When they faced stiff resistance last year to the purchase of Maine’s last nonprofit insurer, executives of Anthem Insurance Cos. of Indiana told anyone who would listen that they really were a nonprofit. As a “mutual insurance company,” it was owned by policyholders, executives said. Read More
AUGUSTA – Steven Fortin, the New Jersey man convicted in Maine in 1995 of attacking a Maine state trooper and then convicted last month of killing a young New Jersey mother, is on trial in that state to determine if he will receive the death penalty. Read More
AUGUSTA – Midway through Thursday’s afternoon-long misconduct hearing for Rep. John Michael, Rep. Glenys P. Lovett was able to crystallize in seconds what others had been unable to do in hours. “It seems to me men and women are different and there are things you… Read More
The Wattsons are worried. So are the Smiths, Whites and many other Maine families. 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
A story published in Tuesday’s paper stated that the expansion of the Memorial Union at the University of Maine was delayed eight or nine months when the inclusion of a food court was considered. Information originally provided to the Bangor Daily News was inaccurate. The project was delayed… Read More
Despite California’s problems, a handful of states have emerged from the national deregulation effort as models for other states to follow. Some of these states, such as Pennsylvania, already have begun the deregulation of their markets. Other states have yet to deregulate but are viewed… Read More
LEWISTON – Sales are taking off at the Bates of Maine store as buyers snap up mementos of the once-mighty textile giant in its waning days in Lewiston. Just about anything connected with Bates is a hot seller at the Canal Street store. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
BANGOR – A women’s job training program is looking for recruits. Women, Work and Community has been well-used by Bangor area women who were losing their main source of income due to divorce, separation or widowhood, or who were single mothers on welfare, according to… Read More
TOPSHAM – Village Candle is not for sale even though suitors have been pursuing the company. But a competitor, Olde New England Candle Co., is expanding through its purchase of another candle maker. Village Candle owner Paul Aldrich said he has no plans to sell… Read More
PRESQUE ISLE – A retired Canadian scientist said Thursday that American agriculture officials overreacted to the discovery last fall of a potato wart fungus on Prince Edward Island which resulted in island potatoes being barred from U.S. markets. “There’s no scientific justification for the idiotic… Read More
The unsatisfying end to Pan Am Flight 103 trial Wednesday – one conviction, one acquittal, one government probably involved never prosecuted – has some U.S. leaders wondering whether a justice system is the proper means to settle acts of terrorism. It is a fair question, but considering the… Read More
The final report the Task Force on the Maine Learning Technology Endowment presented to the Legislature this week is a practical refinement of the proposal Gov. King announced just 11 months ago to equip all students from the seventh grade through high school with laptop computers. Almost as… Read More
Once again I am saddened and maddened that our children’s children won’t be able to gaze upon what our forefathers labored so hard at. We must rely on historic pictures to imagine what our city was like not so long ago. Bangor refuses to spend… Read More
I, too, miss the Saturday afternoon opera on Maine Public Radio. More than that I miss weekday afternoon classical music. I enjoy most of the new programs offered by MPR and will simply switch off my radio when I don’t care for the program. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
We were distressed to read your article (BDN, Jan. 13-14) about our friend and fellow minister, Susan Davenport. There are good reasons why charges against ministers are confidential until the proper church authorities have time to consider the allegations prayerfully and in the light of a particular denomination’s… Read More
In the Jan. 25 issue of the Bangor Daily News, Urban Hughes of Houlton asked the question, is our oil going overseas? Good question. Fifteen years ago I was in Keni, Alaska, visiting a friend and, while there, I became acquainted with a man who… Read More
I am disheartened and thoroughly disgusted after reading Sharon Mack’s article (BDN, Jan. 19) about the allegedly “mandatory review” process for new biotech products. This past November, Maine’s attorney general, the state’s chief legal spokesperson and highest law enforcement officer, blatantly and unashamedly subverted the petition collection process… Read More
In response to the anti-Bush letters in the Bangor Daily News; why don’t all you liberal, sore losers get over the fact that Bush is our president? He won the election. He is a decent, honest man with high morals. Maybe now we can bring… Read More
