state House of Representatives team last weekend won a fishy battle of leviathan proportions, one that should provide bragging rights for the year ahead. Rep. Charles “Dusty” Fisher, D-Brewer, — appropriately named, it should be noted — called the Bangor Daily News… Read More
    LEWISTON — Traffic was down to one lane Tuesday evening along a key artery between Lewiston and Auburn after a section of Main Street collapsed. A Department of Public Works spokesman said the hole, about 6 feet in diameter and 3 feet deep, formed at… Read More
    DENVER — Consumer activist Ralph Nader is expected to win the Green Party’s presidential nomination during its national convention this weekend. Some 4,000 party members, including a delegation from Maine, are expected to attend the party gathering in Colorado. Nader won the Maine Green Independent… Read More
    CHARLESTON — A former female prison inmate is suing the state Department of Corrections and a former guard, claiming the employee violated her human rights through sexual advances and remarks. Heidi L. Traxler, 27, of Portland claims the Corrections Department is liable for actions against… Read More
    PORTLAND — Astronomers at the Southworth Planetarium marked one of the longest days of the year with an exhibit that let people look directly at the sun without destroying their eyes. An image of the sun is projected through a telescope onto a white screen,… Read More
    FORT KENT — Without geography, you’re nowhere. As participants in the Maine Geographic Summer Institute are learning, even being somewhere is meaningless without historical, cultural and social context. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
    KENNEBUNK — A Saco man was killed Wednesday morning when a masonry wall fell on him in the basement of a site where a house was being built. Kennebunk police identified the man as Stephen Johnson, 46. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    PORTLAND — Two men are dead after separate accidents Tuesday in the Augusta area. Kristopher Campbell, 23, of Pittston died after his motorcycle went off Route 194 in Pittston and hit several small trees. He was headed east at a high speed when he lost… Read More
    NOTTINGHAM, N.H. — Researchers at the University of New Hampshire are studying the effectiveness of a power company’s use of sheep to control plant growth beneath power lines. For the third year in a row, Public Service Co. of New Hampshire has brought in flocks… Read More
    KENNEBUNK — Shape Inc. has filed for reorganization in federal bankruptcy court for the second time in 12 years, officials said Tuesday. The company, the town’s second-largest employer, listed debts of $37.5 million in its filing last week. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN — The Margaret Chase Smith Library has announced the winners of the fourth annual Margaret Chase Smith Essay Contest. The first prize of $400 went to Jessamyn Bean of Lake Region High School in Naples. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
    BANGOR — Two days before the Dexter Shoe manufacturing plant in Milo was scheduled to close, the U.S. Navy on Wednesday awarded the company a $3.8 million contract to make men’s military dress shoes for the next five years. In announcing the Navy deal late… Read More
    BANGOR — A former Hancock County letter carrier with a reported predilection for women’s underwear pleaded guilty Wednesday to illegal possession of stolen mail after 149 packages and large envelopes containing lingerie and other items were discovered in his Gouldsboro home. The packages were addressed to other people. Read More
    BANGOR — A Palermo man was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court to five years of probation after earlier pleading guilty to possession of child pornography. Everett Frank Garcelon, 50, no address available, will spend six months of his probation in home confinement, wearing an… Read More
    In theaters FANTASIA 2000. 75 minutes, G, directed by Pixote Hunt, Hendel Butoy, Eric Goldberg, James Algar, Francis Glebas, Gaetan Brizzi and Paul Brizzi. Music performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = [];… Read More
    JULY Houlton Fair — 1-4; a small fair featuring livestock, crafts, midway and stage entertainment. Contact: Lynne Cropper, P.O. Box 1454, Houlton 04730. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i =… Read More
    Here we are in the season that I’ve been waiting for since the last days of winter. It’s officially hiking season. The trails are open and the hiking is great everywhere. I’m not the only one who has made this realization, however. It seems like… Read More
    The Gallagher show originally scheduled for July 8 at Bangor Auditorium has been canceled. The comedian, known as the father of the sledge-o-matic, suffered a heart attack. Refunds are being offered to those who purchased tickets in advance. Contact the box office at Bangor Auditorium… Read More
    Carroll Cutting at Jordan’s Store on Sebago Lake reported another large lake trout, this one measuring 36 inches and tipping the scales at 14.5 pounds. Fisherman are finding most of the togue at 80 feet, fishing between Frye Island and Ward’s Cove in a section of the lake… Read More
    PRESQUE ISLE — Ellis Paul’s star is rising. The 1983 Presque Isle High School graduate, who composed the love song for the movie “Me, Myself & Irene,” will sing the national anthem at tonight’s game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Fenway Park… Read More
    A story in the newspaper June 20 mischaracterized the position of the Appalachian Mountain Club regarding the creation of a north woods national park. The club does not support such a park. Read More