Thank you, Dawn Gagnon and Doug Kesseli, for your article in the Jan. 26 Bangor Daily News on the late Frank Currier Sr. To most of us who knew Frank it made us smile (and cry) as we remembered that smile and twinkle in his eye. He certainly… Read More
THOMASTON – Responding to a question prompted by the recent headlines over dangerous inmates escaping prisons in other parts of the country, Maine State Prison Warden Jeffrey Merrill said Thursday that such jailbreaks are possible here as well. “The reality is at some point in… Read More
AUGUSTA – The modest celebration came over a modest achievement. After lopsided enactment votes by the House of Representatives and Senate, Gov. Angus King invited members of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee on Thursday to witness him signing an $8.8 million bill to tide over state… Read More
FORT KENT – Law enforcement officers from around the state and neighboring New Brunswick joined hundreds of area people Thursday morning to pay their last respects to the police officer who died last weekend from injuries sustained in a snowmobile accident. More than 800 people… Read More
SKOWHEGAN – Maine’s land-protection board has set aside $12 million to acquire 28 separate land conservation projects, including 6,300 acres on Mount Abraham near Kingfield. In its first decisions since voters approved a $50 million land conservation bond in 1999, the Land for Maine’s Future… Read More
BANGOR – The Oregon company building a large retirement center in Bangor – a project linked to employing at least 19 illegal aliens this winter – has decided to contact its many subcontractors to make clear the standards it expects to be followed when hiring work crews. Read More
AUGUSTA – School officials are overreacting to bomb threats, according to members of the Legislature’s Criminal Justice Committee. The automatic evacuation of schools in reaction to bomb threats may be doing more damage than the threats themselves, according to committee members who met Thursday. The… Read More
ELLSWORTH – The Down East AIDS Network has been granted $1,500 to provide emergency financial assistance to families living with HIV or AIDS in Washington and Hancock counties. The funds come from the Maine Community AIDS partnership and will be used to help HIV-AIDS patients… Read More
NEWPORT – Budget deliberations were completed last week by the town’s Budget Committee. “It went really well,” Town Manager James Ricker said of the annual session. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for… Read More
PITTSFIELD – Pittsfield has been granted a Maine Department of Environmental Protection permit to begin cutting 17.5 acres of trees around the town’s municipal airport. Town Manager D. Dwight Dogherty said this week that the permit cost the community $3,400, and it is still unknown… Read More
NEWPORT – Christopher Seavey, 18, of Bangor, appeared Thursday in Newport District Court to waive his right to be tried as a juvenile on a charge of burglary in connection with a home invasion last October in Charleston. As a result of Thursday’s action, Seavey… Read More
PITTSFIELD – A man who left his pickup truck parked at the Nightdrifters’ Snowmobile Club on Peltoma Avenue while he groomed trails returned to his vehicle Wednesday evening to find more than $1,000 worth of items stolen. David Kerr of Beans Corner Road reported a… Read More
PITTSFIELD – SAD 53 directors will grapple today with the new knowledge that the roof at Warsaw Middle School is more damaged than originally thought. Members of the SAD 53 building committee will meet at noon to discuss a “significant problem with the Warsaw roof,”… Read More
NEWPORT – A former employee of the Newport Subway sandwich shop received a summons for theft last month after a six-month investigation by local police. Renee Knowlton, 25, of Newport was charged with the theft of $2,500, according to Police Chief James Ricker. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Southern Aroostook Community School, Dyer Brook 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]… Read More
MADAWASKA – Construction projects and land purchases were the most pressing business issues facing selectmen Wednesday night. The estimated costs of the three construction projects totals nearly $1 million. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
HODGDON – Three people were treated Thursday afternoon for injuries sustained in a rollover accident on U.S. Route 1. Nina Rhoades, 63, her brother, John Rhoades, no age given, and his wife, Barbara Rhoades, 73, all of Topsfield, were taken to Houlton Regional Hospital by… Read More
Houlton District Court Kimberly S. Tucker, 35, Monticello, operating motor vehicle after suspension of driver’s license, $300. 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++) {… Read More
SEAL COVE – Acadia National Park soon will be accepting the gift of a portion of the Ketterlinus Preserve, a 34-acre parcel located where Seal Pond meets the Atlantic Ocean, pending final approval from its current owner, the Maine Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. But… Read More
BANGOR – To some extent, it was the city’s own “perfect storm.” A rare combination of events 25 years ago today, heavy southerly winds and rain coupled with the season’s highest tides, within minutes put parts of the city under 15 feet of water. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
BANGOR – A Britannia Airways flight from Florida to London was diverted to Bangor International Airport late Thursday night after a passenger reportedly became unruly and assaulted a flight attendant and fellow passenger. The 20-year-old British woman, whose name was not immediately released, was taken… Read More
BREWER – Though a vote on a new three-year contract for the local teachers union is not on the agenda for Monday night’s school committee meeting, sources from both sides have indicated an agreement could be imminent. Contract talks between the committee and the Brewer… Read More
BANGOR – A free four-week series of computer classes for senior citizens will be offered beginning Sunday at University College in Bangor. “Log On, Seniors,” will be presented by Diana Kokoska, a computer teacher who has taught classes to students ranging from children to seniors… Read More
DEXTER – The Alzheimer’s Support Group monthly meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at Dexter Health Care, 64 Park St. For more information, call Dianne Coppola at 924-5516. Read More
VEAZIE – The halls of the John R. Graham School have been silent for two years – ever since students moved into the new Veazie Community School in January 1999. The town’s original plan to convert the 1924 building to elderly housing languished until recently. Read More
BELFAST – The Belfast Area High School was closed Thursday in response to a bomb threat. Police Chief Allen Weaver said the threat was contained in a message on the high school’s answering machine the night before. The male caller, who attempted to disguise his… Read More
Dover-Foxcroft District Court Rosmary Dewey, 25, Greeville, assault, dismissed; disorderly conduct, $250. 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]… Read More
GREENVILLE – Much community and business support continued to be shown this week for the proposed revitalization of Greenville Junction and Little Squaw Township as the second of two public hearings was held on the matter. Town officials, in collaboration with the Piscataquis County Commissioners,… Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – A local woman has filed a civil lawsuit in Piscataquis County Superior Court seeking compensation for injuries and property damage as a result of an automobile accident on Oct. 16, 1998. Cathrine L. Prouty of Dover-Foxcroft filed the lawsuit in December against Kristy… Read More
GUILFORD – The SAD 4 search committee next week will review the 10 applications submitted for the job of superintendent of schools. Board Chairman William Hume said Thursday that the 10 candidates are all Maine residents. No in-house educators applied for the position, he said. Read More
DOVER-FOXCROFT – A veterans service officer from the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management will be available to assist veterans, widows and their dependent children in filing for state and federal benefits. She will offer assistance from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, Feb. 7… Read More
Woodland High School, Baileyville 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 () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
CUTLER – Washington County will be the site of a Navy civilian employee call center even if another federal agency acquires all 265 acres of excess property at the former Cutler Navy base, according to a staffer for Sen. Olympia Snowe. Gail Kelly, Snowe’s regional… Read More
Among the many individuals, businesses and organizations that support the Maine Special Olympics are veterans groups, and it is a pleasure to report that two such local organizations are helping send members of the Maine delegation to the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games March 4-11 in Anchorage,… Read More
AUGUSTA – Tourists who visit Maine on the last big holiday weekend of the summer won’t be getting a free ride home on the Maine Turnpike. A legislator who introduced a bill to lift tolls for southbound motorists passing through the York plaza on the… Read More
AUGUSTA – Maine environmental regulators deadlocked Thursday about whether to allow “emissions trading” in a case involving a southern Maine oil-burning power plant. The Board of Environmental Protection will have to vote at its next meeting on a rule aimed at reducing nitrogen oxide emissions… Read More
FARMINGTON – An inmate who went on a rampage while naked at the Franklin County Jail last year will not serve any additional time under a sentence handed down for criminal mischief. The 355-day sentence imposed on Mark Loverin of Barre, Vt., in Superior Court… Read More