    A front-page story on a proposed methadone clinic, published Wednesday, incorrectly stated that the city of Bangor objected to the inclusion of Norm Ledwin, Eastern Maine Healthcare president, on a task force. The city didn’t object to his inclusion, nor did the city allege any financial conflict of… Read More
    For more than a decade, Maine has offered low-interest loans for adaptive equipment to help people with disabilities live independently. The Adaptive Equipment Loan Program is one of those quietly successful projects that often get overlooked in the hubbub of state government. This one is so quiet that… Read More
    Learning and being creative are like Kellogg’s Sugar Frosted Flakes. They’re grrreat! This from no less an authority than Tony the Tiger. Tony’s been saying this quite a lot lately. On TV, naturally. On public TV, noncommercial TV, oddly. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
    The state of Maine, with more than 17 million acres of largely undeveloped forests, represents the best opportunity to protect wilderness in the eastern United States. Unfortunately, the Bureau of Parks and Lands, the agency which manages Maine’s public lands, recently released a draft management plan which does… Read More
    Voting via the Internet is the coming trend in electoral politics, and for some good reasons. The low voter response in Maine last week is not among them. With no statewide contests or referenda, only one congressional primary and just a smattering of races for… Read More
    PITTSFIELD — As hundreds of Maine farm families are poised to boycott East Coast grocery giant Shaw’s Supermarkets, company spokesman Bernard Rogan said Wednesday that the building anti-Shaw’s sentiment is rooted in misinformation. Shaw’s “is dedicated to supporting agriculture in the state of Maine,” Rogan… Read More
    ROCKPORT — Maine Coast Artists has proposed a mediated settlement for a lingering lawsuit against the nonprofit gallery and the town brought by its neighbors, Patricia Lewis and Charles and Dorothy Neidig. In a letter from Christopher Rector, chairman of the gallery’s board of trustees,… Read More
    BAR HARBOR — A bottle of soda during the car ride into Bar Harbor. A cup of coffee with lunch, a glass of wine with dinner. A day in downtown Bar Harbor can be taxing on the bladder. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
    ELLSWORTH — The Wild Blueberry Commission has voted to spend another $5,000 on the state’s Atlantic salmon conservation plan, despite concerns that a federal proposal to list the fish as an endangered species has already cost the industry hundreds of thousands of dollars. The $5,000… Read More
    OLD TOWN — City and school officials here pared down their budgets this week after a recent City Council vote to limit any increases to 4 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively. In last week’s 4-3 vote, the council adopted a $16.8 million gross budget, some… Read More
    ROCKPORT — Hours after school and state officials met Tuesday to talk about making the Route 90-Meadow Street intersection safer, two vehicles crashed at the site, sending two people to the hospital. Two weeks ago, an Owls Head woman died shortly after the car she… Read More
    BANGOR — City officials and representatives of Penobscot County and the state court system will continue to discuss plans for putting court facilities into the former Grant’s department store. Apparently, however, the discussions will be without the “exclusive negotiating rights” the county has held for the last several… Read More
    CALAIS — School employees and their spouses were passionate — to the point of tears — as they tried this week to persuade city councilors to fund a proposed 2000-01 school budget at the level presented by the school committee. But the councilors said they… Read More
    CAMDEN — Selectmen unanimously endorsed a committee’s recommendation that Phil Roberts be named police chief. A nine-member search committee, working since late March to fill the post following the resignation of Terry Burgess, also unanimously agreed that Roberts should be hired. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
    THOMASTON — Final suggestions for reuse of the Maine State Prison are due Sept. 1. The 150-year-old prison is slated to close in November 2001, when an expansion of the Maine Correctional Institution — the Supermax — in nearby Warren is completed. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
    MADAWASKA — Residents at Tuesday’s annual town meeting listened to their stomachs — and then voted to amend the itinerant vendor ordinance. Saying their rights as consumers deserve the same protection as those of local merchants, taxpayers, by a show of hands, narrowly passed the… Read More
    ROCKLAND — A Warren business owner has denied she relentlessly subjected her then-employee to unwanted sexual advances. Nira Beram, owner of Penobscot Bay Tile and Carpet in Warren, denied claims by Philip Georges of Thomaston that she created an abusive working environment. She filed her… Read More
    I know it must be frustrating for Larry Doughty (BDN, June 19) to see that Brewer is being managed well, that economic development is thriving, that much-neglected investments in equipment and infrastructure are being addressed and that the city and the school department are working together harmoniously. That… Read More
    I have seen more than enough violence on television. I do not like to see inappropriate shows. Previously I have been flipping through the shows trying to find something I am allowed to watch. I was not having very much luck when I came upon WWF wrestling. What… Read More
    My name is Natalie Metta and I’m 13 years old. My concern is with our government’s treatment of veterans. My grandfather fought in World War II and is a Japanese prisoner of war and Bataan Death March survivor. These former prisoners filed a lawsuit against… Read More
    The B.C. comic strip in the June 10-11 Bangor Daily News spoke a word of truth. The public schools are willing to try everything but God. Too often it is because of a few parents’ complaints. It puzzles me why an objection is made by some parents when… Read More
    After reading the article on the District 2 Republican primary in the June 15 edition of the Bangor Daily News, I feel the need to clarify a few basic problems I have with the article. Lynwood Winslow states that he could not compete with the… Read More
    The methadone treatment debate in Bangor is a disgrace. As a national resource for methadone patients and addicts seeking help, our Web site has been contacted by many addicts in your area who need help immediately. Law enforcement will not solve this problem for Bangor and wistful reminiscence… Read More
    I believe Charles Birkel stated the case for the people of Bangor when he decried the use of the title of mayor by the chairperson of the city council (BDN, May 23). While I understand the use of the term in case of formal meetings with persons of… Read More
    You’ve heard many complaints from readers in the past few months regarding invasive photographs. Most of the criticism has been of the “Why did you show me that? I didn’t need to see that” type. I often agree. So for now please accept my compliments… Read More
    Every child needs a great, safe place to play to be able to enjoy the games of life that build so many special and wonderful memories. The Belmont Area Boosters Club was organized just for that purpose. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
    NEWPORT — The average homeowner with a $70,000 home will pay an extra $21 in taxes this year after selectmen approved the 2000 tax rate Wednesday night. The tax rate was set at $16.80 per $1,000 of property valuation, a 30-cent increase from last year’s… Read More
    Bangor District Court Shawn P. Cameron, 35, Newburgh, terrorizing, jail 75 days, all but 14 days suspended, probation one year; criminal mischief, jail 14 days. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var… Read More
    BREWER — Though the ink on their contract with the city is barely dry, the team hired to develop the master redevelopment plan for the city’s somewhat neglected waterfront. Earlier this month, the City Council confirmed waterfront panel’s recommendation to hire a consortium composed of… Read More
    BANGOR — Three juveniles were arrested early Wednesday morning after an alleged robbery at Fairmount Market. The alleged robbers apparently broke into the store at 662 Hammond St. through a window, according to owner Dan Tremble, a Bangor city councilor. They reportedly took about $100… Read More
    LINCOLN — The Town Council will consider adopting a $3 million municipal budget proposal after its final hearing at 7 p.m. Monday, June 26. Council members heard no opposition to the budget proposal from a small group of about six people, who gathered Monday for… Read More
    FAIRFIELD — Cooperation is good. Competition is bad. That message emerged Wednesday from a forum called to consider ways to revive the regional economy. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
    BELFAST — Usually it’s the police cruiser in the rearview mirror that gives people a fright. For the Sullivan family, it was the cruiser that smashed through their windshield. Three generations of Sullivans were riding in the family van two years ago when they were… Read More
    LINCOLNVILLE — The state Education Department on Wednesday blessed an offer by MBNA New England to build a temporary school for Lincolnville K-8 students. Details of the offer were made public Tuesday night. MBNA will build a 23,000-square-foot temporary school with 14 classrooms on its… Read More
    BAR HARBOR — The state Attorney General’s Office says it has found no evidence of wrongdoing by a town councilor who was identified in court cases as participating in criminal drug activity. Robert DeSimone, a town councilor and part-time police officer, took a temporary leave… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN — Negotiations are continuing between Somerset County officials and their insurance carrier, the Maine County Commissioners’ Association Risk Pool, regarding who is responsible to pay the annual death benefit to the widow of Deputy Charles Baker. The county’s attorney, Warren Shay, told commissioners Wednesday… Read More
    NEWPORT — Nearly half the students involved with the SAD 48 alternative education program graduated this year, according to Superintendent William Braun. The program addresses the unique situations of high school students who for one reason or another cannot attend regular classes at Nokomis Regional… Read More
    SKOWHEGAN — The Somerset County Republican Committee will hold its June meeting at 6 p.m. today at the Steeves’ Strawberry Hill Farm, Back Road, Skowhegan. It will start with a social hour and chicken barbecue. Participants will be able to meet state and county office… Read More
    Houlton District Court Stephen E. Bradstreet, 45, Monrovia, Calif., operating motor vehicle while under influence of intoxicating liquor, $500. 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