FORT KENT – An early morning fire at a logging trailer manufacturer caused more than $400,000 in damage Thursday, but the owner plans to be back in operation within days. Valley Welding and Repair Inc., and Valley Trailers, owned by Nelson Babin, employs eight people… Read More
WASHINGTON – Sen. Susan Collins is co-sponsoring legislation that, if passed, would play an important role in energy conservation as well as promoting alternative energy sources and technologies. The energy efficient buildings incentive act would provide tax incentives for the construction of energy-efficient buildings. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
ASHLAND – Local officials are breathing a bit easier after a state board ruled this week that the town properly assessed a power plant for tax purposes. If the Maine State Board of Property Tax Review had ruled against the town, the municipality would have… Read More
AUGUSTA – Additional tests will be needed to determine what caused the death of a 5-year-old girl, police said. State police are investigating the death of Logan Marr, who was pronounced dead Thursday night at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
AUGUSTA – A Rockland man who pleaded guilty to murder in the shooting death of a 22-year-old mother of four was sentenced Thursday to 35 years in prison. Herman Baker, 32, who entered his plea last month, was an acquaintance of Hope Harford, who was… Read More
OLD TOWN – Before his first swimmer climbed onto the starting block on Thursday, longtime Bangor coach Phil Emery gathered his team together and put an annual dual-meet clash in perspective. The meet at Old Town, Emery informed the Rams, was special. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Saturday, February 15, 1997. In terms of noteworthy dates or anniversaries, this one doesn’t have much significance outside the town of Bingham, but it’s importance grows with every victory by the home town team. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var… Read More
BANGOR – Jay Verrill, sophomore center for Edward Little High School of Auburn, said his team knew how important it was to play strong team defense against Bangor Thursday night. “We knew if we did, we’d generate scoring chances off our defense,” said Verrill, whose… Read More
HARTFORD, Conn. – Sophomore guard Derrick Jackson sank two free throws with two seconds left to put Maine up by three and Hartford’s Wayne McClint missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer to give the Maine men a 66-63 victory Thursday night. The Black Bears… Read More
HIGH SCHOOL At Sugarloaf 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 () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
MILO – The Stearns Minutemen of Millinocket outscored Penquis 23-8 in the fourth quarter to upset the defending state Class C champions 43-40 in boys basketball action Thursday night. Eric Hartwell scored with a minute left to put the Minutemen up 41-40. Penquis couldn’t answer… Read More
MILO – The Stearns Minutemen of Millinocket outscored the Penquis 23-8 in the fourth quarter to upset the defending state Class C champions 43-40 Thursday night. Eric Hartwell scored with a minute left to put the Minutemen up 41-40. Penquis couldn’t answer on its end… Read More
FORT KENT – “Chop, chop” … Make that “Saw whine, get the bull’s eye and climb that pole” could become a sports rallying cry on the campus of the University of Maine at Fort Kent, if two dozen students get their way. With the assistance… Read More
MARS HILL – Gabrielle Smith, Lacey Bell and Tiffany Lundeen each hit a free throw in the final 30 seconds to help Central Aroostook tip Katahdin 52-49 Thursday in a Class D schoolgirl basketball matchup. Smith finished with 24 points for Central Aroostook. Jessica Long… Read More
MAINE vs. HARTFORD Time, site: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono 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]… Read More
BANGOR – Maine’s top agriculture official came to the city on Thursday to stress the importance of keeping the city’s harness racing track when considering the expansion of Bass Park. Commissioner Robert Spear of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources met with city… Read More
CARRABASSETT VALLEY – Catherine Delvecchio won two events and Darian Higgins one to lead John Bapst of Bangor to a standout team performance at the Penobscot Valley Conference championship ski meet at Sugarloaf/USA Thursday. Delvecchio won the girls 5-kilometer freestyle race with a time of… Read More
The Bangor Symphony Orchestra has announced the winners of the annual BSO Maine High School Concerto Competition. Abigail Greene, a senior at George Stevens Academy, received the first-place Annus-Cupp Award and $500 for her performance of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor. Greene has played… Read More